Sunday, 9 April 2017
Saturday, 8 April 2017
Friday, 7 April 2017
3) What have you learned from your audience feedback?
When initially looking at this question, I felt that using a Survey Monkey to gauge my audience's overall reaction to my final edit would be a step in the right direction, and so I posted the survey that I had created on Facebook hoping that I would get a more varied response. When making my survey, I felt that it was important to include images of my final digipak, my final magazine advertisement, and my final edit. This was an important aspect to me, as I wanted to ensure that the audience knew exactly what they were responding to, and that they could simply scroll up to compare products.
My next question was a true test of whether my product used conventions correctly. Should the audience feedback suggest that my video belonged to any other genre than Indie, I would have known that I had included the wrong types of mise-en-scene and cinematography. However, upon collecting the results, it was a very positive response with the majority of my audience identifying the genre correctly, as 'Indie'. This in turn confirmed that I had used the conventions of indie music videos, in a way which allowed the audience to identify the genre.
Other aspects of my video that I felt were important was the mise-en-scene and, more specifically, the costumes. I felt that the opinion of my audience would be highly valuable here, as it would allow me to see whether my representation of an indie artist was an accurate one in the eyes of others. When questioning about how the clothing suited the genre, a high percentage of respondents acknowledged the use of denim and checked materials as a trait of the indie genre. However, without the previous information I had gathered from them regarding what they would expect to see in the video, I may not have chosen to dress my artists in denim and darker clothing. In light of this, I feel that I learnt something about the genre which in turn helped me to create my music video with the correct costumes. The also used the knowledge I had acquired about the expected locations in order to choose where to film my music video. This clearly worked well, as my audience recognised the use of urban settings and town as indie features.
I left the link for a couple of days, but after receiving ten responses, I was happy to begin analysing as I figured interest would die down as the link got older. My first thoughts when I saw the results of my survey were that I had managed to capture a good chunk of my audience, due to there being an equal amount of male and female respondents. I also felt that the age range was good as in my earlier audience survey, I managed to see that I was aiming my video at young adults with ages ranging from 16-21. I feel that the quantity of respondents aged 17-18 is good as it's pretty much in the middle of the range I had found.
On top of using Survey Monkey to gain knowledge about the thoughts and feelings of my target audience, I also directly messaged them. Through Facebook, I chose to message individuals aged between 16-21 in order to get a more personal response. Below are some of the responses I collected -
From these responses there were some very crucial points that I felt were established. Firstly, that the mise-en-scene (setting, props, costumes, casting), suited the genre very well, with members of the audience identifying clothes, and the smoking shots as conventional within the indie genre. However, this being said, I do agree that there are too many shots of the male protagonist smoking, and if I were to reshoot the video in the future, this is an aspect I would be most likely to change. I was also able to conclude that the use of cinematography made my video more interesting to watch, especially with regards to the more abstract shots and the point of view shots. It could perhaps be said that the point of view shots add to the narrative positively, and help with it's development as it's placing the audience in the shoes of the protagonist. Moreover, the use of establishing shots and abstract shots such as the lights which have darker tones also add to the narrative due to the way they are rhythmically edited in, a point which is made by the first individual I asked about the video.
1) In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
When considering this question, I thought it best to an analysis of my video and ancillary products, in the same format that I analysed the Indie music videos in the research stages at the start of my blog.
I believe that the music video I have created for the song, 'I Wanna Be Yours' by Arctic Monkeys, displays conventions typical of the Indie Rock genre, and of a real music video. I feel that an example of these conventions being displayed is the use of the artist being presented as the protagonist in the narrative. This is a typical feature within music videos, as it is a way in which the artist can present themselves to the audience. In this case, the artist, Dysphoria, is presenting themselves as a Televised Bard. This is also a common feature within the Indie Rock genre, with artists such as Panic! at the Disco, often presenting themselves as the main character in a story which links in some way to the lyrics. However, with regards to the performance aspect of the song, I feel that it also defies conventions, as there is no performance from the artist. The reason I didn't put any performance in to the video, is that I felt it wouldn't have added anything to the narrative, and as it's such a slow rhythm, I felt that it would have been very hard for my artist to lip synch it well. I also feel that it would have taken the main focus away from the action, and more could be expressed through the narrative than through performance as it can be very hard to express emotion in songs which are so slow.
Settings in the Indie Rock genre are often very urban, with the budgets mostly being quite low. It is suggested that the reason for choosing lower budget locations to film in is down to the focus on the music production, meaning that it is likely that settings such as houses and local venues will be chosen. I feel that my text definitely captures this aspect of the Indie Rock genre as it is filmed in the city of Hull, down streets and near the marina, and also in Elliot Docwra's house, meaning that shooting in all of my locations was free. I also feel that through using these urban settings, the music video is made to be more relatable to the audience because they are likely to visit locations similar to these in their day to day life. This, in turn, makes the artist become more appealing because the audience can draw similarities between themselves and the artist, making them feel as though they have a bond. Moreover, I feel that filming the water in the marina draws focus to the lyric, 'at least as deep as the pacific ocean', because there is a very clear link. This could be considered a feature typical of music videos as imagery is often used to create links to the lyrics, thus linking the two texts together. I feel in this aspect, my product does use conventions of a real music video.
The costumes used within this video are once again, very simple, due to the focus being more on the song than the actual narrative. I feel that this uses the conventions of an Indie Rock video, because quite often, the use of costume is minimalistic and in dark colours to reflect the overall tone of the song. Having used the results from my survey, I dressed the protagonists in denim jackets to create a clear link between them, and I feel this works well within the genre as it creates a very clear link. This furthers the narrative, whilst still using the codes and conventions set. I feel that this aspect of my video links to Pierce's theory that 'we think only in signs' as it clearly demonstrates to the audience that the protagonists have something in common which is deeper than their clothing. I also used a theme of checked materials (a checked shirt and a checked scarf) to further develop this link whilst following the results of my survey. Through putting my female protagonist in a burgundy hoodie, I feel this could reflect rage and anger, which in turn is using Pierce's theory as I have used colour in order to connote the mood. I also feel that the use of different outfits within the video mirrors the way in which a real music video is produced and presented as outfits are often changed to create a sense of moving time, which in turn creates a sense of verisimilitude.
Props within in this video are also, very minimalistic, with mugs of hot drinks and cigarettes being the main two which come to mind. I feel that this is fitting within the Indie Rock genre as there is very little need for props in the majority of narratives, yet cigarettes are highly suited to the genre. This being said, I also feel this slightly defies the conventions of music videos, as usually props are a main focus within the performance element, with the singer/performer, usually using a microphone or some form of instrument.
I feel that the narrative has a clear link to the lyrics in the song, with the focus entirely being on a relationship, and the dedication of both parties to one another. I feel that the use of this narrative links to the conventions of real music videos, as there is normally a clear link between lyrics and narrative. It can surely be said that the imagery used in my video is used to develop the audience's perception of the lyrics, and the overall tone of the music video matches that of the song. I feel that overall, my video adheres to the ideas of Sven E Carlsson as my music video fits into the narrative category of the music video genre, as opposed to performance or conceptual. Moreover, I also feel the narrative of my music video links to the structure which is suggested by Todorov within Todorov's and Propp's theories. I am able to identify my text as part of this theory as it begins with an equilibrium (the couple are happy), then there is a disequilibrium, (they argue), which is recognized during the protagonist's reflections. The female protagonist then tries to fix the disequilibrium as she visits the male protagonist's house. However, unlike a stereotypical narrative, the ending of my narrative is shown at the beginning in reverse, to indicate the narrative that follows comes before the couple driving away. This being said, my narrative still fits into the suggested order as there is still an equilibrium at the end of the narrative, it is just shown first.
Furthermore, I feel that the way in which editing is used within my video is clearly similar to the way in which real music videos are edited, due to the use of rhythmic editing. I feel that this really adheres to the Indie Rock genre, as there are usually no soft transitions due to the music focusing on harder beats. This being considered, I believe that the use of jump cuts within my video are also a way in which it adheres to realistic editing that features in real music videos. I believe this as jump cuts are often used to show audience the pace at which something is going, and in this case, I have used it to demonstrate how quickly an argument can be blown out of proportion.
With regards to the cinematography within my video, I used a range of shots in order to reflect the Uses and Gratification Theory by Bulmer and Katz. This theory suggests that media texts offer the audience a sense of escapism, thus explaining why a range of shots are used within different media texts. Through the use of shots such as over the shoulder shots and close ups which are from the protagonist's point of view, I feel that the audience may feel that they are part of the video, thus offering them the escape they sought after. I also feel that this is typical of a music video, as a range of shots are used in order to show the audience the diegesis, and further develop the narrative.
Looking at my ancillary texts, I used all of the conventions I had previously discovered in order to piece them together. I feel that this means my products conventional, as I looked at the features of both digipaks and magazine advertisements, and included all of the elements within my own. For example, the back cover of my digipak houses a list of the tracks on the disks, but also includes copyright information and the recording label logo. I feel this is a crucial feature of regular digipaks, thus meaning my digipak mirrors a real text. Similarly, my magazine advertisements features key aspects of a real product, with the album name and date being prominent features that I have chosen to include. I feel these are important as they are used to inform the audience, hence why I chose to include them in my own product.
I believe that the music video I have created for the song, 'I Wanna Be Yours' by Arctic Monkeys, displays conventions typical of the Indie Rock genre, and of a real music video. I feel that an example of these conventions being displayed is the use of the artist being presented as the protagonist in the narrative. This is a typical feature within music videos, as it is a way in which the artist can present themselves to the audience. In this case, the artist, Dysphoria, is presenting themselves as a Televised Bard. This is also a common feature within the Indie Rock genre, with artists such as Panic! at the Disco, often presenting themselves as the main character in a story which links in some way to the lyrics. However, with regards to the performance aspect of the song, I feel that it also defies conventions, as there is no performance from the artist. The reason I didn't put any performance in to the video, is that I felt it wouldn't have added anything to the narrative, and as it's such a slow rhythm, I felt that it would have been very hard for my artist to lip synch it well. I also feel that it would have taken the main focus away from the action, and more could be expressed through the narrative than through performance as it can be very hard to express emotion in songs which are so slow.
Settings in the Indie Rock genre are often very urban, with the budgets mostly being quite low. It is suggested that the reason for choosing lower budget locations to film in is down to the focus on the music production, meaning that it is likely that settings such as houses and local venues will be chosen. I feel that my text definitely captures this aspect of the Indie Rock genre as it is filmed in the city of Hull, down streets and near the marina, and also in Elliot Docwra's house, meaning that shooting in all of my locations was free. I also feel that through using these urban settings, the music video is made to be more relatable to the audience because they are likely to visit locations similar to these in their day to day life. This, in turn, makes the artist become more appealing because the audience can draw similarities between themselves and the artist, making them feel as though they have a bond. Moreover, I feel that filming the water in the marina draws focus to the lyric, 'at least as deep as the pacific ocean', because there is a very clear link. This could be considered a feature typical of music videos as imagery is often used to create links to the lyrics, thus linking the two texts together. I feel in this aspect, my product does use conventions of a real music video.
The costumes used within this video are once again, very simple, due to the focus being more on the song than the actual narrative. I feel that this uses the conventions of an Indie Rock video, because quite often, the use of costume is minimalistic and in dark colours to reflect the overall tone of the song. Having used the results from my survey, I dressed the protagonists in denim jackets to create a clear link between them, and I feel this works well within the genre as it creates a very clear link. This furthers the narrative, whilst still using the codes and conventions set. I feel that this aspect of my video links to Pierce's theory that 'we think only in signs' as it clearly demonstrates to the audience that the protagonists have something in common which is deeper than their clothing. I also used a theme of checked materials (a checked shirt and a checked scarf) to further develop this link whilst following the results of my survey. Through putting my female protagonist in a burgundy hoodie, I feel this could reflect rage and anger, which in turn is using Pierce's theory as I have used colour in order to connote the mood. I also feel that the use of different outfits within the video mirrors the way in which a real music video is produced and presented as outfits are often changed to create a sense of moving time, which in turn creates a sense of verisimilitude.
Props within in this video are also, very minimalistic, with mugs of hot drinks and cigarettes being the main two which come to mind. I feel that this is fitting within the Indie Rock genre as there is very little need for props in the majority of narratives, yet cigarettes are highly suited to the genre. This being said, I also feel this slightly defies the conventions of music videos, as usually props are a main focus within the performance element, with the singer/performer, usually using a microphone or some form of instrument.
I feel that the narrative has a clear link to the lyrics in the song, with the focus entirely being on a relationship, and the dedication of both parties to one another. I feel that the use of this narrative links to the conventions of real music videos, as there is normally a clear link between lyrics and narrative. It can surely be said that the imagery used in my video is used to develop the audience's perception of the lyrics, and the overall tone of the music video matches that of the song. I feel that overall, my video adheres to the ideas of Sven E Carlsson as my music video fits into the narrative category of the music video genre, as opposed to performance or conceptual. Moreover, I also feel the narrative of my music video links to the structure which is suggested by Todorov within Todorov's and Propp's theories. I am able to identify my text as part of this theory as it begins with an equilibrium (the couple are happy), then there is a disequilibrium, (they argue), which is recognized during the protagonist's reflections. The female protagonist then tries to fix the disequilibrium as she visits the male protagonist's house. However, unlike a stereotypical narrative, the ending of my narrative is shown at the beginning in reverse, to indicate the narrative that follows comes before the couple driving away. This being said, my narrative still fits into the suggested order as there is still an equilibrium at the end of the narrative, it is just shown first.
Furthermore, I feel that the way in which editing is used within my video is clearly similar to the way in which real music videos are edited, due to the use of rhythmic editing. I feel that this really adheres to the Indie Rock genre, as there are usually no soft transitions due to the music focusing on harder beats. This being considered, I believe that the use of jump cuts within my video are also a way in which it adheres to realistic editing that features in real music videos. I believe this as jump cuts are often used to show audience the pace at which something is going, and in this case, I have used it to demonstrate how quickly an argument can be blown out of proportion.
With regards to the cinematography within my video, I used a range of shots in order to reflect the Uses and Gratification Theory by Bulmer and Katz. This theory suggests that media texts offer the audience a sense of escapism, thus explaining why a range of shots are used within different media texts. Through the use of shots such as over the shoulder shots and close ups which are from the protagonist's point of view, I feel that the audience may feel that they are part of the video, thus offering them the escape they sought after. I also feel that this is typical of a music video, as a range of shots are used in order to show the audience the diegesis, and further develop the narrative.
Looking at my ancillary texts, I used all of the conventions I had previously discovered in order to piece them together. I feel that this means my products conventional, as I looked at the features of both digipaks and magazine advertisements, and included all of the elements within my own. For example, the back cover of my digipak houses a list of the tracks on the disks, but also includes copyright information and the recording label logo. I feel this is a crucial feature of regular digipaks, thus meaning my digipak mirrors a real text. Similarly, my magazine advertisements features key aspects of a real product, with the album name and date being prominent features that I have chosen to include. I feel these are important as they are used to inform the audience, hence why I chose to include them in my own product.
Thursday, 6 April 2017
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