A2 Media Studies

Class blog for A2 Media Studies research and assignment information.

Sunday, July 26, 2026

T3 | Wk 1 | Monday - Technology and audience trends

 Technology / CGI fatigue and the Odyssey


Look up details for the recent release of the Odyssey and revisit Barbie, Oppenheimer and Antman Vs. Wasp. 


Look up key info for the films in regards to what CGI they used, what old-school/ traditional methods of filmmaking they used, how they're resonated with audiences, how much they made / Rotten Tomatoes review, etc. 



T3 | Wk 1 | Monday - Diversity in NZ film

     Hi guys,


TASK 1 

Another article to look at with some great information;


After The Power of Inclusion summit: The problems with film/television diversity in NZ


Make some notes using the following questions as guidelines;


1. What was the event being held in NZ and what was it's purpose?

2. Why was Heperi Mita identified as a significant voice? What did he direct and what did he do? 

3. Both NZFC and NZ On Air have a strategy for Maori content, what is it? 


4. What was the concern that Heperi Mita had with the fact that although there was funding, producers were still being hired from big studios to re-tell Maori stories? 

5. Last year, NZ On Air revamped its roadmaps and added a strand for “newer storytellers”. Explain what progress has been made here? 


6. What are some other important points that have been made as a result of this inclusion summit? 


TASK 2 


This is work to add to your research on Power and the Media. We are now looking at our local broadcasting landscape and how Maori are represented in film and TV. 


Check out this article;


Diversify or die: What New Zealand television can learn from our film industry


Questions;


1. What are some of the points this article raises between the difference in how progressive the TV representation of Maori is and the representation of Maori in film? 

2. What is an example of the last TV show that really brought Maori representation into the spotlight but that is an older show to reference now? 

3. What are some examples of films that have done well and that focus on telling the stories of ethnic minority in NZ? 

4. Why are US TV networks scrambling to make their programming more diverse? 

5. What, according to the article is one of the biggest challenges for Maori television shows? 


Write a few other good points from the article and a quote that sums up one of these points, to be able to contribute to your essay on POWER AND THE MEDIA. 

Thursday, July 2, 2026

July School Holidays Assignment - Media concepts - challenges of technological developments

Over the break I'd like you to research and write a news article / investigative journalism piece on the following statement;


"The challenges of technological advancements in media overshadow the positive impact that it has on society"


You should include cited case study material, quotes from industry professionals and detailed examples of each point. 


Consider these challenges along with your own findings in your response;


1. The issue of algorithms / echo-chambers breading extremism 

Explore the idea that algorithms cause people to consume media within echo-chambers of their own bias'. This can be dangerous and breed extremism. 

Eg. the Tech mosque shooting - manifesto  


2. Media regulation challenges and being unable to protect kids from grooming and social harm

Apps with chatbot features  (watch this recent NZ Herald clip - please excuse explicit language - mute for 6.03 mins



3. Technological convergence, the proliferation of the internet, technological advancements making technology cheaper, meaning kids have devices (often unfiltered and unmonitored access to internet and harmful content)  

4. AI and ethical industry concerns - AI creating content - what does this mean for art, creativity and people losing jobs (and/ or voices)? AI using images of people instead of actors - what ethical dilemmas does this create? 

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

T2 | Wk 10 | Wed - Technology - case studies for future of technology in media

    


Make some notes on the future of technology in media

- Bandersnatch 

- Kaleidoscope 

- AI 




We need a case study to refer to in terms of how audiences are looking for interactive content to consume.


Kaleidoscope is a good example, from Netflix. Write down all the info about it. 

 https://collider.com/kaleidoscope-does-it-work/#:~:text=Kaleidoscope%20revolves%20around%20a%20heist,to%20be%20saved%20for%20last.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

T2 | Wk 10 | Monday - Technology challenges - AI

   Have a read of this article.


Make some notes of the benefits of AI in the film industry as well as some of the challenges that will now arise.


https://raindance.org/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-film-industry-a-producers-view/


https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jul/27/artificial-intelligence-movies


Do some research and articulate your findings in a blog post that explores the challenges of technological developments in regards to AI and it's impact on different media you have studied ( think along the lines of Social Media / fake news / misinformation / deep fake videos / source validity / regulation challenges and personal data)

What are the benefits? Do they outweigh the concerns? 

T3 | Wk 1 | Monday - Technology and audience trends

 Technology / CGI fatigue and the Odyssey Look up details for the recent release of the Odyssey and revisit Barbie, Oppenheimer and Antman V...