Pros and Cons of Technological Convergence

Advantages

• Social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Youtube help spread the awareness of films and their trailers through word of mouth and free viral networking.
• These websites allow uploads and comments made by ordinary people on trailers, clips etc. This raises awareness of the films increase in DVD sales.
• Blogs and fan sites allow discussions on films to generate a 'buzz'; some clips on youtube will be made into montages or edited with new music.

Disadvantages

• Young people are unwilling to pay because they are 'time rich and cash poor.'
• People are finding new ways of using technical savvy to find films and music to watch and listen to without paying for it. This is happening to music already and will be increasing on film usage.
• Pirate DVDs and free film downloads from websites are found as they have removed security codes.

Technological Convergence

Technological Convergence is the tendency for different technological systems to evolve towards performing similar tasks. Convergence refers to previously separate technologies such as voice, data and video to share resources and interact with each other, synergistically creating new efficiencies. Today, we are surrounded by a multi-level convergent media world where all codes of communication and information are continually reforming to adapt to the enduring demands of technology, so we can create, consume, learn and interact with each other. This involves different types of media such as mobile phone applications, websites, digital downloads, high concept posters, online search marketing, fan and blog sites etc.

Technological Convergence - Filming Process

     Slumdog Millionaire was filmed in several parts of India in order to make the production for the film a success. The crew found this to be difficult at times because they were filming in the real slums in Mumbai, so the chaos surrounding them may have caused the filming to be difficult. They needed to find a way to come up with a way to make the filming easier for Boyle, so they used newer digital hand-held cameras and therefore spending more time on editing to get good results. The silicon imagery created a very dramatic overtone and real-life feel of the film. This was a big risk as the budget was high for a film of the genre 'rags-to-riches' theme and is not a popular theme.