VCE Media Units 3 & 4 - Learning Overview

This deep dive explores how narratives are constructed in media and the impact they have on the audience. It discusses the use of codes and conventions to shape stories, highlighting examples from fictional films and news reports. The importance of understanding the context of production and being a critical consumer of media is emphasized. The production process is explained, including pre-production, production, and post-production stages. The changing media landscape and the power of the audience are also discussed. The transcript concludes by mentioning the need for media literacy skills and the exploration of specific examples of narratives in different types of media. Hey everyone, and welcome to this deep dive. Today we're going behind the scenes. Ooh, fun. Yeah, we're going behind the scenes of how stories are told in the media. All right. You know, have you ever thought about like how a news report or a documentary or even just your favorite TV show? Yeah. How it like grabs your attention and pulls you in? Absolutely. Well, today we're gonna try to unpack all of that. Awesome. We're gonna explore how those narratives are actually constructed. Okay. And shaped by like the world around them. Interesting. And what that means for you as an audience. It's really fascinating because we're not just talking about fictional narratives here. Okay. We're talking about narratives in all forms of media. So like across the board. Yeah, I think documentaries, news reports, even those like viral videos on social media. Right. They're all telling stories. So it's not just about like sitting down to watch a movie. Right. It's about understanding that we're constantly being told stories throughout our day. Exactly. And I think the first thing we need to understand is that narratives are more than just a random string of events. Okay. It's a carefully crafted chain of events linked by cause and effect that unfold in a particular time and space. And the structure is what draws us in. Yeah. It makes us wanna know what happens next. Right, right. And how it all connects. Okay, so I'm getting that. Okay. But how do media creators actually shape these narratives? Right. It's not like they're writing a novel. They're using images and sounds and words to like create something so much more dynamic. That's where the magic of codes and conventions comes in. Ooh, fancy. Yeah. So think of these as the building blocks of storytelling. Okay. They're the subtle techniques that creators use to influence how we understand and react to a story. So these codes and conventions are like the secret ingredients that make a story work. I like that, yeah. What are some examples? Well, let's take a look at like a classic thriller film. Okay, yeah. Think about how the director builds suspense. You've got a darkened room. Yeah. A creaking door. Ooh, spooky. A close-up shot of the character's fearful eyes. Right. And of course that heart-pounding music. Yeah. All these elements, the visuals, the sound, the editing choices, they work together to create a sense of unease and anticipation. It's true, you don't even realize how much those things are impacting you until you really think about it. Right. Those are the codes and conventions that play in like a fictional film. Yeah. But what about something like a news report? News is a great example. Okay. Let's say there's a protest happening. One news channel might show close-up shots of clashes between protesters and police. Okay. Focusing on the chaos and using really strong language to describe the event as a riot. Right. Another channel might use wider shots showing the large number of peaceful demonstrators and highlight the reasons behind the protest. Okay. Even though it's the same event, the way it's framed through these codes and conventions can dramatically change the audience's perception. Wow, that's a pretty stark difference. Yeah. It really makes you realize that there's always a choice being made. Always. About like what to emphasize and how to tell the story. Exactly, and this is where understanding the context of production becomes crucial. Context of production, okay. The news organizations, political leaning, their target audience, even their budget constraints, all these factors can influence how they present a story. So we can't just take everything we see and hear at face value. No. We need to be aware of who's telling the story and why. Precisely, and that's why understanding these codes and conventions and the context in which they operate is so important. It allows you to become a more critical and informed consumer of media. You start to recognize the subtle ways in which narratives are shaped and how those choices might be influencing your understanding of events. I'm starting to see how much deeper this goes than just watching a movie or reading a news article. Right. There's a whole other layer of meaning being created behind the scenes. So if I'm a media creator, Okay. how do I actually go about bringing a story to life using all these tools and techniques? That's a great question. It all starts with an idea, of course. But turning that idea into a finished product, whether it's a film, a news segment, or even a social media post, it involves a journey through different stages of production. Okay, so I'm picturing a movie set with cameras and lights. Yeah. Is that what you mean by production? That's certainly part of it. Okay. But there's a lot more that happens before and after those cameras start rolling. Typically, there are three main stages. Right. Pre-production, production, and post-production. Okay, so it's more than just the filming part. Yeah. Let's break it down. Starting with pre-production. Right. What happens there? Think of pre-production as the foundation of your project. This is where you flesh out your idea. You research your topic, develop your characters, write your script, and create a detailed plan for how you're gonna bring your vision to life. So pre-production is where the creative brainstorming happens. Yeah. And you get all your ducks in a row before you start shooting. Exactly. It's like having a blueprint for a house. Okay. You need to have a clear vision of what you're building Right. the foundation. Got it. So then production is where you actually start building the house, right? Precisely. Production is where the action happens. Okay. This is where you film your scenes, you record your interviews, you gather your footage, all according to the plan you laid out during pre-production. Right, and then after you've filmed everything, that's where post-production comes in. You're catching on quickly. Post-production is where you refine and polish your raw materials. Okay. This is where you edit your footage, add music and sound effects. Right. Visual effects, and basically assemble all the pieces into a finished product. So it's this intricate dance between planning, creation, and then fine-tuning. Precisely, and it's important to remember that throughout this entire process, decisions are being made that shape the narrative and impact the audience's experience. This is making me think about something we discussed earlier. Okay. About the audience having more power now than in the past. It's not just a one-way street anymore, right? That's right. The media landscape has changed dramatically, especially with the rise of the internet and social media. Audiences have more choices than ever before. They can pick and choose what they want to watch, listen to, and read. Yeah, but with so much information out there, how do we even begin to make sense of it all? That's a good question. It feels overwhelming sometimes. It's true. Navigating the media landscape can feel like trying to drink from a fire hose. That's why it's more important than ever to be an active, critical consumer of media. You need to be aware of the forces at play, the codes and conventions being used, and the context shaping the narratives that you encounter. This deep dive is already making me think about things differently. Good. I'm starting to see the hidden layers behind the stories I encounter every day. I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg, though. You're absolutely right. There's so much more to uncover. Well, I'm definitely ready to keep exploring. Great. Let's move on to some specific examples of how narratives play out in different types of media. Awesome. All right. Are you ready to dive into some real-world examples? Yeah, let's do it. Of how these narratives work in different types of media. Absolutely. Now that we've kind of explored the building blocks of narratives and the production process, I'm eager to see how these concepts play out in practice. Okay, great. Let's start with something we all encounter every day. The news, news stories, even though they strive for objectivity, are still narratives constructed using those codes and conventions we discussed earlier. Yeah, I can definitely see that. A news report isn't just like a list of facts. It's a story about what happened, who was involved, and why it matters. Precisely, and the way that story is told can significantly impact the audience's understanding of the event. For instance, imagine two different news channels covering a major political speech. One channel known for its conservative leanings might focus on the parts of the speech that align with their viewpoint, using close-up shots of the speaker looking confident and determined, and choosing sound bites that emphasize their key messages. Okay, I'm picturing that. What about the other channel? The other channel, perhaps with a more liberal perspective, might choose to highlight different aspects of the speech, maybe focusing on moments where the speaker seemed uncertain or where the audience reacted negatively. Interesting. They might use wider shots that show a less enthusiastic crowd and choose sound bites that emphasize points of contention. So even though it's the same speech, the way it's presented through editing, visuals and sound can create two very different narratives. Exactly, and this highlights the importance of being aware of the context in which a news story is being produced and presented. Understanding the news organization's background, their target audience, and their potential biases can help you interpret the information that they're presenting. Yeah, it's like we need to develop our own internal filter to process the news we consume. That's a great way to put it. Developing media literacy skills is essential in today's world. Absolutely. Especially with this constant flow of information that we're encountering. Yeah, this makes me think about documentaries as well. Okay. They often aim to present a particular perspective on a topic, right? Absolutely. And yet they can be just as gripping. Oh, for sure. As any fictional film. Yeah, think about a documentary that explores climate change through powerful imagery of melting glaciers, interviews with scientists, and a compelling narration. They can create a narrative that not only informs, but also evokes strong emotions and motivates viewers to take action. It's like they're building a case, presenting evidence to support their viewpoint and persuade the audience. It's storytelling with a purpose. Precisely, and this is where media narratives can have a real impact on the world. They can raise awareness about important issues, challenge our assumptions, and even inspire social change. This is making me realize how much we rely on narratives to make sense of the world around us. It's true. Even in areas where we might think we're being purely objective. Narratives are fundamental to how we understand ourselves, our society, and our place in the world. Now, I'm curious about how this all plays out in the world of social media. All right. Where anyone can be a storyteller. Right. A whole new layer has been added to the media landscape. Social media has definitely been a game changer. Right. It's democratized storytelling, giving individuals a platform to share their experiences, perspectives, and even challenge dominant narratives. I mean, think about movements like Me Too and Black Lives Matter. Right. They gain momentum through personal stories shared on social media. Absolutely. Reshaping public discourse. Yeah. And demanding accountability. You're absolutely right. Yeah. Social media has empowered individuals and communities to amplify their voices in ways that were previously unimaginable. But it's not all positive. Right. There are also downsides to this increased access and participation. I know, of course, the spread of misinformation and the creation of echo chambers where people are only exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs are some of the challenges we face in the age of social media. It feels like we need to be even more discerning about the information we encounter online. I agree. Questioning the source. Considering the potential biases. Right. And being wary of anything that seems too good to be true. I couldn't agree more. Yeah. Critical thinking is absolutely essential in this environment. Right. We need to be aware of how algorithms shape our feeds and how our own online behavior might be contributing to the information bubbles that we find ourselves in. It's like we need to become more aware of the forces at play. Yeah. Behind the scenes of social media. Just like we need to understand the context of traditional media. That's a great analogy. Yeah. Ultimately, whether we're consuming news, watching a documentary, or scrolling through our social media feeds, the same principles of media literacy apply. Okay. We need to be aware of the narrative being presented, the context in which it's being shared, and the potential biases that might be influencing our perception. This has been incredibly insightful. Good. It's making me realize how much goes on beneath the surface of the media we consume every day. And we've only just scratched the surface. Oh, wow. There's still so much more to explore. Okay. About the complex relationship between media, power, and control. Well, I'm definitely ready to dive even deeper. Great. Let's move on to that fascinating topic of agency and control in the media landscape. Okay, so we've explored how narratives are constructed, and how they play out in different types of media. Yeah. But what about the bigger picture? Okay. Like, who is really calling the shots? Right. This whole idea of agency and control in the media landscape. Yeah. It's been on my mind. It's a question that's been debated for decades. Right. And it's only become more complex with the evolution of media technology. Sure. You know, traditionally, we've often viewed the media as like a powerful force. Right. Shaping public opinion. Uh-huh. Influencing how we see the world. Right, like those classic images of a media mogul, you know, controlling the masses with a giant hand on a globe. Exactly. But the rise of the internet and social media has definitely shaken things up. For sure. Audiences aren't just passive recipients of information anymore. Right. They have more choices. Yeah. More access, and more ways to engage with media content. So it's less about being told what to think. Right. And more about having the tools to like explore different perspectives. Yeah. And even create our own narrative. Precisely. Yeah. That's what we mean by audience agency. Okay. The ability to actively participate in the media landscape. Right. Rather than just being dictated to. Okay, yeah. People can choose what they watch, listen to, and read. Right. They can engage in discussions online, share their own perspectives, and even create and distribute their own content. But isn't the idea of audience agency a bit overstated? Hmm, interesting. Don't powerful media institutions and algorithms Yeah. still have a huge influence on what we see and hear? That's a great point. It's definitely not a simple equation. Right. Media institutions, especially large corporations and conglomerates, still hold significant power. Right. They own and control the platform. Hmm. Much of our information is shared. Right. And they have the resources to reach vast audiences. And those algorithms you mentioned earlier. Yeah. They seem to have a mind of their own sometimes. Algorithms are designed to keep us engaged. Right. But they can also create filter bubbles. Yeah. Where we're only exposed to information that reinforces our existing beliefs. Exactly. It's a double-edged sword. For sure. On one hand, algorithms can help us find content that's relevant to our interests. Right. On the other hand, they can limit our exposure to diverse viewpoints. Right. And contribute to the spread of misinformation. So even though we have more choices as consumers. Right. We still need to be critical of how these powerful forces. Yeah. Are shaping our media experiences. Absolutely. It's a constant balancing act. For sure. We have more freedom and agency than ever before. Right. But we also need to be aware of the subtle ways. Hmm. That our choices are being influenced and guided. This brings up the question of media regulation. Okay. How does Australia try to ensure fairness and ethical practices. Yeah. In this constantly evolving media environment. Australia has a system of media regulation. That aims to strike a balance between freedom of expression. Right. And responsible content creation. Okay. There are government agencies and industry bodies. Hmm. That set standards for broadcasting, advertising and online content. And they handle complaints about breaches of those standards. But it must be incredibly challenging. Oh absolutely. To keep up with the rapid pace of change. Right. In the media landscape. Yeah. What works for traditional media. Yeah. Like television and radio. Hmm. Might not translate easily to the online world. It's a constant challenge. Yeah. The rise of global media companies and individual content creators online. Has made it much more difficult to enforce regulations. Right. That were designed for a more traditional media environment. Yeah, it's like trying to fit a square pig into a round hole. Exactly. The rules of the game keep changing. And it raises a lot of complex questions about jurisdiction and accountability. Okay. Whose rules apply. Yeah. When content is created in one country but consumed in another. Right. How do you hold individuals accountable. Right. For content they share on platforms that operate across national borders. These are big thorny issues with no easy answers. Yeah. It feels like we're in a constant state of flux. Yeah. When it comes to media power and control. That's the nature of the beast. Right. But the key takeaway here. Okay. Is that we all have a role to play in shaping the future of media. Yeah. By being informed, critical and engaged citizens. Right. We can contribute to creating a more responsible. Yeah. Equitable and enriching media landscape for everyone. This deep dive has been a real eye opener. It's made me think about my own media consumption. Yeah. In a whole new way. Remember the next time you engage with any form of media. Right. Whether it's a news article, a documentary, a social media post or even this deep dive. Uh huh, yeah. Take a moment to consider the narrative. Yeah. The context and the forces at play. Be critical. Yeah. Be curious. Uh huh. And keep exploring. Absolutely. Thanks for joining us on this deep dive. Yeah, thanks for having me. We'll be back soon with another fascinating exploration of the world around us.