Lesson notes - 4th March 09

Website to not forget!
StcmAsMi.blogspot.com



Recap of our research into Sony BMG, which made me realise mistakes i had made upon my own work, and others i had not included;

Labels;
- Jive Records ('indie' lable, with large finalcial backing)
- Columbia Records (large distributor)
- Epic (metal & rock)
- Almost Gold (classic)
- Dancing Cat Records (dance)

Sony products as part of vertical integration;
- Walkman
- Mp3 players > Mp3 in Sony format
- Laptops & computers e.g. Sonly Viao > exclusive software linked to big film releases
- Phones > using synergy with ericsson
- Sony commercialised the CD format

Sony in terms of media convergence;
- Soundtrack in videogames
- iPod applications
- Create podcast / advertise for festivals for their bands
- Sponsorship Tv Programmes e.g. MTV, E4


Reading through article on page 167 of Media textbooks, concerning record label 'Finders Keepers'
Short notes taken;

Place in Industry
- Indicative to smaller independant labels in UK
- Do everything themselves
- Different strategy to large labels, to ensure less cost

Marketing
- Small sales compared to large labels
- More 'hands on'
- Prefer 'word of mouth', as its quicker and cheaper
- Establishes 'Loyal fanbase'
- Convergence of technology to help promote & boost exposure
- "The internet is a great leveller"

Distribution
- Is getting more difficult to sell into shops such as HMV and Virgin, as larger companies are competing
- Internet is easier to go, along with independant record shops, creating the relationships, and allowing to stay in competition with larger labels

Production
- Careful not to spend lots of money whe nmanufacturing
- Keep rationed stock, so that they only create what they need
- Put together in house, made on their own
- Careful on who they choose on the manufacturor, for quality and age

The online age
- More important on physical releases
- Cater for more discening market