We spent the lesson doing peer assessments. We watched a previous music video contructed by a past year group, who achieved a good level. We watched their video through and analysed what aspects and techniques worked well and what we thought could be improved.
We were then given peer assessment on our own music video. Due to weather conditions we were unable to start editing our footage. We explained to our peers what scenes we have filmed and they then gave us ideas and suggestions on how to structure our video and what editing techniques may be affective.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Work in progress and peer assessment of promotional poster
PEER EVALUATION:
- 'I like the image, I like the colour- I just think that the 'new album featuring..' font is too simple/ plain. I think the band's name should be higher up- there's a lot of space that can be filled. It's fine, otherwise.'
- 'I like the layout, but the font for the band's information could be clearer with a better font. I don't like the font used for the bands name, it doesn't seem to suit the style/ inage you're going for.'
- 'I like it, but I think maybe there should be a preview of the CD cover on the poster, so those who're interested will know what to look for.'
Work in progress of CD cover (front and back)
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Feedback
Natalie, you are almost up to date with your research and planning work but you must upload your group's vox pops.
Targets: 1) ensure that you maintain a weekly running commentary of the production work progress
2) use peer and self assessment to make any improvements to the music video
3) ensure you make a contribution to the editing work.
Targets: 1) ensure that you maintain a weekly running commentary of the production work progress
2) use peer and self assessment to make any improvements to the music video
3) ensure you make a contribution to the editing work.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Friday, 26 November 2010
Friday, 19 November 2010
Work in Progress
This is a work in progress of our poster to promote our album. We used peer assessment to help us to objectively evaluate our poster and make any constructive changes.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Filming Schedule
1. Jay and Alya
When: Throughout the week starting 15th November
Where: In the green room
Time: During lesson time/after school
2. Heena
When: Wednesday 17th November
Where: Preston park
Time: 3:30-4:00 p.m
3. Stop motion of locket opening and envelope
When: Saturday 6th November
Where: Bedroom
Time: 3:00 p.m
4. Graveyard scene with Gio
When: Wednesday 17th November
Where: Sudbury graveyard
Time: 1:25 p.m
5. Tara writing a letter (over the shoulder shot)
When: 3rd November
Where: Living room
Time: 1:25 p.m
6. The couple scene
When: 10th November
Where: Wembley Park station
Time: 3:30 p.m
7. Filming Rovena
When: 2nd November
Where: Central London
Time: 1:25 p.m
8. Location shot of whole of London
When: 18th October
Where: Primrose Hill
Time: 5:00 p.m
When: Throughout the week starting 15th November
Where: In the green room
Time: During lesson time/after school
2. Heena
When: Wednesday 17th November
Where: Preston park
Time: 3:30-4:00 p.m
3. Stop motion of locket opening and envelope
When: Saturday 6th November
Where: Bedroom
Time: 3:00 p.m
4. Graveyard scene with Gio
When: Wednesday 17th November
Where: Sudbury graveyard
Time: 1:25 p.m
5. Tara writing a letter (over the shoulder shot)
When: 3rd November
Where: Living room
Time: 1:25 p.m
6. The couple scene
When: 10th November
Where: Wembley Park station
Time: 3:30 p.m
7. Filming Rovena
When: 2nd November
Where: Central London
Time: 1:25 p.m
8. Location shot of whole of London
When: 18th October
Where: Primrose Hill
Time: 5:00 p.m
Photos Taking From Filiming
These are the images taken during filming. Some of these images have been used our CD front and back cover, others we may use for in our music video to create a stop motion effect.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Feedback
Natalie your blog is nicely organised and almost up to date now. You just need to add your audience research and vox pops. Well done.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Analysis of a Music Album Cover- Angie Stone- Mahogany Soul
Colours/Effects
- Mahogany- Relates to album title
- Earthy colours
Composition and Layout
- Typography- simplisitc and sophisticated (no frills)
- Centre framed
- Twigs surrounding the artist- mskr it apppear as wimsical or represents earth and simplicity
- Looking up- could be soul searching
- She is presented as humble and gentle
- Subverting the direct gaze pose
- Natrual Affro- Natrual Make up- Abscence of jewlery= Grounded and Humle
- Natrual as opposed to sexy
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Conventions of a Cd Cover
The purpose of a CD Cover
- Provides an insight to the artist- personality and visual representation of the music
- Establishes the artists identity
- Eye Catching (audience lines of appeal) - Aspiration or Envy and Emulation
- Point of Sell
- Maximise sales and revenues
- Establish target audience
Friday, 15 October 2010
Questions for VOX POPS
1. What do you enjoy most about the song?
2. What do you think will work and won't work in the music video?
3. What typical conventions would you associate with Indie/alternative music videos?
4. Would you prefer a performance/concept/narrative based video?
5. Which music TV channels would you expect to see the music video broadcast on?
2. What do you think will work and won't work in the music video?
3. What typical conventions would you associate with Indie/alternative music videos?
4. Would you prefer a performance/concept/narrative based video?
5. Which music TV channels would you expect to see the music video broadcast on?
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Distribution to music channels
As our music video is of the Indie genre, music channels that distribute pop rock, indie and rock music.
Music Channels that might distribute our music video are:
Viva is a 24hour music and entertainment channel that was originally launched in Germany in 1993. MTV Networks Europe now operate the original German speaking Viva Channel along with specific channels for other coutries in europe. This music channel distrubutes indie, pop rock and pop videos. Therefore Viva is likely to be a music channel that would distribute our music video
Kerrang! is a digital television station owned by Box television, which is loosely connected to the magazine Kerrang! The Tvv channels playlist mainly consists of nu metal and pop punk/skate punk along with some unusual expectations. As Kerrang distribute music videos similar to the genre of our music video, they may distribute our music video.
MTV is an american network based in New York City that was launched in AUGUST 1981 . MTV distibutes a variety of music video genres such as pop, rock, heavy metal, indie RnB and hip hop. Due to MTV's diverse music range it is more than likely that they would distribute our music video. MTV has also launched sister channels such as MTV TWO and MTV ROCK that would also distribute our music video.
Music Channels that might distribute our music video are:
Viva is a 24hour music and entertainment channel that was originally launched in Germany in 1993. MTV Networks Europe now operate the original German speaking Viva Channel along with specific channels for other coutries in europe. This music channel distrubutes indie, pop rock and pop videos. Therefore Viva is likely to be a music channel that would distribute our music video
Kerrang! is a digital television station owned by Box television, which is loosely connected to the magazine Kerrang! The Tvv channels playlist mainly consists of nu metal and pop punk/skate punk along with some unusual expectations. As Kerrang distribute music videos similar to the genre of our music video, they may distribute our music video.
MTV is an american network based in New York City that was launched in AUGUST 1981 . MTV distibutes a variety of music video genres such as pop, rock, heavy metal, indie RnB and hip hop. Due to MTV's diverse music range it is more than likely that they would distribute our music video. MTV has also launched sister channels such as MTV TWO and MTV ROCK that would also distribute our music video.Thursday, 7 October 2010
Generic Codes of The Indie Genre
As the music video we plan on making is Indie, we brainstormed as a group to discuss features that are typical of Indie genre music videos. The generic comes we thought of are
- Flannel Shirts
- Nice Hair
- Typically white caucasion performers
- Slow guitar-acoustic
- Mostly performance based
- Strong narrative
- Sometimes concept based
Location Shots
This is an image of a brick wall and bench in central london. We decided to use this location to shoot Rovena (the girl with the locket) and also Alya who is missing a loved one who is fighting in the Iraq war. We also decided to use this image for lines 2-6. When shooting at this location we will mainly be focussing on the performer. However brick walls are also typical of Indie music videos.
This is an image of a sun rise on harrow on the hill. We decided just to use the location shot without any performers to emphasize on the lyrics 'every sunrise' and 'every dawn'
This is an image of the Alperton Graveyard. We decided to film here for one of our scenes where a performer is visiting their mothers grave after she sadly passed away from cancer. We are using this scene to reach out to people who have lost a member of their family or a loved one.
This image is of the eastbourne peer. We decided to film here because we are doing scene where someone writes a letter and puts it in a bottle and sends the bottle out to see. This conveys that no matter how far away you are you can always be reached.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Our Chosen Performers
Jay -we decided to use playing the guitar at the start of the music video and in between the music video. We may also use certain shots of him in the studio singing important lyics of the song.Ashe is a drama student and plays guitar therefore, he is an experienced actor and a musician therefore he is more likely to play his well and make it look as authentic as possible
Alya- We decided to use Alya as am Iraqi performer because Alya is a muslim herself and she would be good in conveying the message of missing someone who lives in another country where there is conflict going on such as Iraq and many more.
Rovenna- We decided to use Rovenna as the girl with the locket because she is very unique with her outfit and has a variety of dresses which can be used in our music video. She is also an AS drama student so we know she will bring authenticity to her role and she has taken part in many school productions so we know she is reliable.
Emmanuel- We decided to use Emmanuel for the scene where the male performer is standing near his mum’s grave as she has sadly has died from cancer. We chose him because he is a drama student and someone experienced like him will be able to pull off such an emotional scene like that.
Reena- We decided to use Reena for the scene where a female performer has her arms wide open. We chose Reena because her face is bright, bubbly and cheerful which is exactly what we want the performer to have for that specific scene. She also has dance experience so we know she is a good performer. I have also worked with her in the past on other productions so we know she is reliable.
Aliysa and Bilal- We decided to use Aliysa and Bilal for the scene with couple because they are a real couple who have been together for about 2 and a half years and therefore it will be easier for them to play that part as a couple and it will also look authentic as they will be able to show true emotions on the camera. I also used them as models in my AS magazine production so I know they are reliable and easy to work with.
Alya- We decided to use Alya as am Iraqi performer because Alya is a muslim herself and she would be good in conveying the message of missing someone who lives in another country where there is conflict going on such as Iraq and many more.
Rovenna- We decided to use Rovenna as the girl with the locket because she is very unique with her outfit and has a variety of dresses which can be used in our music video. She is also an AS drama student so we know she will bring authenticity to her role and she has taken part in many school productions so we know she is reliable.
Emmanuel- We decided to use Emmanuel for the scene where the male performer is standing near his mum’s grave as she has sadly has died from cancer. We chose him because he is a drama student and someone experienced like him will be able to pull off such an emotional scene like that.
Reena- We decided to use Reena for the scene where a female performer has her arms wide open. We chose Reena because her face is bright, bubbly and cheerful which is exactly what we want the performer to have for that specific scene. She also has dance experience so we know she is a good performer. I have also worked with her in the past on other productions so we know she is reliable.
Aliysa and Bilal- We decided to use Aliysa and Bilal for the scene with couple because they are a real couple who have been together for about 2 and a half years and therefore it will be easier for them to play that part as a couple and it will also look authentic as they will be able to show true emotions on the camera. I also used them as models in my AS magazine production so I know they are reliable and easy to work with.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Feedback
Well done for completing 4 textual analysis pieces Natalie, however you need to add at least one more example. You should also work on adding further evidence of your planning work i.e. storyboarding sections.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Our final Song Choice-10th Concession- 'Letter'
I will write it down
every word that you should know about
where I've been since I've gone
I will paint the words
with everything that I feel
every sunset, every dawn
I've kept you by my side
you've never left my mind
you got me through my darkest nights
I hate that you're all alone
I hate not being home right now
so for the times that we can't be together
you've got my letter
I will write it down
so I can send a piece of me
to you from miles away
you're my way out
of this dark and distant place
I can hear every breath you take
I've kept you by my side
you've never left my mind
you got me through my darkest nights
I hate that you're all alone
I hate not being home right now
so for the times that we can't be together
yeah just right now while we can't be together
please read my letter
every word that you should know about
where I've been since I've gone
I will paint the words
with everything that I feel
every sunset, every dawn
I've kept you by my side
you've never left my mind
you got me through my darkest nights
I hate that you're all alone
I hate not being home right now
so for the times that we can't be together
you've got my letter
I will write it down
so I can send a piece of me
to you from miles away
you're my way out
of this dark and distant place
I can hear every breath you take
I've kept you by my side
you've never left my mind
you got me through my darkest nights
I hate that you're all alone
I hate not being home right now
so for the times that we can't be together
yeah just right now while we can't be together
please read my letter
Monday, 20 September 2010
Camera and Editng Techniques
Camera Techniques
Framing- where people, props ect are placed within the frame (the composition)
Angles- high angle (birds eye view)- shot from above
Aerial shot- filmed from a helicopter
Low angle- filmed from below
Movement Pan/panning- camera moves on a pivot left/right
Tilt- Camera moves up or down on its pivot
Track/tracking- shot attached to moving onject to follow the action
Zoom- camera moves in'out on an object
Short Take- Shot lasts for a short time
Long Take- Shot lasts for a long time
Editing Techniques
Quick cuts- Shot moves rapidly from onr frame/ shot to the next
Fade (fade to black)- One shot fades away to black and the next shot fades in
Dissolve- One shot fades out as the next shot simultaneously fades in
Wipe- A shot is literally wiped off the screen by another
Slow motion- A sequence is slowed down
Fast motion- A sequence is sped up
Stop Motion- A series of still shots or drawings ect. are taken with a still camera and mixed into a moving image programme to create a digital animation sequence
Framing- where people, props ect are placed within the frame (the composition)
Angles- high angle (birds eye view)- shot from above
Aerial shot- filmed from a helicopter
Low angle- filmed from below
Movement Pan/panning- camera moves on a pivot left/right
Tilt- Camera moves up or down on its pivot
Track/tracking- shot attached to moving onject to follow the action
Zoom- camera moves in'out on an object
Short Take- Shot lasts for a short time
Long Take- Shot lasts for a long time
Editing Techniques
Quick cuts- Shot moves rapidly from onr frame/ shot to the next
Fade (fade to black)- One shot fades away to black and the next shot fades in
Dissolve- One shot fades out as the next shot simultaneously fades in
Wipe- A shot is literally wiped off the screen by another
Slow motion- A sequence is slowed down
Fast motion- A sequence is sped up
Stop Motion- A series of still shots or drawings ect. are taken with a still camera and mixed into a moving image programme to create a digital animation sequence
Prodution Skills
In a lesson we brainstormed as preperation for our music video.
PRODUCTION SKILLS
PRODUCTION SKILLS
- Targetting your audience
- Plan thoroughly (organisation)
- Leave time for errors
- Enthuiasm
- Motivation
- Directorial skills
- Good/ reliable performers
- Editing skills
- Research
- Utilising everyones skills
- Thinking about locations
- Being objective
Friday, 17 September 2010
Thriller Research
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_MuUcxHATo
Insitutional Information
Michael Jackson's album 'Thriller' was released on November 30th 1982, by Epic Records. The album was critically successful and one of the most praised songs from the album was the single 'Thriller'.
The music video, directed by John Landis, produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton. The video was filmed in various locations in New York and Los Angles.
Plot
The music video is set in the 1950's, The video opens with Michael and his date running out of a movie theatre in to the mist in a dark wooded area. A full moon appears, and Michael begins convulsing in agony, transforming into a werewolf. His date runs away in terror, but the werewolf catches up to her, knocking her down and begins attacking her with his claws. The scene then cuts to a modern-day movie theatre where Michael and his date, along with a repulsed audience, are actually watching the scene in a movie called Thriller. Michael's date then scarsely leaves the theatre. They begin to walk downn a foggy road where Michael Jackson starts to sing the verse's of thriller. As they pass a graveyard zombies begin to rise corninering Michael and his date, resulting in Michael turning into a zombie.
Reception
Although the music was praised it also faced controvoursey due to its content. In 1984, the National Coalition on Television Violence classified more than half of 200 MTV music videos surveyed as "too violent", "Thriller" was listed as one of the videos on the list. Dr. Thomas Radecki, chairman of the NCTV, as saying, "It's not hard to imagine young viewers after seeing 'Thriller' saying, 'Gee, if Michael Jackson can terrorize his girlfriend, why can't I do it too?' Michael Jackson also faced opposition from his religion (johovas witnesses). They felt that the content of the song implied that Michael Jackson believed in the occult. To stop the controvousey Michael made a statement at the beginning of his video saying ''Due to my strong personal convictions , I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult''
The music video was nominated for six awards at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, winning three out of six of the nominations.
The music video was listed as the "Greatest Video" on VH1's "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos" in 2001.[41] MTV listed the music video as being the "Greatest Music Video Ever Made" on their list, "MTV: 100 Greatest Music Videos Ever Made" in 1999.
Insitutional Information
Michael Jackson's album 'Thriller' was released on November 30th 1982, by Epic Records. The album was critically successful and one of the most praised songs from the album was the single 'Thriller'.
The music video, directed by John Landis, produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton. The video was filmed in various locations in New York and Los Angles.
Plot
The music video is set in the 1950's, The video opens with Michael and his date running out of a movie theatre in to the mist in a dark wooded area. A full moon appears, and Michael begins convulsing in agony, transforming into a werewolf. His date runs away in terror, but the werewolf catches up to her, knocking her down and begins attacking her with his claws. The scene then cuts to a modern-day movie theatre where Michael and his date, along with a repulsed audience, are actually watching the scene in a movie called Thriller. Michael's date then scarsely leaves the theatre. They begin to walk downn a foggy road where Michael Jackson starts to sing the verse's of thriller. As they pass a graveyard zombies begin to rise corninering Michael and his date, resulting in Michael turning into a zombie.
Reception
Although the music was praised it also faced controvoursey due to its content. In 1984, the National Coalition on Television Violence classified more than half of 200 MTV music videos surveyed as "too violent", "Thriller" was listed as one of the videos on the list. Dr. Thomas Radecki, chairman of the NCTV, as saying, "It's not hard to imagine young viewers after seeing 'Thriller' saying, 'Gee, if Michael Jackson can terrorize his girlfriend, why can't I do it too?' Michael Jackson also faced opposition from his religion (johovas witnesses). They felt that the content of the song implied that Michael Jackson believed in the occult. To stop the controvousey Michael made a statement at the beginning of his video saying ''Due to my strong personal convictions , I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult''
The music video was nominated for six awards at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, winning three out of six of the nominations.
The music video was listed as the "Greatest Video" on VH1's "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos" in 2001.[41] MTV listed the music video as being the "Greatest Music Video Ever Made" on their list, "MTV: 100 Greatest Music Videos Ever Made" in 1999.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Music Videos - The Marxist Approach
Marxism andthe Media
Karl Marx, the founder of Maxist theory believed that the media and its messages could be used for good in the right hands. However, in the hands of what he called the dominant ideology the message could have a dangerously influential and controlling effect on the masses.
The Dominant Ideology
The ideological forces that determine how society functions. Marxists believe that all powerful institutions subtly control how we, the masses, conduct our lives within society.
The Media's message
Marxists believe that the media plays a significant part in controlling the masses and some would say as an institution it is a greater influence on society than religion, politics and the family (nature over nurture). The supposed subtle dominace with which the media control the masses is also known as hegemonic control.
Hegemony - Was an ideological concept first introduced by Itallian Marxist Antonio Gramsci. He believed that the media's message could perform a subtle indoctronation, influencing the manner in which society viewed the wold until the message becomes 'common sense', unchallenged by the masses. Hegemonic control is an acceptance of the 'status quo'.
Examples
The amount of coverage football gets in the media (especially compared to other sports) suggests that people should like it. During the world cup we are encouraged to get behind and support our country.
Lifestyle shows/ magazines make it seem normal to own high-end appliances and therfore support the capitalist economic system.
Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 can be seen as counter hegemonic as it questioned the Bush administration, an administration that was supposedly elected by the majority of U.S. voters
Karl Marx, the founder of Maxist theory believed that the media and its messages could be used for good in the right hands. However, in the hands of what he called the dominant ideology the message could have a dangerously influential and controlling effect on the masses.
The Dominant Ideology
The ideological forces that determine how society functions. Marxists believe that all powerful institutions subtly control how we, the masses, conduct our lives within society.
The Media's message
Marxists believe that the media plays a significant part in controlling the masses and some would say as an institution it is a greater influence on society than religion, politics and the family (nature over nurture). The supposed subtle dominace with which the media control the masses is also known as hegemonic control.
Hegemony - Was an ideological concept first introduced by Itallian Marxist Antonio Gramsci. He believed that the media's message could perform a subtle indoctronation, influencing the manner in which society viewed the wold until the message becomes 'common sense', unchallenged by the masses. Hegemonic control is an acceptance of the 'status quo'.
Examples
The amount of coverage football gets in the media (especially compared to other sports) suggests that people should like it. During the world cup we are encouraged to get behind and support our country.
Lifestyle shows/ magazines make it seem normal to own high-end appliances and therfore support the capitalist economic system.
Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 can be seen as counter hegemonic as it questioned the Bush administration, an administration that was supposedly elected by the majority of U.S. voters
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Analysis of a Music video- Marxist
Clifford Josepeh Price, better known as Goldie is an English electronic music artist, disc jockey, visual artist and actor. As a musician he mainly works within the jungle and drum and bass genres. Goldie's 'Inner City Life' aired in 1994 and was number 39 on the UK charts.
From a Marxist perspective, this video is very good to analyse as it can be argued that certain images created in the video have been applied by the media, influencing or encouraging the audience/masses to think a specific thing about groups within society.
The videos narrative is based around the diffrent pressures various people face living in the inner city. The music video follows the life of working-class people. The video is set in London, where the video is shot at variouus diffrent locations such as council flats, estates and clubs.
The video present an image of youths standing outside, what appears to be a council estate. They're dressed in clothes that audiences would associate with urban youth or gang culture. After seeing this clip the audience automatically assume the youths trouble-makers. However the music video subverts this social stereotype. There is a following scene where the youths are seen playing a game of basketball- causing know harm; just being typical children plaing a game.
This music video focusses on creating typical social stereotypes and then challenging them. There is a stereotypical image created of a single mother; living in a council flat, working class and being behind her bills- These are generic conventions of a single mother. Although this stereotype does not apply to all single mothers. The depiction revealed in the music video is portrayed as rather negative but realistic.
In conclusion this music video depicts well known stereotypes and then confirms or challenges them. From a marxist perspective the video help to influence the masses impression of the social groups presened in the music video.
From a Marxist perspective, this video is very good to analyse as it can be argued that certain images created in the video have been applied by the media, influencing or encouraging the audience/masses to think a specific thing about groups within society.
The videos narrative is based around the diffrent pressures various people face living in the inner city. The music video follows the life of working-class people. The video is set in London, where the video is shot at variouus diffrent locations such as council flats, estates and clubs.
The video present an image of youths standing outside, what appears to be a council estate. They're dressed in clothes that audiences would associate with urban youth or gang culture. After seeing this clip the audience automatically assume the youths trouble-makers. However the music video subverts this social stereotype. There is a following scene where the youths are seen playing a game of basketball- causing know harm; just being typical children plaing a game.
This music video focusses on creating typical social stereotypes and then challenging them. There is a stereotypical image created of a single mother; living in a council flat, working class and being behind her bills- These are generic conventions of a single mother. Although this stereotype does not apply to all single mothers. The depiction revealed in the music video is portrayed as rather negative but realistic.
In conclusion this music video depicts well known stereotypes and then confirms or challenges them. From a marxist perspective the video help to influence the masses impression of the social groups presened in the music video.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Analysis of a Post-modern Music Video
Lady Gaga- Paparazzi. Directed by Jonas Akerlamnd
Lady Gaga has quickly become one of the most successful female artist winning multiple awards for her recognisable uniqueness. Before rising to fame for her performances and msuic videos; Lady Gaga was signed to the record label interscope and was imidiately appointed to write songs for artists such as the Pussycat Dolls, Fergie and Britney Spears.
Lady Gaga's up tempo dance song 'Paparazzi' was the last song to be released off her debut successful album 'The Fame'. The song is written by Lady Gaga as she expresses her struggles with her quest to fame.
Post Modernism has become very common in music videos. Lady Gaga’s- Paparazzi, uses many characteristics of post modernism such as; pastiche, homage and blurring of the boundaries. In this Textual analysis I will give evidence of this.
The music video opens without music, which is unconventional as it a music video. Also at the beginning of the music video there are title credits stating the performer (lady Gaga) and the director (Jonas Akerland). The typography of the title credits is a pastiche/homage of classic Hollywood movies. Some of the early opening shots a establishing as they set the scene for the music video. The shots are of a house in Los Angles- Sunset Bulavad. This is an example of intertextuality
In the following scene after Lady Gaga has been pushed off a balcony, the image swiftly changes to her falling with a background of swirling of white and black circles. This is a pastiche/homage of Alfred Hitchcock’s film Vertigo. Lady Gaga respectfully imitates the artistic work of Alfred Hitchcock.
When the music begins Lady arrives outside if the mansion, where she is pushed down a purple carpet in a wheel chair; subverting the stereotypes of a purple carpet. Although the music video subverts conventions of music videos, the video also confirms some conventions such as dancers/performers, which is also typical in many of Lady Gaga’s other music videos. As she arrives Gaga is dressed in a robot like costume. This is an example pastiche/homage as the metalic outfit is a reference to the film 'Metropolis'. This is known as blurring of the boundaries between humans and robots. They are also known as binary opposites.
Later on in the video we see Lady Gaga in a costume that we typically find unconventional but it is a part of Lady Gaga’s unique image. The costume has many features of the Disney character Minnie mouse. Gaga’s costume is yellow with black dots, which symbolises the face of Minnie mouse. She also wears black lipstick that represents Minnie mouse. This is an example of intertextuality representing popular culture, making it recognisable to Gaga’s audience.
In the final scenes of the music video Lady Gaga is arrested after confessing to the murder of her boyfriend. As the police takes her away the paparazzi crowd her trying to get a statement from her and constantly taking her picture. Here another key element of post modernism is used as boundaries between fiction and reality are blurred. The fiction being Lady Gaga being arrested for murder, and realty, her being photographed by the paparazzi. The music video for paparazzi is also a prequel for a later song Telephone by Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce.
In conclusion Lady Gaga’s paparazzi posses many features of a postmodern music video. This helps to make her video unique and memorable. It also helps Lady Gaga to form her unique image, which she frequently shows in her work. She also makes reference to her idols or artists that have influenced her work and music.
Monday, 13 September 2010
Post Modernism- Notes
Post Modernism is a movement that took place from the 1970's onwards. It is referred to as 'a style and concept in which the arts characterized by distrust of theories and ideologies and by the drawing of attention to conventions'. Post modernism focuuses on mixing up time, space and narrative and the emphasis if style over content. Also the blurring of fiction and reality and the suspension of disbelief.
KEY WORDS
Intertextuality- 0ne media text referring to another
Parody- Mocking something in an original way
Pastiche- An artistic work in a syle that imitates another work, artist or period. This is a self-concious imitation.
Bricolage- Mixing up and using different genres and styles
Homage- Imitation from a respectful stand point
KEY WORDS
Intertextuality- 0ne media text referring to another
Parody- Mocking something in an original way
Pastiche- An artistic work in a syle that imitates another work, artist or period. This is a self-concious imitation.
Bricolage- Mixing up and using different genres and styles
Homage- Imitation from a respectful stand point
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Textual Analysis- Song title, artist/group- Chris Brown, Wall to Wall
Chris Brown’s music video ‘Wall to Wall’ is a combined performance and narrative based music video. This is typical of the RnB genre. The music video follows a linear narrative where Chris Brown begins to hear a mysterious woman calling his name and he is then bitten by the woman who is a vampire. Chris brown then wakes up in his car dressed in black where it appears he has turned into vampire. He then arrives at a house where he searches for the woman whilst being constantly approached by multiple women. It is also performance based because there are some points in the video where he is just singing and some points when he is singing whilst performing a dance routine.
At the start of music video ‘Wall to Wall’ we see Chris Brown talking with his friends when he begins to hear a mysterious woman calling his name. After he gets into his car he is bitten by the mysterious woman, who appears to be a vampire. As the woman appears we see she is dressed in an all black costume. She is wearing a black belly top with tight trousers and a long leather coat. The way the girl is dressed fits the generic convention of women in RnB music videos wearing little clothing. This is known as gratifying the male gaze as the women in the video are styled in that way please male audience needs. Throughout the music video lots of women are chasing after Chris Brown. This another generic convention of the RnB genre, as women artists get to super star status they receive a lot of female attention. In one of the final scenes of the video there is a street dance sequence, which can be typical of RnB music videos. In this dance routine some of the male dancers are topless. This gratifies female gaze because the topless dancers are styled in that way to please female audiences. This music video gratifies both the male and female gaze which allows Chris Brown widen his target audience.
In the ‘Wall to Wall’ music video there are some clear intertextual references to previous films based on vampires such as Dracula, Blade, The Underworld and Van Helsing. These references are made apparent throughout the music video by the use of the different of mise-en-scene. It is stereotype of vampires to dress in black, and Chris Brown, dancers and extras are dressed in black throughout the music video when portraying vampires. To add to the authenticity of them being vampires they also wear the sharp teeth vampires have. The video is set is a large mansion like property and you often seen large properties like the one in ‘Wall to Wall’ featured in vampire based films.
Continuity editing is used throughout the music video to make some scene changes smooth so it does not distract the viewer. There are also jump cuts used to move from one scene to another. The editing technique slow motion is used in one of the early scenes of the music video as Chris Brown gets out of his car. This emphasises his movement as he pushes his jacket behind. It is effective because it shows his movement in more detail and viewers may describe it ‘cool’ or ‘smooth’. Using his jacket as a prop could also be suggested as an intertextual reference to performance such as Michael Jackson who is well known for use his costume as a prop and incorporating it into his dance routines.
The opening shot is mid shot of Chris Brown which allows the viewer to clearly identify the artist. In the following scene there is also an establishing shot of a large mansion like property. This allows the audience to clearly see where the video will be taking place. During the slow motion sequence Chris Brown is shot from a low angle making him look powerful and dominant. Following there is a Close up of Chris Brown saying ‘I’m Back’. This close up allows viewers to see Chris Brown’s facial expression (he is giving a quirky smile) and creates a more personal bond between the artist and the viewer. Also as Chris Brown is well known for his good looks a close-up of his face gratifies the female gaze. A three shot is used at one point to emphasises three women climbing up a wall chasing Chris Brown at this point there is a relationship between the lyrics and the visual as Chris Brown sings ‘They keep coming from wall to wall’ and the women are literally climbing up a wall. A bird’s eye view shot is used at the start of the dance routine in one of the final scenes. The shot allows the viewers to see the majority of the dancers in action. Another shot used in one of the final scenes is an extreme close-up on Chris Brown’s Nike trainers and the trainers of other artists. This shot is significant to the audience as they can clearly see what Chris Brown is wearing and as he is an icon people admire him and want to be like Chris Brown therefore wanting to wear what he wears, so he is in a way promoting the Nike brand.
In conclusion I think that this music video is conventional of the RnB genre because it confirms the generic codes and conventions of the genre. For example it is both a performance and narrative style music video. A dance routine is incorporated into the video which is also typical of this genre and throughout the video women and sone men are dressed in a manner to gratify both the male and female gaze, therefore widening and pleasing the target audience.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Feminist and Post-Feminist Analysis of Britney Spears- Toxic music video
Feminist Analysis of Britney Spears- Toxic
From a feminist perspective, they would argue that Britney Spears confirms female stereotypes. Through the duration of the video Britney capitalises on her sexuality to cash in. However they would argue that she is not in control and that maybe she is being exploited. In one scene Britney adopts a domimatrix image which is very provacative. This confirms the idea that the media pressure to adopt this particular image.Britney uses the cameleon effect in 'Toxic' as she changes her image/appearance several different times throughout the video. This implies that to sell music Britney has to use/sell her image rather than just using her talent.
Britney uses different male models/extras in her video. There is a scene in the middle of the video of male supermodel Tyson Beckford riding a motorbike with Britney on the back of the bike. In this scene Tyson Beckford is topless, gratifying the female gaze. By gratifying the female gaze, it indicates that Britney cannot make her video appealing to her female audience without gratifying their gaze. Although Britney uses maloe models in her video she also gives a more realistic depiction of men. One of the men on the plane looks realistic ''oridinary''; until she unmasks him and he looks like a mode, revealing they don't want their men to look ''ordinary''.
The popular saying 'sex sells' in the media industry strongly applies to the 'Toxic video'. However a feminist would express that Britney demeans herself. A physco analysis of this video may be that Britney has low asteem so she feels the need to adopt different personas and be very sexy, as she is not confident that her talent alone will sell.
In conclusion a feminist would argue the Britney music video toxic is demeaning to women as Britney exploits her body and image rather than showcasing her talent
Post- Feminist Analysis of Britney Spears- Toxic
Someone who would analyse this video from a post- feminist perspective would argue that the music video reflects women (Britney) positively and that the video is demonatrates Britney's dominance.
Throughout the video Britney demonstrates that she is control. This is highlighted by her physical movement. She pushes men around, forcing them into seats as she asserts her power by making men look helpless. By dominating men throughout the video Britney subverts gender stereotypes. She continues to demonstrate her aggressiveness by pushing and pulling men throughout the video also convveying her female, sexual empowerment.
Britney takes on many different roles in this video, one of them being an air hostest that is in complete control. This subverts typical female subservient roles.
Britney capitlises on her sexuality through the use of her costume throughout the musisc video. From a post-feminist perspective Britney demonstrates that it is fine for women to dress and act permiscuously whilst still being in total control. In one scene of the video where Britney adopts a different personality, she dresses as a domamatrix in a red wig. Whilst in this costume there is a short scene of Britney walking through fire. The fire may be a visual metaphor revealing Britney's sexuality and passion. It may also be a Eupheism for a female orgasm.
In conclusion a Post-feminist analysis of Britney Spears- Toxic would be that the video reflects a positive image of Britney being in control and subverting streotypical female subservient roles.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Feminism & Post Feminism
Feminism (1950's-60's)
- A movement in which women questioned theri position within patriarchal society and the private sphere of home/children/domestic bliss
- Serves to uncover, challenge and leiminate oppression and domninant gender imagery
- Women began to debate the narrow range of stereotypes present across all media;
- Women as virgins, mothers or promiscuous
- Women as sex objects
- Women are inferior to men
- Women as domestic/based in the home
Post-feminism (1980's)
- A re-appraisa of Feminist values
- Does not strive for equality as this assumes men are the best-they wish to surpass male achievement
- Objected to thories which position them as objects of the male gaze
- Identifies a female gaze- women actively desiring men
- Women began to assert thier right to dress and be sexally attractive
Friday, 2 July 2010
Analysis of questionnaire/audience feedback
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
Analysis of questionnaire/audience feedback
View more presentations from Natalie.
Brief analysis of Pharcyde-Drop
Mise-en-scene
- Costume meets conventions of genre
- Set in New York City ''Ghetto''
Representations
- New York City is a popular place for the rap genre
- Rags to Riches
- Subverts Hip Hop genre because it is quirky
- Often topless in rap videos- possibly widening target audience (appealing to women), could be percieved as vulnerable or demonstrating that they feel comfortable in their surroundings; therefore possib;y connoting power
Camera
- Low shot angle- Making the group look powerful/dominant
- Opening shot, Extreme close-up
- Continuous tracking shot
Editing
- Special effects- white vaccume stealing souls
- The music video is played in reverse
Narrative
- Cyclical Narrative
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Questionnaire
1. How old are you?
- 14-16
- 17+
2.What gender are you?
- male
- female
3.How often do you watch music videos?
- Very often
- Quite often
- Rarely
- Hardly ever
4. What genre(s) of music do you listen to?
_________________________________________________________________
5. Do you prefer music videos that confirm the stereotype if their genre? e.g. bling in rap videos, lots of women in rap videos ect.
_________________________________________________________________
6. What music channels do you watch?
___________________________________________________________________
7. Do you prefer performance, narritive or concept based music videos? Or a combination?
Performance- A music video that is based around a performance of a group artist e.g. Beyonce- Single Ladies
Narrative- A music video that tells a story-e.g. Beyonce- if i were a boy
Concept- A music video based around a theme or idea e.g Pharcyde-drop
____________________________________________________________________
8. What do you look for in a music CD/DVD cover?
____________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Genre
What is genre?
Genre is way of categorizing different types of text and media.
What music genres do you know?
Some of the music genres I know are:
• R&B
• Hip Hop
• Pop
• Rock
• Heavy metal
• Soft Rock
• Ballads
• Funky
• Grime
• Reggae
• Bashment
• Indie
• Dance
• Classical
What are generic codes and conventions?
Generic Conventions are the style of the music video e.g. Rap videos tend to be performance and narrative based.
A generic code is an item that symbolizes or represents that genre.
Why is Genre important?
Genre is important because it classifies music. It also helps to create an image for artist and audiences can identify conventions of the artist based on the genre of music they produce. You can also identify conventions of audiences that listen to that genre of music.
What are the drawbacks of genre?
The drawbacks of genre are that it creates stereotypes for artists that artists may find hard to break e.g. if an R&B artists began to produce rock music). As audience expect specific generic codes and conventions due to genre and their stereotypes, if an artist tried to subvert conventions of a genre it may not meet audience needs or completely change their target audience.
Genre is way of categorizing different types of text and media.
What music genres do you know?
Some of the music genres I know are:
• R&B
• Hip Hop
• Pop
• Rock
• Heavy metal
• Soft Rock
• Ballads
• Funky
• Grime
• Reggae
• Bashment
• Indie
• Dance
• Classical
What are generic codes and conventions?
Generic Conventions are the style of the music video e.g. Rap videos tend to be performance and narrative based.
A generic code is an item that symbolizes or represents that genre.
Why is Genre important?
Genre is important because it classifies music. It also helps to create an image for artist and audiences can identify conventions of the artist based on the genre of music they produce. You can also identify conventions of audiences that listen to that genre of music.
What are the drawbacks of genre?
The drawbacks of genre are that it creates stereotypes for artists that artists may find hard to break e.g. if an R&B artists began to produce rock music). As audience expect specific generic codes and conventions due to genre and their stereotypes, if an artist tried to subvert conventions of a genre it may not meet audience needs or completely change their target audience.
Monday, 14 June 2010
Music Videos- Andrew Goodwin
In his book, Dancing in the Distraction Factory, Andrew Goodwin identified a number of key features which distinguish music video as a form.
- There is a relationshop between the lyrics and the visuals (with visuals either illustrating, amplifying on contracting the lyrics).
- There is a relationship between the music and visuals (again with visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contracting the lyrics).
- Particular music genres may have their own music video style and iconography (E.g. live stage performance in heavy rock).
- There is a demand on the parrt of the record company for losts of close-ups of the main artist/vocalist.
- The artist may develp[ their own star iconography, in and out of their videos, which overt time, become part of their star image.
- There is likely yo br a reference to voyeurism, particuarly in the treatment of women, but also in terms of systems of looking (screens within screens, binoculars, cameras ect).
- There are likely to be intertextual references, either to other music videos or to films and TV texts.
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