Program Learning Outcome #3: Evaluate the Implications of Emerging Media Trends in Communication and Workplace Practices
This learning objective was prevalent in several course in the BTAS program, such as Applied Media Methods, Media Assets & the Law, Tech Promises & Perils, and Trends in Communication Technology and Business. It was interesting to be participating in this coursework during such a transformative time during which the pandemic impacted how we gather information and communicate with our networks.
Discussions surrounding media were particularly interesting to me given my background. In my studies of Electronic Media Technology while earning my associate’s degree, I developed technical skills required for production of digital media. However, what I had not considered deeply before the BTAS program is how systems and practices of media production both influence and are influenced by contexts occurring in different fields and disciplines. For example, trends in the workplace, such as remote/ hybrid work, employee wellness, and inclusion and diversity initiatives, are heavily influenced by messages derived from various media. Conversely, the messages communicated through media are informed by feedback from relevant audiences inspired by various aspects of their lives, including their work environments.
Media Assets & the Law, AIS 3035
The Media Assets & the Law course was particularly useful to me because it emphasized the importance of obtaining contractual agreements. What’s interesting about commercial media production is that the final products are intended to be owned by the client for whom you are working. After this course, I began to think of the work I was doing as a media production specialist as a means for providing a service rather than a selling a product. Service agreements are essential for clarifying the terms of a business exchange in order to protect the interests of all parties involved and for prompting a dialogue through which compromises can be reached.
The final project for the Media Assets & the Law course was delivered in five phases. The first phase involved filling out applications to register your fictitious business as an LLC. The second phase was to design a trademark logo for your business concept. My business concept was a media production company I named “Gemini Media Co”. Here the logo I designed along with my description and argument for why it is a good candidate for registration as a trademark.
My trademark includes a logo icon and typography. The logo includes a lowercase letter “g” in a custom typeface, appearing in negative space within a solid black shape. The black shape is a vertical rectangle with two rounded corners (top left and bottom right). The custom typeface has a calligraphic, script style. The company name is represented by typography. It reads “Gemini Media Co.” in the SemiBold font style of the KansasNew type family.
I chose this trademark and design to convey a sense of warmth and creativity. The Gemini zodiac sign is commonly a symbol of “dual-nature” and “adaptability”. My design somewhat resembles a penguin, which is coincidentally a symbol or both of these traits as well. I also wanted the design to be dynamic (which is accomplished by the asymmetry), and to convey directionality (which is accomplished by the pointed edges of that solid black shape which, you could say, act as arrows). Also, the type I chose for the company name is very rounded, which typically communicates friendliness.
I think that my icon is a strong candidate for approval because it is relatively simple while also remaining unique, which can differentiate it from competitors.
The third phase of the project was to draft a trademark license agreement between your LLC and Raymond Walters, LLC, applicable in an event in which the vendor wants to use your LLC’s trademark for clothing production. It was interesting to learn about contractual language and the kinds of legalities that arise in business arrangements and media management. Here is my trademark license agreement document.
The fourth phase of the process was to produce a promotional video for prospective students considering enrollment in the BTAS program with UC Online. This was the most enjoyable aspect of the final project to create. I used videos and images from Adobe Stock to display while my voiceover highlights basic info and key advantages of the program. It was interesting to reflect on media trends impacting the workplace while creating this, because audio visual is a powerful communication tool that remains highly valuable to organizations of all kinds. Here is my promotional video for the BTAS program.
The fifth and final stage of the project was to draft a service agreement pertaining to the production of the promotional video from phase four. Terms discussed in the agreement include production fees and the option to purchase ownership of the video. The contract also needed to include language specifying non-disclosure in the event that the video is not purchased. Here is my service agreement.
Ultimately, each part of this project served the learning objective of understanding media trends in communication and workplace practices by introducing me to the kinds of administrative tasks involved in various media communications contexts and arrangements between businesses.