Monday, August 25, 2008

New Semester/ Summer Media Events

In the past few years, the summer movie season has really performed poorly. Yet, this year, spearheaded by The Dark Knight, revenues are up. Past research has shown that even in economic downturns people usually do not stop spending money on entertainment. Also showing that this was a change from recent years, the Beijing Olympics pulled in record ratings this summer.

So what is up with this summer? Any ideas why movie and television viewing is up. Is it because it's a cheaper form of entertainment relative to other summertime entertainment (amusement parks, vacation trips, etc.)

Also what was your favorite media event this summer. Was it a movie, a television show or series, a political event covered by the media, new book released, new album released, saw a concert, etc. Tell me what it was and why you enjoyed it so much.

Answer all these questions in two paragraphs please.

29 comments:

Unknown said...

I think that movie and television veiwing is up because people do not have a lot of extra money to spend on expensive vacations. With gas at astronomical rates it makes sense that people would stay home and watch t.v. or go to a movie instead of spending a lot of money. Since television and movie are a cheaper form of entertainment it makes sense that people would stay home. I also think that the death of Heath Ledger pushed The Dark Knight way up in ratings. Since this was his last movie, and the revues on it were amazing.

I personally did not have a lot of time to veiw many media events. The opening and closing of the Olympics were the highlight of my summer. It was truly amazing to see everyone come together in China for the games. The pagentry was amazing for both ceremonies. I thought that that in itself was an amazing part of the summer entertainment this year.

Anonymous said...

I think that movie and TV viewing was up this summer because other forms of entertainment have gotten too expensive. Many of the outings that families or individuals like to do require extra gasoline to get you there (traveling, fishing, skiing, etc.), but most people could afford to drive to the movie theater if they wanted to do something.

Unfortunately, my summer seemed to fly by and I did not get to enjoy much of this summer due to some family health issues. However, the only TV programming I was able to watch outside of anything animated was the summer Olympics. The opening and closing ceremonies were incredible and it was neat to see people from all different countries unite together as they shared the same interests.

Sandy Ward said...

I think past research regarding people still spending money on entertainment even in economic downturns may still be correct. I think what changed, was the entertainment that money was spent on. I think that many families as did ours, found sources of entertainment closer to home because of higher fuel prices and expenses. I also wonder if the record ratings for the Olympics have something to do in part with more American’s being home and television having become a main entertainment outlet for the same reason.

I had more time this summer than I normally do because I took the summer off from school after having gone for several years, so did spend more time than usual watching television and catching up on my “fun” reading. My favorite program that started their new season in April was the Deadliest Catch. For anyone that has not watched this series it is about the deadliest job in the world, crab fishing on the Bering Sea. I know when you say what it is about it doesn’t sound all that great, but it is about real people who risk their lives for huge pay checks. Anyone else out there a Deadliest Catch fan?

name said...

The higher costs for travel and vacations definitely had a hand in causing more people to stay at home. I can't say that it was because there were better quality programs on television or at the movies since it's usually all the same old reruns and reality shows. There were a few blockbusters that inflated the profits for the studios this summer, but the number of bad films released were the same. When the family can't afford to go to Disney world, a night out seeing a bad movie is a nice break to the monotony of sitting at home.

I'm a bit of a fanboy so I went to see the Dark Knight and Iron Man this summer. I haven't really watched too much television, but then again I never really do. I prefer the BBC shows to most of the reality tv and softcore tripe that they broadcast these days.

Rani said...

I believe that the movie and tv viewing is on the rise because of the higher prices for gas and other bills. Summer is known for traveling and fun filled beach resorts. Vacations expenses are also outregeous.You can drive to your destination with gas proces at $3.67 a gallon or fly with plane tickets $200 more than normal. This is cretes a barrier for peoples spending and going.

I saw the Dark Knight this summer and loved it. I thought that Ledger player a great joker and his performance was outstanding. I think people watched this particular film because he passed away and this would be the end of his film career.

Sabrina said...

I think that the rising gas prices played a huge role this summer. Many people could not afford to spend $4.00 a gallon just to travel. Television and movies were the highlights for most individuals. This is an inexpensive form of entertainment. Therfore, staying at home or going to the movies,for most individuals, would be the most sensible thing to do.

My favorite event to watch this summer was the presidential campaign. I also watched the Olympics. My most favorite part was the closing cermonies. This was the most amazing celebration that I had ever seen. It was amazing to see 204 countries unite together.

cheriem said...

I feel that some people may have been in summer school like me and didn't have time to do anything special this summer. I did go to the movies to see Dark Knight...
The Heath Ledger thing of course. He was eerie. Also went to see Sex and the City. It was amazing to see how many women made thier guys go with them.
I think that the prices of theme parks are expensive, but after going to memphis for a weekend I spent just as much. (The only good thing...The Hilton has happy hour from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM--Drinks were on the house)

The Olympics were great! I probably watched them more than I ever have. I am glad Michael Phelps did so well. Also, who the heck said synchronized swimming was a sport? Ok so they swim for a long time...SPORT???

William said...

The price of gasoline has more than doubled tranportation costs. Since tranporation is an essential expense many are forced to reduce expenses elsewhere. Few consumers actually have a set budget for entertaniment making it an easy expense to reduce or eliminate.

These rising costs of necessary expenses have forced many to find cheaper forms of entertainment. Entertainment mediums enjoyed at home are even better since they allow consumers to also forego the transportation expense. Televison is a prime example.

Even in a down economy with restricted consumer spending many still find movie theaters affordable relative to other forms of entertainment. This is especailly true when compared to costly themeparks. These typical summer destinations are a major drain to one's wallet. Add to the fact that the major themeparks are spread out across the nation and you have to tack on a
the hefty transportation costs. Many will opt for more affordable, local forms of entertainment.

I was enrolled in four courses this summer term and had little time to watch television or go to the movies. However, I still somehow managed to watch "The Mummy 3". I chose this film simply because I have viewed the first two. I found it entertaining even though the plot was a carbon copy of first two films.

Kayla Roberts said...

Maybe people did not go many places this summer because of gas. I know the gas prices was one of my main issues for not doing anything this summer. It is definately cheaper to go down the rode and see a movie than travel to another state to go to the beach.

I did not do much this summer but I did see the movie Wanted and I LOVED it! I never dreamed I would care for an action movie. I never thought about leaving my seat, there was never a dull moment throughout the whole movie. It was one of those thinking movies so you had to pay attention to everything.

Torie Fowler said...
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Torie Fowler said...
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Torie Fowler said...

I believe that the summer movie revenue was up because of the economic slump that most people are experiencing. Instead of going on vacation this summer, many people decided to stay home. In many small towns, a movie theater is the only form of entertainment some people have. Also, the movies that premiered during the summer have been fairly good movies and many people have been awaiting their arrivals. As far as the Olympics go, there has been many faces of the Olympics every where you go. Micheal Phelps, Nastia Lukin, Shawn Johnson, you see them at least once a day, before and after the Olympics.

I have a few favorite media events that made my summer more enjoyable. I was a die-hard Micheal Phelps fan during the Olympics, was one of the many Dark Knight viewers, and found time to begin reading the Twilight series. I enjoyed the Olympics due to being a fan of some of the competitors. I was one of the many people who did not know who Phelps or Johnson was until a couple months before the events. After seeing them every day in the media, I decided to see what they were all about. The Dark Knight was, in my book, an extremely good movie. I love Heath Ledger's acting abilities and after his death, payed my tribute to him by going to see the movie. The Twilight series was something that I had never heard about until the last book of the series was released over the summer. I decided to read the first one and fell knee deep in vampire love.

heather b said...

Movie and television viewing has gone up and one of the main reasons is the fact that it is cheaper. No matter how hard times get people are also going to try to find a way to still enjoy themselves. Watching tv or going to see a movie is a cheap way to get together and be social. Also media is such a big part of people lives they are always going to be interested in the media. People are becoming more and more materialistic and watching media such as tv and movies help fill that need.

I did not get around to seeing too many summer media events except a few movies. I saw Dark Night and at first I was a little skeptical of watching it because I am not to sure about "superhero" movies but after watching it I loved it. The characters were amazing and I think they all were perfectly picked for the parts. Also I saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, I went with my soccer team and it was defiantly a good movie to see with a bunch of girls.

Unknown said...

I think that all kinds of entertainment have gotten much more expensive. Most people go on vacations in summer which could just be a couple hour away drive but the gas prices have caused families to put their plans on hold. This has caused many people to choose alternative ways to be entertained in the summer heat. I believe there is a good way to find entertainment other places but isn't the best case scenario for most people.
I went to many different kinds media events while studying aboard in London. I felt it was a perfect oppurtunity to enjoy other forms of media that aren't accessible everyday in America. I went to three plays which were all a wonderful form of entertainment that didn't cost that much. I made sure to go to the low price booths so that I could get the best deal. I also attended a concert which was another form of entertainment besides outside activties. I enjoyed all of these media events especially since I didn't have a chance to go to the beach so this was my form of entertainment. But, I also tried not to watch too much TV throughout the summer because I felt I should be enjoying time outside. Even the simple activties can be fun in the summer such as just sitting outside reading a book which doesn't cost any money. If people tried to find other cheaper forms of entertainment, I believe it is very possible which is a prime reason that the TV watchers has increased.

Anonymous said...

I believe that movie and television viewing is up this summer because of a decrease in extra funds by most families. The majority of people do not have the extra money or resources needed to go out of town; therefore they are finding alternative ways to spend their time which are closer to home. Another problem that I see as contributing to lack of funds is that a lot of people do not budget wisely and are unfortunately living on credit. This poses a long term problem for anyone because they are constantly playing catch up to pay the bills.

This summer I enjoyed going to the movies and seeing Sex and the City and the Dark Night. My family has always been really big into movies, so we are constantly seeing new films especially around Holidays when everyone is home. I also read The Choice by Nicolas Sparks this summer. The Choice confronts readers with the question of how far one will go to keep the hope of love alive. It is a heart wrenching tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Shawna Pounds said...

Whats up this summer...besides gas and grocery prices? Not much! As a parent/student it seemed like the depression had come to my house this summer. Instead of going on vacation for a week or being a member of the country club (where the pool is oh so cool) we had to make adjustments by purchasing an above ground pool and setting it out at home. We also checked out movies from the library instead of renting them and that was our escape this summer. It was the cheaper form of entertainment when we have/had NO disposable income.

My favorite media event was the Olympics. I enjoyed watching the opening and closing ceremonies, but my favorite parts of the olympics were watching Michael Phelps win his gold and make history with his 8 gold medals. I was full of pride for most of the 16 days the olympics were going on and proud of my the USA for setting the bar so high for others (except in the track race when the women and men runners dropped the stick that is to be handed over to each other)and winning more medals than any other country.

Hearst said...

I think people are trying to save money these days because of the increased amount paid for gas. Many families are not taking vacations because of the cost of travel. They are staying home instead of in the road. So, families have more time to stay at home and watch TV. I think the cost of going to the movies is not cheap but considered to other forms of entertainment it would be.

I would have to say the Olympics was my favorite media event of the year. All the news surrounding Michael Phelps made it pretty exciting to watch. It was nice to see the basketball team get their act together. Also, the opening and closing ceremonies were the best I can remember.

Carey Talley said...

I blame it on high gas prices and an unstable economy on why tv and movie viewing is up. People don't have to money to spend on trips to the beach or buying a vacation home. They are busy working to make money so the can just pay for the gas to get home from the office.

My favorite media topic this summer was the dark knight movie also the sex and the city movie and army wives on lifetime. That was all I had time to go see while working and going to school this summer. Plus they were all I could afford to go see with ticket prices at $8 for an early-bird movie.

Carey Talley said...
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Lynsee said...

I believe most people were too financial stretched due to rising gas prices. However, people could stay home, rent a movie, and watch tv at home. When someone wanted to go out, then a movie is a reasonable alternative. It is easier to do smaller outings, such as a movie, than to come up with the money to go on a vacation. We took our first family vacation to the beach this year and it was substantial more expensive than we had planned. Also, the quality of movies released this summer were higher than usual, in my opinion.

I am completely addicted to television. I am a hopeless soap opera and reality tv addict. I was completely focused on Passions since it was the end of the series. I have watched Passions for the entire 9 years it was on tv. Also, I was really into So You Think You Can Dance. I enjoy all the various styles of dancing performed. The Olympics were really interesting. My oldest daughter is a competitive gymnast and she simply loved watching the US team perform.

Lee said...

I think the reason movies and television sales are going up is because they are a cheaper form of entertainment. We use to think they were so expensive, especially with the popcorn and Goobers, but now it costs an "arm and a leg" just to take a simple vacation. Gas prices weigh heavily on these decisions. Everyone lives atleast thirty to forty-five minutes from a movie theater. Going on a vacation requires much more gas, and some people just don't have that kind of money.

My favorite media event this summer was the Olympics. I have never really been into watching the Olympics but with all the media attention on Michael Phelps, Bolt, and Shaun Johnson, I had to watch. Michael Phelps is unbelievable when he enters the water. If nothing else, his ability to crush his competition and set multiple world records, was all I needed to keep me watching.

Anonymous said...

The state of our economy definitely impacts are forms of entertainment. People simply do not have the economic resources for travel and media entertainment, concerts, etc. provide an excellent alternative to the typical summertime entertainment. This is clearly evident as I have heard this explanation from many people that they simply do not have the money in addition to my own personal experience. This summer I had to be creative with my entertainment, and I did so mostly through the movies, averaging about one movie per week. Indeed, I had an entertainment-filled summer without the high cost.

Since most of my entertainment was through the movies, I must admit that The Dark Knight was indeed my movie highlight of the summer. I felt like I was the only person who did not go for Heath Ledger, although I was a tad curious about the hype. I have been a fan of the Batman series, courtesy of my older brother, in addition to being a huge Christian Bale fan. Heath Ledger went beyond my expectations and gave an "awe" performance. This Batman movie exceeded my expectations with a fantastic ensemble cast and fantastic special effects, and I can only hope that the story continues.

Paula said...

Television viewing may have increased because of the Summer Olympics and the cost of travel. Movie going may have increased because it's a different option than television, but without all the expense of a long trip to an expensive resort park or location. And I think the mystique surrounding Health Ledger's death and the way he portrayed the Joker in Dark Knight drew people in. I am a huge Heath Ledger fan and he was a great talent.

After watching television online for my Summer TV and Film Criticism class, and MUCH writing, I found great downtime by going to the Riverwalk in Columbus on Thursday evenings to watch local musicians play, and enjoy a summer evening by the river, relaxing with friends in lawn chairs, enjoying a cold one (high test or decaf):-)

Paula said...

Television viewing may have increased because of the Summer Olympics and the cost of travel. Movie going may have increased because it's a different option than television, but without all the expense of a long trip to an expensive resort park or location. And I think the mystique surrounding Health Ledger's death and the way he portrayed the Joker in Dark Knight drew people in. I am a huge Heath Ledger fan and he was a great talent.

After watching television online for my Summer TV and Film Criticism class, and MUCH writing, I found great downtime by going to the Riverwalk in Columbus on Thursday evenings to watch local musicians play, and enjoy a summer evening by the river, relaxing with friends in lawn chairs, enjoying a cold one (high test or decaf):-)

Annie Bolduc said...

I think people use those form of entertainment, not only because they are cheap, but because they also help socializing a lot. Let me explain this, because there are many examples. A lot of people go on movie dates. It gives them a chance to find a common ground and also discuss of something once the movie is over. I, personally love talking to my friend about the most recent movie I have seen and share opinions about it. Also, I think it is very easy for everyone to use this form of entertainment because it is everywhere! Who doesn't have a television or a movie theater close to home? I think that the accessibility really makes it that much popular for everyone.

The best event for me this summer was definitely the Dark Knight! I know it is a boring answer, but I am a huge geek (haha) and always loved Batman! I had been looking forward to that event for what seemed like forever! I went and saw it at the midnight showing with all of my friends! I was on heavy pain medication because my foot had just been crushed at work, and yet I still worked through the pain and enjoyed it so much! Since then, I saw it 3 times (not being on pain medicine!) and loved it as much everytime. I think I loved it so much because the acting was so perfect and the story really was out of this world. I was on my toe during the whole movie and it had been so long since it happened! It gave me some faith that the entertainment industry can become what it was again!

Matt Middleton said...

The impact of our economic problems on families' budgets has caused the dramatic increase in the amount of movie and television viewing this summer. Vacations that were once within the typical budget of many families have become too expensive with the recent rise in gasoline prices. Revenues for The Dark Knight have been record-breaking not only due to the rise in movie viewing but the unfortunate storyline of the death of Heath Ledger. Television viewing may also be up because there is more variety in progamming than in the past.

I found myself not being able to get away from the addiction that was the Olympics. I made sure I never missed a Michael Phelps swim. What he did in Beijing was truly incredible. The pressure he was under to break a record that has stood while so many others have fallen was intense to say the least. Other storylines such as age controversy and the ridiculous Usain Bolt only made the Games more appealing. The fireworks display in the closing ceremony was also something like I have never seen.

Jamayel Smith said...

I feel simply viewing a movie at your local theater is the cheapest form of entertainment at this point. With the fact of inflation and high gas prices on a person's mind, viewing a movie would be the cheapest form of entertainment versus going on a expensive summer vacation.

I went to the movie only once this summer and I saw Will Smith new movie Hancock. I personally think it was a great movie and well worth my time watching it. Therefore, the simple forms of entertainment has been greatly appreciated lately at this weaken point of our economy versus going on a vacation and spending lots of money.

Lee Beard said...

I agree with Obama, family issues should not be brought up. I think that it is wrong that Palin's daughter drinks underage, however, a lot of high school kids do that. She is unfortunately under the radar because of her political status. Just because her daughter is pregnant at seventeen does not mean she is a terrible mother or that she will not know how to help run this country. Every family has problems.

I think the family is off limits. Being a voter, all I want to hear about is what that person is willing to do for this country, not what there daughter is doing on the weekends. However, I do see the media's point. They want a good "juicy" story to sway the voter or cause contraversy.

Lee Beard

STACIES77 said...

Media and television viewing was up this summer because of gas prices and the astronomical costs of entertainment today. Society as a whole would rather stay home and watch a movie or television versus spending gas money to get to attractions and then paying the ludicrous prices for the attractions.

I did not have a lot of time this summer to watch much television because I work full time and took classes, but I certainly did not travel as much this summer as I typically do because of gas prices and costs of amusement today!