1) TV Website - Channel 4 ( My Name Is Earl)

the http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/comedy/index.html part of the site sets out a main list of what the site offers, with drop down lists of channel four's various comedy programme. It also amkes the most of advertising with a L'Oreal pop up as well as a 'Comfort' advert. This is an example of how the web is now being used more and more for advertising. This part of the site would appeal to fans of channel four comedy, and the technology here seems to be replacing TV listing supplements like the Radio Times as the site contains listings ffor the shows as well. The site also works to advertise other channel 4 shows and DVDs, offering videos and articles.

A link from here follows onto the 'My Name Is Earl', part of the site (http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/E/earl/). This is clearly made for fans of the show, offering interviews, character lists, an episode guide, an online shop as well as a promo for the sponsors (Tic Tacs). The show also seems to be set out for anyone who has just started to watvh the series offering summaries of what has happened so far. The site also features novelty games such as 'Earl's list' Tying in with the show.

2) Radio Station Website - Radio 1 Tim Westwood

This part of the Radio 1 website is dedicated to providing extra information regarding Tim Westwoods show and clearly there to replace other music media such as printed materials (magazines etc). The site is clearly aimed at fans of the show as well as fans of Hip Hop and Rap.
People visiting the site can listen to his show, watch music videos, view pictures of tours and guests, as well as join in the online forums (democratisation). The site also encourages interactivity with the audience being offered the chance to Email the show and thus promotes loyalty. The institutions involved are BBC Radio 1.

3) Blog - The RZA

Myspace is an example of social networking and this Myspace page was made by Hip Hop artist, The RZA, in order to promote his music. On the page you can listen to some of his music, watch videos, check tour dates as well as details as his latest album. The page is a good ploy at advertising and is a cheap form as well. The page also lets The RZA contact his fans especially the youngergeneration of fans, who use social networking more. This kind of advertising is replacing more traditional form such as radio, and is better as it is more personalised. Other institutions involved are of course his record company who will profit from the free advertising for his latest single.
This is a good example of democratisation and of convergence of the music industry and social networking.

4) Youtube Video - TPROACH

This is a martial arts music video by 'TPRoach', a youtube user who has put a number of self made martial arts on Youtube as well as edited together montages from existing films such as 'Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai'. from the looks of it 'TPRoach' used a digital camera and used simple editing equipment, maybe moviemaker.

Tproach has seemed to get a huge fanbase mainly from the martial arts community as well as people who attempt to make similar videos on youtube, judging from his website. The opportunity Youtube offers people like TPRoach is to attempt editing and get a response as well as share his hobby with people who will appreciate it and the world. The downside on the use of Youtube is of course the copright. For exmple someone could come up with a concept for a film on youtube, and then it could be taked by a film conpany and they would not see a penny.

Now I believe that TPRoach is trying to sell DVD's on self help in martials arts after his success and is working on a number of projects. As well as this there is a chance he may be paid for his efforts, as youtube begin to pay video uploaders as they discussed a couple of years ago.

This case study is a good example of Democratisation as Youtube.com allows anyone to showcase their abilities and share videos with the world.

5) Podcast- Film4 Movie Rush

Movie Rush by Film Four podcast is a 10 minute summary of the latest films out each week and also out on DVD. It is a free podcast, and is also shown on TV as well on Film Four on Thursdays. It is relevant as it is replacing normal film review programmes such as film with Johnathan Ross, as it is easily acessible and they can watch it when they want. The podcast itself is very brief just giving about a minute or two to each film, ensuring the audience does not get bored and does not have a presenter. Perhaps this is a bad thing as some people probably enjoy more details on the films, as well as the critcal approach a film reviewer like Johnathan Ross has. Film Four also gets to promote itself through it, making sure that special attention is drawn to any Film Four releases.
The main subscriber's of this podcast are mainly young film lovers, especially as the percentage of people that own an I-Pod are under the age of 30. The institutions involved are obviously Channel 4 broadcasters and Apple, so this 'product' is the result of a combination of their efforts, and is a convergence of mediums

6) independant fan website - Zoebell.com

Zoebell.com is an amateur fansite for stuntwoman and actress who has starred in films such as Tarantino's 'DeathProof' and been a stunt double for Uma Thurman amongst others. The website is significant as it has been made by fans for fans and would not be possible without the current democratisation on the web.

The site offers video clips, audio clips, forums, pictures, as well as links to other sites. The film mainly appeals to cult film fans as well as people who take a special interest in action films. Web users might use the site to keep tabs on what Zoe is starring in next as well as discussing things about Zoe in the forums with other fans.

The site also has links to more major websites such as Amazon where you can buy films relating to Zoe such as 'Double Dare' a documentary in which she stars, showing a use of convergence. Websites like this are important as it means that certain actors and artists, can be promoted, even though they are not 'big stars'.

7) Leisure Time Activity- Amateur film production

Film making used to be very difficult for amateur film makers but now with the inroduction of digital cameras it has all become much easier. For one buying film stock is no longer necessary so the cost of film making has decreased greatly. As well as this editing systems like Moviemaker means that editing can be learnt by just about anyone whose willing to learn. As editing has advanced, it is now easier to deal with lighting elements that previously would have been an issue. Another benefit that the user has now is the ability to view what they have filmed on the camera due to the implementing of LCD screens. Some camera's now even have the ability to transfer footage straight to DVD making life even easier for the user.
This kind of technology is relevant to film makers as well as anyone wanting to get into the business. As well as this it could even be used by families for home videos.
Even Hollywood directors are using this technology, inclluding Danny Boyle who used this technology when making '28 Days Later' as he said it meant he could have more camera's onset, because they were cheaper. Technology has alos had an effect on distribution, as it is now easy for people to make home video's and then give them to whom they want. It has also meant that amateur film directors have been able to creat DVD's and sell them.
this is a good example of democratisation as now film making is open to anyone.