Preface to the Fourth Edition

This fourth edition of Introduction to Media Production approaches the process of teaching media production from a slightly different perspective from previous editions. Given the wide range and diversity of means by which a production will finally reach different audiences today, a consideration of potential audiences overrides nearly all other considerations in the planning and production of a program, whether it is an audio, video, or graphics production. Although the chapters in this book are arranged in a logical progression, each chapter can be taught as a stand-alone unit, or in any order that fits the curriculum of the school or of the individual faculty member teaching the course. A detailed index and a comprehensive glossary with 128 new digital entries provides definitions to new terms and concepts regardless of the order of presentation to the reader. Each chapter discusses developments in digital media technologies as they affect various topics. All chapters have been stream-lined and bulleted for added readability and improved access to key concepts. Some chapters have been combined to recognize important changes in the rapidly evolving digital media production world. In addition to the original 168 images plus 12 color plates, 105 new photographs and illustrations have been added where they best facilitate understanding and illustrate important recent developments. Finally, although all media must start and end as an analog signal, digital technology in preproduction, production, postproduction, and distribution dominate analog technology. The structure and content of the fourth edition of Introduction to Media Production reflect those important changes. The authors are grateful to the external reviewers for their valuable suggestions and to Elinor Actipis, Michele Cronin, Lianne Hong, and the staff of Focal Press for their encouragement and strong support for this edition.