Interconnected Entertainment

Catalog description

The ever-growing presence of media platforms, the shift from traditional filmmaking to digital techniques, and the emergence of AI in music and storytelling have reshaped the art of narrative. This course delves into the challenges posed by this evolving landscape. On one side, unprecedented accessibility empowers artists from remote corners of the world to produce stories. Conversely, the deluge of entertainment accessible through devices like phones, AR goggles, and tablets creates a saturation that's difficult to navigate. Amidst this frenzy, how can we chart a course in this swiftly changing realm? Central to the entertainment industry is the question: How do we keep telling stories that resonate with audiences? This course initiates an exploration into foundational international narratives that underpin today's beloved entertainment. Through films, music, and TV from diverse cultures in the Middle East, the United States, and China, we'll uncover recurring archetypes that speak to universal human desires. We'll then analyze the potential influence of social media, AI, and memes on future entertainment landscapes. Additionally, we'll investigate the potency of branding, representation, and business interests in perpetuating specific storytelling motifs. This journey will involve deconstructing renowned works such as TITANIC, STRANGER THINGS, FAUDA, and THE MANDALORIAN. Readings including "The Arabian Nights", "The Power of Myth", and "The Shi King" will provide theoretical context. By engaging with these themes, students will cultivate insights into the complex interplay between storytelling and evolving entertainment technologies.