Critical and Editorial Report - Essay Example

Critical Essay and Editorial Report Table of Contents Introduction 3 A Rationale of the Multimedia Report 3 Critical Evaluation of Own Portfolio 5 Process of Producing Multimedia Report 5 Process of Producing Website 7 Critical Evaluation of the Ways in Which the Work Experience of the Work Placement Has Influenced the Portfolio 9 Conclusion 10 References 11 Introduction This essay is based on evaluating the production practices I have conducted on journalism. Throughout the course, I have developed multimedia report as well as a website as a part of creation of personal portfolio. Correspondingly, the essay will define the issues that I have faced during my work. For instance, the rationale for developing the multimedia report has been discussed in this essay. Besides, I have also evaluated my individual portfolio defining the process of producing the multimedia report and the website. Additionally, how work experience has influenced the development of portfolio has also been considered in the essay. A Rationale of the Multimedia Report My multimedia report was based on the rise of independent music industry in less developed countries. In developed nations, music industry represents one of the most dynamic segments. Simultaneously, music industry’s contribution to economic growth in developing countries is also becoming evident in the current phenomenon. In majority of nations, music stands as one of the most vital creative industries in economic as well as cultural terms. It is fundamentally because on one hand music is regarded as a key method of artistic expression, while on the other, music is emerging as a persistent commercial industry. Since the beginning of civilisation, music has been one of the most significant ways of describing a culture. Furthermore, as a commercial segment, music industry has generated a considerable amount of revenue (Throsby, 2002). Undoubtedly, it is one of the rapidly growing segments in service economy. However, in most developing nations, music industry remained under explored with insufficient utilisation and economic performances and resources. In several nations, policymakers are still unenthusiastic to treat music as status provided to traditional industries (Andersen & et. al., 2000). My rationale for multimedia report arrive from the idea that how poor nation can establish music industry independently, on their own. In my report, I have demonstrated that a small African nation has attempted to establish music industry. In developed nation, the objective of music industry is to make money and to represent the culture. However, in less developed nations, the picture is slightly different, where the music artists perform only for themselves, as they are not provided any royalty (Hracs, 2012). Irrespective of several problems of less developed nations, the struggle of music artists is worthy of attention. In less developed nations, such as Gambia of African continental, music industry is significant, but largely unsatisfied owing to poor utilisation of resources and undermined scope for the industry to flourish. Contextually, I could recognise in my multimedia report that the creative segment in Gambia tends to depend less on capital-intensive investment. The possibility of music industry development is abundant, varied and continuously developing while attracting robust civilisations (Schultz & Gelder, 2008). Based on these aspects, I have developed the multimedia report in order to demonstrate that irrespective of difficulties, creation of music industry is subject to individual actions. The report herein demonstrates the rise of independent music industry that sprung up with compatible ideals to the network of workshops, producers and studios among others. Critical Evaluation of Own Portfolio As a part of my course, i.e. journalism, I have also developed a personal portfolio. Personal portfolio is regarded as a vehicle for personal development. It demonstrates the outcomes of any learning event. In other words, personal portfolio captures various experiences and practices I have undertaken as a part of my course. It demonstrates the procedure of learning. Hence, it can be stated that portfolio is not just a historical record of different activities; rather, it serves as a medium for involving self-evaluation and individual development planning (Damiani, 2004). My personal portfolio is thus based on the creation of individual websites, where I have recorded all of my experiences during 15th January 2014 to 30th April 2014. Whereas portfolio is private, a personal profile is developed in order to satisfy a specific objective. It helps to make information available for other individuals. Thus, it can be asserted that personal profile delivers evidence of possessing various skills and underpinning knowledge for conducting certain activities (Casey & Egan, 2010). Thus, I have also developed a personal profile in my website, demonstrating activities I have conducted. Process of Producing Multimedia Report The production of multimedia report was quite complex, comprising various steps, which have been elaborated in the discussion henceforth. Conceptualisation: The procedure of making multimedia report begins with a thought; in other words, a vision that is the conceptual beginning point. The starting point was paradoxically the imagining of the concluding point, i.e. the experience that targeted viewers would have. Thus, as a part of producing the multimedia report, I have identified a relevant theme, titled as ‘Music industry in Gambia – making it happen’. This theme is socially important and stimulating to work on. Other criteria, such as accessibility of multimedia component and ethical aspects, such as copyright, have also been considered while producing a multimedia report (Bull, 2010). Development: After identifying the theme to work with, I focused on defining the objectives of the report. The key objective of the report is to provide viewers with succinct information about the rise of independent music industry and the way different actors can strive in order to establish the music industry individually. Correspondingly, the scope of the report was more global than local. It was anticipated that the report would generate adequate awareness regarding significance of music industry, not only as a source of revenue but also as a source of cultural identity. In order to make the report, I thus conducted a rigorous research on Gambian music industry. I have also reviewed the work of one music band in Gambia namely Troubul Smallz or T-Smallz. Reproduction: Reproduction is the procedure of logically mapping out a consistent approach for the entire multimedia report, comprising multimedia component, technical execution and presentation. On the basis of predetermined objectives, hardware, software and involvement of various users to the multimedia report has been described. At this phase, I started to gather the resources required for producing multimedia report. As a part of making multimedia report, I have undertaken the following activities: Development of budget Planning the multimedia report production Decide schedule Decide use of software Creation of outline, script and audio video components (Dancyger, 2006) Production: After completion of reproduction activities, my multimedia report entered in the production phase. The activities of this phase comprised research, interface design, graphic creation, choice of musical context, sound recording, deciding on animation and production of digital video. One of the most important components that have been defined in this phase is the possible target audience wherein it can be asserted that the target audience has determined the presentation of my multimedia report (Pant, 1999). Postproduction: After producing the multimedia report, I published it in the internet as a website (Pant, 1999). Process of Producing Website Information collection: The production of website began with collecting information. The first phase was essentially the most significant aspect for producing the website. It involves good understanding regarding myself as well as the objectives of creating the website. Furthermore, the component of the website has also been considered in the initial phase. For example, my website contained information about my personal portfolio. Planning: On the basis of information I have collected, I have developed a plan for creating the website. As a part of website creation, a site map was initially developed. It contains the list of key topics along with sub topics that will be presented in the website. Planning served as a guide about what component will be represented in the website and thus, it was vital for me to understand the direction of website creation. In this context, it is worth mentioning that a good user interface shall help to direct the website in a convenient manner. In this phase, I have also decided the technology required to be implemented in my website, such as Content Management System (CMS) in order to develop the website (Jones & Salter, 2011). Design: On the basis of information collected, I have determined the look and appearance of the website. Since the website is a personal portfolio and aimed mostly at young individuals, the look has been decided to be quite sophisticated. In the designating phase, it is also vital to incorporate components such as colours in order to strengthen the individuality of the website. Thus, I have selected a rich colour, which can attract the viewers (Jones & Salter, 2011). Development: In the development phase, the actual website has been created. At this time, I have taken every singular graphic component and used them in the creation of my actual and functional website. The website has been typically developed by the creation of home page, followed by interior pages. I have also decided a template for the pages of the website. The theme contains key navigational structure for the website. Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Premier have also been used and made functional during the procedure of website development. I have also made available the website for viewing in order to make any additional changes or improvements (Jones & Salter, 2011). Analysis: At this stage, I have tested the website on the basis of complete functionality and compatibility, certifying that the website is improved and can be viewed appropriately in most recent or updated browsers. In order to publish the website, domain name has been registered along with website hosting services. Once these aspects have been considered, the website has been uploaded in the server (Jones & Salter, 2011). Critical Evaluation of the Ways in Which the Work Experience of the Work Placement Has Influenced the Portfolio My enthusiasm and enjoyment in the area of journalism has helped in developing my personal portfolio. I am a vivid traveller and listener to wide variety of music. I also follow current affairs in newspapers and television. I am also a big admirer of films and photography. At present, I am studying journalism wherein the course consists of training and placement. Throughout my training and placement, I have gained knowledge about mass media and use of internet. I have been capable to gain benefits from variety of skills educated on the subject of broadcasting practice, studio skills, editing and multimedia content production. During the course, I was expected to complete various assignments. I have also opted to do photography and presently am in the middle of developing my portfolio. From 15th January 2014 to 30th April 2014, I have created and represented six assignments in my website. I have also taken vital part in several projects, ranging from writing articles as a journalist to presenting or editing stories. I have experienced from printing and broadcasting procedure and enhanced my capability to critically evaluate and examine relevant stories. I have also been capable to perform in strong team environment. During my work experience, I have acquired valuable practices on shooting and writing on specific locations for university assignments and spend considerable amount of time with different people in the destinations I visited. I have also gained experiences in controlling sounds, graphic and playback throughout my training and placement. I have generated reports on various social and sensitive issues such as crowd funding and post graduate unemployment among others. My education program has enhanced my skill as well as confidence in the area of journalism and therefore, has allowed me develop my own portfolio with a critical judgement. I have also undertaken additional practices such as writing impartially and ethically permitting the viewers to hear different sides of various stories. My work placement has further helped me to develop research skills and analytical ability, which is important for creating the portfolio. My work experience in work placement has opened my eyes regarding the world of journalism. I was capable of using the abilities I have learnt in the course and enjoyed organising various activities. Throughout my preparation of the portfolio, my confidence improved significantly, as I conducted several assignments. Overall, the work placement was regarded as key opportunities and experiences, which permitted me to observe various sides of the media industry. I was also provided the opportunity to travel in different locations and carry out researches. Furthermore, I was provided with various editing tasks, which involved software systems such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Premier among others. These aspects have strongly influenced the current portfolio I have developed. Conclusion The critical essay provided me valuable understanding about my experiences while developing multimedia report and creating the website. In multimedia report, I have highlighted development of the music industry in a less developed nation, Gambia. I have conducted various activities such as creation of scripts and development of audio video components in order to develop the report. My work experience on journalism has certainly assisted me in developing the report. Besides, I have also developed a website as a part of creation of individual portfolio. Thus, in conclusion, it can be stated that I have multiple aspects to learn in the near future. Nonetheless, my work in this course also confirms that journalism is the appropriate job for me. References Andersen, B. & et. al., 2000. Copyrights, Competition and Development: The Case of the Music Industry. UNCTAD Discussion Papers, pp. 1-25. Bull, A., 2010. Multimedia Journalism: A Practical Guide. Routledge. Casey, D. & Egan, D., 2010. The Use of Professional Portfolios and Profiles for Career Enhancement. British Journal of Community Nursing, Vol. 15, No. 11, pp. 547-552. Damiani, V. B., 2004. Portfolio Assessment in the Classroom. Indiana University of Pennsylvania. [Online] Available at: http://www.nasponline.org/communications/spawareness/portfolioassess.pdf [Accessed May 22, 2014]. Dancyger, K., 2006. The Techniques of Film and Video Editing. Focal Press. Hracs, B. J., 2012. A Creative Industry in Transition: The Rise of Digitally Driven Independent Music Production. Growth and Change, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 442-461. Jones, J. & Salter, L., 2011. Digital Journalism. Sage. Pant, A., 1999. Methodology of Multimedia Production. International Conference on Multimedia for Humanities. [Online] Available at: http://ignca.nic.in/clcnf180.htm [Accessed May 22, 2014]. Schultz, M. & Gelder, A., 2008. Helping Poor Countries by Building Creative Industries. Creative Development, pp. 1-52. Throsby, D., 2002. The Music Industry in the New Millennium: Global and Local Perspectives. Macquarie University, pp. 1-19. Read More