Monday, 30 September 2013
(RESEARCH) Music Video Re-Edit
If I was able to re-edit and film certain parts of the music video I produced during the summer, there are a few things which I would definitely change for example the lip syncing of the video. We had very little time to learn the words of the song we were given and film the music video. Personally I believe this prevented us from getting the lip syncing 100% accurate. I think if I was able to do this part again, it would make our music video 10x better. Secondly our framing was not perfect, in music videos, this is extremely important because music video's follow certain conventions for framing. My final thing I would change is the pace I edited the music video, at certain parts, camera movement and base-track changes were not in time with the actual song. Generally all music videos are edited in a way in which the camera movement is in time with the music.
RESEARCH: Reflection on Progress
My blogging this year has been much better than my blogging last year. The fact that I feel more pressure this year has encouraged me to not leave all my blogs until the night before. In my AS year, my blogging was not too consistent in date terms, however I am working on that for this year and I hope to be more consistent in my blogging. I now blog with more frequency and I try to put as much detail into my blog as possible.
I think that my range of different ICT has not been too big, however I have used things like time toast, prezi, pictures and videos. I am hoping to begin using more ICT in my planning section. My blogs have been quite detailed, however I am going to try to make them even more detailed for the rest of the blog as well as using a bigger variety of ICT. Out of 20, I would give myself a 12 for my use of ICT so far. By the end of the year i hope to be giving my 20/20 for my use of ICT and also the detail and quality of my blogging.
I think that my range of different ICT has not been too big, however I have used things like time toast, prezi, pictures and videos. I am hoping to begin using more ICT in my planning section. My blogs have been quite detailed, however I am going to try to make them even more detailed for the rest of the blog as well as using a bigger variety of ICT. Out of 20, I would give myself a 12 for my use of ICT so far. By the end of the year i hope to be giving my 20/20 for my use of ICT and also the detail and quality of my blogging.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
(RESEARCH) Reflection on Progress
I feel this year I am using the blog much more efficiently when compared to how I was blogging last year. Last year I found that my organization and timing for blogging could have been improved. This is because I left a lot of the blogs to the last minute. This year I have matured a bit and my organization skills have also improve. I find my myself blogging almost daily and my blog is up to date.
If I had to give myself a mark out of 20 which reflected my level of detail and use of ICT so far, I would give it 14. Personally I believe that all my blogs are extremely detailed this year but I have not used a wide range of ICT yet. This is because for the blogs we have done so far, there has not been much opportunity for me to use a range of ICT. So as our course work develops, I'm sure I would use aids like Photo-bucket and Slideshare more often.
If I had to give myself a mark out of 20 which reflected my level of detail and use of ICT so far, I would give it 14. Personally I believe that all my blogs are extremely detailed this year but I have not used a wide range of ICT yet. This is because for the blogs we have done so far, there has not been much opportunity for me to use a range of ICT. So as our course work develops, I'm sure I would use aids like Photo-bucket and Slideshare more often.
(RESEARCH) Synergy Task Extra
Rick Ross has a portrays himself in a similar way in all his videos. He is known for wearing chains and sunglasses all the time. As you can see in his Album cover he is posing with his hands in the air. When comparing this to the picture beneath, you can see he is doing the same pose in his music video ''Pirates''.
Also Rick Ross owns his own record label known as MMG, this is also shown in Album covers and features in his music videos. Here is a example below:
Also Rick Ross owns his own record label known as MMG, this is also shown in Album covers and features in his music videos. Here is a example below:
(RESEARCH) Skills Audit
Since I conducted my research for my AS media practical work, my research skills have developed greatly. Personally I believe basic research skills will always be relatively easy for me. So the way I use technology to help me complete and display my research is what has improved. I have learnt to use technologies like photo-bucket, and Prezzi to display my work. Having said that I also believe my analysis has improved. I am now able to analyses videos texts in greater depth which means I have developed a better eye for detail and description. Furthermore, there are many websites which can be used to find helpful information relating to Music Videos. Even recently I have been using the internet more wisely and staying away from sites like Wikipedia which have low reliability.
An important skill I have developed over the last year, is how to pick out the relevant bits of information. This is highly valuable when researching because the quality of what you find is better than the quantity you post. Last year I feel that I blogged quite a bit of information which was not relevant to the subject topic and wasted much of my time.
An important skill I have developed over the last year, is how to pick out the relevant bits of information. This is highly valuable when researching because the quality of what you find is better than the quantity you post. Last year I feel that I blogged quite a bit of information which was not relevant to the subject topic and wasted much of my time.
RESEARCH: Skills Audit
The research I conducted last year for my thriller opening was good. My group and I planned it out quite well and we knew where we were going to be filming and what props we were going to be using. Having said that, I do think we could have researched more. We could have gone to the locations more to make sure everything was 100% ready. This year, I feel like i am really researching into the music industry to find out as much as possible. Also, I think my group is more organised this year and therefore we are able to get more work done and more research done.
I think I have developed my listening skills as well as my team working skills. This has allowed me to also research into the artists my colleagues want to do and I have managed to search all of them up. I think i will develop my skills in all areas but I really think i have done excellent research this year, as I have spent more time on it this year than last year. I hope this will help e in my music video and will show.
RESEARCH: Individual activity on Cross Media products and Synergy
I have decided to analyse Calvin Harris' song 'Feel so Close'. I chose the song because it is of the same genre as Ellie Goulding's song 'You my Everything' which is a type of house genre. We also chose this song because 'You my everything' is a strong possibility to be our final choice for our music video.
In Calvin Harris' album, I spotted that it was very simple. It is just a picture of him. However, I noticed the font of the writing was quite spaced out and consistent. I also noticed that his name is bigger than the album's name, but that they are still in the same font.
This is the promotional image for Calvin Harris' song 'Feel so close'. It is also very simple and the font seems to be the same as the album font, only closer together.
The Calvin Harris video to 'Feel so close' is also quite simple. The old man in the above image also appears in the video, and the video reflects the simplicity of the above images due-to being filmed in quite natural locations that have not been built or put there.
All three products share the simplicity of the album and of the songs that Calvin Harris makes. There is no specific brand identity in these products, but we get an idea of how Calvin Harris is and some things he believes in through these three products.
In Calvin Harris' album, I spotted that it was very simple. It is just a picture of him. However, I noticed the font of the writing was quite spaced out and consistent. I also noticed that his name is bigger than the album's name, but that they are still in the same font.
This is the promotional image for Calvin Harris' song 'Feel so close'. It is also very simple and the font seems to be the same as the album font, only closer together.
The Calvin Harris video to 'Feel so close' is also quite simple. The old man in the above image also appears in the video, and the video reflects the simplicity of the above images due-to being filmed in quite natural locations that have not been built or put there.
All three products share the simplicity of the album and of the songs that Calvin Harris makes. There is no specific brand identity in these products, but we get an idea of how Calvin Harris is and some things he believes in through these three products.
RESEARCH: Overview - How Music Videos Appeal to Audiences
In Genre's like Hip Hop and RnB, many artists and music video directors use the ''Male Gaze'' to appeal to their target audience which is normally young males. However other genre's of music also use the '' Male Gaze'' on occasions. For example Lady Gaga has been known to use it in pop
Also Music Videos have to live up to the genre expectations to appeal to their target audience. For example if a Pop song had a music video which could be confused with heavy metal, it would not appeal to the pop target audience which is teenage girls and young women.
From research we found that the word ''G.R.A.S'' is used often when working out who the target audience for a music video is:
If the artist was female, then it would appeal to females more than males. For example Beyonce when performing Run The World was singing about women empowerment.
Also the fashion the artist promotes can also boost the videos appeal to the target audience. For example rapper Rick Ross has a promotion contract with Reebok, so people who like Reebok will often listen to Rick Ross's Music.
Also Music Videos have to live up to the genre expectations to appeal to their target audience. For example if a Pop song had a music video which could be confused with heavy metal, it would not appeal to the pop target audience which is teenage girls and young women.
From research we found that the word ''G.R.A.S'' is used often when working out who the target audience for a music video is:
- G - The Gender of the Artist in the Video
- R - The Race of the Artist in the Video
- A- The ages of the main people who listen to the artists Music
- S - Social Economic status of the target audience ( People Who can Relate )
If the artist was female, then it would appeal to females more than males. For example Beyonce when performing Run The World was singing about women empowerment.
Also the fashion the artist promotes can also boost the videos appeal to the target audience. For example rapper Rick Ross has a promotion contract with Reebok, so people who like Reebok will often listen to Rick Ross's Music.
(RESEARCH) Analysis: Costume, Setting and Props
Costume, Locations and Props are used in different Genre's to help the Music Video live up to the genre's expectations.
Hip Hop
Rick Ross - Pirates
Costume
When analysing this video, I noticed that their was three costume changes throughout. The use of costume linked well with the Verse-Chorus-Verse structure because during the chorus he wore one costume and in the the verses he wore another two different costumes. Rick Ross was mainly rapping about his lifestyle and the amount of money he has. This links to his costume because he was wearing expensive clothes and jewellery which reflects his wealth. However in Hip Hop, the costumes never really link to the setting and location because normally all Hip Hop artists dress in a similar way regardless of where their music video is shot. What he wore in his video was typical for the genre of music he creates.
Setting and Location
Their was also three different locations used in the video. I noticed that every time Rick Ross changed Location he also change what he was wearing. Personally I don't think well known locations were used in this video, however the locations used was linked to the title of the single. Furthermore, the location used was a typical location for a rapper to film a video. Since the 90's rappers have filmed videos on water using boats. For example 2pac.
Props
The video contained typical props which are used in Hip Hop videos e.g Caps, Chains and Sunglasses. However in this video Rick Ross has also portrayed women to be objects which complies with Laura Mulvey's theory.
Pop
Katy Perry - Fireworks
Costume
In fireworks their are four costume changes. Normally in pop music the colours worn are very bright and ''In your face''. However in this video her choice of outfit stood out without using eccentric colours. Instead she used special effects on her costumes to make the bright like an ordinary pop video. This also linked with her song title ''Fireworks'' because fireworks are always very bright. The costume also links to the location because she dresses in a toned down medieval way and the main location of the video is a castle. Here costume changes sometimes linked to the Verse-Chorus-Verse structure but not throughout the whole video.
Setting and Location
I only noticed three location changes in her video, but as I mentioned before her costumes did link the base track locations. For example she dressed medieval when filming in the castle and wore a bikini when filming by the swimming pool, however this was only shown once for a few seconds. Well known locations were not used to my knowledge but the locations used were typical for a pop video. However I did feel that the locations used was relatively dark and dim to be used for a pop video, but this could have been because it was filmed at night so when the special effects were added in it maximized their effect.
Props
The main prop used was the fireworks and this is directly linked to the title of the song. Also flowers were used at certain points which is typical of pop music videos.
Funky House
BBK - Too Many Man
Costume
There was no costume changes in this video because at the time BBK were still unsigned underground artists. Therefore they were working with a smaller budget to produce the music video. Like many Funky House crews, they normally all dress in the same costume so fans know who's a member of the crew. This was also shown in their music video. They all were wearing BBK t shirts and blue jeans. However the costumes what ordinary people will wear to a funky house rave and because they are trying to recreate a funky house rave in their video, it is a good representation. Therefore costumes are typical.
Setting and Location
Being a budget group at the time, only one location was used, it was set in a club environment. But the lack of locations was not a big problem because the whole song is about raving and the video is located in a rave. The costumes suit the location, but the location is not well known.Also a lot of funky house songs are set in a club, so the location they used was typical. Also although only one location was used, in the video it looked like more than one location was used because each MC performed their verse in a different section of the location.
Props
Not many props were used in this video, apart from the sunglasses. Also the MC were almost referring to women as being objects. Similar to how with are represented in the genre of hip hop.
Hip Hop
Rick Ross - Pirates
Costume
When analysing this video, I noticed that their was three costume changes throughout. The use of costume linked well with the Verse-Chorus-Verse structure because during the chorus he wore one costume and in the the verses he wore another two different costumes. Rick Ross was mainly rapping about his lifestyle and the amount of money he has. This links to his costume because he was wearing expensive clothes and jewellery which reflects his wealth. However in Hip Hop, the costumes never really link to the setting and location because normally all Hip Hop artists dress in a similar way regardless of where their music video is shot. What he wore in his video was typical for the genre of music he creates.
Setting and Location
Their was also three different locations used in the video. I noticed that every time Rick Ross changed Location he also change what he was wearing. Personally I don't think well known locations were used in this video, however the locations used was linked to the title of the single. Furthermore, the location used was a typical location for a rapper to film a video. Since the 90's rappers have filmed videos on water using boats. For example 2pac.
Props
The video contained typical props which are used in Hip Hop videos e.g Caps, Chains and Sunglasses. However in this video Rick Ross has also portrayed women to be objects which complies with Laura Mulvey's theory.
Pop
Katy Perry - Fireworks
Costume
In fireworks their are four costume changes. Normally in pop music the colours worn are very bright and ''In your face''. However in this video her choice of outfit stood out without using eccentric colours. Instead she used special effects on her costumes to make the bright like an ordinary pop video. This also linked with her song title ''Fireworks'' because fireworks are always very bright. The costume also links to the location because she dresses in a toned down medieval way and the main location of the video is a castle. Here costume changes sometimes linked to the Verse-Chorus-Verse structure but not throughout the whole video.
Setting and Location
I only noticed three location changes in her video, but as I mentioned before her costumes did link the base track locations. For example she dressed medieval when filming in the castle and wore a bikini when filming by the swimming pool, however this was only shown once for a few seconds. Well known locations were not used to my knowledge but the locations used were typical for a pop video. However I did feel that the locations used was relatively dark and dim to be used for a pop video, but this could have been because it was filmed at night so when the special effects were added in it maximized their effect.
Props
The main prop used was the fireworks and this is directly linked to the title of the song. Also flowers were used at certain points which is typical of pop music videos.
Funky House
BBK - Too Many Man
Costume
There was no costume changes in this video because at the time BBK were still unsigned underground artists. Therefore they were working with a smaller budget to produce the music video. Like many Funky House crews, they normally all dress in the same costume so fans know who's a member of the crew. This was also shown in their music video. They all were wearing BBK t shirts and blue jeans. However the costumes what ordinary people will wear to a funky house rave and because they are trying to recreate a funky house rave in their video, it is a good representation. Therefore costumes are typical.
Setting and Location
Being a budget group at the time, only one location was used, it was set in a club environment. But the lack of locations was not a big problem because the whole song is about raving and the video is located in a rave. The costumes suit the location, but the location is not well known.Also a lot of funky house songs are set in a club, so the location they used was typical. Also although only one location was used, in the video it looked like more than one location was used because each MC performed their verse in a different section of the location.
Props
Not many props were used in this video, apart from the sunglasses. Also the MC were almost referring to women as being objects. Similar to how with are represented in the genre of hip hop.
RESEARCH - Skills Audit, Development of the Researching Skills
Development In Researching Since AS Practical Work
Since conducting some of our first AS work such as doing the Scarface spoof, our practice and actual thriller to even the Remake of a Music video I believe my researching skills have become better and much more improved. Over the time i have gradually learnt how to use many sites such as prezi and photobucket which all help with researching our projects and during this specific research task for our music video I think my skills have become further developed.Also, I now find it much more easier to use the Internet and other sites such as youtube and wikepedia to research about genres, artists and statistics. During the research blogging tasks of last year my blogging skills have improved and this year I have outlined to myself what would be the best way to get the highest grade. I understand this to be quality of writing over quantity.
However I still feel i have a long way to as there is still going to be research blogging tasks on my ancillary work which consists of four blogs, I shall use all my skills developed through last years foundation portfolio work and now already this years research tasks to help me get the hihgest grade possible in all my research work that I have left.
I will definitely come back to my research blogs to use for help as well as include other ict skills and edit some of the things I have written but all in good time. I am exited about this years media production and I think researching music videos, synergy and genres has helped me become exited and focused on creating a good music video with my eager and helpfull group.
RESEARCH - Genre, Music video research homework task
Homework - Research Blogging Task
Album Cover Name - ''Our Version Of Events''
This album cover uses a sophisticated title font and we can see this font continue throughout her single releases, her album promotional trailer and even other synergous media products used to promote this album. There is a grey, misty background on the cover and this bodes well with the black dress she wears only to be contrasted by the bright blonde hair.Album teaser Trailer - ''Emeli Sandé - Our Version of Events: Live At The Royal Albert Hall - Trailer''
During the video she uses the same font to again promote the idea of branding and consistency, This make sit look more proffesional.Music video single - ''Next To Me''
During the beginning there is a black piano in an empty room with grey flooring, the artist sits in a black dress and her blonde hair. This makes us repicture the album cover immediately as many connections between the two are made. The drummer in the video also wears black.Music video single - ''Clown''
Throughout the video there is dark lighting and the use of black makes us repicture again the previous video and the album cover. The video is edited in grey scale at some points of the video And Emile Sande wears Black and white.RESEARCH - Independant Research For Music Video Features
Independant Research
Album Cover Name:
Halcyon Days - The title on display is unique and we can see this font as some sort of ellie goulding logo as she uses it frequently, Her head is turned back as it is usually during her videos and shoots but also her blonde hair contrasts with the pinkish purplish background she uses. This is later sen in the lighting of her video for 'burn'.Album teaser trailer:
Ellie Goulding - Halcyon Album Trailer - Again she uses this unique font consistently and she uses the same posture of her head with the blonde hair however we seem to have lost the pink and purple vibe.
Music video single:
During the beginning of the singles video there is evidence of blue lighting effects however as we go on the remainder of the video uptakes a purple pinky lighting effect which matches her album cover, this sets a sort of trend throughout her videos and promotional synergous productsFriday, 27 September 2013
Review Of Class Activity: Synergy & Music Videos.
As a class, we analysed different artists latest album covers, teaser trailers and their music videos. Throughout we are looking for aspects of synergy that link them all together and relate back to the artist. Here are a few artists we analysed:
Daft Punk
Any fans of Daft Punk will know that this is their album without having the group's name on the cover as their are famous for wearing these helmets to hide their identity. Their two helmets have been merged together to make one. The band are known for using futuristic themes throughout their videos and they have carried on with their theme for their latest album cover and music video.
The album teaser has many of these features in it. At first we see Daft Punk in what seems to be a spaceship which straight away gives it a futuristic feel. We then see the album cover, which daft punk are holding and they are wearing the helmets that are shown on the album cover. Daft Punk then play a vinyl on an old record player, which brings the old school feel to it which Daft Punk are famous for.
Disclosure - F is For You
Disclosure don't have to use many trade marks as the one they have works very well. They are known for their famous white outlines over faces, they often use it though their music videos and have also incorporated in on their album cover.
The advert for the album has the same font on the album cover and also the known white outline over faces.
Daft Punk
Any fans of Daft Punk will know that this is their album without having the group's name on the cover as their are famous for wearing these helmets to hide their identity. Their two helmets have been merged together to make one. The band are known for using futuristic themes throughout their videos and they have carried on with their theme for their latest album cover and music video.
The album teaser has many of these features in it. At first we see Daft Punk in what seems to be a spaceship which straight away gives it a futuristic feel. We then see the album cover, which daft punk are holding and they are wearing the helmets that are shown on the album cover. Daft Punk then play a vinyl on an old record player, which brings the old school feel to it which Daft Punk are famous for.
Start of the trailer shows the spaceship. |
Shot of the album cover. |
Vinyl Brings back the old school theme. |
Daft Punk wearing their famous helmets. |
Old sepia tone used throughout the video. |
Bright red font used again. |
Disclosure - F is For You
Disclosure don't have to use many trade marks as the one they have works very well. They are known for their famous white outlines over faces, they often use it though their music videos and have also incorporated in on their album cover.
Album cover shows white outlining on facial features. |
White outlining also appears in the music video. |
The advert for the album has the same font on the album cover and also the known white outline over faces.
(RESEARCH) Synergy: Music Videos and Promotion Stimulus
Synergy between an artists Promotion Stimulus (e.g Album Cover and Magazine Advert) and Music Videos is often used to show a relationship between the two. I analyzed four artistes album covers and Ancillary work and found that all of them had certain similarities.
Wretch 32 - Black and White
The first thing I noticed about Wretch 32's album cover is that Black and White are the only colours which have been used. This directly matches the album name ''Black and White. The same colour scheme and picture is used in the magazine advert. When linking this to the music video don't go, the same pose was shown in the music video as the one on the album cover.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
On the front of Daft Punks album, they have not put their name on it. However they have instead chosen to use a fusion of their symbolic items (helmets). All their promotional work and Music Videos always use the helmets to hide the artists identity. This means that once an audience sees the helmets they know what their viewing is associated with daft punk. Also a lot of daft punks work has a futuristic feel to it which is shown in their album teaser.
Also in Daft Punk's teaser video, they show themselves holding their album cover which is a good example of synergy because it shows that they are using a different form of media to promote the music.
Ed Sheeran
Disclosure are known for using white lines to outline their faces in the
majority of their work. They have used this on their album cover, but
it has also featured in their music videos. Therefore when people see
the white outlines, they know it's Disclosure's work. As you can see, the white outlines have been shown in their music video and also on their faces.
Wretch 32 - Black and White
The first thing I noticed about Wretch 32's album cover is that Black and White are the only colours which have been used. This directly matches the album name ''Black and White. The same colour scheme and picture is used in the magazine advert. When linking this to the music video don't go, the same pose was shown in the music video as the one on the album cover.
Wretch 32 Pose |
On the front of Daft Punks album, they have not put their name on it. However they have instead chosen to use a fusion of their symbolic items (helmets). All their promotional work and Music Videos always use the helmets to hide the artists identity. This means that once an audience sees the helmets they know what their viewing is associated with daft punk. Also a lot of daft punks work has a futuristic feel to it which is shown in their album teaser.
Also in Daft Punk's teaser video, they show themselves holding their album cover which is a good example of synergy because it shows that they are using a different form of media to promote the music.
Screenshot taken from Daft Punk teaser |
Ed Sheeran's hair colour and style is used in his album cover and many of his videos. For example his album cover is orange and his natural hair colour is ginger. In his video drunk he has style his hair is a very similar way and has also used the colour orange in his video a number of times. He also often uses the same facial expressions in many of his videos. Which could be a symbol he uses across all of his work to create some sort of motif.
Disclosure - F is For You
RESEARCH: Review of Class activity on Cross Media Products and Synergy
As our first task, we analysed Daft Punk as a whole class. For their album name cover, I noticed that there was a black solid background and that it made the doll head that was half silver and half gold stand out more. Also, the font was quite interesting and eye catching. In their album teaser trailer, I also noticed there was a dark background and that helped me to focus more on the screen that was being shown as I was very bright. In their music video 'Get Lucky', The symbol appears once again and there is again a dark background.The clothes that the artists are wearing in the video are very bright and shiny and therefore contrast the background massively. This means that we are more aware of the artists and they become the only focus in the video. The original version of 'Get Lucky' also has dark elements. The video begins in black and white and further along, it turns into a sepia type effect. Later on, it turns normal and again the robot heads are present.
After finishing the class analysis of Daft Punk, we individually picked 4 different album covers as well as songs to analyse from the list we were given. The first one i chose was Wretch 32. Wretch 32's album cover name is black and white. I analysed the cover and i noticed that it was black and white. The background was white and wretch 32 was dressed in what came out as grey and black, so presumably they were considerably dark colours. Also, he is the only thing on the cover of his album, there are no objects or instruments with him. I then analysed the magazine advert of black a white. Apart from also being black and white and having the same picture on it, it also has some text. The font is in black and it grabs our attention as it is placed on a white background. I then also analysed the album release promo video of black and white. I realised that the magazine advert was in the video and at the beginning of the video, Wretch 32's name comes up in the same font as it does on the album. The font of the features information and the song names at the back is the same and different to the rest. Throughout the video to his single 'Don't Go', Wretch 32 only wears black. All the other people in his video are wearing either black or white and once again at the beginning and at the end of the song, his name appears in the same font.
After Wretch 32, i decided to analyse Labrinth. I analysed Labrinth's album cover first. The first thing that caught my eye were all the bright and electronic colours used against the relevantly dark background. I also noticed the sunglasses as they are quite big and reflects the colours and images of the album. I noticed that the font of Labrinth's name is different to the electronic type font of the tracklist and the name of the album. It is a perfect font as the album's name is 'Electronic Earth' and the font looks extremely electronic. After analysing this, I looked his music video to 'Let the Sun Shine'. Once again, the glasses appear and since to be used various times throughout the video. Also, there is again a use of bright colours, often against this electric navy blue background or what he is wearing, that contrasts the bright colours, as occurs on the album cover.
My next choice was Emile Sande. I decided to analyse her as her genre of music is quite different to the ones I had done so far. I began by analysing her album cover 'Our Version of Events'. The album cover uses very neutral colours and has quite an old, rustic feel to it. Two things that stand out a lot is her hair and her clothing. I noticed that her hair is very blonde and is always styled in this way. It seems to be one of the ways by which she is recognised among other artists and is like her trademark. In contrast with her hair is her dress. It is black and filled with roses which is also adds quite a rustic feel to the cover. I then analysed her her music video to her song 'Next To Me'. Again, her hair is in the same style and is still very bright blonde. She is also wearing similar colours, which are quite neutral at first. In her second video that I analysed, it was in black and white and she was the only person in the video wearing black. Also, her hair was again styled the same and was the same colour, which stood out immensely in the black and white effect.
My final choice was Rita Ora. Again because she has a different genre compared to the artists I has already analysed. I looked into her album cover 'Ora' and analysed that. I immediately saw that the album was black and white. However, the one thing that stood out was the use of red on her album. Rita Ora is known for her red lips and her use of red. The significance of having that on her album shows that it is her trademark. I then looked at the video of 'RIP' featuring Tinie Tempah. I again saw the use of red not only on her lips, but also in the two different cars she used in the video. Also, she always wears quite big chains and we are able to see that in both her album cover as well as her video.
MY OWN CHOICE:
I decided to do my own research on Rihanna as I enjoy listening to her music and think she is a complete artist. As I looked into Rihanna latest album 'Unapologetic', I realised that the album was all in black and white. The only thing that was not in black and white throughout the album was her body. I think Rihanna is constantly changing her image and lately she has been focused on diamonds and that has become one of her trademarks by which she is associated to all around the world.
As we can see on the front of the album cover, we can see that there is an image of the diamonds. If we then look at her tracklist, we can see that her debut album is called 'Diamonds'. The back of the album is also in black and white and she has short hair in both images.
This was a promotion leaflet that I found for Rihanna's album 'Unapologetic'. Her notorious 'R' is on there which is her trademark and it is also in black and white apart from the added on writing from the promotional information.
In Rihanna's single 'Diamonds', the video starts off in black and white. It also shows actual diamonds as well as showing off all of her tattoos which she is also known for, as all her videos also do.
In all 3 products, we can see her tattoos as well as the input of the diamonds, which is now her latest trademark. Rihanna is known for her tattoos therefore it makes perfect sense to constantly show her tottoos and it now also makes sense to show the diamonds as she has also made that one of her trademarks.
RESEARCH - Review Of Class Activity On Synergy And Music videos
Creating a Synergous Brand Identity
Daft Punk:
In the bands album cover name, 'Random Access memories' holds key feature such as the fact that the groups name is not visible on the front cover instead t is place on the back in a small yet unique and consistent font. The images of the two helmets give away that this is 'Daft Punk' as they use these same helmets in all their products and it has become their unique stamp. The albums teaser trailer also gives off a futuristic vibe through the helmets and the electrical theme but they use a traditional old fashioned vinyl to play the song in the video. In the MTV version of 'get lucky' it is still futuristic and they still remain in their helmets however in the original version of the video the vinyls are shown to us again including the helmets as well as some parts of the MTV cut.
Mystery Jets:
In their album cover 'Redlands; they had a unique red font and the picture of the four band members were carved into the shape of the US. One band member had a guitar in his hand and all of this was again seen in their other product which was their actual Music video single, they had used a cowbpy theme during the video and again used the red font as well as some red lighting during the video. The american flag was also used. In summary both products we saw synergy references to the US flag and state Also the guitar was seen across both products as well as the red font and lighting.
Disclosure:
In their album cover 'settle' they have used a black and white font ,here is also two children sitting down with their main facial features outlined with a white highlighted colour. Similarly in their Music video single ' F for you ' there are again two men and they both wear shirts, the theme remains black and white and the edited highlighted face re-appears as some sort of iconic symbol which is part of both of their products.
Wretch 32:
In his album cover he uses a black and white image of himself with a clearly displayed unique font that writes 'Wretch 32' in the magazine advert we see exactly the same thing and during the music video of the single we again spot the same font during the end however throughout the video there is a constant black and white clashing theme.
Labrinth:
Labrinths Album cover had a sort of electronic theme and a unique font that he also used in his music video and across both products we see a blue theme coming along which promotes the electronic feel. He wear sunglasses in both products which is evidence of synergy.
Thursday, 26 September 2013
(RESEARCH) Review Of Previous Student Work
This piece of previous student work is an excellent example of the function of a music video because it follows the music video conventions (e.g Jump Cuts, Obvious Edits, Eye contact, Repeated shots, Base Tracks and In time Camera movement) which was suggested in Andrew Godwins and Carol Venarlises theories. Throughout the video jump cuts are used frequently which helps draw the audience towards the artist. This is effective because once the audience is concentrating on the artist it would be easy for them to understand how the artist is trying to portray themselves which is the main purpose of a Music video. Secondly the use of a number of base tracks has added a good structure to the music video which shows that locations used were also well though about.
Another factor which has made the video interesting is the use of slow motion. Certain parts of the video have been slowed down, but the group have manage to keep the lip syncing in time with the track, which shows great skill. The music video also follows the main points of Andrew Godwins theory for example shots are often repeated when the chorus or certain lines are repeated. Therefore like many music videos it had no closure or end. Personally I also think this music video has used a lot of disjuncture. This is because the music video has not illustrated the lyrics. Instead it has little in common with the lyrics. Although the artist sings about being alone and she is the only
person in the video.
As far as Laura Mulvey's theory is concerned, I think this particular music video contradicts her main points. This is because the camera not focused on any parts of the artistes body to attract male attention. Also the artist is dressed appropriately for the music genre. Overall this piece of student work had many strengths and very few weaknesses.
Strengths:
Another factor which has made the video interesting is the use of slow motion. Certain parts of the video have been slowed down, but the group have manage to keep the lip syncing in time with the track, which shows great skill. The music video also follows the main points of Andrew Godwins theory for example shots are often repeated when the chorus or certain lines are repeated. Therefore like many music videos it had no closure or end. Personally I also think this music video has used a lot of disjuncture. This is because the music video has not illustrated the lyrics. Instead it has little in common with the lyrics. Although the artist sings about being alone and she is the only
person in the video.
As far as Laura Mulvey's theory is concerned, I think this particular music video contradicts her main points. This is because the camera not focused on any parts of the artistes body to attract male attention. Also the artist is dressed appropriately for the music genre. Overall this piece of student work had many strengths and very few weaknesses.
Strengths:
- Camera Framing
- Lip Syncing
- Excellent Editing (Filter etc.)
- Costume and Location Link
- Performance
- Locations
- Could of had a third base track
RESEARCH: Group costume, setting and prop activity
The three videos that we chose to analyse in class were: Natasha Bedingfield's 'Soulmate', Rachel Kerr's 'Hold my Hand' and Alicia Keys' 'No-one'.
In Natasha Bedingfield's video of 'Soulmate', she uses one dress throughout the video. The dress links with the song as the dress is quite light and song is slow and mellow. However, I do not think that it links in with the locations, I actually think it contrasts with the locations as they are quite dark and the dress is very light and quite childish.
There are both internal and external locations. There are various locations throughout the video and most of them are quite dark places. There are random shots of the city and of certain objects. There are also shots of her in a house and in front of a white wall. The locations link to the song in a way because she is talking about finding your soulmate and by showing many different locations, it is a way to show that she is looking. With the props, there is a constant repetition of objects shaped like a heart. We found this interesting because the song is about love and the heart is the international symbol for love. We thought it was a very clever and made the video different.
We then looked at Rachel Kerr's song 'Hold My Hand'. In the video, she is mainly in a yellow dress. She then goes onto wearing a black dress and those are the only two outfits she has throughout the video. She goes back and forth between these outfits in the video. They both suit the song in a way. The yellow dress represents the message of the song which is positive, and the black may represent the melody of the song which is quite slow and low. The dresses also link in with the locations as when she is wearing the yellow, more informal dress, she is sitting on a sofa, then when she is wearing the black dress she is singing into a microphone on a microphone stand.
There is one main location for the video. She is in a room and at times it is lighted up and at others it has very low lighting. It suits the song because it is quite calm and relaxed, which is the vibes that these room send off.
There are two main props used in this Rachel Kerr video. The first prop is the blue sofa that she is constantly sitting on. It is very bright and contrasts the black and white backgrounds. She also has a microphone and a stand that she sings into.
The third song we looked into was 'no-one' by Alicia Keys. There are four different costumes changes in the video. The costume changes change according to the locations.For instance, the first scene where she is sat on a chair , the room is very neutral and she is also wearing neutral colours. In the other locations, she changes clothes according to the locations.
There are also four different locations that do not necessarily link in with the song, however they do link in extremely well with the costumes. They also link in with the props. The main prop used is the piano and we know that is Alicia Keys's signature instrument. The use of the piano does not necessarily link to the genre, but we know that in most of her videos; if not all, there is a piano.
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