Understanding Media Production

Through in-depth analysis of different types of film, TV and online content, Understanding Media Production examines whether media theory can help inform good practice in media production.

Using real-world examples, such as Pirates of The Caribbean, Game of Thrones, Love Island and PewDiePie’s ‘letsplay’ videos, chapters give step-by-step guidance on producing feature films, studio shows, filmed TV series, news reports, TV formats and digital content. This comparative approach highlights the similarities and differences in the production strategies and style used for this range of media products. The book also explains how the US and UK media industries developed particular products and how certain production technologies, knowledge and practices have been refined and implemented. By exploring the links between economic, socio-political and cultural practices in the development of media production, the book offers a new approach to explaining and understanding media production, highlighting both the potential for innovation and creativity and the role of global media corporations in controlling markets to maintain profitability.

Understanding Media Production is designed to enable a constructive debate between media practitioners and media theorists and to offer aspiring producers an introduction to understanding the main production methods used in the UK and US media industries.

Paul Dwyer is Director of the Creative Enterprise Centre, a Course Leader and a member of the CAMRI research group at the University of Westminster, UK. He is a former producer and director of factual, news and drama TV and radio programmes.