If you think about it, there isn’t such thing as a foreign language film. No language is foreign to everyone, every language is inherent to someone. We deem them foreign language films since they are in a language that is not English. With the rise of film production, there is an extensive range of foreign films which, are central to the history of world cinema. From Bollywood films to French New Wave, the world of film reaches far beyond the U.S and has so much to offer. How better to understand the ideals and values of our global populations by engaging with art created by their community?

In saying this, I viewed Alfonso Cuaron’s 2018 family drama ‘Roma’. Set in 1970s Mexico, this epic film combines farce, comedy and tragedy into one tearjerking masterpiece. Cuarón drew on childhood memories and so much of this film relays the personal story against a framework of a larger one – the human story, the face in the crowd. Cuarón’s captivating film focuses on the lives of two women. Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) is a youthful woman working as a ‘live-in’ maid for an upper-middle-class- family. In tandem with her employer, Sophia (Marina De Tavira), Cleo’s private life begins to unravel.

Shot in pellucid black and white, the film adopts an attractive visual style. Cuarón hardly employs close-ups, keeping the audience at arm’s length from the characters. Therefore, allowing the aspects of the world around them to come to life. Black and white film allows the director to employ digital techniques, modifying and fabricating period features with a dreamlike feel. Considered some of the most remarkable imagery of the year, ‘Roma’ combines the surreal with the relatable to form one memorable image.

‘Roma’ embraces visual language to depict character and mood in ways his silent protagonist cannot. Due to Cuarón’s attention to detail, the film is designed to transport and immerse you. For those who build a connection with the characters, the film climaxes in a few touching scenes which, will shake you to the core. 

‘Roma’ is a noteworthy film for carrying on Alfonso Cuarón’s cinematic legacy. It has gained global attention and has been embraced by Western audiences and critics. Western cultures such as American and Australia, act as a stepping stone for filmmakers. Various films take on perspectives and settings from other cultures, whilst remaining essentially Western at their core. For example, the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, featured an ethnically Chinese cast, but was an international co-production involving major American production companies. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Roma are the only two foreign-language films to be nominated for 10 Academy Awards. Engaging in both films, you will likely be able to draw comparisons.   

Cultural knowledge based around Mexico and the 1970s would surely help audiences intending to engage with the film. While Netflix is viewed across the globe, U.S viewers account for almost 75% of viewers (2018). Although Netflix has been featuring a larger variety of non-US content, Netflix has dubbed much of its foreign content in English as an ‘international strategy’ to cater to its American audience. Foreign content is being progressively ‘Americanised’. In saying this, Roma steers clear from this. Netflix released Roma in Spanish with subtitles, as this was a significant testament to Cuarón’s desire to keep his film authentically Mexican.

REFERENCES:

Alfonso Cuarón MEXICAN DIRECTOR AND SCREENWRITER. (2010). In: Encyclopaedia Britannica. Chicago. [Accessed 12 Aug. 2019]

Amazon.com. (2019). Amazon.com: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun Fat, Zhang Ziyi, Pei-pei Cheng: Amazon Digital Services LLC. [online] Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Crouching-Tiger-Hidden-Dragon-Michelle/dp/B000R3BMM0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1549596700&sr=8-1&keywords=crouching+tiger+hidden+dragon&linkCode=sl1&tag=cinemaescapis-20&linkId=29de7fd48e281af756d8d2aa5f253474&language=en_US [Accessed 12 Aug. 2019].

Bradshaw, P. (2018). Roma review – an epic of tearjerking magnificence. The Guardian. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/nov/29/roma-review-alfonso-cuaron [Accessed 12 Aug. 2019].

Davey, K. (2019). Authentically Mexican, “Roma” Is Different From Other Hollywood Foreign Language Darlings. [online] Cinema Escapist. Available at: https://www.cinemaescapist.com/2019/02/roma-mexican-movie-hollywood/ [Accessed 12 Aug. 2019].

Miller, T. and Maxwell, R. (2016). Film and Globalization. In: O. Boyd-Barrett, ed., Communications, Media, Globalization and Empire. New Barnet, Herts, United Kingdom: John Libbey Publishing Ltd., pp.33-53. [Accessed 4 Aug. 2019].

Richter, F. (2019). Infographic: Netflix Passes 150 Million Paid Subscribers. [online] Statista Infographics. Available at: https://www.statista.com/chart/10311/netflix-subscriptions-usa-international/ [Accessed 13 Aug. 2019].

Tallerico, B. (2018). Roma Movie Review & Film Summary (2018) | Roger Ebert. [online] Rogerebert.com. Available at: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/roma-2018 [Accessed 10 Aug. 2019].

Tapley, K. (2019). ‘Roma’ Actress Yalitza Aparicio on the Challenge of Playing Alfonso Cuarón’s Real-Life Nanny. [Blog] Variety. Available at: https://variety.com/2018/film/awards/yalitza-aparicio-interview-roma-alfonso-cuaron-nanny-1202988697/ [Accessed 11 Aug. 2019].

Udden, J. (2009). Child of the Long Take: Alfonso Cuaron’s Film Aesthetics in the Shadow of Globalization, [online] 43(1), pp.26-44. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/style.43.1.26?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents [Accessed 11 Aug. 2019].

Wood, J., Simonpillai, R., Scarano, R. and Herrera, A. (2018). 56 Foreign Films to See Before You Die. [online] Complex. Available at: https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2018/12/best-foreign-films/ [Accessed 11 Aug. 2019].

“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today“

James Dean

‘Rebel Without a Cause’ would have to be one of my favourite old movies. Released in 1955, this American film by Nicholas Ray stares James Dean in the classic tale of teen angst and rebellion. This sadly was one of James Dean’s final acting roles as he passed away one month before the movies’ release. James Dean plays the character of Jim Stark, a sensitive but troubled youth, who although desperately wants to fit in, rejects his parents’ morals. Jims new in town and looking for a fresh start away from trouble, however, trouble always seems to find him.

Early on in the movie, Jim becomes known to a group of violent, rough boys who dare him to a game of chicken. Consequently, this leads to an accident and an unfortunate death. Being the sensitive teen he is, Jim attempts to confess to the Police, but his elders’ refuse him to do so. Tension surfaces as the violent boys suspect Jim will confess to the police.  

‘Rebel Without a Cause’ is a film, which sympathetically conveys rebellion, misunderstood, America, middle-class youth. The story of youthful disobedience offers a rich, but stylised outlook at the world of the conventional 1950s. The audience views this perception from the eyes of the main character ‘Jim’. Television dominated American culture during the 1950s. The 50s and future decades altered the nation’s outlook of youth, who became a vital part of society. 

If you have seen the film, it becomes quite clear that the intended audience was youth during the 1950s. Ultimately, the film served as a stepping stone for all youth rebellion films in the future. In 1955, Hollywood released two correlating youth films. In 1956, there was 10 and in 1957 there was 40. By the mid-1950s youth accounted for more than 50% of the ticket consumers for Hollywood movies. ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ was the first film to relate teen audiences on their terms. ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ is a perfect example of a film, which pushes the boundaries, having a social influence on its time due to its material. This classic film disturbed the social idea that home, community and school are essential environments for youth upbringing. In contemporary society, a movie like this is standard. However, in the 1950s, it attracted quite a lot of attention due to the social barriers it broke regarding these institutions.

Cultural knowledge based around the 1950s conventional lifestyle would surely help audiences intending to engage with the film. It is highly focussed on youth of the time, highlighting themes of miscommunication, masculinity and teen rebellion. Cultural homogenisation is a feature of cultural globalisation. It indicates a decrease in cultural diversity through conformity to common standards and cultural patterns. ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ presents a stylised view of 1950s American life. As a result, Western cultures such as Australia are able to relate closely due to the various similarities between cultures.

For anyone out there who also shares a love for classic movies, I highly recommend!!

xx

“Deception” a universal term recognised as a deliberate offence, deceiving an individual in an attempt to unfairly benefit yourself, or to disadvantage another individual. Considered an ethical issue, deception embodies the use of words, conduct and is deemed misrepresentation. Linking deception to marketing and advertising, deceptive advertisements have the potential to influence consumers about the nature of the advertised product, thereby causing individuals to alter their judgments. 

Relevant studies reveal advertising deception and fakery potentially leads to defensive consumers and an increase in distrust towards further advertising claims. Numerous studies demonstrate increases in negative bias in consumers’ opinions concerning advertisements due to deceptive publicity. 

Linking concept to law, Section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law prohibits conduct, in business or commerce, which is ‘misleading or deceptive or is probable to mislead or deceive’. We view such characteristics in 2018 where the Australian food-manufacturing corporation ‘Heinz’ publicised misleading and fabricated health benefits. The published claims misinformed consumers on the  dietary contents of their ‘Heinz Little Kids Shredz’. Found guilty by the Federal Court of Australia, Heinz was fined $2.25 million as well as ordered to establish a consumer protection compliance program. 

MARKETING & ADVERTISING: UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

In the field of marketing and advertising varying forms of marketing frameworks restrict the possibility for engagement in unethical behaviour. This is because the evaluative elements in the exchange process are evident to the consumer. This in turn enables the buyer to objectively judge the exchange situation in making an informed decision. Alternatively, there are such instances where consumers are unable to accurately understand and assess a products’ value, thereby creating scope for marketers to engage in unethical behaviour. 

 Linking this concept to the case of Heinz, the corporation engaged in misleading and deceptive advertising. In this instance, the companies’ actions were considered unethical as they advertised fabricated and misinformed statements whilst engaging in conduct liable to deceive consumers. Heinz ‘Little Kidz Shredz’ products were falsely advertised to be as nutritious as natural fruit and vegetables, where in fact 60% of the product contained sugar. 

Advertising is considered an integral feature of a business entity. Corporations expend billions of dollars annually to promote their products. Advertising is a form of communication employed to persuade a targeted group to take on new action. Advertising is recognised as a vital component for economic growth of marketers and businesses in competition.

HOW ETHICAL ISSUES AFFECTS PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 

Ethics is defined as a code of principles, which govern the actions of an individual regarding what is right and what is wrong. Depending on the point of view, they determine our behaviour when confronted with a moral dilemma and are often subjective. Due to their nature of being subjective, ethical values fluctuate internationally. Ethical practices alongside unethical practices can influence marketing and in some circumstances, unethical behaviour can prompt government intervention. 

It is known, professional practice in a marketing sense is likely to be subjective by ethical behaviour and issues. In a marketing deal, all existing parties hold expectations relating to how the business relationship will exist. Ethical marketing decision-making should exceed the needs of consumers, business associates and suppliers. Conversely, unethical behaviour including selective advertising, price wars and deceptive publicising has the power to negatively impact a corporation’s relationships. 

Current trends display an increase in consumers’ favouring ethical companies. Consequently, ethics itself is a selling point and a key aspect of a company’s image. 

HEINZ CASE PROCEEDINGS & OUTCOMES

The foundation of this case was built around the advertising code of ethics, which states ‘advertising or marketing communications must not be misleading or deceptive’. In a struggle to prove the wrongdoings of Heinz, the court ruled that the ACCC insufficiently proved the ‘Kidz Shredz’ product to have illustrated that they were of equal dietary value to that of fruit and vegetables. Moreover, They were unable to demonstrate that the products encouraged the development of healthy eating habits in children. 

In summary, the court agreed the statements and illustrations published on the packaging, conjured up the impressions of nutrition and health. 

Subsequently, the Shredz product range, which was available nationally in supermarkets since 2013, is now no longer for sale. In addition to the case, The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended reducing the consumption of products containing fruit juice concentrate in an effort to minimise the risk of obesity.

“We welcome the Court’s decision today which shows that businesses that make false or misleading claims about the health benefits of products face serious consequences,” 

– ACCC Acting Chair Delia Rickard – 

HOW IS DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING PUNISHED? 

In the case of deceptive publication, an advertiser may be able to repair the damages done without incurring further consequences depending on the severity of the breach of false advertising laws. In relation to the law, section 29 of the Australian Consumer Law states it is unlawful to ‘make a false or misleading representation that goods are of a particular standard, quality or value’.  

In the ruling for Heinz’s advertising breach, counsel Tom Duggan of the ACCC claimed Heinz to have a substantial penalty imposed to act as a warning. The Federal Court of Adelaide found the action of Heinz Corporation involved “willful” and “recklessness”. Furthermore, the ACCC argued the seriousness of the situation due to the possible implications for the health of young children. 

“Each of the Heinz nutritionists ought to have known that a representation that a product containing approximately two thirds sugar was beneficial to the health of children aged 1-3 years was misleading”  

– Justice Richard White –

MARKETING & ADVERTISING CONSIDERATIONS 

In relation to the Heinz vs ACCC deceptive advertising case, there are several precautions companies can employ to minimise the risk of breaching the Australian Consumer Law. Firstly, food production companies should ensure their product development and marketing evaluation process encourages thorough consideration of the accuracy of any product claims, including claims that may be implied from product packaging. 

Linking considerations to the case, one in particular directly correlates. In order to avoid infringements of the ACL, companies must not assume the presence of nutrients and ingredient information. Required by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, will “cure” any untruthful representations about the “healthiness” of the product. 

The nutritional information depicting the ‘Shredz’ product contained two-thirds sugar had no impact on the court’s verdict that Heinz had breached the ACL. Considered by the court, it was improbable that consumers would examine the nutritional ingredients prior to purchasing. Conclusively, this demonstrates how fine print cannot counteract the leading marketing message.

In today’s age, media acts as a key contributor in everyday life as its job is to inform, educate and entertain. If we look back over 10 years it is pretty clear how we view media has altered in some form. Arguably, the most significant invention of the 20th century (disregarding the Internet) has been the Television. Television is an influential and flexible tool, which influences the public to great lengths, both positively and negatively. Television is the voice of the voiceless and a driving power in constructing society. However, in recent years this global device has fallen under threat to media viewing platforms such as Netflix and Stan. 

American programs have dominated the networks and presented an America way of life to Australians since the introduction of television in Australia in 1956. This ultimately has encouraged modifications to the Australian culture. Australian audiences, alongside many others, can identify with characters in tv programs. This is a necessary feature to successful filmmaking. Popular TV series subconsciously engage viewers to participate mentally with the programs’ leading characters.

This is the case for NBC’s American TV sitcom ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’. Aired in 1994 the TV series follows the professional and private lives of six friends living in Manhattan. The iconic series is jam-packed with interesting and unique characters among their emotional and hilarious moments. This sitcom is broadly considered as unforgettable and iconic. It launched the careers of several actors and created a passionate fandom. In modern society, F.R.I.E.N.D.S remains one of TV’s most loved sitcoms. Although it did not officially air in Australia until 1996, this 10 season show is globally remembered as one that defined its era. It wasn’t until a few years ago when Netflix announced their release of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 

Personally, this is one of my favourite TV series, if you are looking for an easy binge show, then this is perfect for you! Although I do not fit into the age demographic of the characters, I still find myself relating to various aspects of the characters lives. The global success of F.R.I.E.N.D.S can be attributed to its timeless nature. For the years to come, 20 something year old’s can still relate to this American sitcom due to its relevance of life obstacles and experiences we  may endure at some point. 

From the constant change in careers, whether you are being promoted or laid off, to going from depending on your parents to being completely self-sufficient, F.R.I.E.N.D.S remains a series which truly captures this age demographic. Although this TV series has been relocated onto Netflix, there are still some channels, which shows reruns. From this, we can understand how the shows’ popularity continues to excel both on free to air TV and online viewing platforms. 

I love the F.R.I.E.N.D.S series, so if anyone is looking for a good binge-worthy show I highly recommend!

REFERENCES:

Allen, G., Feils, D. and Disbrow, H. (2014). THE RISE AND FALL OF NETFLIX: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHERE WILL IT GO FROM HERE?. JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY FOR CASE STUDIES, [online] 20(2), pp.119-123. Available at: https://www.abacademies.org/articles/jiacsvol20no22014.pdf#page=129 [Accessed 3 Aug. 2019].

Curtin, M. and Shattuc, J. (2009). The American Television Industry. Bedford Square, London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, pp.1-8, 11-13. [Accessed 4 Aug. 2019]

Donahue, A. (2014). Friends: 20 years old and still the best-ever show about twentysomethings. The Guardian. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/jan/08/friends-20-years-best-show-twentysomethings [Accessed 3 Aug. 2019].

Lowe, A. (2014). Twenty years of Friends: the 20 best episodes. The Sydney Morning Herald. [online] Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/twenty-years-of-friends-the-20-best-episodes-20140922-10k5vx.html [Accessed 4 Aug. 2019].

Monaghan, E. (2016). Television Through the Decades and the Ways It Changed Our World. [online] TopTenReviews. Available at: https://www.toptenreviews.com/television-through-the-decades-and-the-ways-it-changed-our-world [Accessed 4 Aug. 2019].

Plesa, A. (2000). Where to watch Friends online in Australia | finder.com.au. [online] Finder. Available at: https://www.finder.com.au/where-to-watch-friends-online [Accessed 5 Aug. 2019].

Williams, D.S. (2019). How Filmmakers Connect With Audiences. [online] Movieoutline. Available at: http://www.movieoutline.com/articles/how-filmmakers-connect-with-audiences.html [Accessed 4 Aug. 2019].

LA VIE ETC.

After discussing and brainstorming, Alex and I have come up with a digital artefact idea! Whilst considering potential ideas, we agreed we wanted our product to  be aimed at girls our age. So what’s our project?

We’ve chosen to create a website, which will be targeted at 18-22 females who are typically enrolled at university. We chose to the aim our project to this age demographic as most girls are currently studying, working or trying to figure out what they want to do in life. It’s a period where a lot is going on and changes are happening. During this age range, we often seek advice from friends and family on subjects such as personal life matters, relationships and all the bits in between like uni and money.

The page will include a menu bar, which will contain all the topics we will cover as well as a comment section where readers can share their own experiences. We aim to publish 1-2 articles per week. Alongside this, we will also have an Instagram page, where we will post weekly tips and links to our latest articles on our website.

Our overall objective for this project is to create an online safe space where girls can become informed on a broad spectrum of topics and issues, without fear of embarrassment. 

From the moment I wake up, I am scrolling through Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to inform myself of any big news I may have missed since I last checked social media. This endless cycle is one which occurs every day as try and pull myself out of bed or when I am doing the last scroll when I really should be sleeping. As a child, I have been raised in a family, which is always up to date with the news and current affairs, which would more than likely be discussed at dinners or family events. 

Today I will explore the concept of the ‘Public Sphere’ and what this notion means to me. This universal concept is considered as a place where individuals gather the news and debate about issues. Generally, it is viewed as a social space where a range of opinions and outlooks are presented or general concerns are discussed with collective solutions being offered. 

For myself, my public sphere is my friends and family. Jurgen Habermas imagined the public sphere to be ‘like an 18th-century coffee house’. Linking this image to my own personal experiences I would consider my dining room as my 18th-century coffee house. As a child, one of my favourite weekend activities was to wake up early Sunday morning and walk up to the local paper shop with my dad and our dog. 

As we got home my dad and I would sort through sections of the paper for each of us to read and we would sit at the table having breakfast whilst reading up on the latest news. Afterwards we would talk about the ins and outs of what we did and did not like. As of a night time, my whole family would sit in front of the television and watch the news together. 

However, as I grew up these traditions changed and my main source of news updates now comes from my phone. No matter the topic, from festival lineups, to celebrity goss or even global news I have at my disposal the wide world of news. It is now so easily accessible to read about what’s going on in the world and with a simple click I can share the news with whomever I wish. Day-to-day my friends and I often discuss the hot topics we see on a wide scope of social media platforms.  

I’m sure most of you can agree or relate to some degree that we are largely surrounded by the news and current affairs whether we like it or not. It is within my public sphere where I feel most affected by the media as I discuss topics relevant to me with those closest. 

x

In a matter of seconds we have the world at our disposal. Everything we want to know or see is accessible with a few simple clicks. The world of Facebook (for some of us) surrounds our day-to-day life, whether we like it or not. This global networking platform allows messages to be sent and received instantaneously to those all across the globe with the hit of a button.  

Created by none other than Mark Zuckerberg and a few of his Harvard colleagues, Facebook was created in February 2004. With more than 1.2 billion users, Facebook accounts for approximately 17% of the world’s population actively engaging with the platform. This global social program has transformed the way we use the internet. People now read the news on their Facebook ‘news feed’ rather than reading online newspapers or even buying a newspaper for that fact. Not only do users post about their personal life, but they are also sharing content on news articles and the latest updates. It starts with a ‘News Feed’, a never-ending stream of content shared by connections formed with people and business on this platform. https://mashable.com

Although Facebook is not for everyone, it is has become increasingly popular for a wide spectrum of ages. It openly invites multitudes of visitors every month, prompting a shift in communication. Facebook eliminates the barriers which may restrict our regularity of communication with individuals, upholding the geographic differences, busy lifestyles, social status and financial influences that may usually discourage us from regular contact (Cooke, 2011).

For myself (i’m sure some of you can relate), Facebook is definitely a big aspect of my social life. It is an easily accessible platform where I am regularly updated with what’s going on to those closest to me (friends and family) and as well the current global issues. Facebook offers users a wide scope of both public and professional content. This allows readers to rapidly attain their news as well as construct views on the subject matter presented to them.

Facebook has the ability to inform users across the globe of political debates, environmental concerns and the latest crises. With the majority of news corporations using Facebook we can now be regularly informed with reliable information and as well, express our own opinions. The global rise of Facebook has led to greater connections and greater accessibility to current affairs.

xx

The snow leopard, a magnificent cat and once considered king of the mountains. The once prominent feline was located in over 10 countries including regions like China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia and Mongolia – but their population is now rapidly diminishing. This is the sad but true reality for many species across the globe.

When searching for a complex advertisement or campaign, I wanted to find something that really stood out. It’s safe to say this project campaign definitely did the job. This advertisement in my opinion sends out a strong, powerful message, without the use of extensive information. The catchy five word slogan, “Main Aids or Nature Fades” presents the reader with a powerful issue. Without having any prior knowledge to this issue, it is clear this campaign conveys an environmental concern. Media advertisements can often be subject to misinterpretation.

However in this circumstance I believe is not the case. The illustration located front and centre forces us to contemplate what the issue is. It depicts a Snow Leopard that is gradually deteriorating. By employing a minimal colour choice, we are presented with a ‘black and white’ issue. This issue is that our actions take on harmful consequences to our nature and environment.

In the previous year, WWF conducted a census only to find a total of 61 Snow Leopards in Russia’s Altai-Sayan Ecoregion. For those of you who may be unaware this is considered an extremely remote area and sadly for the Snow Leopards this area stands as a final refuge. WWF has taken an interest into the population of Snow Leopards in Russia for the past three years. Since this monitoring commenced, the species population has remained moderately stable. Nonetheless, this species is considered endangered, with approximately 7,000 remaining in the wild.  https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/new-survey-finds-stable-snow-leopard-population-in-russia

The Snow Leopard plays a vital part as a leading predator but also as an indicator of the health of their high altitude environment. How well Snow Leopards thrive and increase in population, has a direct impact to the survival of numerous other species. 

So, who are the main predators of this endangered creature? HUMANS! 

Humans take the sole responsibility and are the predominant reason this species is under threat. The main causes of endangerment can be related to hunting and habitat loss. The reality is, Snow Leopard’s habitat continues to diminish as a result of human industrialisation.

In summary, this Snow Leopard Project advertisement presents us with a critical concern as a result of our own actions. It reveals that media advertisements or campaigns do not need extensive information to get a point across. By employing a descriptive illustration and a powerful five word slogan we are confronted with a global issue.

xx

At some point in our life, everyone including you and I will experience the feeling of being part of an audience. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love this feeling! An audience in my eyes, encompasses individuals’ (majority who are strangers) brought together by a shared interest. In my mind when I consider audiences I think of festivals and concerts.

For the majority of my upbringing and even to this day, I have been immersed into the wide world of music! Coming from a family who’s whole life has been music both performing and observing, I have always held a deep appreciation for the many forms of music and have been lucky enough to see my most loved artists and bands. Each performance I witness holds a different experience and special meaning in my life.

The feeling I get when I’m surrounded by a complete bunch strangers, all sharing a common love for a particular artist, is something I will always love. Being part of an audience brings a sense of unity and togetherness.  I can safely say that all of my music experiences have 100% been pleasurable and enjoyable.

Growing up our family’s tradition each year was to road trip up to Byron Bay and spend the whole week at the ‘Byron Bay Bluesfest’. This childhood experience is where my love for live music originated from.  This musical adventure / experience holds a big place in my life and let me tell you why… 

Firstly, I don’t know about you but I absolutely love the atmosphere of music festivals! The whole setup of having multiple stages of music at your disposal and the vibe of everyone in their own little world enjoying the music surrounding them. Being a kid, this was something I had never witnessed before… who knew I would end up now going to multiple festivals a year and enjoying them more and more every time! I have to admit, I am guilty of getting quite emotional when I see one of my most loved artists on the stage so close to me. 

For any of you out there reading this and who may be a music lover like me, I hope you can relate to what’s coming next. Standing in the mosh, sweaty as anything, feet hurting from standing too long and squished up against everyone, you find yourself in a state of complete euphoria. Besides witnessing the magical talents of the artists, the incredible feeling you get when a whole arena is singing along together, is 100% my most treasured aspect of a festival. 

xx

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ― Billy Joel

http://www.cmuse.org

Hi! My names Kira and welcome to my blog! I am 21 years of age and living in Sydney. I’m a current student at the University of Wollongong, studying Media and Communications (marketing and advertising) with International Studies (global sustainable development). At this moment I have no clue where this degree will take me in the future, but hey how exciting!

Here’s a little bit more about myself; I am an energetic, easy going gal who loves sport, music, travel and am very interested in humanitarian work and helping others! Prior to university I obtained a qualification in a TEFL course, which allows me to teach those whos second language is English!

I hope this blog provides an insight to my world as a young adult as I share my experiences and views. Hope you all enjoy

Much Love,

Kira xx