This module explores some of the separate ways that media interact and overlap to produce production. cultures. The module encourages you to explore how relationships between media develop, what dynamics exist between them, and how ideas flow (or not) across. The module may cover such areas as: media convergence, transmedia production, transmedia storytelling, franchises, regulation, talent networks and media industry work, branding, paratexts, and digitization and new media.

The module encourages you to expand your understanding of media beyond individual media texts. This could involve exploring how they are promoted, what licensing arrangements producers and distributors create for product extensions, how stories are sometimes built and adapted across media, and how practitioners move and work in and between different industry environments. In turn, the module encourages you to become aware of the broader contexts of production and consumption, which can include industrial, economic, political, technological, cultural, and social conditions and dynamics. As a result, the module encourages interdisciplinarity, problem solving, and reflection.

ASSESSMENT ONE: RESEARCH PROJECT

A research project that investigates aspects of production cultures.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-4 100%.

This module is taught using mixed mode delivery. Workshops will provide overviews of key topics involving transmedia cultures and discussion sessions provide opportunities for greater interaction and discussion by building on the range of themes and learning activities. Guided Independent learning may include research, film screenings, and academic reading. Tutorials offer supportive opportunities for individual learning and negotiated research.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of production cultures drawing on detailed knowledge of relevant disciplines.

2. Deploy rigorous and appropriate techniques of analysis and enquiry to explore and assess ideas, problems and issues associated with production cultures.

3. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts, and data to make well-informed judgements around the subject discipline.

4. Communicate and analyse information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Blackboard, Library, and online resources (including Box of Broadcasts and ProQuest Global NewStream), Electronic reading lists, Blu-Ray/DVD/Audio/IT playback facilities.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Freeman, M. & Gambarato R. eds. (2018) The Routledge Companion to Transmedia Studies, London: Routledge.

Hesmondhalgh, D. (2018) The Cultural Industries, London: SAGE.

Johnson, D. (2013) Media Franchising, New York: NYU Press.

McDonald, P. (2021) The Routledge Companion to Media Industries, London: Routledge.

Tzioumakis, Y. and Lyons, J. eds. (2022) Indie TV: Industry, Aesthetics and Medium Specificity, London: Routledge.

Vernallis, C. et. al (2019) Transmedia Directors, London: Bloomsbury.

See module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

Production Cultures explores the exciting ways in which different media products and stories are told across different media communication platforms, from blogs to social networks, and from movies to apps. How is transmedia branding and marketing creating content? How are storytelling practices evolving in the current landscape? What are the main franchises to engage global audiences?