Introduction: the Problem of New Media Studies
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View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Queen Margaret University eResearch WEBFILM THEORY SIMONE KURTZKE Doctor of Philosophy School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication QUEEN MARGARET UNIVERSITY 2007 Abstract Since its inception in 1989, the World Wide Web has grown as a medium for publishing first text, then images, audio, and finally, moving images including short films. While most new media forms, in particular, hypertext, have received scholarly attention, research into moving image on the Internet had been limited. The thesis therefore set out to investigate webfilms, a form of short film on the WWW and the Internet, over a period of 9 years (1997-2005). The thesis was theoretically embedded in questions regarding new media as new field of research, since the increasing visibility of new media had resulted in the emergence of the discipline of ‘new media studies’. This context raised issues regarding the configuration of new media studies within the existing academic disciplines of media and cultural studies, which were explored in depth in the literature review. The case studies of the thesis explored and analysed webfilms from a vantage point of actor-network theory, since this was arguably the most appropriate methodology to a research object considerably influenced by technological factors. The focus was on the conditions of webfilm production, distribution, and exhibition, and the evolution of webfilm discourse and culture. The aim was to seek answers to the question ‘How did webfilm arise as (new) form of film?’ In the process of research, a number of issues were raised including the changing definition and changing forms of webfilms, the convergence of media, and the complex interdependency of humans and their computers. The research re-evaluates the relationship between human and non-human factors in media production and presents a fresh approach by focusing on the network as unit of analysis. The thesis as a whole not only provides new information on the evolution of webfilm as a form of film, but also illustrates how the network interaction of humans and non- humans lies at the heart of contemporary new media and convergence culture. II Acknowledgements The work with this thesis has been extensive and trying. Often, it was rather lonely, but always exciting and stimulating. Without help, support, and encouragement from several people I would not have been able to finish this work. First, I would like to thank my supervisors, Dr. Richard Butt, Dr. Ian Somerville, and Dr. Mark Gillham. Their encouragement and support guided me to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and context, particularly within the initial stages of the research. Their feedback and critique has been invaluable throughout the whole process of writing this thesis. I am grateful to my fellow research students John Whelan and John Williamson who provided moral support, especially in the first year as new research student at QMUC. You both made the transition to PhD candidate a lot easier. I am very grateful to my employer, Chat Moderators ltd., for a high degree of flexibility with regard to my working hours, shift patterns, and general accommodation of all my requirements, including time spent abroad. Rob Marcus and Aneta Novak-Marcus made it possible for me to combine my research with the demands of working life and of paying the bills. During this work, the key to counteracting the pressures of writing my thesis was to balance it with social and cultural activities. As such, my heartfelt thanks go to Dave, Jen, and Johnny, for providing fun, games, and recreation. My friends Katherine and Jana were not physically but virtually on standby for any problems and my gratitude goes to Jana especially for inspiring the research topic. Last but not least, thanks to my partner Steven for supporting me with your love and understanding, and your infinite patience when being pushed to the side. Financial support has been provided by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh in the form of a PhD studentship and I am grateful for the opportunity provided. III Table of Contents List of Figures................................................................................................................................... VII List of Tables ...................................................................................................................................VIII 1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Short Film on the World Wide Web as an Object of Study ........................................................ 1 1.2. Mapping the Field: The Problem of New Media Studies............................................................ 3 1.3. Preliminary Remarks on Actor-Network Theory ........................................................................ 5 1.4. Limitations .................................................................................................................................. 6 2. New Media Studies........................................................................................................................... 8 2.1. Defining ‘New Media’ ................................................................................................................ 8 2.2. The Wider Context: Technology and Society ........................................................................... 15 2.2.1. Social Constructivism......................................................................................................... 15 2.2.2. Technological Determinism ............................................................................................... 18 2.2.3. Actor Network Theory ....................................................................................................... 24 2.3. New Media and the ‘Information Age’ ..................................................................................... 35 2.3.1. Information......................................................................................................................... 35 2.3.2. Space .................................................................................................................................. 40 2.3.3. Power.................................................................................................................................. 46 2.3.4. Critique............................................................................................................................... 49 2.4. New Media Theory.................................................................................................................... 51 2.4.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 51 2.4.2. New Media: A New Language? ......................................................................................... 52 2.4.3. New and Old Media: Remediation..................................................................................... 61 2.4.4. Summary: Theories of New Media .................................................................................... 74 2.5. Power Structures in New Media................................................................................................ 75 2.5.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 75 2.5.2. The Digital Divide.............................................................................................................. 77 2.5.3. Digital Inequality................................................................................................................ 79 2.5.4. Informational Power........................................................................................................... 83 2.5.5. New Media Economics ...................................................................................................... 87 2.5.6. Summary: New Media and Power...................................................................................... 89 2.6. The Webfilm: Film and New Media ......................................................................................... 92 2.6.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 92 2.6.2. The Webfilm: A Revolution in Filmmaking?..................................................................... 93 2.6.3. ‘Animation on the Internet’................................................................................................ 97 2.6.4. Summary: Studying the Webfilm....................................................................................... 99 3. Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 102 IV 3.1. Initial Methodological Considerations .................................................................................... 102 3.2. Methodological Framework .................................................................................................... 103 3.2.1. Actor-Network Theory..................................................................................................... 103 3.2.2. Discourse Analysis..........................................................................................................