For the university course “Understanding the Media”, our groups were tasked with creating a digital product like a podcast or magazine, and using said product to explain one of the theories of communication. Our group chose the theory of uses and gratifications and used a docu-series focused on the employment of social media as a tool by our politicians during the most recent 2020 general elections and how it aided their campaigns.
Power of Media ep.3
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Living with #Decision2020 in 2022
Writer: Ashanti Linton
Voice: Ariana Johnson
Video editor: Jeremy Whervin
Project Overview
This video is the final part of the 3 part docu-series, and serves a few purposes. It is a recap of the election fan-fare, it details the general election outcomes, and it examines the attitudes of the politicians as well as the public following the elections. This video touches on how the social media campaigning translated to support, where many individuals were following the antics and drama online, but didn't truly care much to cast a vote. Something not mentioned in the docu-series, but what can be understood through context is the disregard for middle income voters. This of course, is the case in many countries, and our politicians here, did not hesitate to display their intentions to buy low income voters, and mould the easily manipulated. That is the case for every election here, it's nothing new, but with a voter turnout of roughly 25%, I suppose they reached their target audience.
I must have been smoking something serious when I chose the music for this episode. I remember the intention behind my choice and watching it now, that intention does shine though, however, the music is honestly a little distracting at times, which should never be the case with non-diegetic sound design. All in all, I learned quite a bit from the Project when it comes to sound design, pacing, typography in film and visual context.