Note to the moderator:
Hello, my name is Lauren Sharpe and I am an A2 media student from Brigg Sixth Form. I have tried to make my journey from my initial ideas to the creation of my music video and ancillary products as clear as possible. I have 107 posts in total and 95 of those are either research or planning posts which are easily identified by the post title. I hope you enjoy reading through my blog. Thank you!
Tuesday 14 March 2017
Wednesday 1 March 2017
Evaluation Question 1
Q1 EVALUATION: "In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms of conventions of real media products?"
The music video:
Rhiann: Conventionally, the establishing shot would introduce the ‘star’ to the viewer. However, we decided to manipulate this convention and use the lighting of candles as the establishing shot. I think this worked well because the candles became a motif throughout the music video to symbolise the current state of the relationship. In the establishing shot, the lighting of the candles symbolises Ben Austin’s attempts to continue in the relationship despite his love interest being uninterested.
Lauren: A cross fade from the candles into the next long shot of Ben and Abby works effectively because it encourages the audience to assume that the candles represent their relationship.
Rhiann: Next we cut to the close- up of Ben’s hands playing the piano. This is effective because it adheres to conventions, as the visuals link to the track instrumentation.
Lauren: In this shot the star is introduced. However, we decided to break conventions by not instructing the actor to look into camera while singing, because we wanted to convey that he was lost in his own thoughts, trying to understand where the relationship went wrong. The intensity of the lighting has also been reduced in this shot to connote Ben’s low mood. The use of duller lighting is also a convention of Pop Acoustic music videos. Up on reflection, the lighting may reduce the viewer’s ability to see Ben, which may have decreased their ability to identify him as the star image.
Rhiann: We adhered to conventions in the next shot by using a low angle shot to introduce Ben’s love interest as someone that he idealised. This also introduced Todorov’s theory of equilibrium because in the beginning of the relationship, Ben is certain his relationship is successful. We also used a naturalistic background of trees to connote Abby’s natural beauty.
Lauren: We then used a matched cut of a leaf to ensure our video had continuity. We also used ken burns to zoom in to the water droplet on the leaf which effectively symbolises Ben’s melancholy disposition as he re lives the memories of his relationship.
Rhiann: The next cut shows Ben playing the piano in an over the shoulder shot. We followed conventions by choosing to show Ben singing. However instead of singing into camera he focuses on the piano as this creates the representation that he is passionate about the music. I think this is effective. However, up on reflection we could have added more shots of Ben playing the piano and singing into camera which would have made it easy for the viewers to identify him.
Lauren: The close-up of the two passports support Goodwin’s theory as the lyrics ‘take my passport out again’ link to the on-screen visuals. The pink passport is right of frame and the blue one is pushed from left of frame to the position of the pink passport. This action symbolises Ben’s desperate need to rekindle his relationship with Abby. I liked the subtlety of this symbol which requires an active audience to understand.
Rhiann: Adhering to conventions we show a cut-away shot of Ben singing about the passports and then cut back to the visual of the passports. Once again, linking the lyrics to visuals.
Lauren: A cut is then made to a high angle shot of Ben’s hands on the piano, which successfully reinforces the idea that Ben is singing about the relationship in real time and experiencing flashbacks of the relationship as the lyrics of the song help him to recall the memories.
Rhiann: The cut to the medium close-up of the couple holding hands takes advantage of the natural light. I liked the use of sun in this shot.
Lauren: we then used this bright natural light as inspiration for the fade into the next shot. The fade we chose was a sharp flash of light which links the previous shot and the close-up of the candles together. This is effective because it creates continuity throughout the music video. For this shot we used a pull focus. The shot begins blurred and then gradually fades into focus. This symbolises Ben’s ignorance of Abby’s unfaithfulness as well as Abby's unhappiness in the relationship.
Rhiann: This next cut shows the continuation of the action from the second shot.
Lauren: We have successfully used a shallow focus on this shot to draw the viewers’ attention to the stream of water.
Rhiann: A matched cut from the tap to the candles on the other side of the bath successfully connotes Ben’s attention to detail in drawing Abby the perfect bath.
Lauren: A cut to Ben is made as he sings ‘bubbles’. This matched cut allows the viewer to assume that Ben is recalling all the things he did for Abby. Despite feeling regretful that it was still not enough.
Rhiann: A cross fade is used to show the shot of more candles. The use of a gradual cross fade is appropriate for the slow tempo song and relaxing mood that the bath in a dark room with candles creates.
Lauren: This close-up of the shaky flower blowing in the wind is the first hint of an unstable relationship and therefore, disequilibrium. The flower is pink so represents Abby and her disinterest in the relationship which is one cause of its deterioration. Up on reflection, this sign of disequilibrium may not be clear to all the target audience. However, I still think It is an interesting clue for the more active audience.
Rhiann: The next shot shows Ben being reflective and singing into camera. This is conventional as it shows Ben’s emotional connection to the lyrics.
Lauren: The blur to Abby links the lyric ‘you’re my snowflake’ to the visual of Abby shivering.
Rhiann: This close up of Abby’s eyes also links the lyrics ‘your eyes turn from green to grey’ to the visuals. The rolling of her eyes is also another sign of the disequilibrium in the narrative as well as introducing Barters enigma as the viewer must decipher why she is rolling her eyes.
Lauren: A blur transitions to the next shot of trees was used as a match cut for the next location.
Rhiann: (1:00) Ken burns was used effectively to get a close up of Abby. In accordance to Propp’s theory, Abby is seen as the princess in this shot as she appears innocent and beautiful. This also shows Todorov’s theory of being in a state of equilibrium. However, Ben is reaching out to Abby in this shot which links to how he has to obtain her in the relationship.
Lauren: (1:04) Following Goodwin’s theory, Ben is singing into the camera. We also found the natural framing worked very well in these shots as helps to draw the attention of the viewers on to the artist.
Rhiann: (1:06) we used pan in this shot with the tripod, which was difficult however I am happy with the outcome. Abby is applying red lipstick which suggests she is promiscuous and vain and hints at her infidelity. Barthes theory Is present here as this is a symbolic sign.
Lauren: (1:09) Todorov’s theory is present here as this shows disequilibrium, as Ben is sending aggressive text messages to what the active audience can assume is Abby’s phone. This also successfully solves the Barthes aspect of enigma as it explains why she is rolling her eyes in previous shots.
Rhiann: (1:13) This is also a social comment on how in modern society relationships are conducted largely though digital technology. Upon reflection, we could have made it clearer that we were trying to comment on the ability of technology to destroy relationships by further exploring this sub narrative.
Lauren: (1:15) we used a “bloom” transition when the next shot was of candles and this again shows Barthe’s theory of symbolic signs for their relationship. We used the same transition for each shot of the candles in order to have synergy throughout the video.
Rhiann: (1:17) we then used a “guassian” transition tool to cut to him. We adhered to conventions as he is singing into camera.
Lauren: (1:25) we wanted to suggest the idea that Abby is being watched to the active audience, which I think we achieved. This would connote the idea that Ben is controlling in the relationship. We broke conventions and showed Ben's possessive nature by superimposing a shot of CCTV, which a timer filter, along with editing the colouration of the clip. We feel this suggested the idea effectively using these tools.
Rhiann: (1:33) we broke conventions as we used a still image and cropped the image each time to get closer up of the artist’s face, to display how she is again being watched and smothered in this relationship. I think this was an effective break of conventions because the use of black and white helps to suggest she is doing something wrong whilst she is wearing her promiscuous red lipstick and smiling at her phone.
Lauren: (1:34) The idea of Abby doing something wrong is again reinforced here as she is checking her phone smiling. This shot does add to our social comment on how relationships are conducted through technology therefore our storyline revolves around digital communication. This is a useful shot as it may have made the social comment more obvious to those members of the target audience that did not previously understand.
Rhiann: (1:36) Goodwin’s theory of linking lyrics to visuals is shows here, as well as cutting on the beat. The cup of tea being made is shown in a close-up being made, along with Julian literally “making her a cup of tea”. This also shows continuity editing as ben is shown entering the room.
Lauren: (1:37) Abby’s red nails successfully suggest her promiscuousness as well as the fact she is again on her phone and hides it when Ben enters the room, this suggests she has a secret in the relationship. The pink mug she received links to her femininity and adheres to the stereotype.
Rhiann: (1:40) The use of trees throughout the music video successfully creates synergy. Also the link to nature and pure, links to how Bens love for Abby is so pure and honest.
Lauren: (1:41) intertextuality is used here as well as the links to visuals with the use of a Shrek DVD. This is displayed through an over the shoulder shot.
Rhiann: (1:44) this shows their relationship as Abby is clearly calling the shots whilst Ben is so in love with her, he will do whatever she likes.
Lauren: (1:47) over cranking was used of Abby flicking her hair with a point of view shot, to show how Ben views and adores her.
Rhiann: (1:54) the panning of the two in the park allow the natural sunlight to create pixel on the screen as well as showing the natural beautiful environment. However, despite the beautiful environment Abby is still extremely uninterested which shows she has her thoughts elsewhere.
Lauren: (1:57) this shows a stereotypical boy playing video games, and ken burns was used effectively in order to gain a close up of his reactions with the game. This also effectively follows Goodwin’s theory as we link to visuals.
Rhiann: (2:01) the high angle shot of the remote also effectively creates continuity in the editing, similarly is linked to how online video games are inferior and that those who play are becoming consumed by societies trends. Upon reflection, the social comment may not be completely clear to the younger target audience. It may have been useful to include more shots which support the social comment that we were trying to make.
Lauren: (2:02) continuity editing, along with the links to visuals is also shown as the remote is thrown on the floor. This also represents despite appearing to be this innocent boy, Ben still has anger and frustration in him, and foreshadows the upcoming event of further disappointment.
Rhiann: (2:04) the cross dissolve of the money is a social comment as it is similar to throwing money on the floor in the same way people disrespect money. Symbolises the way people frequently waste money on materialistic item which they ultimately mistreat.
Lauren: (2:06) This also links to how much money is spent in a relationship, as he has purchased a necklace to repair the disequilibrium in their relationship, which again links to Todorov’s theory. The use of shots which support theory, enabled us to make the music video more interesting.
Rhiann: (2:09) continuity editing was used to link the close-up on the necklace to the medium point of view shot, portraying what the audience can assume is Abby’s point of view of Ben appearing to be hide the necklace from Abby.
Lauren: (2:12) we used a match cut with a short cross dissolve of the sun to the location of Abby walking towards the camera to successfully set up the event.
Rhiann: (2:16) We broke conventions as he was not looking into camera. However, I think this breaking of conventions worked well because it foreshadows the events that are to come as he reflectively looks down.
Lauren: (2:20) the matched cut shows the text message Sophie has received, again through the digital technology. In accordance with Propps theory, this is where “Joe” who sent the text message would appear as the villain.
Rhiann: (2:25) the use of the quick transition works well because it connotes the idea that in a flash instance everything can change in a situation and you must adjust. The use of two shot show the two cuddling on the bench.
Lauren: (2:26) an over the shoulder shot is used to show how happy Abby is when talking to Joe. This leads to an active audience having to comprehend their own thoughts and opinions on the turn of events and question if they are happy with this outcome or not. I think this works well because it will increase the target audience’s interest in the narrative.
Rhiann: (2:28) ken burns is successfully used to highlight the lyrics in the chorus and the pain he feels.
Lauren: (2:30) the shot reverse shot breaks conventions as we insert diegetic sound of communication between Joe and Abby. The words “I miss you” suggest this has been going on for longer than the viewer anticipates. Although this is a break of conventions, I think it works well because it allows the audience to further understand Joe and Abby’s relationship.
Rhiann: (2:37) the conventions of the music video are broke again as you hear the diegetic sound from the glasses clinking together to cheers one another. This also links the visuals, and therefore does follow conventions and Goodwins theory as the lyrics coming up of them drinking together. I think this break of conventions is also effective because it creates reality to their relationship.
Lauren: (2:42) the slow tracking downwards suggest peace and the love Abby and Ben share.
Rhiann: (2:44) the quick flash transition cuts to a matched cut of Abby now with Joe being romantic. We used the natural scene to frame them both. This is where Propp’s theory may be present as the active audience may appear to view Abby as the villain now.
Lauren: (2:48) the continuity editing of a close-up effectively shows the happiness they have from one another.
Rhiann: (2:50) Ben is potrayed left of frame of a reaction shot after viewing Joe and Abby together. This is an effective use of framing. Because, continuous use of right and left framing throughout the music video, highlights Abby’s lack of interest in Ben because he is no longer at “the centre” of her life.
Lauren: (2:58) this is a point of view shot, and has a longer shot length to reinforce how Ben must be feeling seeing this.
Rhiann: (2:59) the close up of Bens tear make the audience emphasises with Ben, and reinforces the disequilibrium he feels when seeing them.
Lauren: (3:06) the jump cut is breaking convention, as we repeat the shot. This worked well because it enabled us to emphasise how time became a blur in that heart-breaking moment he experienced.
Rhiann: (3:10) continuity editing was used to show the necklace, which was an attempt to repair the disequilibrium. The shot is of the necklace falling is over cranked to emphasise that time almost literally stopped because Ben’s emotions were so intense in this moment.
Lauren: (3:14) the “flashback” transition and the change in colouration emphasise how these are now flashbacks.
Rhiann: (3:15) we then cut back to Ben singing into camera. This effectively highlights to the viewer that he is singing and remembering all the happier memories he and Abby shared.
Lauren: (3:17) A flash cut on the beat, effectively connotes that Ben is remembering painful memories of when he saw Ben and Abby together for the first time.
Rhiann: (3:18) A another flash cut is made back to Julian singing to reinforce the idea of the painful memories.
Lauren: (3:21) A cut is made to Ben walking through leaves with his head in his hands. Ben is looking down and frustratingly kicking the leaves.
Rhiann: (3:21) A cut is then made to a shot of Abby laughing at Ben. This is an effective shot as it highlights to the audience that Ben and Abby’s relationship was once happier, which enables them to understand Ben’s turmoil as he realises that it must end.
Lauren: (3:22) The average shot length has rapidly decreased. This is unconventional for a pop acoustic music video. However, it works effectively because it connotes Bens struggle to decide whether to abandon the relationship despite remembering how happy he used to be.
Rhiann: (3:23) This shot shows Ben getting frustrated at the video game.
Lauren: (3:24) The next shot is a matched cut. He is shown to be raising his hands to his head in frustration outside while kicking the leaves. This is effective as it reinforces the idea that he is angry as well as upset.
Rhiann: (3:26) The next shot shows Ben with his head in his hands, in frustration at the game.
Lauren: (3:27) Another matched cut is made between the memories and the shots of Ben angrily walking through the leaves in present time. The continuous use of match cuts throughout the montage worked effectively because they reinforce the idea that the sepia shots are Bens memories. This is clear because ben performs an action in the memories, which is then repeated in a similar way in present time.
Rhiann: (3:32) The cut is not made on the beat but instead is made in sync with Ed Sheeran’s singing and changing of notes. This worked well because it further decreases the average shot length which is effective because it implies Ben’s fast re living of the memories.
Lauren: (3:38) The “cheers” shot is repeated in the montage. However, I think this shot has a different meaning when it is later in the video. It worked well because it connotes Ben’s final acceptance that himself and Abby are ultimately parting.
Rhiann: (3:39) The close-up shot of the necklace is also repeated in the montage. This successfully makes the viewer feel sympathy for Ben as it reminds them of his good nature. In terms of Propp’s character roles this may re-establish Ben as the hero in the narrative.
Lauren: (3:41) Ben is shown walking quickly up to the camera from the right of frame and crying. He then turns and walks away. Whether Todorov’s theory of “new equilibrium” applies here is relatively ambiguous. However, I think Ben’s walking away here may please the audience as he has escaped the unhappy relationship. Therefore, we successfully satisfied the viewer.
Rhiann: (3:43) The closing shot portrays the candles which have been represented throughout the music video. However, this time they are extinguished which successfully implies that the relationship is over.
The digipak:
The digipak:
The digipak advert:
Tuesday 28 February 2017
Saturday 25 February 2017
Evaluation: Question 3
I also completed target audience research after the production of my music video which allowed me to see the extent to which I fulfilled the audience's expectations of a pop acoustic video and also how successful I was in creating an enjoyable and interesting narrative as well as how effectively I launched Ben as 'the star'
I asked 12 members of our target audience questions which they responded to, after watching our music video. The results are shown below.
Our genre for our music video was pop acoustic. Most of the target audience thought that the genre was pop. I think that this may have been due to the fact that the pop acoustic genre is a sub genre which falls into the pop genre and the majority of the target audience may not recognise the conventions of a pop acoustic music video because it is considerably more "niche". From this question I learned that, upon reflection, perhaps we should have included more shots of the piano, which is a common convention of the pop acoustic genre.
100% of the target population said that there was a strong star image created throughout the music video. One member of the target audience said that the star image was easily identified because of the "close-ups". Therefore, fro this research I learned that my music video can be considered a success because we were able to launch the star image through the music video.
From this question I learned that 100% of the target audience agreed that there was visible synergy between the music video and the ancillary products. Most of the target audience suggested that this was as a result of the identical fonts used for both the digipak and the digipak adverts. Furthermore, they also praised the use of colours in the ancillary produvts which were synergetic with the colours in the music video.
Furthermore, more positive feedback included everyone fully understanding the narrative, one being "he is being cheated on but still loves her" and "it made me feel so bad for him". In terms of editing techniques, I think they I was successful in anchoring meaning for the target audience because one stated that "The abundance of shots at the end was overhelming but in a really god way. I loved seeing their memories". The locations that I used also received generally positive feedback. The majority of the target audience appreciated the Humber bridge shots, however the sofa shots received slightly negative feedback. This was useful because it encouraged me to reflect on my creative decisions, because some of the target audience may have found the location un - interesting because they are very young.
In conclusion, the target audience research which I carried out prior to the creation of my music video, was extremely useful because it really helped me to acquire a clear idea of how to create the music video based on my target audiences expectations.
Wednesday 15 February 2017
Evaluation: Question 4
Use of technology in the evaluation phase:
Question 1:
For question 1: '"In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms of conventions of real media products?" I created a directors cut on Final Cut Pro X. I think I wrote a detailed script which thoroughly explained my adherence, manipulation and challenging of conventions. The final directors cut showed my use of conventions clearly throughout and it is extremely easy to follow and understand. For example, the music video pauses and I discuss the convention which is visible on the screen.
However, the process was extremely time consuming because I had to add a freeze frame to the time line, estimate how long I was going to discuss the convention for and then blade the song, exactly where the freeze frame began and ended so the moving image didn't become out of time with the song. Consequently, I had to be very precise.
To evaluate my research of similar products, as well as how this process influenced my use of conventions in my digipak and my digipak advert, I used a thinglink. I find this software very easy to clearly identify the feature which I wish to discuss. I also think the interactive element of the software makes the experience of reading my evaluation much more interesting and exciting.
However, I think the format of the software limited me to minimal discussion. I think thinglink may be better suited to creating minimal notes as opposed to in depth evaluation. However, I tried to avoid the thinglink appearing like an essay by spreading out my points in seperate text boxes.
Question 2:
I used an 'emaze' for question 2 of the evaluation 'How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary task?'. I found this software useful to explicitly refer to the synergy between the digipak, digipak advert and the music video because I could show the comparison between the three products on the same slide.
The clearest synergetic link between the digipak and the digipak advert was my use of the same font for the name of the album 'Journey'. I think my use of 'emaze' to show the synergy between my products was effective and clear because I showed each synergetic link by adding the screen captures to the 'emaze' and writing in detail, beside them.
However, one issue that I had during this particular evaluation phase was a technical issue. When I uploaded the images they failed to fully download and I wasn't able to continue creating the 'emaze'. This was through no fault of my own but I found that it hindered my ability to develop my evaluation. Eventually, after re-opening the 'emaze' multiple times and attempting to upload images to the software, they completely downloaded, however I found it to be very frustrating.
I think that the format and presentation of the emaze may restrict the ability to evaluate in as much detail as someone may want to. In order to evaluate in depth I had to type a large amount on one slide. Upon reflection I possibly could have continued writing on another slide, however I thought this may reduce the clarity of the link between the synergy between the products and my explanation of how I created this synergy.
Question 3:
I used 'Slideshare' to present question 3: what have you learned from your audience feedback?'
I think that I portrayed my progression from target audience research to the creation of my final product clearly and in detail by using a PowerPoint to actually show my journey and how I responded to target audience research and how I used the information to improve my final products. For example, I was able to import a pie chart into the PowerPoint which showed that the majority of the target audience said they didn't by CD's and then on the next slide, I added a screenshot of 'pre -order now from ITunes' puff on my final digipak advert.
Thursday 22 December 2016
Wednesday 21 December 2016
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