April 26, 2013

YouTube Opens Film Studios to Improve its Videos


Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. state-of-the-art
[STEYT of thee ahrt] (adj.) – latest and most advanced
Example: Sci-fi movies use state-of-the-art cameras.

2. high definition [hahy def-uh-NISH-uh n ] (adj.) – having a very high video resolution
Example: Watching the movie in high definition allowed me to see even the small details in every scene.

3. learn the ropes [LURN thuh rohps] (idiom) – to learn how to do a specific job
Example: My film teacher helped me learn the ropes in making movies.  

4. viewership [VYOO-er-ship] (n.) – the audience of a television show or a movie
Example: The viewership of our show increased after we used new and more advanced video cameras.

5. transition [tran-SISH-uh n] (v.) – to move from one stage or position to another
Example: More filmmakers are now transitioning to high definition cameras due the audience demand


Article
Read the text below.

YouTube has opened its own video production studios in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo to improve the quality of uploaded videos.

These studios will allow video makers to use state-of-the-art equipment, high-definition cameras, and professional editing programs for free. Lectures will also be available to help new video makers learn the ropes of filmmaking. However, filmmakers and video creators need to pass a selection process before they can use the studios.

Google, the parent company of YouTube, hopes that these studios will help improve the quality of videos on the website and further increase viewership. This move comes at a time when more people, especially the youth, are using the internet as their main source of entertainment.

According to Jimmy Wong, an actor in an online show, younger audience prefers internet sources like YouTube over television because they want instant access to videos whenever and wherever they want. In fact, viewers aged 35 and below are often seeking entertainment in YouTube.

Even film makers are now transitioning to online videos so they can promote their shows to fans. Danelle Assanelli, an avid YouTube fan, says YouTube allows her to comment on shows and provide input to the video makers. Personal interaction is not usually possible in traditional television.

Furthermore, Malik Ducard, content and partnership director of YouTube, said that YouTube gives chances not only to recognized filmmakers but also to new and rising video creators.



Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A


·         Do you prefer online video sites like YouTube over traditional media like TV? Why or why not?
·         What makes online entertainment so appealing to younger people?


Discussion B

·         Do you think YouTube can replace TV? Why do you think so?
·         What do you think are the disadvantages of using the Internet as a main source of entertainment and information?


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