The Streamable Text: Viewer Engagement + Social Significance

• In Event: Research Symposium: Session I

Abstract

This text-based panel examines streaming media from the vantage point of producers, directors, writers, and audience members. Examining a range of programming choices distributed by such streaming services as Prime, Netflex, Hulu, Acorn, ESPN, and Britbox, the panelists employ rhetorical, historical, cultural, visual, and critical methods to analyze the series’ production strategies, viewer reception, and social significance. Of particular interest are topics of genre (crime fiction and film noir), visual argument, internationalization, global sports, representation, and auteurship.

Following formal presentations, the panelists will also engage with such questions as the following: How is streaming similar to and different from television broadcasting? What audiences are excluded from the streaming experience, and why? How can independent producers and media entrepreneurs participate in production and distribution of streaming content? Does streaming accelerate or contain the creative process? What is the “formula” for success in the streaming environment?

PAPER TITLES AND ORDER OF PRESENTATION:

Glenda Balas, University of North Texas at Dallas, Moderator

Greg Luft, Colorado State University—"Detectives Streaming on the World Stage: How International Crime Fiction Can Unintentionally Improve Our Grasp of Character Development, Production Techniques, Culture, and Geography.”

Sue Balter-Reitz, Montana State University Billings—"Psychedelia in The Queen’s Gambit.”

John McGuire, Oklahoma State University--“Soccer as a Key Cog to Streaming Success."

Glenda Balas, University of North Texas at Dallas—“From Nordic Noir to Cultural Identity: Baltasar Kormákur’s Vision of Icelandic Storytelling.”

Jared Bahir Browsh, Thomas Jefferson University—"The Infant-ry in the War: How Expansion of Streaming Platforms Maintains Older Discriminatory Animated Children’s Content.”

Authors

• Gregory N. Luft, Colorado State University

• Susan Balter-Reitz, Montana State University Billings

• Glenda R Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas

• Jared Bahir Browsh, Thomas Jefferson University