The film and television industry is a vast, ever
changing and influential aspect of 21st century consumer culture. The
growing popularity and advances in technology have also impacted the television
and film industry, especially with the expansion of convergence. The use of
multi-media platforms and second screen now play a big part in the way that the
current society interacts and chooses to view films and television.
Convergence within the industry has brought
advantages and disadvantages for the audience and viewers as well as the
broadcasters and distributors. The meaning of convergence is to have two platforms
being used at once, such as the television and an additional computing device.
On-demand multi-media platforms now allow
viewers to watch their shows wherever and whenever they like. This has
advantaged the viewer, as they now are not restricted to television schedules
and can access their favourite shows at the time of their choice.
Broadcasters have brought in the use of
multi-media for audience members to help keep their attention within and
throughout the show. Being able to use websites and apps has allowed audience
participation from the comfort of there own home. Viewers can now have greater
influence on the outcomes of shows through voting online and over the phone.
For the younger generation, second screen
has become a more popular way of viewing television and films. Multi-tasking
with different devices also allows audiences to browse the internet and quickly
research aspects within the program or film. Second screen also allows for
quick response and critique of certain films and programs, which can advantage
broadcasters and filmmakers as they have instant access to feedback from social
media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.
Pre-convergence saw limited public service
broadcasters; this meaning that there were also limited choice of content being
shown on television. Films were screened only at cinemas so drew in the public
to make cinema viewings an event. The public service broadcasters and film
producers had control on when content was scheduled and the release of films.
In 1989, the introduction of new channels
emerged. The limit of channels and content was beginning to increase and gave
audiences more choice. The growth of the internet then allowed for footage to be played online and in 1995, Real networks streamed a baseball match over the internet live.
