Identifying conventions

In lesson today we were asked to watch four music videos and determine what type of music video they were in order to gain a better perspective of the different types ans to develop the ability to spot them.

In the picture are my notes on the videos and what type of music video I thought they were and why I thought this. For the first video 'Robyn - Killing Me', it was very clear it was conceptual.

Secondly, Rihanna - We found love, at first I assumed it was a narrative based music video, however when we were challenged by sir it became clear that it had elements of performance in it also, I had not realised that lip syncing and dancing into the camera would count as performance, but I was wrong!

Third of all,  when watching Pendulum, I instantly assumed it was conceptual due to the fact it was not clear what was going on, however I realised after that I had misunderstood the meaning on concept videos. As there was a narrative to the song and aspects of performance also, therefore this video is a narrative.

Lastly, by watching Kasabian's Days are forgotten, I became very confused as the video was centred around performance, however it incorporated aspects of conceptual as well, but came to the conclusion that due to the video being primarily based around the performance of the band, that it was in fact performance.

By doing this task, I found it very helpful to start to understand the different types of music videos and what signifies those types.

Firestarter - The Prodigy

The irony of this video is that the visuals do not actually illustrate the main focal point of the song, and title 'Firestarter', and does not include any actual fire, but a small clip of sparks on the train tracks. However, the beat of the music and actions of the artist are in a sense 'fiery'.

Genre

I chose this still due to the fact the genre is punk, and his clothing, piercings and makeup helps signify this.

Lyrics

I chose these stills as the lyrics 'I'm a firestarter, twister firestarter', come in at different arts of the song, he uses different actions to signify this, the first by twisting around with ropes and the second, by using his hands to gesture. 

I chose this still as it is the only visual of 'fire', and is shown as he exclaims 'I'm the self inflicted, mind detonator', therefore by having sparks, this signifies that he is a ticking bomb until he starts a fire.

Music

When the lyric's 'hey hey hey' come in, the lights come on in unison, to the lyrics and the beat, and second of all in the second still, he is head banging to the beat.

Close ups

I used this close up as it demonstrates his instability with his facial expressions. Also, the close ups show us in more detail his devilish hairstyle, thick black eyeliner and facial piercings, which create the 'punk' image and an anarchist.

Four Frameworks: The Avalanches - Frontier Psychiatrist

Genre

I chose this still as it is an indication of the genre, 'electronic dance'. The record represents the screech in which is common in this type of music, and in relation to the song, the song is like a broken record. 

Lyrics

As the lyric comes in 'He was white as a sheet'

And he also made false teeth', this visual is used to illustrate the lyrics.

Music

I chose this still at it represents the performance of the music visually.

Close ups

I chose this still at the lyric comes in 'the boy needs therapy' and therefore due to the title of the song being frontier psychiatrist, the close up illustrates the lyrics.

Music Video Analysis

Target

My target was B1, however the score I received from my exam and coursework combined, was 175 out of 200, therefore I obtained an A1 which was 3 stages above my target grade.

My score at AS - 175/200 - A1: 3 stages above target

Target - B1

Foundation Production: 87/100 Grade A

Tv Drama: 88/100 Grade A

What can I do to improve? 

I achieved higher than my predicted grade by 3 stages, however I got 175 out of 200 for my overall grade, therefore I could have earned 25 more marks. In order to have obtained the outstanding 25 marks; 12 from foundation production and 13 from tv drama, I could have added additional research and planning, or I could have taken more care and time when evaluating our foundation production, such as having sufficient relevant information. Also, with regards to the exam, I could have revised for longer and found a case study sooner rather than later in order to prepare myself in full. 

Production Day

On the 18th of July all of the A2 media students came together to create a music video to a song which our teacher chose and were each allocated production roles. First of all I was put down for the role of Assistant director, however due to missing one meeting, I was changed to Colourisation/Visual FX. From being demoted, I have now realised that the music industry is tough and I should have earned that role. 

Being responsible for the Colourisation and Visual FX of the video, my job was to edit the video after it had been batch captured and edited by the main editor; Katie.Therefore, my job was post production and meant I was the last to edit it. Before even attempting to edit, I had to watch tutorials of how to create lighting effects and strobe lights which would be appearing out of people's eyes and mouths in the music video. And due to the fact I had to learn how to use a new software which was After Effect, it was at first, very daunting but I was ready for the challenge. 

Towards the end of the day, extra people were needed for some particular shots, therefore I had to act as an extra in the crowd. Overall, I believe the day was a huge success, and that everyone worked extremely well together and it will show in the final product.

Lip Synch Task

This is the video of me and Magg, lip synching to LMFAO I have synched.