Jenkins

Something that came to mind when reading “Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars?: Digital Cinema, Media Convergence, and Participatory Culture” by Henry Jenkins was the emergence and popularity of Youtube.com. Specifically the quote, “Prior to the Web, amateurs might write stories, compose music, or make movies, but they had no venue where they could exhibit their works beyond their immediate circles of family and friends” (Jenkins 555). Youtube has allowed anyone to post his or her talents, funny videos, or whatever they chose to post. Before Youtube, the kind of exposure that these videos receive would never be possible. If they do something spectacular enough, they can get the kind of exposure they need to be successful without even going through a large corporation initially. Once they receive positive feedback from millions, then an agency may seek them out, but it would only be because of the self-made popularity on Youtube.com.

When I think of media convergence I immediately think of Disney World. Every Disney movie that has ever been made has been accompanied by Disney clothing, images on lunchboxes, computer games, soundtracks, posters, stuffed animals, Halloween costumes and the list is endless. By Disney providing so many outlets to enjoy and experience one movie it provides endless opportunities for consumption. When a child falls in love with a Disney movie and they are also aware of the products that are sold in conjunction with the movie that is all they are going to want. In order to continue the love for a certain Disney movie or character, the simplest answer is to buy anything having to do with it. It is an easy way for media companies to make money off of only one effort, which is promoting the film itself. Once they have a viewer hooked, all they need to do is provide the goods for consumption.