Images of Genres

This is a small video that we as a group have put together. The video shows a compilation of images under the categories of 'Grime', 'Pop' and 'Rock'. We used the still cameras to experiment with different shot types and angles that may reflect different types of genres. 


In addition, according to what category it was we added a small snippet of a song to add the emphasis to the images.


WWW;

- The variety of shots/poses were really effective for specific genres, for example a hard man approach with a low angle shot making it really good for a Grime scene.

- The quality of photos is really good as they are clear.

- Angles used were very adventurous with objects in the way such as the plant shot, where you can see Jack through a breakaway hole.

- The time we had to do this in was little, so managing to gather other 30 shots in good places was an achievement for our group.

- The video made was different and therefore much more enjoyable to watch, also with the music being played over the top, it really brings and atmosphere to the video.

EBI;

- In these variety of pictures to do with our genre (Pop, Grime and Rock) we could of used different locations in every Host, making it more watchable and pleasant for the viewers.

- Using different costumes/make-up would have been better for genres like rock especially so we could really express our feelings for the album.

- If the music was synced with the shot changes it would look much better.

Jack Devonport

What Makes A Good Publicity Photo

This is a publicity photo for Plan B. As you can see that this photo has been set up to make he look a lot more appealing and bigger than he really is. For example, Plan B’s facial and body expression in this looks very bold and big. This enables him to look like he has a greater status and bigger authority than anyone else. Just like this photo and many others of this genre, the artists look directly into the camera. This makes them also look very threatening as it seems like from the audience’s point of view that they are looking straight back at you.

Having a good costume and choice of clothing is very important. For example, as we can see in Plan B’s photo he is wearing a black suit. This makes him look very smart and also makes his appearance much more appealing. This could also enable him to appeal to a much larger variety of audiences. Publicity photos are exaggerated to enhance their appearance, for example Plan B generally wouldn’t wear this type of clothing

The lighting is very effective, for instance the lighting on his face and clothing makes him stand out and look brighter than he really is. In addition, the lighting behind him isn’t that bright therefore he stands out much more and is the centre of attention.

There are many other key features that make up a successful publicity photo, these include:

• Strong and bright colours to catch the audiences and make themselves look appealing
• Good lighting
• Appealing costume to catch the audiences eye
• Variety of camera angles to create authority and status, such as low angle shot.
• Strong posture to make yourself look bold
• Effective facial expressions to show emotions and feelings that can relate to the audience and genre
• Post production

Theories 2

Bordwell and Thompson – Categories for Editing  

Editing is one image following another on the screen.

Kuleshov Effect: Is how editing can work to create meaning.

Four different relations between shots and editing:

·         Graphic

·         Spatial

·         Temporal

·         Rhythmic

Graphic

Transitions between shots can be linked graphically.

Patterns of light and dark, fine and shape, volume and depth, movement and stasis.

Can be used to create ‘smooth continuity’ or ‘abrupt contrast’.

Graphic Match: Linkage of shots by graphic similarities.

Graphic Continuity: Centre of interest is contrast throughout cuts, maintaining lightning level, avoiding strong colour clashes.

Graphic Discontinuity: Contrasts colour and footage types, movement and stillness, placement/shape of focus figures.

Rhythmic

Duration of Shots: The length of each in relation and its pattern involving accent, beat and tempo.

Specific emphasis on particular shots giving different effects.

Spatial

‘Space’ (setting, location) – how this relates to shots following it – similarities and differences.

Temporal

Time of action and contributes to the plots’ manipulation of story time – order, duration and frequency.

The order of presented events can be manipulated – changes in story-plot relations which interrupt ‘temporal’ order.

E.G – Flashbacks increases story knowledge and flash-forwards creating enigma.

Punctuation: Shot change e.g. dissolve, wipe and fade signals omission of time.

Empty Frame: e.g. figure of interest seen moving out of a frame, cuts to empty frame where figure moves into.

Cutaway: e.g. a shot of another event elsewhere that does not last as long as the omitted action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7bvT1w77Yg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI82hsBrq8w&feature=related

Theories 3

http://www.scribd.com/doc/67774606/Whats-Her-Name

Whats Her Name

Theories 1

Conventions of Our Genre

Here is spider diagram that I put together that shows the conventions of our genre.

In addition, here is a picture that is very typical of our genre. For example, the use of the close up allows the audience to see the singers emotions and feelings. This picture shows an artist called Plan B smoking a cigarette. His facial expressions make him look a lot more powerful.

Having looked at our questionnaire a lot of people said that when they watch pop/grime/rap videos, the associate them to have girls in. This gif is very stereotypical of what is being said. For example, it shows a man in the middle who is also surrounded by loads of girls.

This is another gifs that shows a typical American boy rapper group. For example, they are all wearing dark black clothing, but also there is a black background. The lighting in this shot is very effective, for instance there is a bright light shining on their faces which allows them to stand out and look bold. Moreover, there is a green laser light in the background. All the people in this shot are black, which could be very stereotypical to some people.

This is another gif that is taken from the music video ‘Who’s the real slim shady’ by Eminem. As you can see the camera is set up at a low angle. Having the camera like this makes the person look a lot bigger and more authorised. In addition, this may be very typical of this type of genre, for example it makes the singer look a lot more powerful and harder.

Record Label 3 - 679 Artists

679 started life in 2001 when Nick Worthington left XL Recordings to form a new label in partnership with Warner Music, with the first release being The Streets seminal debut, Original Pirate Material.


679 Artists were the first record label to sign 'grime' artists such as Wiley. This made them different from everyone else, making business shoot up in the grime and making other labels compete to get new artists etc.

679 Artists are growing bigger, and are hoping to sing more artists and get them to the top of the charts. Their ambitions are big but they have got a good reputation behind them, giving them such a good advantage.

Record Label 2 - Eskibeat Recordings

Eskibeat Recordings is collective of grime producers, and established by CEO Wiley. There has been much confusion about what exactly comprises Eskibeat Recordings, with many artists, mostly MCs, joining and leaving the collective before any recordings or releases were made. However, there have been moves to revitalize Eskibeat, with the label selling T-Shirts and releasing material, including Wiley's EP Grime Wave.

Artists that belong to Eskibeat Recordings-
-Wiley
-Bless Beats
-Maniac
-J.J
-Ice Kid
-Furious
-Chipmunk
-Little D
-Maveric
-Suge
-Hardsy


Ryan Clark

Record Label 1 - LEX Records and XL Recordings

  

LEX Records is an independent record label founded by Tom Brown in 2001.

The label is not focused on one particular genre although most releases are hip hop, alternative rock or electronic music.

This record label is very similar to others and releases the same type of music that we are going to produce.

XL Recordings is a British independent record label which was launched by Nick Halkes, Tim Palmer and Richard Russell with Beggars Banquet Records in 1989 to release its rave and dance music.

The label has grown into one of the most commercially successful and influential independent record labels in the world. They operate across a range of genres.

Since the late 1990s, XL Recordings expanded into other genres such as freak-folk, alternative rock, hip hop, and UK Garage. They are now the home to a range of artists including:

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· The Prodigy · Radiohead · SL2  · Wiley · Giggs · Adele · Basement Jaxx · Cajun Dance Party · The Cool Kids · Dizzee Rascal · Friendly Fires

Jack Devonport

Genre Album Cover Analysis - Plan B

Genre Album Cover Analysis - Devlin

Genre Album Cover Analysis - The Streets

Jack Devonport

Genre Music Video Analysis - Ed Sheeran

In Ed Sheeran's 'You need me' music video, there is only one location throughout the whole music video. Also there is only one person in the music video. However, this has been successfully done, for instance the dancer is standing in the centre of screen and dances in a modern way which is very fun and exciting to watch. Moreover, what is specifically interetsing about this video is that the man is dancing in sign language. This is totally obvious but after watching it a second time it is clear to see what he is doing. This video proved to be very successful, for instance the image below shows the amount of YouTube views and likes that this music video has recieveded.

By doing this it makes Ed Sheeran 'different' and gathers a whole new type of audience. For example, this will enable the deaf audience to understand what is being said in the music video and what the message of the song is trying to be said. 

The variety of cinematography does vary throughout the music video. For example there are a range of close ups used. The use of close ups enable the audience to understand his emotions and feelings. Also it allows the audience to see his facial expression, which make the audience feel part of the music video. The use of camera shots and angles prevents viewer fatigue, for instance in this video the editing of the shots is very fast, which allows the viewer to constantly view something and prevents them from getting bored. The shots also change in time with the beat, making it much more interesting and you don't realise that it's changing, it's well disguised.

From watching this music video, it shows that you can do a really successful video without being to creative, basically just being different as that's what people like in this generation. It has giving me inspiration to try something different and see how it goes, because it could be a well loved music video hopefully.

Overall, this music video really stand out to others and the black and white stage/background really does the video justice as it contrasts with one another the whole way through making it enjoyable to watch.

Genre Music Video Analysis - Devlin

Brainwashed was the first single that Devlin released off of his debut album ‘Bud Sweat and Beers’. The song was released on the 8th of August 2010. This song proved to be very successful and even featured in the charts.

The music video for the song brainwashed uses a variety of media concepts.

The video is located in London, we can tell this by the variety of shots that are used. For example, the audience is given an establishing shot of Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament. Having been shown a popular landmark, allows the audience to recognize where the video is being set.  Moreover, there are many other specific locations within the music video. For example, the use of rooftops and dark rooms, gives off a mysterious and strange atmosphere.

There are a variety of colours used within the music video but the main colours used are dark. The use of the dark colours creates an unexplained feeling, but also mysterious. The colour can connote to the lyrics of the music, for example the name of the song is ‘Brainwashed’, and the colour black is very boring and plain, which can reflect to him being ‘Brainwashed’.

Within the video many of the cast and actors are all covered up. For example, they either have their hoods up or they are wearing balaclavas. Having an appearance likes can make them look scary and manipulating to the audience. Having costuming like this can be very stereotypical of the genre of music.

The lighting in the video is very effective, for instance the majority of the shots are filmed in the dark, therefore having good lighting is important. The lighting specifically works well when there is a close up of Devlin. For example, the light shines on the side of his body and face. This makes Devlin look a lot bolder and also brighter. The contrasts with the dark and background, which enables him to stand out even more.

Genre Music Video Analysis - Plan B

This music video of 'Plan B - She Said' is a typical music video with a storyline behind it and a variety of shots, but mainly close-ups of the performer singing. I chose to do this song because it is show the conventions of our chosen genre. The close-ups are typical in music videos because they show good lip syncing to give the effect him or she is singing it right there, which of course we know isn't true. The long shot of the jury shows who is actually there and the timing of their clicking is in time with the music making it look more realistic as well. It's almost as it's a play that people are watching and this is good for Plan B as it makes his audience concentrate more.

The props and costumes of this video is mainly dressed up smartly due to being in court. This is appropriate for the music video as it's what people wear in court.The costumes are very modern and look smart which gives the effect of a serious and happy mood. He is also known for being a bit 'street' which is terms for a gangster, so by still wearing cheap gold and watches shows that side of him which is also effective.

Finally the lighting throughout the whole music video stays around the same brightness which is dullish to create the theme of an unhappy and tense atmosphere. On the other hand, it could suggest that things can get better like a new start.

Genre Music Video Analysis - The Streets

This song is called ‘Fit But You Know It’ and made by ‘The Streets’. The Streets who is led by singer Mike Skinner produces music in the British rap/garage genre.

This music video includes many media conventions, which make it effective and good. Within this music video it tends to include many long shots, close ups and mid shots. This is to create emphasis on the artist, location and emotions. Also is particular, close ups are used not only to show emotions but to reflect the words of the song with the movement of the lips of the artist. A specific example can be found when he is walking through the street. In addition, another camera angle that is very effective and typical of the genre is the low angle shot shot used. The effect of a low angle shot makes the singer look much more powerful, overpowering and stronger.

Also the use of a variety of shots reduces and prevents viewer fatigue. This makes it much more pleasant for the viewer to watch. For example, the use of a tracking shot can have the effect of that the viewers feel like they are part of the action. Since their perspective is constantly changing they are active participants instead of being static observers. There is also another time when the tracking shot is used. For example, this is when the music video comes to an end and the camera tracks him walking into the distance. There are many other camera movements  which include tilts, pans, tracking and crane shots.

Furthermore, I think that the Mis-en-scene works very well. The costuming in this video is very typical of the genre of music and time that it was released. For example, the costumes being worn by the artist is a black coat with a hood attached, black trousers, baseball cap, white trainers and a Burberry scarf. Also, I believe that this style of music goes well with the type of location and setting that it is in.

The locations within the music video work very well. For example, the use of a busy high street creates an effect that the audience is part of it, which prevents viewer fatigue. The colours throughout are quite dark, but the spead and tone of the song make it seem much more brighter.

Assessment 16th September

Jack
WWW:
The majority of your video analysis are of a good standard.
You use appropriate media language and are fairly reflective.
You have attempted to catch up on the work you where you were behind on.
I know you have done a great lip sync task and I look forward to seeing it in class when we have time!
You have also made a good start on your genre work.
EBI:
No reflection on Yr12 into Yr 13 work.
Only 5 videos analysed.
Convention of music video seems unoriginal.
Low Budget Video needs detailing.
Using Final Cut is too brief and no visual material

Overall its a fair effort. JIN-  C'mon Jack you can do better though!

Album Advertisement Analysis - The Mags

Album Advertisement Analysis - Rhianna

Album Advertisement Analysis - Plan B (2)

This is Plan B's magazine album advert to promote his album 'the defamation of Strickland Banks'.

This advert follows the typical conventions a magazine advert. For example, the advert is the big, bold, red title, which is 'PLAN B'. The second biggest thing that catches the audience’s eye is the name of album, which is 'The defamation of Strickland Banks'. The album covers use the same font throughout which allows it to look significant and professional. In addition, the title is in a white font, which is very effective as it contrasts against the black background. Moreover, the other red and white titles work well against the black background because they will catch the audiences’ attention.

The black, white and red theme is very visible as it runs through the whole advert. This colour scheme and font type stays throughout for a particular reason, for example having the same font and colour allows the audience to recognize and familiarize with the advert.

The advert is very important as it addresses the audience that there is a new album out. Therefore, it is key that you use persuasive language. For example, within this advert the use of the words ‘Multi-platinum album of the year', makes the album seem much more appealing to a wider audience. Moreover, in the corner there are ratings out of five. This also is another way that the audience can be appealed to the advert.

  

However, the main centre of attention is Plan B himself. The advert shows a large image of him to the right of the page. He is the main centre of attention as he is also the lead singer and most important person. He is wearing a shirt and looks very smart. Having a positive appearance will also make you look appealing to a large variety of audiences. 

Album Advertisement Analysis - Plan B

Album Cover Analysis - Adelle

Album Cover Analysis - Inna

Album Cover Analysis - Nero

Mood Board of Pop/Grime Genre

This image is an example of a mood board that we created. The mood board shows a variety of images that show artists relating to our genre that we have chosen. Examples of artists on the mood board that we have created are 'Example', 'Dizzie Rascal', 'Ed Sheeran', and 'Devlin'. These artists relate to the genre of music that we chose a lot. When creating the mood board, we chose to include images of them performing, just them, and also their album covers.

Moreover, these artists all perform in different ways, for instance some of the artists such as 'Example' can make pop songs, rap and also dubstep songs. The mood board allows people to understand the artists appearance and what type of genre that may sing. The artist in the top left is 'Ghetts', who is an underground rapper from London. From his appearance he is wearing a balacarver which automatically makes people shy away from him because he could be dangerous.

In addition, the colours in the mood board do vary due to the artist, however the main clothing colour is black. This may be very stereotypical of the genre, such as people wearing hoods, dark clothes etc. The mood board also shows that the majority of artists are black, however there is nearly an eqaul amount of white people.

We asked people from around the class to give us feedback on our moodboard.

Rebecca Lake:
-The mood board has at least 5 different artists
-There is a very good variety of pictures including 7 album covers
-You have also included pictures of artists during their performances.
-You included screen grabs of the artists in their music videos.
-The mood board consists of many colours, and the red background contrasts really well.

Developing My Skills on Final Cut

The image above is an example of me using Final Cut.

Final Cut is a very good piece of editing software which allows you to make it look good and professional. Final Cut is hard at first but once you get your head around it it’s not that bad. I believe that having used both Final Cut and iMovie, Final Cut is much better as it allows you to do a whole much more such as the arrange of features it has to offer.

Low Budget Idea 2 - The Fix - Just Got Paid

This is another low budget music video which has worked out very successful. For example, within the video each shot has been carefully composed. I also feel that they have made this look very professional as they have taken into account every aspect.

I believe that their choice of costumes and locations is very simple but very effective. These locations such as the studio are very easy but it also looks very good. For an amateur music video every shot is well composed and held steady. Having a steady shot is very basic but very important as it makes it look proficient and professional. 


Also having multiple locations helps reduce viewer fatigue but also keeps the viewer hooked. The locations are very simple but effective, for example the location of the studio with the lights behind them is very easy to set up, but looks professional and well composed. 


Their costumes look very smart but also at the same time casual. Throughout the locations the group change their costumes. For example, when they are in the dark rooms with the lights behind them they are all wearing the same sort of clothes which can be very typical of a boy band. Moreover, the band are all wearing current clothing which can be seen as trends. This make them appeal to a large audience, but especially the girls, as they are all young and teenage boys.

Low Budget Idea 1

This is an example of a low budget music video. However, despite them not having a lot of money invested, what they have invested is time. For example, within this video a strong variety of camera angles and shots have been used. This is to create emphasis on the artist, location and emotions. Also, close ups are used not only to show emotions but to reflect the words of the song with the movement of the lips of the artist.

Throughout the video, the locations change a couple of times, however the shots used are well composed and cut that we still carry on watching. In addition, the use of the tripod was good. For instance, many of the shots were steady making it look professional. Like the shot below, many of them had been well composed and thought about with detail. This shot is effective as people are at all different lengths making people bigger than others. This would have been put like this for reason as it shows who has the most authority and importance.

Moreover, the pace of the shots keeps up to the beat of the song which makes it interesting for the viewer to watch. Having it be a low budget music video, lip synching is vital. However, you can see that this actor clearly knew the world fluently and on time.

Analysis of Rock Video 3 - Artic Monkey

These are a variety of screenshots that I have taken from the music video 'Arctic Monkeys - When the Sun Goes Down'.

This music video works very well as it relates to the song very effectively. For example, many of the lyrics have comparisons to the shots that are taken. For example, when the song begins it starts very slow and almost sad. The audience is then shown an image of girl standing on balcony thinking, which also makes the audience think. The costume in this shot is also very effective, for example she looks very poor and cold. This could suggest that she has no money, but also nobody because she is standing on her own.

I believe that the location makes the music video very effective. For example, the location begins in a run down and poor block of flats. This suggests to the audience that she has no money, but also due to the lyrics and tone of the music, it makes the audience feel sorry for her.

Within the music video, there are some very good shots in particular. For instance, the shot of the stairs has plenty of meaning. As someone from the audience, I thought that the shot suggested that there was no ending, as the angle of the shots makes it look like there is no end to the stairs.

Moreover, the colour in the music video is generally dull. This gives  off a sad and emotional atmosphere which can make the audience feel sympathetic for the character.

Analysis of Rock Video 2 - Coldplay

This song is made by Coldplay who are an alternative rock band. This song 'The Scientist' has a very effective music video and is different compared to others. This video tells a story, however it is all in reverse. This music video doesn’t really tell you much about the band itself as there are not actual shots of the band playing. Although one character is shown and who of which is the main singer and the main man in the music video.

I feel that this music video uses a good variety of locations which prevents audience fatigue. However, in this video the singer only wears one costume which is a white top, but then he puts on jacket. Having only one costumes helps to enforce the story effect, as it looks like it was all done I a sudden moment.

The reverse style effect makes the video very original and different from others. At first the video doesn’t look reversed but it seems very odd for a clean and well-dressed man to be sleeping on the floor.

When the singer stands up we suddenly realise that the video has been reversed. Throughout the video this reversed effect creates anticipation as we wonder why he is lying on the floor and how he got there. This attracts the audience to continue watching as we want to know what will happen next.

Within the music video a variety of camera angles and shots were taken. The very first shot of the video is a close up of the man. This immediately introduces us to someone who is perhaps the main character. In addition, having been given a close up of the man allows us to see his whole emotion. These kick-starts the atmosphere and audiences emotions to the song.

Once having seen the whole video, you wonder why the singer’s facial expressions rarely change. The video shows us that he has been in a car crash and his friend has died. As a normal reaction, you expect someone to show some emotion or reaction; however the singer casually walks and continues to sing. This adds to the originality of the video.