In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

 So my film starts with this (above) title card, I tried to make the title reminiscent of that of American 'Lobby' advertisements whilst still maintaining a serious logo for my pictures company. I hand drew the logo and created the curtain effect on Photoshop.

 These titles were created with the aid of royalty free video footage from the hubble telescope. I simply put over titles at my desired point and created a fantastic effect, simply.

 I decided to focus on the bottle of alcohol dominantly in the initial opening, as the theme of alcoholism would run throughout my film. Many people would expect to see a human face first in a film, my audience research told me, so I decided to change this.

 Here is the character of Grant. With the bottles laying around, it is clear he desires the drink. The look on the actor's face was a direction of: 'look flawed, like a facade', an unconvincing smile to hide his failures.

 And here he is taking a huge swig on the whiskey, before being interrupted at the door.

 This shot took a fair few attempts, I had to align myself behind the actor at all times, which was difficult. Even more so was to not fall over.

 The stage hand actress here tells Grant of the remaining time allocated. Grant replies enthusiastically. The stage hand originally had a much bigger part, but I decided to cut it out due to the film being all about the band and the barrier they form between themselves and the world.

 The switch over to black and white is something not often seen in films, mostly in flashbacks and I had planned for a flashback sequence, however I thought this would be a little cliché and decided against it. Instead favouring a montage of pre-show nerves and actions. 

 Close ups do not yet reveal the faces of the main characters, adding an air of mystery.

 I shot these two actors and cut them together in close succession, as these two are much closer together than to Grant. This emphasises the barrier between the two groups due to Grant's problems. The mirrors here were particularly difficult to shoot as I kept ending up in the shot!

 When Grant is finally revealed, he is overshadowed by this guitar, adding to his feelings of inequality, which is actually paranoia.

 I love this shot. I did it to achieve a sense of union and working together between the two.

 Aaron, the actor here, takes a quick look into the mirror. I told him to do so as it was a surreal experience to the character and he wanted to make sure it was for real.

 This shot is a small attempt at humour, as despite their failings and flaws, the group are all friends who do enjoy each other.

 This shot can be taken as quite intimidating, as I wanted the audience to feel what the band were feeling.

 I left this shot lingering to acknowledge the fact that life goes on everywhere. Another major theme of the film.

The over voice was recorded in a music recording studio. I felt without it the video was missing something. I added this in and it felt right.

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

My preliminary task was merely a task in continuity. To realise how film worked together to put together a story and then to understand the software to edit it and finally export it. My coursework final piece was a far more harder piece to produce. In the preliminary I showed a character entering a room, and then sitting opposite a man, the two then recite literature in an audition styled scenario. In the editing, I used no transitions or effects. However I did make note of these effects and the features of colour palette and saturation and the like and how they help to establish mood and also pace. From this I changed the visual style of my final piece to a nervous, black and white shot film. The soundtrack consisted of only of which the on board microphone on the camera had managed to pick up, there was no use of external microphones such as boom microphones used. In my final piece I used a tension building track from an unknown, unsigned group to set the scene and to build pace. As it was shot very quickly, I had paid next to no attention to mise-en-scene in my preliminary, unlike my my final piece which I purposely filled with connotations. I learnt from my preliminary that all of the above factors have to work together to form a great opening, one of which I have hoped I have created.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Research: My DVD collection.
I spent a lot of time just watching the first few minutes of so of almost my entire collection, looking for those subtle differences which differentiates good films to great ones. Picking my four main titles, I then watched these more thoroughly, picking up on techniques. So my DVD player is a great resource, I found.

Filming: I used a HD camcorder by Sony, it featured a wide screen display, yet not a viewfinder, which I found quite difficult to be without, as the display consumes a lot of power, I would often use the viewfinder to save that precious resource on other shoots. I chose not to use a tripod, as I do have a rather steady arm, I used my limb. As the frame was not completely stiff, yet only slightly moving I found this made my film come to life more, as reflected in my audience reception. By using the HD format I found my film looked more professionally made as a whole and would easily be replicable on the big screen in it's current format.

Soundtrack: I used the website soundtrack to contact unsigned artists and hear their music. The track I chose by a group called '1984' was a electronic track which reached a crescendo, just the right fit for my film.
I used a recording studio to make some additional audio clips, such as the 'Welcome to the stage' speech in the final few seconds of the film. By using the sound board I changed the normal sounding speech into that coming out of a PA system.

Editing: I used iMovie, the free program on all Macs, it was easy to use and had a lot of features, making it very creative and fun to use.As an all-in-one- editing software I even exported the final movie using the built in Quicktime add on.

Feedback: Facebook was used to share my video and to receive feedback on Youtube, the ideal combination combined all of my existing friends with the perfect medium to watch and share the video.

How did you attract/address your audience?

From my audience research, I took into account those characteristics and events that people look for in a film opening. From this I found many people like an 'action-y' introduction, with something happening, or a build up to something. From which the latter, I chose to base my opening around. Upon the final cut of my film being shown, the audience picked up on the adult actors to make it more authentic, I had chosen to use these performers as I did not want my film to be just another generic film which used my friends as performers. Although I felt the change from colour to black and white would leave audiences confused and felt risky, it in fact has the opposite effect, the audience wrote they loved it and felt it formed a new look on the film. I used longer cuts to make the audience fit in with the characters, by focusing on faces and body parts for a longer time then usual, I thought the audience would feel more connected to the characters and recognise them more so.

Who would be the audience for your media product?

My initial audience statement was the following: 'Mike is a 17 year old going on 18, he enjoys literature and a cheeky Jack Daniels and Coke at any chance, he likes films his friends don't like.'

My film was made for a teen audience, those on the verge of further education as a reminder to be creative and really to do what you feel is right and not to be held back by anyone. My audience would be intrigued by the black and white styled film and would happily re watch the film to look for layered meanings of mise-en-scene.

Ideally, the audience will have of watched the source films that have inspired mine, theses include 'Billy Elliot', 'Dead Poet's Society', 'Walk The Line' and 'Boyz N The Hood'. These films all involve troubled individuals who seek to do well, yet are plagued by some sort of failure or opposing force of that in higher authority. Preferably the audience will have taken an interest in other art house films that strike up interest with an interesting theme of topics.

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

I think many mainstream distributors would be interested a work similar to mine, yet I believe many ones involved in mostly art house productions would also be interested due to its colour palette and deep, dark themes.

'Focus Features' is a subdivision of Universal Pictures, distributing foreign films in the US as well as films of its own such as 'Billy Elliot' and 'Brokeback Mountain'.

Much like the subdivision of 'Focus Features' from 'Universal Pictures', 'Paramount Vintage' is the same style formation. Famous for it's distribution of the 'Coen Brothers' films such as 'There will be blood' the studio chooses films which use art house themes or techniques, to make them stand out more, choosing quality over money, forming a good reputation in the film world.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My main character Grant, represents the boy born to work, to carry on his father's job in a factory. Much like the film 'Billy Elliot' the two main characters are dwindled by their surroundings of a hard working, grey, working class town. Forced to be made to shy away from creativity the two continue on in secret, in both openings the characters are nervous about what they are doing, Grant in my film however quickly finds solace in the alcohol he is addicted to, an addiction hammered into him at an early age, whereas Billy, in his music and dance. The two are doing their business against their father's wishes and that of those close to them. Both characters represent the misunderstood children of judging parents, a barrier we are all familiar with, one that clearly states that parents aren't always the most open to creativity in their children. This theme runs in 'Dead Poet's Society', the character of 'Neil Perry' is told to permanently stop acting, his one true love of expression resulting in his inevitable suicide in his father's house. Although unexpressed in the opening, I had written Grant to be plagued with his father's disappointment throughout his life in the band despite his many achievements, a true sense of failure that leads him to be dropped by the band due to his excessive drinking.

Year 13 feedback and criticisms

Today I received my feedback from the year above class, after they evaluated my work at a private screening during a lesson. The feedback was mostly positive with a few generous marks and a few not so generous marks. I find some details highlighted were completely pointless.
Most commonly I found the feedback reflected that my video had a 'good build up' and that it was 'easy to understand' whats going on and 'a bit predictable' concerning the storyline. How an entire storyline is explained in the first two minutes is beyond me. Also, the fact that an easy to understand opening is a criticism is ridiculous. Would an audience rather an opening where they have no idea what is going on? I fail to see many audiences staying for that feature after two minutes of uncertainty.
With a majority of high marks, I am happy. Praises of 'various camera angles' were met with the welcoming soundtrack feedback and the 'welcome to the stage, bit'.

Final Cut!

I took the feedback I had received and adjusted my film opening accordingly. I've added titles and additional sound effects for a more authentic feel of back stage exploits.

First Cut

The first cut is up, any feedback is always welcome.

Plan for shooting

Still shots of:
-Stage
-Close up's of microphones being out into position.
-Guitar pedals being tested, close up.
-Assembling the stage.
-Close up of empty bottle.
-Close up of eyes.
-Back to the bottle and glasses.
-Face shot.
-Door knock, over shoulder to the door.
-Still over the shoulder, see man, stagehand notifying of five minutes left.
-Camera follows around the room, picking up on things to do with the band.
-One member playing guitar, close up of hands then wide shot.
-One tapping the tabletop, obviously drummer.

Ideal actors

As I wrote the roles and created the characters I had a clear vision of the actors that would portray them. I would use young, British talent, as they would fill the roles correctly compared to any out of place American actors, for example.

Thomas Turgoose, his appearance in This Is England was awesome, and I feel he may be perfectly suited to to the drummer character, as a chance to get out his aggression and anger through the drums and means of percussion. He has the 'look' of a working class adolescent, he has a great sense of warmth and looks so relaxed on screen, it is like he doesn't try. I can quite believe that as he gets older, he will appear in the Northern dramas such as 'The Street'. An actor of awesomely old fashioned British grit.

Andrew Garfield isn't particularly young, but his appearance in 'Boy A' based on the James Bulger murder case as the wide-eyed reformed child murderer trying to re instigate himself back into society. The performance was heartbreaking yet since then he has spent most of his time in bad films. That was until 'The Social Network'.

Jack O'Connell also appeared in This Is England. In Skins he was a bit of a idiot who liked to punch people. From this I thought his career was halted, yet his performance in 'Dive', a BBC drama where he actually portraying some great acting talent. I think he has the look of a faulted frontman, a great actor to play Grant, in the leading role.

Aaron Johnson was in the abysmal 'Angus Thongs'. 'Nowhere Boy' was better, but 'Kick Ass' was his big break, the intensely funny superhero film had everything going for Aaron, the lines and the talent. Aaron would be suited to the outcast member of the band who leaves to pursue a family after getting his girlfriend pregnant, a curse of his looks.

Logo finished!

The background is a photo of red curtains taken in the playhouse, whilst the foreground image is one I drew by hand, combining the two adds a sense of breaking barriers, which I like.

Initial logo idea.

Logo

The Song

http://soundcloud.com/charliesnacks/still-shining-produced-by-abc-da-smoke-beatz

I feel like this song would fit the opening two mintes of my film perfectly.

Confirmation

To break or not to break...

Although the idea of breaking the fourth wall did appeal to me at first, I feel that it can only work in teen or comedy films like 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' in this case it is a great tool for the audience, offering an insight into the characters true feelings, motives and incentives and a better overall feeling of connection from the audience to the film's characters. I will not use this technique.

A musical spectactular.

The music I would like to use is by a very local artist who resides in Wymondham. Charlie Snacks is a rapper in the Norwich location. I am going to go to a show of his on Wednesday where I hope to ask him to use his track. I will of course get proof, likely an email to show official proof.

Camerararara's

After worrying for a while that all the cameras maay be booked solid for the next few weeks, I realised I two miniDV camcorders in my bottom drawer, one fully working. The other needing a constant power source from a socket. Easy.

Location, location, location...

Ideal location? Dressing rooms of the Theatre Royal Norwich.

No photos exist of this holy grail of back room spectacular but I can assure, after going a few times, that if the preparation rooms are even a fifth of the quality of the lobby, it will be a great setting for my production.

Actors Roster

I have contacted actors I have felt fit their character counterparts accordingly and will portray them in their up most quality dramatically. They will be sent character breakdowns to introduce the characters to them and to prepare and feel the role.

Shot by shot...

And now our feature presentation...

Black screen. Flashes from black to white to black again whilst a beep accompanies each flash. Reminiscent of a count down.
Fades in from blur, like a disorientation, camera focuses to the sounds of a distant guitar at sound check. Focuses on a bottle of champagne sitting on a dressing room table. The shot changes to a glass of the freshly poured champagne. The drink in the glass is shaking due to the distant thuds of bass. The shot changes to the eyes of Grant as he focuses on the glass. Back to the glass. Back to Grant, however now it is a full face shot. A knock at the door is heard. Grant moves towards it, over the shoulder shot all the way. The stage hand at the door notifies Grant that there is five minutes left. The camera now changes to a behind the shoulder shot, this time from Chris, as he sits, straddling a chair, warming up on his bass guitar. His eyes follow Grant as he continues to play. Grant is seen walking through the dressing room, he reaches Wes as he lies half asleep clutching his drum sticks. Grant nervously looking at the clock. The trio move within reaching distance, they start to walk towards the door. Slow motion, the trio pass a poster identifying a sold out gig by a band named A11. The trio reach the corridor and proceed to walk down it, fade to black. Crowd noise fades in. An announcer announces: 'please welcome to the stage A11!'. As A11 is shouted, it appears on a white font over the black screen. The crowd roars.

Moodboard

Logo

The logo I will use will fit in with my production company name- The Popcorn Sessions. The logo will feature a cartoon popcorn bucket with human features looking excited watching a film in a big red armchair. I will update this post once I have scanned the logo onto the system.

Synopsis for opening two minutes.

Synopsis.
Black screen, a countdown, the sounds of a a sound test are heard. A few guitar riffs and a voice sounds out 3, 2, 1, to the voice on screen. Fades in, images of a dressing room, camera is moving slightly, the image of a glass of champagne is seen, a bassy song is heard, muffled, the bass shakes the contents of the glass, camera zooms out. A close up of a young mans face, bearded slightly, he is focusing on the glass. The sound cuts. A knock is heard, still focusing on the face. The shot changes, the character moves over to the doorway, and opens, always keeping an over the shoulder shot. A woman wearing a headset and holding a clipboard reveals the group has ive minutes before they have to go on. The door is shut and following still over the shoulder, the character goes through the room, picking up a guitar and starting to play. The camera moves to other items, drumsticks being picked up, band posters being moved etc.
The group walk out one by one and walk down a long corridor, in slow motion, the song starts to play and the the video gets slower and slower and fades to black. A tannoy announces: for your viewing pleasure...A EL-LEVEN' the syllables are pronounced and exaggerated. An 'A11' appears on screen, white on black.

List of required items/actors/locations.

Inventory required.
-Location: a dressing room of a theatre or hall, a large size, ideally big enough for a small filming crew.
                 a long corridor for the slow motion outro, this shot will be faded to black to the start of the song.
-Actors: an actor to portray each member of the band, 4 in total, each suited to their character.
              an actor or actress to portray a stagehand to add to the realism.
-Props: an electric guitar
             a bass guitar
             drumsticks
             a headset to be worn by the stagehand
             a clipboard to be held by the stagehand
             various posters of the bands gig
             bottles of champagne to celebrate bands success

Character Breakdowns

These notes will be given to the actors portraying these rules.

Grant- The bassist/singer of the band, believes he leads the band but is often humoured by the rest of the group. He is a self confessed 'looker' and occasionally lands the band in trouble with the media with his politically incorrect remarks.

Chris- The lead guitarist. Chris serves as Grant's guardian angel and often helps him in times of need and to get him out of trouble. Chris is the most cautious of the group and always gives a sensible and almost too realistic viewpoint on issues and the band's future.

Wes- Drummer. Wes is an almost silent member of the group, however, when he is needed he will often come through on top and shine a new light on the situation.

Russell- Rhythm guitar. Russell is an absent minded individual that doesn't take much care in planning ahead or consequences of his actions, which leads to his departure from the band in which his girlfriend falls pregnant and needs to acquire a steady income so works for the local factories that the bands parents all worked at. The group goes back to visit Russell and see their fathers in him. Russell rejects the offer to rejoin.

I mage Use Form

I hereby give consent for my image to be used as an on screen performer in the filming of 'A11' by Ryan Cole. During the period of the........................ Signed......................... Print........................

Location Release Form

I hereby give consent for the following property................... to be used in the filming of 'A11' by Ryan Cole. During the period of................................... Signed.......................... Print..................

My Narrative

My opening two minutes will take place in the present day. It will then flashback a year to the creation of the band. Apart from the opening sequence the story will follow a linear storyline. I have taken inspiration from this idea from Walk The Line.

Opening Sequences

Scott Pilgrim Versus The World- An excellent, in my opinion, opening. The introduction sets the film up nicely for the laid back dialogue and snide comments to follow throughout the rest of the film. The intro utilises a song from the films' band, adding to the authenticity and realism and an excellent way to accompany the credits. Basic information is founded, Scott's age, job and location is revealed. The character Knives is easily relate-able to the audience, as we are practically in the same position of her. I find this technique very effective. 

Lord of War- This animated opening is set from a point of view of a bullet being constructed and then transported. On print, the idea sounds rather bland, yet in moving picture it works fantastically setting up themes that may be carried out later on in the film, such as the references to Soviets and African rebellious armies.

Name of Production Company

The name of my production company has dwindled down from these possible candidates:
-Happy Shrew Pictures.
-Pocahontus Penthouse.
- Aqua Splash.
-Bravo Pictures.
-Timid Field Mouse Pictures.
-The Popcorn Sessions.

I can officially announce my production company will be called.... THE POPCORN SESSIONS.

My Genre

My genre for my film will consist of elements of real world drama combined with aspects of comedy with a deep musical underbelly.
Genres: Comedy. Music. Drama.

The iconography we learnt together as a group has helped me to understand what audiences look for when expecting a film genre of a certain type. If films do not continue to break stereotypical walls and iconography then just like James Monaco says- 'we are all going to see the same ten movies'.

In my particular genre, I will challenge drama by mixing deep heartfelt drama with everyday comedy, hopefully pushing the realism and authenticity of my piece further.

Pitch Feedback

-Good idea
-Opening sequence sounds good and sets up audience for the rest of the film.
-Make sure the 'changing rooms' are realistic.
-Good mention of audience/research focus groups, though you had to be prompted to reveal these.

-Underprepared pitch. Could of potentially have really 'sold' the idea.
-No notes/PowerPoints etc.
-No visuals.

I felt the pitch went well, that I got my result across quite well yet didn't have the visual media to accompany the idea. I hesistated on occasion which made me stumble in my pitch. I appreciated the positive feedback regarding the idea. I did not take any notes as I felt I could successfully sell the idea in the flowing description I could use on the day.
Now I have to find some realistic looking changing rooms to make the opening as good as possible.

Costume

My characters will be in the following:

-Scott will be in: a grey hoodie, reflecting the characters care free nature. A very passive nature, complete with washed out blue jeans.

-Aaron will be in: a grey cardigan with a formal white shirt, this shows although he is carefree like his on screen brother, he still retains a formality and aims to look smart.

-Timmy will be in: black suit trousers and a white formal shirt, signposting his desire to become better than what he was and to achieve at all costs.

Soundtrack Usage!

Script First Draft

Scene 1 Introduction

All black, fades into a closeup of a glass of water/champagne. Sounds fade in, the noise of distant crowds chanting together and a deep baseline. The vibrations shake the liquid inside the glass rhythmically. The noises rise and rise in unison to a crescendo, until it is abruptlycut by the sound of a knock on the door. The shot changes to a close up on a mans lower face in the doorway, he is wearing a headset. His voice is mumbled, much like the Charlie Brown teacher's voice.

Stagehand #1
Five minutes, guys.

The door is shut, the shot is changed to a POV perspective, the shot follows around the room, over posters pinned to walls reading: (Band name) Tour: SOLD OUT, cards on a dressing table reading: Good Luck!. The character behind the camera sits, and puts his legs up. The shot looks up towards the ceiling and quickly back down due to the arrival of a man smiling holding a guitar.

Jack
'Number 17, we're number 17!'

 

He produces a scrawled magazine and throws it to the camera character, the magazine is lifted to view onto an article reading: A New Era of Music?

JACK
There's twenty thousand out there! Remember when we were playing to twenty?

Jack grins as he sits and starts to rehearse with his guitar. Humming along.

The camera character once again looks at the door upon hearing chatter outside, Steve enters. Shirtless.

Steve
Hey hey hey!

JACK
Put your shirt back on Iggy Pop.

STEVE
Shh... I'm famous now. I'm allowed.

Jacks mutters something and turns back to playing.

There is silence, the noise of the crowd grows.

STEVE
Hear that? Twenty thousand people waiting to be fed the music we've created, they will hang on every lyric, every chord, every beat. Essentially we're Jesus.

Steve looks up towards the ceiling, patriotically.

Jack stares blankly into the camera character. A knock at the door is heard, Steve opens the door. The Stagehand is there.

STAGEHAND #1
It's time, boys.

The shot fades, then fades back into a corridor, the three band members are walking away from the camera, slow motion. Song starts- Charlie Snacks.

Shot cuts to black.

Noise of the crowd grows.

TANNOY
And now, for your pleasure... A Eleven!

The crowd goes wild. 'A11' appears on white font on a black background.

Fades out.

Inspiration

Spinal Tap- A 'rockumentary' about a travelling heavy metal band. This spoof documentary was a big hit at the box office. The intro introduces the band through a narrator, the drector of the film.

Walk The Line's introduction is a tense suspense building few minutes, which then cuts to a flashback of young Johnny's life.

I believe my intro will be a mixture of the two above films.

Initial Idea

My initial idea consists of the pre-gig preparation time period set before a gig. The two minute opening would consist of some dialogue, various shots and a tension and suspense building finale that is abruptly cut at it's peak. I believe by using this method I will hold the audience's attention completely until the opening finishes and have them asking and wanting for more.

Info:
Band- must consist of four members, preferably boys of ages 17-24, as this age range will further encouragement of young people into the world of music.
Setting- Dressing room of a hall, club, stage etc. Preferably quite large complete with mirrors, posters etc.
Length- 2 minutes.
Dialogue- made up of a few reminiscent quotes, to imply a back story that the film will flash back to.

Opening of a film exercise.

-A shopkeeper is about to close and lock the door to the shop and turning the the open/closed sign around...
Option 1- looks outside nervously, he studies the outside world for a few seconds, he then proceeds to the store's tannoy system, (close up of his hands) un plugs the microphone and plugs in his own mp3 player, he graps a mop and bucket. The man turns away from the camera, all is still for a few seconds, then the song Nine to Five kicks in, the man joins in warbling and dancing around the store. A heavy thud is heard, the man scrambles to his feet after a quick breakdancing session and stops the music. Shouts of pain are heard, all the time the keeper is looking outside, the camera turns to see a frenzied man, drenched in blood, repeatedly walking into the glass. The keeper unlocks the door in an attempt to help the man, upon doing so the man lunges for the keeper, the keeper manages to get away barely and retreats into the store, tripping over the mp3 wire, a new song plays . The keeper attempts to barracade himself between the aisles throwing a range of items at the blood drenched man, including marshmallows, raisins, a chocolate orange and finally a rake, decapatating the mans jugular vein.

The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company- "I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing–that it was all started by a mouse."

"For more than eight decades, the name Walt Disney has been preeminent in the field of family entertainment. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to today's global corporation, The Walt Disney Company continues to proudly provide quality entertainment for every member of the family, across America and around the world."

As a child I understood that Disney made films, I knew they had a shop in the Castle Mall and that they had two 'magic kingdoms' in France and in America. As I grew older I starting to realise Disney's grip in the business world through popular culture references to Walt Disney in various skits, taking over the world.

Financial Highlights

Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Ends: Oct 2 Most Recent Quarter (mrq): Oct 2, 2010

Profitability Profit Margin (ttm): 10.41% Operating Margin (ttm): 17.67%

Management Effectiveness Return on Assets (ttm): 6.35% Return on Equity (ttm): 11.12%

Income Statement Revenue (ttm): 38.06B Revenue Per Share (ttm): 19.88 Qtrly Revenue Growth (yoy): -1.30% Gross Profit (ttm): 6.73B EBITDA (ttm): 8.44B Net Income Avl to Common (ttm): 3.96B Diluted EPS (ttm): 2.03 Qtrly Earnings Growth (yoy): -6.70%

Balance Sheet Total Cash (mrq): 2.72B Total Cash Per Share (mrq): 1.44 Total Debt (mrq): 12.70B Total Debt/Equity (mrq): 33.86 Current Ratio (mrq): 1.11 Book Value Per Share (mrq): 19.81

Cash Flow Statement
Operating Cash Flow (ttm):	6.58B
Levered Free Cash Flow (ttm):	3.41B

I can't really understand a few of these financial points, yet I do know if the company's revenue is over thirty eight billion dollars it is doing rather well to say the least, considering the original leader of the business conglomerate attended only one year of high school.

TimeWarner's takeover of British publisher IPC media...

TimeWarner's takeover of British publisher IPC media has given the NME brand a new lease of life. Discuss.
Your answer should shopw an understanding of the comcept of Synergy as it relates ro media businesses and convergence (multiplatform delibery of content).

The NME, a music magazine published weekly, was under the wing of IPC Media, the UK's largest consumer magazine publisher. However, the magazine sales were dwindling and was circulating around 40,000 copies a week. The magazine then branched out into the internet media and developed a website in 1996. In 2001 TimeWarner came into ownership of IPC Media and along with it, the NME.

Now under the wing of the second biggest conglomerate globally, the NME has strived into other fields, increasing their popularity immensely. From clubs to iPhone applications, the NME has secured itself in the world of contemporary media thanks due to the funding and thriving of TimeWarner. In 2006 NME.com was named 3rd most popular music in America after only just a few short years online. This furthers the grasp of NME to those without physical copies of the magazine in a modern way, after only a decade the NME has expanded itself across the coasts of America with its designated Club NME NYC and LA.

In the spring of 2010, NME the magazine, reinvented itself due to the employment of new editor Krissi Murison. The magazine will be changed following research acquired from TimeWarner funded surveys, to make it a more opionionated magazine. This makeover, with its aim clear to increase profit margins from the physical copies of the magazine was designed to approaqch new readers whilst pleasing current ones.

The status of TimeWarner has allowed the NME to thrive and branc out in the way of multiplatform media, for example, a new iPhone application version of the NME is availible, the first of its kind, pushed forwards by TimeWarner. NME is allowed to do this as now they are under a umbrella of financial security and reassurance. Nestled with TimeWarner the NME has branched out into radio, setting up a new radio station with an impressive over a million listening hours. NME will become profiterable with advertisements as the NME's key demographic, 15-34 year olds, will be targets for advertisement campaigns made by companies interested in them. It recentely won an award from Sony for its 'groundbreaking concept and extremely fresh approach and sound'. This publicity, furthed from the synergy between multimedia brands under TimeWarner due to the investment into new technologies of sending and recieving media.

TimeWarner's takeover of IPC Media has given the NME a further lease of life, I believe that if it hadn't, the physical copy of the NME would of dwindled away, leaving only the website to keep it's legacy. With TimeWarner NME has allowed to branch into multimedia platforms and convergence, allowing the NME to once again rise to it;s once great peaks atop the music industry newsfeed.

Audience Research

Time Warner

Time Warner,
1. What is its mission statement?
2. What does it offer?
3. What media companies do they own?

1. Time Warner is the world's second largest entertainment conglomerate in terms of revenue (behind Disney and ahead of News Corporation and Viacom), as well as the world's largest media conglomerate.

Mission Statement
"Creativity
We thrive on innovation and originality encouraging risk-taking and divergent voices.

Customer Focus
We value our customers putting their needs and interests at the center of everything we do.

Agility
We move quickly embracing change and seizing new opportunities.

Teamwork
We treat one another with respect--creating value by working together within and across our businesses.

Integrity
We rigorously uphold editorial independence and artistic expression earning the trust of our readers,
viewers, listeners, members and subscribers.

Diversity
We attract and develop the world's best talent seeking to include the broadest range of people and perspectives.

Responsibility
We work to improve our communities taking pride in serving the public interest as well as the interests of our shareholders."



*For future reference- A conglomerate is a combination of two or more corporations engaged in entirely different businesses together into one corporate structure, usually involving a parent company and several (or many) subsidiaries. Often, a conglomerate is a multi-industry company. Conglomerates are often large and multinational.

2.  Complete list of Assets- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assets_owned_by_Time_Warner
Far too many companies to write in.

From these assets, sub categories include- major Internet, publishing, film, telecommunications and television divisions after News Corporation.

3. Sourced from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assets_owned_by_Time_Warner


Complete list, complete with links.
HBO

• HBO
• Cinemax
• HBO Independent Productions
• HBO Multiplexes
• HBO on Demand
• Cinemax Multiplexes
• Cinemax on Demand
• HBO HD
• Cinemax HD
• HBO Video
• HBO Domestic and International Program Distribution
• HBO Films
• Picturehouse (co-owned by New Line Cinema)
  • HBO Asia
  • HBO Czech
  • HBO Hungary
  • HBO India
  • HBO Poland
  • HBO Romania
• HBO Latin America Group
  • HBO Latin America
  • HBO Brazil
  • Warner Channel
  • E! Latin America
  • Cinemax Latin America

Turner Broadcasting

• Adult Swim
• Boomerang
• Cartoon Network
• truTV
• TBS
• TNT
• TCM
• WPCH
• CNN / U.S.
• Airport Network
• HLN
• HD Networks
  • TNT HD
  • CNN HD
  • TBS HD
  • Cartoon Network HD
  • Adult Swim HD
• Production Companies
  • Cartoon Network Studios
  • Williams Street
  • Court TV Original Productions
  • TNT Originals
  • TCM Productions
  • TBS Productions
  • UBU Productions
  • CNN Originals
  • Headline News Productions
• International
  • TCM & Cartoon Network / Asia Pacific
  • CNN en Español
  • CNN International
  • Cartoonito
  • TNT Latin America
  • TCM Europe
  • Pogo
  • Cartoon Network
  • Retro
  • Space
  • MuchMusic Latin America
  • I.Sat
  • Infinito
  • HTV
  • Fashion TV Latin America
• Joint Ventures
  • Accent Health
  • Cartoon Network Japan (Via Japan Entertainment Network, a joint venture with Itochu)
  • CNN+
  • CNN Chile
  • CETV
  • CNN-IBN
  • CNNj
  • CNN TÜRK
  • CNN.de (German)
  • CNN.co.jp (Japanese)
  • NBC / Turner
  • NASCAR Races
  • n-tv
  • Zee Turner Ltd (India)
  • BOING
• Radio Services
  • CNN Radio
  • Court TV Radio
  • Headline News Radio
  • CNN en Español Radio
  • Headline News en Español Radio
• Websites/Broadband Services
  • Adult Swim Video
  • Cartoon Network Video
  • Court TV Extra
  • Crime Library
  • DramaVision
  • TheFrisky.com
  • GameTap
  • CallToons
  • Play On! Powered by ACC Select
  • Super Deluxe
  • The Smoking Gun
  • TNT Overtime
  • Toonami Jetstream
  • Very Funny Ads
  • CNNStudentNews.com
  • CNN.com
  • CNN Mobile
  • CNN Newsource
  • CNN to Go
  • CNNMoney.com
  • SI.com
  • PGA Tour.com and PGA.com
  • CNN Pipeline
  • NASCAR.com
  • Bamzu.com
• Private Networks
• Dealer Entertainment Network
• The Checking Network

Warner Bros.

• New Line Cinema
• New Line Distribution
• Picturehouse (co-owned by HBO)
• New Line Home Entertainment
• New Line International Releasing
• New Line Merchandising/Licensing
• New Line Music
• New Line New Media
• New Line Television
• New Line Theatricals
• Warner Bros. Pictures
  • Castle Rock Entertainment
• Warner Bros. Pictures International
• Warner Independent Pictures
• Warner Bros. International Cinemas
• Warner Bros. Studios
• Warner Bros. Consumer Products
• Warner Bros. Television Group
  • Warner Bros. Television
  • Warner Horizon Television
  • Warner Bros. Television Distribution
  • Witt/Thomas Productions
  • QDE Entertainment ( 50%, with Quincy Jones and David Salzman) (Affiliate)
  • Warner Bros. International Television
  • Telepictures Productions
  • The CW Television Network (50% with CBS Corporation)
  • The CW Daytime
  • CW Now
  • Warner Bros. Animation
  • Hanna Barbera
  • Looney Tunes
  • Kids' WB!
  • The WB
• Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
  • Warner Home Video
  • Warner Premiere
  • Warner Bros. Family Entertainment
  • Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution
  • Warner Bros. Technical Operations
  • Warner Bros. Anti-Piracy Operations
  • Warner Bros. Digital Entertainment
  • Warner Bros. Consumer Products
  • Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
    • Monolith Productions
    • Rocksteady Studios
    • Snowblind Studios
    • Surreal Software
    • TT Games
    • WB Games
    • WB Games Chicago
  • Warner Bros. Online
• DC Comics
  • Mad Magazine
  • Vertigo
  • Wildstorm
• Warner Bros. Theatrical

Time Inc.

• 25 Beautiful Gardens
• 25 Beautiful Homes
• 25 Beautiful Kitchens
• 4x4
• Aeroplane
• All You
• Amateur Gardening
• Amateur Photographer
• Angler's Mail
• Better Digital Photography
• Bird Keeper
• BMX Business News
• Bulfinch Press
• Business 2.0
• Cage & Aviary Birds
• Caravan
• Chat
• Chat Passion Series
• Classic Boat
• Coastal Living
• Cooking Light
• Country Homes & Interiors
• Country Life
• Cycle Sport
• Cycling Weekly
• Decanter
• Entertainment Weekly
• Essence
• Essentials
• European Boat Builder
• Eventing
• Farm Holiday Guides
• First Moments
• For the Love of Cross Stitch
• For the Love of Quilting
• Fortune
• Freeze
• Golf magazine
• Golf Monthly
• Hair
• Health
• Hi-Fi News
• Homes & Gardens
• Horse
• Horse & Hound
• Housetohome.co.uk
• Ideal Home
• In Style
  • In Style Australia
  • In Style Germany
  • In Style UK
• International Boat Industry
• Land Rover World
• Leisure Arts
• Life
• Livingetc
• Loaded (magazine)
• Look Magazine UK
• Marie Claire
• Maghound
• MBR-Mountain Bike Rider
• Media Networks, Inc.
• MiniWorld
• Mizz
  • Mizz Specials
• Model Collector
• Money
• Motor Boat & Yachting
• Motor Boats Monthly
• Motor Caravan
• NME
• Now
  • Now Style Series
• Nuts magazine
• Oxmoor House
• Park Home & Holiday Caravan
• People
  • People en Español
• Practical Boat Owner
• Practical Parenting
• Prediction
• Racecar Engineering
• Real Simple
• Rugby World
• Ships Monthly
• Shoot Monthly
• Shooting Gazette
• Shooting Times
• Soaplife
• Southern Living
• Sporting Gun
• Sports Illustrated
  • Sports Illustrated for Kids
• Stamp Magazine
• Sunset
• Superbike
• Synapse
• Targeted Media, Inc.
• The Field
• The Golf
• The Guitar Magazine
• The Railway Magazine
• This Old House
  • This Old House Ventures, Inc.
• Time
  • Time Asia
  • Time Atlantic
  • Time Canada
  • Time Distribution Services
  • Time Europe
  • Time for Kids
  • Time Inc. Custom Publishing
  • Time Inc. Home Entertainment
  • Time Latin America
  • Time South Pacific
• TV & Satellite Week
• TV Easy
• TV Times
• Uncut
• VolksWorld
• Wallpaper Navigator
• Wallpaper
• Warner Publishing Services
• Webuser
• Wedding & Home
• What Camera
• What Digital Camera
• What's On TV
• Who Weekly
• Woman
• Woman & Golf
• Woman & Home
• Woman's Feelgood Series
• Woman's Own
  • Woman's Own Lifestyle Series
• Woman's Weekly
  • Woman's Weekly Fiction Series
  • Woman's Weekly Fiction Special
  • Woman's Weekly Home Series
• World Soccer
• Yachting Monthly
• Yachting World