Comments on other blogs

Andrew's Blog
http://mediaredundant.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-entry-5-digital-actors.html?showComment=1302737684106#c2054966047930712790

Andrew's Blog
http://mediaredundant.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-entry-4-from-spray-can-to-light.html?showComment=1302737459269#c4635073578012238671

Aaron's Blog
http://littlebigaaron.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-entry-4-from-spray-can-to-light.html?showComment=1302737894961#c537828770617099283

Brandon's Blog
http://brandonfma.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-entry-6-logo-parodies-that-speak.html?showComment=1302738132463#c61265334148152848

Sean's Blog
http://seanp24.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-entry-1-art-imitating-media.html?showComment=1302738285127#c5600293895542427466

Ryan's Blog
http://epicryan.blogspot.com/2011/02/mash-ups-copyright-laws.html?showComment=1302738461609#c8648904305642913805

Elijah's Blog
http://elijahhasarandomblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/protect-your-privacy-on-facebook.html?showComment=1302739280919#c4253083263230791777

Blog Entry #6: Logo Parodies that speak the truth

1. Describe the logo using the language of the Elements and Principles of Design.

In this logo, the author completely redesigned the BP logo. It uses all of the
Language of Elements and Principles of Design. Firstly, the shape is slight altered.
In the center of the BP flower, a skull with crossbones is put. This represents the
danger and the effect of the oil spill on future generations. Below the flower, we
notice a quote saying “We’re bringing oil to American shores”. This quote was
probably meant to be humorous, and was used to mock BP’s oil spill in American
ground. Finally, we can see a picture of a bat/bird in the air with oil dripping out
of its wings. The entire body is soaked in oil and this may resemble the damage
done to the wildlife in the area. Oil is also shown dropping out of the flower and
into the quote.


2. Describe the symbols used in the logo. Why did the graphic artist use such
imagery?

I believe the main message was to be a humorous add notifying BP what it has
done to Americans. The bird or animal is symbol of how animals in the local
ecosystem is affected. The local food chain is also affected because as a
contaminated bird gets eaten by a fish, then the fish will absorb on the oil. The
skull in the centre is symbol of how many animals have died or been harmed in the
accident. Also, it could represent what the future holds in the Gulf. Lastly, the
humorous quote is used to mock BP of its actions.

3. What does this logo say of BP's corporate identity?

This logo says that BP is not careful in their actions. Oil spills and people’s reactions like
these ruin their corporate identity as a successful business. Also, the logo is conveying
a message saying that it shouldn’t have taken 3+ months to clean up the spill. If more
accidents like this occur, BP’s corporate identity would be very low, and their profits
would decrease.


Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenpeaceuk/4751477749/in/set-72157623796911855/

Blog Entry #5: Digital Actors

1.Is this acting or is this animation?

In the movie Avatar, actors are used to create motions and movements of their character. This is then transferred on to a computer where it maniupliates the colour of the skin, body and texture. I believe this is still considred acting because in reality, the original actors are still playing the part. Their actions and movements are recorded and editied. If the movie didn’t hold any charcters, the animations wouldn’t look so “alive” and realistic. I don’t believe that altering the colour and body has an effect on the actions and movements created by the actor.

2. Do you think that animated character should be eligible for acting awards?

No I don’t think animated characters should be eligible for acting awards because an animated character doesn’t show how well it has acted without the original actor. Compared to other films, animated characters do not show how well the actor has acted. It is just a computer generated image to produce a virtual look. However, the original actors should be eligible and should gain the same amount of respect for the award because they act out the character fully.

3. Do you think that human actors will ever become obsolete? Why or why not?

No I don’t think human actors will ever become obsolete because computer generated animations cannot show the same expressions, emotions or passion like a human being. There will always be some type of difference. Also, most people prefer to watch action movies acted by humans and not animations. Even though Avatar was a successful film, I think there will be less in the future because of the demand. Now days, animations and computer generated graphics are used for educational movies or scientific movies. But if in the future there are action movies acted using computer based graphics I am sure that there was an original actor behind the play conducting the movements.


Sources: http://digitalacting.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/avatar_zoe_mocap-thumb-585xauto-7962.jpg

Blog Entry #4: From Spray Can to light: Graffiti Revisited.

In this example of street graffiti, the artist created a beautiful overall set. By using spray cans and various shades, the artist created a visual effect to the eye. This is my favorite example because the artist uses a creative way to convey the message. It adds a visual effect to the eye because the painting is under a wall, and the picture is unveiling a wall. Also, the bottom half of the picture looks like curtains and they appear to be 3-D. This also gives off a nice effect adding to the realism.

In this example of light graffiti, the artist uses a blue and green light source to create a wonderful looking car. The car most likely represents a sports car (2-door), and from the picture, it is travel along the highway fast. I feel that the artist used a great job in creating the blur streaks behind the tires to simulate the effect of motion. It really adds to the overall realism. Moreover, I feel that the night setting helps you visual a calm, cool evening and to me, I feel that I really am driving a sports car!

These examples of the street graffiti and light graffiti are both great in their own ways. Street graffiti looks more real and well-defined due to the fact that products such as spray cans are used. While light graffiti can pose the similar function, it sometimes can be unrealistic and look virtual. In light graffiti, the artist usually needs a device capable of capturing exposure, and these types of devices tend to be expensive. However, spray cans are inexpensive and street graffiti can be done in just about anywhere these days. However, according to law, street graffiti is considered vandalism and it is illegal.


Sources : http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8M4A38LyBBs/Swnm2jU7kAI/AAAAAAAASNg/aFKPxwO5WOE/s1600/cool+light+graffiti+cars4.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/06/07/article-1024884-0185F25600000578-477_468x420.jpg

Blog Entry #3: Mashups and Copyright Law

Example # 2 - A Fair(y) Use Tale
1. What is this mashup trying to communicate? Is it technical experiment, social or political commentary, a comedic parody, or an abstract work of media art?


This mashup is trying to generally outline how the American copyright comes into effect. The author, Professor Eric Faden explains how it is forbidden to claim work from others as “yours”. This mashup can be an example of a comedic parody and an abstract work of media art Professor Eric Faden creates a compilation of many Disney clips and puts them together to create a narrative story.



2. Did its creator follow or break copyright laws in its production? 

The creator, Eric Faden did not break any type of copyright laws because of several reasons. Firstly, in the beginning of the video, he states that the video is not associated with or by Disney. Secondly, in the video, Disney gave Eric permission to use it’s clips. Moreover, the video also gave credit to Disney in its involvement of the movie clips. Hence, the creator did not break any copyright law



3. Do you think that mashup like this requires copyright permission? Why or why not.
Mashups like this one should require copyright permission because Eric Faden wasn’t the original creator of the Disney flims. If Eric didn’t give any credit, then he would most probably get into legal trouble. Even though Eric is designing his own way of portraying a lesson, credit should be given out so that others know where that work is from.

Blog Entry #2: A Look at Music Videos

Initial reaction: As I watched the video, my first thoughts were “WOW”. The beat of song really matched this type of music, and I felt that the story was perfect in conjunction of the song. As I listened in more and more, the words and rhythm soon got stuck in my head!

Analysis and interpretation: Stereo Love is very romantic song recorded in the outskirts of Romania. The theme of the song is generally love. The song portrays a man who finds a women and that they both love each other. The song does a good job expressing love with one another. Vika Jigulina sings most of the lines and lyrics in this version of the song. I think the director created this music video so show the audience the main point of the song. The video matches the lyrics and song beautifully. The first gospel value is love, so yes they are aligned with the Gospel values.

Consideration of cultural content: Edward Maya, creator of the song, wanted to create a music video to display and teach teenagers or adults about love.

Expression of aesthetic judgement: The cinematography in this song is fantastic. It is recorder in a small, but very nice looking Greek Island. The terrain is eye catching and the crystal clear water looks very nice in the video. The acting contains of only Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina. Moreover, the song “This is my Life” is an extended version of stereo love and Edward and Vika are the same actors. In the video, typical brick roads are used and the environment looks like the olden days.

Ongoing refection: As I am a huge fan of Edward Maya’s music, and trance in general, this song really caught my eye. I really liked the beat and rhythm of the song, and the video really matched the song. The characters as well were a perfect match for the video.


Another version of the same song! This time it is shot in Toronto and sung by Mia Martina.

Do You Feel Safe on Facebook? - Blog entry #1 - Art Imitating Media Imitating Life

Social networking sites on the Internet have increasingly grown in interest and it has people from all age groups interested. Now days, most teenagers and young adults have gotten a Facebook profile, for them to view and others. In general, social networking sites are a great place to interact with your friends online, meet new people, or to simply share photos with others. However, there is one problem. Do you feel safe knowing that others can access and find information about you? Most people oppose to this. In fact a recent study showed that out of 1200 students, 96 percent felt unsafe to disclose their information on social networking sites. And to add to this case, Facebook recently instituted new privacy setting which gave uninvited people, including advertisers, privy to personal information and photos. What in the world is going on one might say!

Personally, I feel shocked to know that a huge group such as Facebook allows this type of behavior to be carried out. Most users don’t know that Facebook takes advantage of this case and in general, in helps them generate an even greater profit. Profit? Yes, profit. How? Simple. Advertisers pay Facebook in order for them to post their ads and access your profile, and according to your preferences, they display their ads. For example, if your profile indicated that you live in Toronto; advertisers can use this information to promote their products located in Toronto.

Allowing unknown people or “strangers” to visit your profile, see pictures of you, and check out our personal information, such as your address, age, school, and name is just wrong. However, if users take action, they can protect themselves from strangers. By changing your preferences to allow only friends to access your information, you are limiting the information given out. Moreover, external programs can be used (which are compatible with Facebook) to protect specific information. But the best action most users take is that simply don’t put any personal information that you want someone else to see. It is important to protect your personal information from strangers and advertisers because it is your information and it should only be shared between you and your family. Additionally, this new privacy setting may be revisited because this can lead into many different types of activities including stalking, harassment, and many other violent actions.

Sources:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28919575/SOCIAL-NETWORKING-SITES-AFFECT-ONE%E2%80%99S-ACADEMIC-PERFORMANCE-ADVERSELY
http://www.zdnet.com/news/more-singapore-facebook-arrests-likely/460652