Has Journalism become easier?

[interventions]

Hello! I'm gathering some feedback for a school project on the democratisation of film.

My group is interested in finding out how the democratisation of film (through the provision of more avenues for a filmmaker to showcase his work and through more affordable technology) has impacted filmmakers especially those who are interested in journalism and documentaries (i.e. you guys!)

• In what ways do you think the advent of easy to use video-editing software has impacted the film/video community?
• How has such impacts filtered down to the individual citizen?
• What do you think of the popularity of video-sharing websites like Youtube and Google and the opportunities it has created for citizen producers?
• How do you think the democratization of film-making and film-sharing has impacted society, especially the social scene?
• Do you feel that greater awareness is being raised amongst youths through the use of amateur videos posted on video-sharing websites like Youtube?

Would appreciate your valuable input on this issue!

 

[dustino]

Hello! I'm gathering some feedback for a school project on the democratisation of film.

LIST]
[*]In what ways do you think the advent of easy to use video-editing software has impacted the film/video community?

I don't think "easy to use" software has had substantial impact on the film community, though the film Tarnation is one exception - made on iMovie. What has had an impact, of course, is affordable software with professional capabilities. It has opened the door to self-financed projects. I guess "easy to use" software has had a big impact on the video world - especially online. Consumer cameras and consumer software have even affected national political races as we all know.

[*]How has such impacts filtered down to the individual citizen?

Again, they have affected how citizens get their news, even news from mainstream television news sources. I've seen tons of footage on cable news outlets that originated online. There is some truth to the idea that individual citizens are simultaneously creating and consuming content. The "creating content" part of the equation is only in small doses - at least with respect to content seen by large masses of consumers. Mainstream media sources are still pretty vigilant gatekeepers. Young people, however, seem less connected to mainstream sources anyhow and are possibly more impacted by citizen journalists than the population at large who still use TV as a primary source of news.

[*]What do you think of the popularity of video-sharing websites like Youtube and Google and the opportunities it has created for citizen producers?

Obviously, they have been great for "citizen producers". They are in their nascent stages, however, and I look towards a more sophisticated method of distribution/online broadcast. That said, I feel everyone should be vigilant in protecting the independence of these sites and the internet in general. As larger traditional media companies begin to absorb emerging sites and technology, users will always hopefully be one step ahead in creating and viewing content with innovative and independent sensibilities.

[*]How do you think the democratization of film-making and film-sharing has impacted society, especially the social scene?

I think internet communication has transformed social behavior, but, as of yet, I think that film/videos have only had a minimal impact. Text-based online communication (email, messages, social network postings) have had enormous impact in my opinion, but videos are still negligible. Give it another few years though....

[*]Do you feel that greater awareness is being raised amongst youths through the use of amateur videos posted on video-sharing websites like Youtube?

Yes, but babies farting and dogs humping stuffed animals have had greater impact.