FALL 2018 - COMA 429 PROJECTS
In fall 2018, I participated in COMA 429 (Advanced Student Media). Through COMA 429, I created a series of projects for my show (deliverables). I also learned from various resources (self-guided courses). My work is presented below.
J-term Promotion With Adobe Premiere Pro - Deliverable and Self-Guided Course:
For my final deliverable project in COMA 429 for fall semester, I decided to create a video advertising my shows in J-term. I decided to map out my shows in advance, which is something I will likely continue in spring semester. The video is brief, with a length of 40 seconds. I used my show logo, and created the images (containing the dates and show topic) through Canva. I took all the Disney photos featured from my own Disney vacations. As for the structure of the video, I used Adobe Premiere Pro (I learned how to use it this semester in my Gender and Communication class).
I posted the video onto the Facebook page for A Dose of Disney.
TO VIEW THE VIDEO, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/2rvkOUj
Self-guided course:
For this video, I decided to use music. As I have first used Adobe Premiere Pro this semester, I haven't had experience incorporating music into a project. I found the website called bensound.com, and selected a track to use. Once I uploaded the track into the timeline of my video, I realized the music ended too abruptly. My video is short, so it wouldn't require the full length of the soundtrack. I didn't remember how to create a transition with the audio, so I needed to find a step-by-step resource online. I learned that I'd need to open up the set of audio transitions in the video. In other words, I first had to identify the "effects" library in Adobe Premiere Pro, and then select "fade in or fade out clip audio." I started by adding the effect "fade in" to the beginning of my video, so the music builds up - yet, I wasn't too concerned about this audio transition because the music begins rather quietly, anyway. When I added the "fade out" transition to the conclusion of my video, the music ended smoothly. This is exactly how I wanted my video to end. The audio transitions are basic effects within Adobe Premiere Pro, but will be important to use for future videos.
Here's the link to the Adobe Premiere Pro help guide I used:
https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/using/audio-transitions.html
DELIVERABLE - STAR WARS: GALAXY'S EDGE TABLING EVENT IN AUC:
From noon - 2 p.m. on Nov. 6, I hosted a tabling event for A Dose of Disney. This event was themed to celebrate the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansion for the Disney Parks, opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2019. I hosted this tabling event on the same week as my radio show, as my Nov. 8 topic would focus on the Star Wars expansion. The event served as a promotion for not only the Nov. 8 show, but to spread awareness about A Dose of Disney and the Lute Air Student Radio.
Decorations: I went to Party City to purchase a few materials: such as a Star Wars tablecloth, Millennium falcon decoration, and a Star Wars themed plastic cup to hold Starbursts candy inside. The table was festive enough for Star Wars. It could be recognized by those passing by.
Photos: I decided to print out a few photos of the planning of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, and add them onto the table as visuals. For example, I used a photo of the miniature model of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which I’d taken during my summer trip to Disneyland. I also printed out a few pictures of Disney concept art, including concept art from the upcoming Millennium falcon attraction, and the marketplace filled with stalls to shop at.
Lasr stickers: During my previous tabling event, the LASR stickers were popular, as many (if not all) of them were taken by PLU students. For this tabling event, I made sure to set out a few stickers, as well. Although there were a few stickers left over, the majority were taken.
Timing: My tabling event was hosted from the period of noon - 2 p.m.. This was a strategic time, as many students were entering into the Commons for lunch, or exiting and walking past the Old Main Market.
Disney and Star Wars fans attracted, willing to share their stories.
Print-outs: On the print-outs I provided - with the showtime and date for my Star Wars radio show - I should have added the link to my MIXCLOUD account which contains all previous recordings. It was also brought to my attention that the date on the print-outs was made in error. It actually contained the date for my tabling event (Nov. 6), instead of my Star Wars radio show date (Nov. 8). I quickly changed all dates on my website and Facebook page. I created the graphic originally in mind with the date of the tabling event mixed it up.
Overall, I think I provided too many materials on the table. I provided a submission box and paper, so students could fill out a Disney song request. I also created a survey with the hope of gaining insight into areas of interest, to use when deciding on future shows. I did not receive song requests or survey responses (1 survey, to be exact). Toward the middle of my tabling event, I simply focused on bringing awareness toward my Star Wars show, and the Lute Air Student Radio in general.
DELIVERABLE & SELF-GUIDED COURSE: INSTAGRAM GRID DESIGN
On Nov. 17, I created an Instagram account for A Dose of Disney. I will use this to post promotional photos for my show and LASR. I plan on posting various Disney photos I've taken over the years, as well as Disney photos in everyday life (merchandise, art, etc.).
As for the 12-part Instagram post (to the left), I decided to stage a photo. This photo features my show logo, Disney park maps, pins, a pair of Mickey ears, and decorations. I spent at least 30 minutes arranging the items (and then rearranging). Eventually, I took the photo through an app called Griddy. I then uploaded the photos, each individually, onto Instagram. This is something I've always wanted to try before.
Link to account: instagram.com/a.dose.of.disney/
DELIVERABLE: MAST MEDIA ARTICLE:
To note: I created the Facebook page A Dose of Disney on April 5, 2018, the same day I hosted my first radio show of A Dose of Disney.
Anyway, I had sent a press release to PLU's Mast Media this FALL semester, in regard to my Star Wars tabling event. I was then informed that my show would be featured in an article in an upcoming edition of the paper, and I'd be interviewed.
On Nov. 16, 2018, the new edition of Mast Media was released. I took a photo of the article and posted it onto the Facebook page for A Dose of Disney, on Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.. As of Nov. 20, the post has reached 108 people, and has had received 26 post clicks/engagements. In creating this post, I wanted to acknowledge the hard work of PLU's Mast Media by providing a link to view online content (mastmedia.plu.edu).
Additionally, here is the link to view the online version of the article written about A Dose of Disney:
http://mastmedia.plu.edu/2018/a-dose-of-disney-on-campus/
During the semester, I'd wanted to create a social media post which would receive more attention and a higher number of user engagements.
Self-guided course
Before creating this post, I used an article on socialmediatoday.com for some suggestions.
For example, one of the suggestions is to "create captions with intention." I realized that my intention was to bring awareness toward both Mast Media and the Lute Air Student Radio and my show. I wanted to advertise the new edition of the paper, so PLU students would be aware that they could grab a copy on campus. I also wanted students on campus - especially Disney fans - to know there was a Disney radio show they can listen to if they are interested. A newspaper article can help establish the message.
Another suggestion is to create a "call to action" for readers. I decided that my call of action would be for students - or anyone viewing the post - to visit the website for Mast Media or pick up a copy of the paper on campus.
Yet, an additional suggestion is to "add value" in the social media post for readers; I decided that the "value" would be to bring attention to two student media outlets at PLU: Mast Media, and the Lute Air Student Radio.
Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/7-tips-for-creating-engaging-social-media-captions/523897/
Disney's Toontown Online Game - Deliverable
On Nov. 15, 2018, my radio show topic focused on Disney's Toontown Online game. On my show, I provided an overview about the gameplay and combined this with music from the game itself.
Sample of show: 8:36 --- 10:46
In this clip, I provide an overview about the opening of Disney's Toontown game, and explain the storyline/mission of the game.
Sample of music: 12:42 -- 16:00
The recording of the show is available on Mixcloud: mixcloud.com/ADoseOfDisney/disneys-toontown-online-game-nov-15-2018/
DELIVERABLE - SHOW RECORDING, MICKEY'S 90th:
A recording of the show is available through Mixcloud:
mixcloud.com/ADoseOfDisney/mickey-and-minnie-90th-anniversary-festivities-nov-29-2018/
Samples of show content 7:58 - 10:20
This clip offers a sample of the finale music from Disney's Fantasmic! All the music in my show is themed to celebrate Mickey Mouse in honor of his 90th birthday.
Another clip: 10:50 --- 14:04
I explain how Mickey and Minnie have brought joy to the world. I also provide a few quotes from Walt Disney, and offer a bit of context about the creation of Mickey Mouse, including Mickey's appearance in Steamboat Willie. I used the Walt Disney Family Museum as a source.
DELIVERABLE: TABLING EVENT
From 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 25, I hosted my first tabling event (inside the Anderson University Center) to promote A Dose of Disney. My goal was to generate interest in my show and raise awareness about LASR.
I learned that hosting a tabling event is similar to creating an advertisement pitch. Only a short amount of time is available to present a message to someone. The time is precious. I learned the importance of being organized through this communication. It's important to be reasonable - do not present an endless message to someone at the start, sharing every single detail and fact. Instead, provide the initial necessary messages. I even learned that using the placement of items on the table can provide structure during this “pitch.” For example, I first informed individuals that they could request a Disney song (the materials were located at the far left side of the table). Following this, I showcased my radio show business cards (toward the middle of the table), and then the LASR DJ sign-up sheet (far right side of the table).
I also learned the importance of offering printout materials to distribute. I printed small ad flyers for my show, containing necessary information such as the show logo, time, intention, and link to listen. All flyers were distributed to the PLU community. I plan to make a larger number of copies for my next event. Additionally, the LASR stickers were also popular.
Next time, I will be sure to convey information about the mixcloud account for A Dose of Disney, so people can listen to previous show recordings.
To note, the next tabling event will be held on Nov. 6, 2018 from noon until 2 p.m. (same location).
DELIVERABLE & SELF-GUIDED COURSE: PRESS RELEASE
This press release focuses on the Nov. 6 tabling event for A Dose of Disney. This event serves as a promotion for the Nov. 6 radio broadcast on A Dose of Disney, which will focus on the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge expansion at the Disney parks. Besides writing about the intentions of the event itself, I aimed to focus on spreading information about my show as well as the Lute Air Student Radio. Once I finished the press release, and received valuable feedback from others, I sent it (by email) to The Mast, the student newspaper at the Pacific Lutheran University. Overall, I enjoyed the process of writing this press release and determining the organization of it.
To view this press release, visit:
file:///C:/Users/wendy/Downloads/Press%20release,%20A%20Dose%20of%20Disney%20pdf.pdf
Self-guided course: As a resource for creating this press release, I followed the guidelines from the UW Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, 9 Components of a Press Release article. This resource was a valuable tool as it offered information needed throughout the entirety of the press release, including the headline/sub-headline, the components of the body paragraph, and boilerplate.
Particularly, this resource helped me in terms of the organization of the body of my press release - to start by acknowledging the key components of the event (the "who, what, when, where, why") and in further paragraphs, expand on the details of the event. Additionally, this resource states the importance of gathering a quote to include in the press release, specifically from an individual who is a representative for the organization. In my press release, I deemed it valuable to gather a quote from the Lute Air Student Radio General Manager. Link: http://www.nwcphp.org/communications/news/the-nine-components-of-a-press-release
DELIVERABLE: SHOW RECORDING, HAUNTED MANSION
On Sept. 27, my radio show topic focused on The Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland's New Orleans Square. For this show, I wanted to focus on one exclusive attraction, and learn about the initial ideas for the attraction, the architectural inspiration, and the storyline ideas.
I enjoyed the research process, and used multiple sources including the Disney book entitled Disneyland: Then, Now and Forever by Bruce Gordon and Tim O’Day, as well as Chris Strodder's Disneyland Encyclopedia: the Unofficial, Unauthorized and Unprecented History of Every Land, Attraction, Restaurant, Shop and Major Event in the Original Magic Kingdom. I also used winchestermysteryhouse.com as a resource, as the Winchester Mystery House in California was considered for inspiration.
The recording can be accessed by visiting:
mixcloud.com/ADoseOfDisney/history-of-the-haunted-mansion-sept-27-2018/
For a sample of the show, consider listening to (19:28 - 21:38) to hear about the Haunted Mansion's Omnimover transportation system and Walt's original vision of a walk-through haunted house attraction.
DELIVERABLE: POSTER FOR BULLETIN BOARDS
For this deliverable, I decided to finalize a poster for A Dose of Disney, which would be distributed onto the bulletin boards on campus. It has been my goal to complete a poster that would be approved through the Impact office on campus.
In the spring semester of this academic year, I submitted a potential design, but I was informed that the poster was missing aspects and the design needed work. Over the summer, I created a new logo for my show, and re-created a poster. During this current fall semester, I have submitted the updated poster to the Impact office and received a few more tips.
Here's the poster in its final form. I printed out the copies and dropped them off at the Impact office. I can't wait to see my poster on the bulletin boards!
Self-guided course:
Prior to submitting the final version of my poster, I decided to use a resource with design tips. Here is the link to the website:
designshack.net/articles/inspiration/10-tips-for-perfect-poster-design/. I decided to add a slogan to my poster: "To all those who listen to LASR: Welcome! A Dose of Disney is your show." After looking at the same poster designs on this website, I realized that I didn't want the top line of text to simply deliver the time and day of the week for my show - I wanted something more.
I also structured my poster in a way to create a visual hierarchy, which was one of the suggestions from PLU's Impact team. In consideration of this, I used a few different sizes of font, the largest size used for the slogan, and then the time for my show, and the website to listen to LASR.
While creating the final version of my poster, I condensed the amount of text. After all, one of the suggestions from this website is that a poster should be "easy to read from a distance." I looked for areas where I could eliminate wordiness, in order to advertise the central messages. Also, I learned from this website that it is OK to (strategically) utilize space in a poster - gaps of space can be acceptable. This is why I allocated an amount of space between each of the messages in my poster. I wanted to allow space for these messages to breathe. In my original poster, some of the text was closer in distance to each other.
Here's another suggestion through this website: a poster can have multiple purposes, in addition to being posted in full-size form. Miniature versions can be used, as well. In addition to the posting of this poster around the PLU campus, I am interested in printing out small copies of the poster to use as promotional materials for a future tabling event.
