Registration is now open for this one-day symposium at the University of
Worcester on 23rd May 2015. This follows a successful call for papers which
will cover a broad range of case studies.
The rationale behind the event can be found below, as can details of the
event itself:
Distribution is often been seen as the “invisible link” in the media
industry, in terms of facilitating how films, television shows and other
texts reach audiences. The rise of digital platforms, such as online rental
services and bit torrents, recently changed this view and digital
distribution is the focus of several recent publications. However, there
has not been a mass shift towards purely digital media, and physical media
releases are still sought out by fans and consumers. Special editions and
box-sets for DVDs and Blu-Rays are frequently hyped up on social media, and
from many countries around the world. Past formats also make for
collectible items, such as VHS, Laserdisc, and HD-DVD. Terminology related
to physical media hugely affects perceptions of exhibition and consumption,
such as ‘box-sets’, ‘binge-watching’, and ‘marathon’.
Distributors have been recognised as the ones making all this possible.
Media distribution labels often promote their own actions; or their actions
are reported on by critics and journalists; or fans and consumers directly
respond to their releases and related activities. Such activity takes place
within a variety of contexts – from film festivals to conventions and Q&A
sessions; from social media, to dedicated websites and themed public
attractions. This also occurs in relation to a variety of media texts –
from newer releases to older titles; from films previously unavailable, to
those regularly watched and celebrated by many.
The result of the raising of the profile of distributors has been a Home
Media Renaissance. This exists not only as an alternative to online digital
media exhibition options, but as one that occurs alongside them. In
addition to the recent academic study of legitimate and illegitimate
methods of online downloading and streaming, the simultaneous desire to own
physical media is prevalent.
The aim of this symposium is to discuss and debate how and why distributors
are becoming so prolific in an increasingly digital age. Is this activity a
reaction to shifts towards downloading and streaming? Are consumers
increasingly attracted to these forms of media, or are distributors
desperate to maintain their interest? Can it last?
*Please email [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> if you wish
to register to attend the event. Attendance is free of charge, but
registration is necessary to guarantee a seat at the symposium, and to
confirm numbers.*
Please use the following links to find further details and information
about the symposium, including the schedule:
https://www.academia.edu/11327202/Distributors_Discs_and_Disciples_Exploring_The_Home_Media_Renaissance
https://jlwroot.wordpress.com/2015/03/08/distributors-discs-and-disciples-exploring-the-home-media-renaissance/
Dr Jonathan Wroot
Sessional Lecturer, Film Studies,
Institute of Humanities and Creative Arts,
University of Worcester.
PhD awarded by UEA
Email: [log in to unmask]
http://worc.academia.edu/JonathanWroot
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