Today in class, sir asked us two questions;
1) What happens when we consume media texts?
2) Why do we consume the media texts that we do?
Before considering these questions we looked at a model of the media with given examples from around the room to show our understanding. The model goes like this;
The text (such as music, film, radio, television, newspapers, websites etc) is what the audience consumes. We have to consider what, why and how the audience consumes these texts as well. The audience then makes a financial transaction to a particular institution (such as BBC, MTV, Disney, Capital, Microsoft, EA, Sky etc) who in returns produces the text they want.
We also discussed issues surrounding this which would damage this media cycle. For example illegal downloads or piracy. If the audience are finding new ways where they do not pay institutions (they may be able to get it for free or cheaper somewhere else) then it is the institution that is suffering as no money is coming in from the text they have produced; and therefore no profit to go onto making new texts in the future. Take Dreamworks for example, if they spend £12 and half million on a film, they are then going to need to make more than 12 and half million in return in order to make a profit. They may have to price cinema tickets and DVD's very high (alongside selling soundtracks and other promotional merchandise) if their audience number is low which will only result in the audience turning to piracy and such.
Other institutions have found solutions into making money none the less. Take a music institution for example, if their Cd's aren't selling because of illegal downloads than concerts are normally a successful way into gradually getting money in. Most people are prepared to pay a large amount if it meant they would see their idol up close and personal. However this is very time consuming and exhausting to do it frequently so doesn't happen often!
Afterwards sure asked us to think of a thriller/horror film which had effected us and why. My one was the film "The Evil Dead" which was actually banned for the cinema. I saw a scene from it once before on the 100 greatest scariest films then a few years later watched about 20 minutes of it with Samantha and had to turn it off!! It just shows how much a film can disturb you.
Sir then put this into context with the effect model;
The Effects Model:
This theory suggests that the consumption of media texts effects (often adversely) the audience. The audience is influenced, sometimes to replicate what they have consumed.
Also known as "The Hypodermic Syringe Model"-
Here the audience is passive. The images of the text are "injected" directly into the brain and the audience is powerless to resist.
Evidence of this;
Case Study: The Murder of Stefan Pakeerah
It is believed that Warren Leblanc murdered his friend Stefan Pakeerah by imitating the attack strategies from the controversial violent game "Man Hunt" in which he became obssessed with. Coincidently the game suddenly got increasingly significant demands once it was removed from UK branches such as Game and Dixons.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Friday, 25 September 2009
Research- Music Videos
In class on Wednesday we looked at music video's made from former Robert Clack students. They were shown for the purpose of giving us ideas on what we could potentially produce. Sir showed us in particular ones who got an A grade so we could see what standard our music videos need to be at in order to do just as well. The few that stood out to me were:
I Live For Speed- Star Stangles
What i enjoyed in this video was the quick straight cuts which went well with the fast music. The student's simply edited in a way which represented their song's title and it really did work. I also liked their many close ups of the instruments to show their passion for rock n roll and music overall. The fast forward effects also captures teenagers lifestyles where they start a riot for no good reason but to endure a sensation of adrenaline and freedom.
Movies of Myself
Two groups of students used this same song but it shows how the lyrics can be interpreted differently to give completely different performances.
The first music video (by Elizabeth Ellis and Keeley Brien) did a simple story about how a girl spends her time. She shot it on an Essex Coast in one day but cleverly changes outfits to give the allusion of it being days. There are various quick cuts of her with her friend in the past tense. The quick cuts really go well at one point when the two girls are in a photobooth; this fast editing can be associated with their pictures being taken. One really positive comment about this video aswell is that the girl lip syncs in the foreground all the way through which is a really hard thing to do in itself and then edit afterwards but the timing is perfect.
The second music video (by Jodie, Natalie and Lana) was more imaginative. One of the girls begins with looking in a scrapbook which contains pictures of her and her friends in different areas of london. However as the camera zooms into one of the pictures, the freeze frame become real life, in that exact same place and with the same people. The whole video continues to do this technique which really emphasizes the girl's love of that day out and their friendship. I particulary enjoyed them capturing the iconic landscapes of London to give it that British status. There are however a few negative elements. The lip syncing wasnt that great, the camera was shakey at times and sometimes the editing was too slow which didn't go really well with the music. But overall it was one of the most memorable videos.
Simple Kid- Hello
This was an excellent video!!! Throughout it, a reverse effect was used which made it all the more original and most clever. The lip syncing was absolutely perfect aswell even though the entire video was almost all the time in that reversed order. At one stage the colour scheme changed completely to black and white but a pink ribbon that the boy was playing around with was still showing its colour! The whole video was cleverly thought through which gave its most memorable and best performance.
I Live For Speed- Star Stangles
What i enjoyed in this video was the quick straight cuts which went well with the fast music. The student's simply edited in a way which represented their song's title and it really did work. I also liked their many close ups of the instruments to show their passion for rock n roll and music overall. The fast forward effects also captures teenagers lifestyles where they start a riot for no good reason but to endure a sensation of adrenaline and freedom.
Movies of Myself
Two groups of students used this same song but it shows how the lyrics can be interpreted differently to give completely different performances.
The first music video (by Elizabeth Ellis and Keeley Brien) did a simple story about how a girl spends her time. She shot it on an Essex Coast in one day but cleverly changes outfits to give the allusion of it being days. There are various quick cuts of her with her friend in the past tense. The quick cuts really go well at one point when the two girls are in a photobooth; this fast editing can be associated with their pictures being taken. One really positive comment about this video aswell is that the girl lip syncs in the foreground all the way through which is a really hard thing to do in itself and then edit afterwards but the timing is perfect.
The second music video (by Jodie, Natalie and Lana) was more imaginative. One of the girls begins with looking in a scrapbook which contains pictures of her and her friends in different areas of london. However as the camera zooms into one of the pictures, the freeze frame become real life, in that exact same place and with the same people. The whole video continues to do this technique which really emphasizes the girl's love of that day out and their friendship. I particulary enjoyed them capturing the iconic landscapes of London to give it that British status. There are however a few negative elements. The lip syncing wasnt that great, the camera was shakey at times and sometimes the editing was too slow which didn't go really well with the music. But overall it was one of the most memorable videos.
Simple Kid- Hello
This was an excellent video!!! Throughout it, a reverse effect was used which made it all the more original and most clever. The lip syncing was absolutely perfect aswell even though the entire video was almost all the time in that reversed order. At one stage the colour scheme changed completely to black and white but a pink ribbon that the boy was playing around with was still showing its colour! The whole video was cleverly thought through which gave its most memorable and best performance.
Final update on top 100 music videos
This is the last addition of music videos that we analysed in class. The several the stood out to me were:
The Verve- "Bitter Sweet Symphony"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx3m4e45bTo
This video is an imitation of the Massive Attack video where there is one whole continuous shot all the way through but there is a huge contrast in the style between them. Originally called "Unfinished Sympathy", and shot in LA, the video features the lead vocalist Shara Nelson walking along the sidewalk, unaware of her surroundings which include drunks, gangs and bikers. However the way she sings and walks is done with such emotion to show how much she cares about her surroundings. Whereas The verve gives a more British/ rock twist whereby Ashcroft is lip-syncing as he is striding down a busy London sidewalk; basically walking with purpose, with attitude. He is determined not to break this pace and is oblivious to what is going on around him. This is a perfect example to show where we come from dictates how we act!
Madonna- "Like a Prayer"
This is a very controversial video in which Madonna associates religion with sexual Ecstasy- "cleavage with crucifix" to many people dismay. Despite this however there is a message behind it; to show how children should behave and what is right from wrong. The story line is basically an innocent man (assumed by many to be Jesus) being charged with rape and Madonna being a witness to him being wrongly accused. She then goes to church to seek help and finally finds the answer which sets the man free.
When this video was released it became hugely popular with its many creative techniques in a sense of it being in the style of a stream-of-consciousness nightmare that has unusual song structure. It is more akin to a classical rhapsody than popular music. Although it is lyrically impossible to understand, it just goes to show the video aspect of things is what made it such a commercial success!
Aha- "Take On Me"
This video begins with a story of a girl leading an ordinary life; shes in a cafe reading a motorcycle magazine which comic drawings of the motorcycle models. However she's thrown into this extra ordinary situation when a man (who is the lead vocalist of the band) from the magazine comes alive and reaches out to the woman to join him in his fantasy world. When the song was originally released it sanked without a trace however when it was re-released with the video it sold millions which just goes to show a video can really add value to the song.
The Verve- "Bitter Sweet Symphony"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx3m4e45bTo
This video is an imitation of the Massive Attack video where there is one whole continuous shot all the way through but there is a huge contrast in the style between them. Originally called "Unfinished Sympathy", and shot in LA, the video features the lead vocalist Shara Nelson walking along the sidewalk, unaware of her surroundings which include drunks, gangs and bikers. However the way she sings and walks is done with such emotion to show how much she cares about her surroundings. Whereas The verve gives a more British/ rock twist whereby Ashcroft is lip-syncing as he is striding down a busy London sidewalk; basically walking with purpose, with attitude. He is determined not to break this pace and is oblivious to what is going on around him. This is a perfect example to show where we come from dictates how we act!
Madonna- "Like a Prayer"
This is a very controversial video in which Madonna associates religion with sexual Ecstasy- "cleavage with crucifix" to many people dismay. Despite this however there is a message behind it; to show how children should behave and what is right from wrong. The story line is basically an innocent man (assumed by many to be Jesus) being charged with rape and Madonna being a witness to him being wrongly accused. She then goes to church to seek help and finally finds the answer which sets the man free.
Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody
When this video was released it became hugely popular with its many creative techniques in a sense of it being in the style of a stream-of-consciousness nightmare that has unusual song structure. It is more akin to a classical rhapsody than popular music. Although it is lyrically impossible to understand, it just goes to show the video aspect of things is what made it such a commercial success!
Aha- "Take On Me"
This video begins with a story of a girl leading an ordinary life; shes in a cafe reading a motorcycle magazine which comic drawings of the motorcycle models. However she's thrown into this extra ordinary situation when a man (who is the lead vocalist of the band) from the magazine comes alive and reaches out to the woman to join him in his fantasy world. When the song was originally released it sanked without a trace however when it was re-released with the video it sold millions which just goes to show a video can really add value to the song.
Saturday, 19 September 2009
More pop videos
Three more music videos i found in being very significant and each using one thing in common; emotion!!!
Johnny Cash "Hurt"
There are various cut footage of Johnny Cash years and years back; really its a montage of his life and he is presently, in his old age, showing his attitude and thoughts in the 4 minutes he has. This video plays on the heart strings with the close shots of Cash and his wife with their sad expressions and teary eyes; there is no effort being made to hide their fraility. Also the acoustic style really makes it personal which we want to use for our video.
Sinead O'Connor "Nothing compares to you"
The framing here has been very cleverly used here, as it is cropped around her face the audienced is forced to look into O'Connor's eyes which as time goes by, becomes more intense and tearful.It Captures her vunerability and we, as viewers, become just as emotional understanding her in this state. It is really one of those videos that add value to the song.
Radiohead "No Surprises"
This is a very compelling video to watch as its entirety is focused on Tom York's face. It's tense at first and we know something is arriving when he remains still and lyrics is the only thing moving on screen. Then it becomes this unbelievably powerful but unsettling image of York drowning which though is vry distressing for him and for us, it once again adds value to the song which also becomes more meaningful.
Johnny Cash "Hurt"
There are various cut footage of Johnny Cash years and years back; really its a montage of his life and he is presently, in his old age, showing his attitude and thoughts in the 4 minutes he has. This video plays on the heart strings with the close shots of Cash and his wife with their sad expressions and teary eyes; there is no effort being made to hide their fraility. Also the acoustic style really makes it personal which we want to use for our video.
Sinead O'Connor "Nothing compares to you"
The framing here has been very cleverly used here, as it is cropped around her face the audienced is forced to look into O'Connor's eyes which as time goes by, becomes more intense and tearful.It Captures her vunerability and we, as viewers, become just as emotional understanding her in this state. It is really one of those videos that add value to the song.
Radiohead "No Surprises"
This is a very compelling video to watch as its entirety is focused on Tom York's face. It's tense at first and we know something is arriving when he remains still and lyrics is the only thing moving on screen. Then it becomes this unbelievably powerful but unsettling image of York drowning which though is vry distressing for him and for us, it once again adds value to the song which also becomes more meaningful.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Artist Replies!!
Samantha received an email from Gary Roberts giving us his permission to use his song!!!
This is evidence of his reply:
As the text is too small to read from the image; it says
"Hi thanx for the email, i would be glad for you to use it, which song is it that you heard? The songs on there aren't of fantastic quality as they are only demos but i am in the studio in a week getting them mixed properly so i could email you with it or you can download the one you heard if you like, let me know how things go, thanx again."
As the text is too small to read from the image; it says
"Hi thanx for the email, i would be glad for you to use it, which song is it that you heard? The songs on there aren't of fantastic quality as they are only demos but i am in the studio in a week getting them mixed properly so i could email you with it or you can download the one you heard if you like, let me know how things go, thanx again."
Friday, 11 September 2009
New artist
Although I had Samantha's approval to use Carl Haucks song "Dissociation", the more i replayed the song, the more i felt it wouldn't suit our idea for the video itself. It seemed too slow whereas our shots will be fairly quicker. Therefore we began to search through the "Acoustic" genre together for a new artist and came across a guy called "Gary Roberts" who also specialises in folk and alternative. The song we found is called"Let me paint a picture" which we can use in the sense of Andy Warhol artwork of Edie and Bob Dylan not physically designing art himself but showing his own perspective of Edie and how he see's the world in front of him. Theres also a repetition of the lyrics "And you go get so high" which we can use to show Edie's drug abuse and Dylan's disapproval of this.
Check out the rest of the song here; http://www.unsigned.com/garyroberts
Samantha has emailed Roberts for his approval however if we dont recieve a response soon, we'll still be able to use his music since it isn't copyrighted! We just like to know we have his permission though.
Check out the rest of the song here; http://www.unsigned.com/garyroberts
Samantha has emailed Roberts for his approval however if we dont recieve a response soon, we'll still be able to use his music since it isn't copyrighted! We just like to know we have his permission though.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Update: 100 greatest pop videos
In class, we looked at more different pop videos to gain any ideas and techniques we could use when filming our video. There were several which stood out to me, they were:
"Cry" by Godley and Creme
The concept of the music video was to get as many different people to sing the song in front of the camera to show how it doesn't matter where you come from around the world nor who you actually are as everyone can endure the same emotions. Its fasinating to watch aswell as Godley and Creme use the wiping technique which allows two faces at one stage to morph into each other to design a whole new face. This can be known as "Video Genetics"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdKJBxWZdoI
"All Is Full of Love" by Bjork
The video is all about Bjorks love for someone and that love is all around you. Although Bjork plays the role of a robot, she can still feel certain emotions; love is something that you cannot be unwholly unfelt. The sounds in the music video were inspired by machines aswell. The visuals in the video also how really sensual Bjork music really is.
"Ray of Light" by Madonna
This video was a way of re-inventing herself and it simply shows a casual day in 4 minutes; which means fast fowarding everything in the background whilst having Madonna singing in the foreground. The techinque in doing this is called "Time-Lapse" and really goes with the fast speed of her music aswell.
"Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan
It's so graphically simple but effective. The way Dylan throws away the lyrics as if he really doesn't care about it makes the video completely cool and casual. It only shows Dylans laidback nature alongside his folk genre music. The video is so inspirational, its been copied in other adverts and music videos too!
Also its allowed myself and Samantha to consider using black and white for our 60's/70's style music video!
"Window Licker"- Aphex Twin
It begins looking like a typical RnB music video but becomes very surreal when Richard D. James comes into the picture. He imitates Michael Jacksons dance rountine and style then has two women, who accompany him in the video, have their faces morph into James likeness. Unlike "Cry" where this technique is used, it just makes it more bizarre and extremely egotistical.
"Praise you"- Fatboy Slim
Its very much enjoyable to watch a music video in a television format. Everything seems more realistic and therefore with its mocking variety of dances, more humourous. The music goes really well with the speed and styles of dancing aswell.
"Cry" by Godley and Creme
The concept of the music video was to get as many different people to sing the song in front of the camera to show how it doesn't matter where you come from around the world nor who you actually are as everyone can endure the same emotions. Its fasinating to watch aswell as Godley and Creme use the wiping technique which allows two faces at one stage to morph into each other to design a whole new face. This can be known as "Video Genetics"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdKJBxWZdoI
"All Is Full of Love" by Bjork
The video is all about Bjorks love for someone and that love is all around you. Although Bjork plays the role of a robot, she can still feel certain emotions; love is something that you cannot be unwholly unfelt. The sounds in the music video were inspired by machines aswell. The visuals in the video also how really sensual Bjork music really is.
"Ray of Light" by Madonna
This video was a way of re-inventing herself and it simply shows a casual day in 4 minutes; which means fast fowarding everything in the background whilst having Madonna singing in the foreground. The techinque in doing this is called "Time-Lapse" and really goes with the fast speed of her music aswell.
"Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan
It's so graphically simple but effective. The way Dylan throws away the lyrics as if he really doesn't care about it makes the video completely cool and casual. It only shows Dylans laidback nature alongside his folk genre music. The video is so inspirational, its been copied in other adverts and music videos too!
Also its allowed myself and Samantha to consider using black and white for our 60's/70's style music video!
"Window Licker"- Aphex Twin
It begins looking like a typical RnB music video but becomes very surreal when Richard D. James comes into the picture. He imitates Michael Jacksons dance rountine and style then has two women, who accompany him in the video, have their faces morph into James likeness. Unlike "Cry" where this technique is used, it just makes it more bizarre and extremely egotistical.
"Praise you"- Fatboy Slim
Its very much enjoyable to watch a music video in a television format. Everything seems more realistic and therefore with its mocking variety of dances, more humourous. The music goes really well with the speed and styles of dancing aswell.
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