Convergence

The interlocking and merging of mass media technologies, traditional media and digital media into one. 

The most relevant example of media convergence is a smartphone that blends together various media: making calls, taking pictures, editing pictures, shopping online, editing videos. listening to music, watching films, accessing print media, etc!

Technological convergence

How do you consume media through the use of your smart phone?

I watch and interact with videos on social media platforms

I use the calculator app on my phone

I set timers and alarms throughout the week

I take photos and edit them

I listen to music

I call people and speak to them

I message family and friends

I watch shows and movies

How do you produce media through the use of your smart phone?

I edit photos and videos 

I send photos and videos to family and friends

Convergence in the film industry

production: All media filmed can be instantly watched back to allow clips to be reshot while still in the filming location, this then means a lot of time is saved as you don't have to go to the editing sweet to watch the clip and decide if its right and then go back and re film this. The filming device has advanced by gaining more storage and battery meaning you can film more clips for longer before having to recharge the device. 

Distribution: Films are now available to watch on streaming platforms meaning its more accessible and convenient to many more people around the world, this then allows more sales and publicity for the film makers themselves. As well as this, you can now add subtitles, pause, rewind and skip parts of the film.

Marketing: Advertisements are a lot easier to display as they can be posted on a variety of different platforms which makes it cheaper and convenient for smaller film makers. Editing trailers has been made a lot easier with different applications available to create this media product and can then be posted online with the same device. The build up and suspension created can then create a dramatic effect and leave people excited to watch the whole movie. After the movie has aired people can then write reviews on websites and forums which further boosts advertising and helps people hear about these films.

Consumption: People are able to consume the trailer online creating a build up to watch the film its self. Streaming services are available on all devices making it 10 times easier for people to watch any film at any time and we are also able to download these products meaning we can watch it without wifi and data increasing interaction between people and the final media product.