[ecrea] CFP for Distributors, Discs and Disciples: Exploring the Home Media Renaissance

Distributors, Discs and Disciples: Exploring the Home Media Renaissance


23rd May 2015, University of Worcester


Rationale:


Distribution is often been seen as the “invisible link” in the media 
industry, in terms of facilitating how films, television shows and other 
texts reach audiences. The rise of digital platforms, such as online 
rental services and bit torrents, recently changed this view and digital 
distribution is the focus of several recent publications. However, there 
has not been a mass shift towards purely digital media, and physical 
media releases are still sought out by fans and consumers. Special 
editions and box-sets for DVDs and Blu-Rays are frequently hyped up on 
social media, and from many countries around the world. Past formats 
also make for collectible items, such as VHS, Laserdisc, and HD-DVD. 
Terminology related to physical media hugely affects perceptions of 
exhibition and consumption, such as ‘box-sets’, ‘binge-watching’, and 
‘marathon’.



Distributors have been recognised as the ones making all this possible. 
Media distribution labels often promote their own actions; or their 
actions are reported on by critics and journalists; or fans and 
consumers directly respond to their releases and related activities. 
Such activity takes place within a variety of contexts – from film 
festivals to conventions and Q&A sessions; from social media, to 
dedicated websites and themed public attractions. This also occurs in 
relation to a variety of media texts – from newer releases to older 
titles; from films previously unavailable, to those regularly watched 
and celebrated by many.



The result of the raising of the profile of distributors has been a Home 
Media Renaissance. This exists not only as an alternative to online 
digital media exhibition options, but as one that occurs alongside them. 
In addition to the recent academic study of legitimate and illegitimate 
methods of online downloading and streaming, the simultaneous desire to 
own physical media is prevalent.



The aim of this symposium is to discuss and debate how and why 
distributors are becoming so prolific in an increasingly digital age. Is 
this activity a reaction to shifts towards downloading and streaming? 
Are consumers increasingly attracted to these forms of media, or are 
distributors desperate to maintain their interest? Can it last?



Case studies and observations of particular titles are encouraged – 
whether they are films, television shows, or other media – and concern a 
particular genre, national context, authorship figure, or other 
categorisation. This can take the shape of a 20 minute paper, or a 
shorter presentation – for example, as part of a panel of lightning 
talks or speed-geeking.



Other potential topics could cover, but are not limited to:



    *

      Distribution Labels
    *

      Home Media Formats
    *

      Exhibition Methods
    *

      Consumption Habits
    *

      Fandom (e.g. social media, blogs, communities and groups, etc)
    *

      Marketing and Promotion
    *

      Creativity and Production within Distribution and Marketing
    *

      Critical Reception and Other Reactions
    *

      Awards and Recognition



All topics proposed will also be eligible for inclusion within an edited 
collection. The subject of the symposium has already gained early 
interest from some publishers.



Proposals should be sent via email to (jlwroot /at/ googlemail.com). Proposals 
should be no more than 200 words, with a brief biographical statement 
(100 words) attached. The deadline for these is 30th January 2015. 
Decisions of acceptance will be sent out by the end of February/early 
March. There will be the opportunity to extend the length of the 
symposium, and potentially host it at a different location, depending on 
the number of proposals.



Dr Jonathan Wroot
Sessional Lecturer, Film Studies,
Institute of Humanities and Creative Arts,
University of Worcester.
PhD awarded by UEA
Email: (jlwroot /at/ googlemail.com)
http://worc.academia.edu/JonathanWroot

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