Electric Signs

Abstract

Electric Signs is a documentary film about signs, screens, and the urban environment. The film takes us on a journey through a variety of urban landscapes, examining public spaces and making connections between light, perception, and the culture of attractions in today’s consumer society. This chapter summarizes the research that underlies the film and extends the discussion of several key ideas. The film and this chapter are divided into six sections: New Sign Systems (the introduction, discusses the role that outdoor advertising plays in shaping public space and public expression in urban environments), Manufacturing Consent (the section looks primarily at Hong Kong and describes how networked LED displays are transforming public spaces in cities by creating a sophisticated level of mediated experiences; it makes connections between real estate developments, marketing strategies and technologies, consumerism, and public space), Sign Wars (this section looks at the political fight in Los Angeles between the outdoor advertising industry, politicians, and community activists who oppose more outdoor commercial signage; it also explores ideas about visual culture and the urban environment), Pale Daylight (a history section that connects the industrialization of light, outdoor advertising, and sign spectaculars), Media City (this section looks at the merging of the built environment and the media sphere; global cities; the etymology of the word screen; the connections between screens, surveillance, and data collection; and sustainability issues), and Urban Lightscapes (the conclusion, the importance of public space and people’s ability to shape urban environments).