This is the general idea of our promotional poster. we will include a picture of the album on it, and also touring dates.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
mock up of promotional poster
This is the general idea of our promotional poster. we will include a picture of the album on it, and also touring dates.
shooting script
Walking into the party using a tracking shot.
Eye level shot whilst panning movement of everybody dancing within the room.
Still image, fast zoom in on April and Jason.
Close up of Sams facial expression which then straight cuts to a medium shot of outside the house.
(Music kicks in)
Tracking shot following Sam running towards the car and getting inside.
Slow pan movement around the car from the side to the front widescreen of the car, enabling to see sams annoyed facial expression. Possible singing gestures of Sam when inside the car.
High angle watching the car drive away.
Chorus – Sam and April singing together, possible green screen.
Camera shots : High angle/Low angle/longs shots and close ups.
(Split Screen)
Sam –
Long shot zooming in on the front door from inside, Sam enters the house, throws her keys on the side, annoyed with herself.
Throws something in anger, slams the door, roughs up her hair a little.
Tracking shot following Sam into the Kitchen and she grabs for a bottle of wine.
Over shoulder shot as she opens the bottle. Close up and the wine glass and Sam pours it into the glass.
Low angle shot of Sam downing the wine and another tracking shot is used to follow her into the lounge as she jumps on the sofa.
April –
Long shot zooming in on the front door from inside, April enters the house throws off her heels, she starts to run upstairs. During this the camera straight cuts to a low angle medium shot enabling the audience to see April’s legs as she runs upstairs.
Tracking shot from behind April following her off the staircase and into the bathroom.
A shot reverse shot is used as she walks through the bathroom door from behind and then it flips to a shot her entering the bathroom door from the front.
High angle shots and over shoulder shots reflecting through the mirror showing her un-pinning her hair and starting to remove her make-up.
(These shots most liking going to be shot in town)
Tracking shot from the front watching Sam and Jason walk towards the camera holding hands looking happy. Over shoulder looking at Sam, then over shoulder looking at Jason.
Medium shot as Sam and Jason intimidated kiss. Sam slowing lets go of his hand and walks out of frame. Low angle shot of Jason smiling as he turns around.
Long shot of April walking in slow motion towards the camera. Over shoulder showing April hug Jason. High angle shot watching April and Jason walk together.
mock up of CD cover
This is a first mock up of our cd cover, we have labeled the costume and background. one artist will wear trousers to portray masculinity and one artist will wear a dress to portray femininity. together this will convey dualism of both aspects, to present our artists as strong females to relate to our pop rock genre.
Monday, 21 June 2010
Red Hot Chilli Peppers- By The Way Music Video Analysis
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Camera shot/movement/ Editing
The opening shot consists of a close up of a street sign in a city in America, this sets the scene and as it is very specific in the display i the name of the exact street, this may suggest to the audience that it will be a complicated and precise video. There is then a closeup of a man who is the lead singer of the Red hot chilli peppers band, to maybe emphasise that he will be an important character throughout the video as he is the first person shown in a closeup. The close up of the moving taxi approaching the man and then a long shot of the taxi stopping with the man entering it exhibits to the audience that the taxi journey will be the following narrative in the video. Following these shots, the scene drastically changes when the lyrics begin to a unknown setting as the lighting of the background is so dark for the purpose of focusing on the band playing and singing alone. There are various closeups and medium shots of the different band memebers playing guitars and the lead singer singing, however the camera movement is never still, there are panning shots horizontally and tilt movement up and down and at a moderate pace. This fastens the pace of the video as the audience can only focus on one person for a small amount of time before there is a different shot. There are may transitions of scenes throughout and following this the scene reverts back to the taxi narrative as there is tracking movement of the taxi, then various closeups of the taxi driver which suggests that he is another main character in the narrative. While the taxi is getting faster the closeups of the taxi driver and the man's concerned facial expressions, the editing of straight cuts get alot faster too, in order to make the audience on edge and to fasten the pace of the video which compares to the hectic and worrying mood of the scenario. Furthermore, when the man in the taxi realises that he id being kidnapped by the taxi driver, the camera movement becomes very shaky and unstable, also the mise en scene becomes blurred which connotes the panic and worry at this point in the video and consequently will make the audience tense and the same emotion of panic will be conveyed through this.
Costume, mise en scene and props
Within the costume of the man who is kidnapped, he wears a white jacket casual jeans, the white jacket connotes his innocense, therfore emphasisng that he is essentially a victim and suggests that he is a conventionally 'good' charcter in the narrative, if applied to Propp's theory. However, the taxi driver who is the kidnapper wears an unuasual and extavagant outfit. It consists of army print combats, and a cropped tank top. This outfit suggests a rebelloius and volatile nature and it wll remind the audience of an army uniform. His hair is also long and unruly which further emphasises these conotations, as it also makes him seem careless, which corresponds with his actions in the video. In terms of Propp's character theory, the taxi driver man falls into the category of the villain, not only from his costume but his role in the video, as he is the cause of the disruption in the narrative, in terms of Todorov's theory. Furthermore, this charcter supports his role in the narrative by the way he acts, for example he uses the prop of fire flares in an abandoned dark tunnel and dances with them, he looks very intimidating as he is unpredictable and this part would be tense for the audience.
Lighting
In the equillibrium where a man is catching a taxi, there is natural lighting and throughout the taxi kidanapping scenes while in open daylight to create a sense of realsim. During the scenes of the band playing which is not part if the narrative, the is no background lighting, but some underlighting on the band mamebers to create a eerie and tense atmosphere. There is no background lighing or other distractions as it wants the audience to focus on the narrative more.
Textual analysis into comparable texts- CD COVER 1

- Within the mise en scene, there is a medium shot of Avril Lavigne , she takes up most of the CD cover, which indicates she is the most important focus for the audience.
- In the camera shot, she is not centre of the frame, but is positioned on the right hand side this makes it more interesting and edgy which coincides with her unconventional look she is portraying . Also, as part of her arm is cut off the frame, shows that it is not necessary for her full self to be in the frame as her character still stands out, making her character have a bigger impact on the audience subconsciously.
- Furthermore the camera is straight on and this is more influential on the audience as it makes it more personal to audience individuals through the eye contact that Avril is showing, this also makes her stand out more.
- In terms of colour, the artist is standing against a grey concrete wall outside, connotes that is outgoing, real and down to earth as she is not in an expensive set, showing she is not the typical 'diva' type popstar. The audience will be more likely to relate with her this way. Furthermore the grey wall contrasts with the other colours in the CD cover, such as pink, black and white, making her eye catching to the audience.
- Within the text including the artist's name and the title of the album, the font is sans serif and seems conventional and classic font which contrasts with her outrageous and unconventional style , which may connote that she is an unpredictable character.
- The colour is mainly black and pink, which are two contrasting colours and also fit in with her genre and fashion sense, which is clearly rocker style. The pink portrays her in a feminine way, which all girls can connect with. However as i is a hot pink, it connotes a fun, sexy and flirtatious mood to the cover.
- The title is embedded upon a heart style skull and bones cross, which immediately has connotations of the punk/rock part of her genre and can be seen as a semiotic image for her rebellious personality. Young people, which will mostly be our audience will be able to relate to her personality as teenagers tend to be the most rebellious age group in society, although this may be a stereotype, there is some truth behind it
- Her image goes against the stereotypical views of feminisim, as her body language and image as a whole looks strong, independant and not typically girly.
- In relation to the Prop's narrative theory, her image portrays her as a villlainous character as her facial expression is stern and the illustration of te skull and bones motif symbol represents her as a rebelllious character. Although the villain character in Prop's theory is a negative character, the rebellious attitude she has will be seen as 'cool' to a modern day audience and teenagers will relate.
Copy
The font of the artist's name is in capital letters, making her name the most important focus out of the text on the cd cover. It is also larger than the the title of the album, which matches her outgoing and bold image and personality which comes through in her image.
The title of the album 'The best damn thing' shows the continuity of her image she is trying to portray. The language conveys a laidback and careless tone as it is informal. The word 'damn' is a cursing word which matches her strong image she trying to translate across to the audience. The title is like a tag-line under the artist's name, which ultimately is saying that she is 'the best damn thing'. This shows she is not modest , but is very confident in herself and her music which is attractive and persuasive to the audience to but her music as it is so blunt.
Blondie- Heart of Glass Music Video Analysis
Camera shot/movement
The first shot of the video consists with a high angle shot/birdseye view overlooking a city in America and a tracking movement of the camera is also used. The purpose of this shot is used to establish the setting in America where she is. It also makes the video look more expensive and high budget as it is similar to how the scenes are set in films. The tracking shot is then continued, however on the ground through the streets of the city. It gives the impression of a viewpoint out of a moving car, which makes the audience feel more involoved in the video as they can view the sights from the eye level camera shots provided. Within the tracking shots, there are closeups of nightclubs and bars along the streets to make the audience gain an impression of the lively nightlife and mood of which the video will portray. Furthermore, before the artist is introduced there is a zoom in and a low angle shot going into the club/gig venue and the low angle shot provides a shot which looks up at the disco ball, which sets a vivacious party mood. After, the artist is then introduced with a quick fade in to fasten the pace of the video when the lyrics begin and then with a close up of her face. This provides a sense of closeness between the artist and the audience.
Costume
Blondie is portrayed as a conventionally attractive. Her blonde hair, fair skin and red lips make her attractive to male audiences as it is a stereotypical depiction of a female, therefore sexualizing her to males. She is wearing fashionable clothing for the 70's, however the outfit does not present her in a sexual manner as most of her body is covered up. The grey colour of her dress connotes a relaxed and laid -back personality. This will be interpreted as 'cool' to the audience. Other band mates in her video are wearing costumes which mildly coordinate with her outfit. This makes her video look professional, however it still has the relaxed tone as it is casual and fashionable wear.
The Strokes - Last Night Music Video Analysis
The Strokes - Last Nite on MUZU.
Camera shot/movement
The beggining of the music video begins with a long shot of the band in sillhouettes because of the dark setting apart from a few lights in the background, and with this lack of of the band for the audience, it provides a tone of mystery and holds the audience in suspense for a short while. After, when the drumming begins, the lights are turned on and the camera zooms into a meduim shot of the the drummer membr of the band, to emphasise that the band are talented musicians. There is then a pan movement of the camera across to the the guitarists whilst still remaining within the medium shot for the same reason as the first medium shot. Shortly after, there is a long shot of the whole and when the lead singer enters the stage in order to provide a viewpoint of the band together and to mark the start of the song when the lyrics kick in. Following this there are a number of close ups of the lead to move the audiences' focus towards him.Throughout the video there are a number of instances where the camera zooms in and out, as this makes it more interesting for the audinece to watch, and also provides a more similar portrayal to what a gig would be like,and being there.
Costume/ mise en scene
The costume of each member of the band differs, as this shows their laidback approach to their music and careless attitude, which will be interpreted as 'cool' to the demograhic. The majority of the bands' clothes are dull and dark colours which can reflect them as 'moody' artists and the fact that they are all wearing jeans reitterates their careless attitude. However, it also maks the audinence feel more comfortable as they are very casual, which sets a realaxed tone throughout.
Additionally, the lead singer in particualar reflects the stereotypical ideologies of 'rockers' and bands to be troublesome and alcohol and drug influenced as when there are guitar solos, the lead singer stumble into the guitarists and raches for his bottle of beer. Therfore this action supports these ideologies. Furthermore, the lead singer does not make eye contact with the camera, neither do the other members and when there is a close up of hios face he looks lost and distant which will also support assumptions that he is under the influence of alcohol therefore supporting further stereotypes.
Lighting
At the beggining if the video there is no general lighting apart form some backlighting, and this creates sillhouettes of the band, as it creates a sense of suspense. The lighting then remains low key lighting for a small amount time until the lead singer begins to sing. This represents that the song has commenced. Furhthermore, when the chorus begins, bright studio lighting such as key lighting and fliller lighting is used to brighten the mood and make the chorus have more of a lively impact and contrast to the verses for the audience. In parts of the verses, the lighting is more dimmed and some low key lighting is used to contrast to the verse and the mood of the lyrics, however the back lighting is constantly there and remains the same throughout.
Gwen Stefani- Wind It Up CD Cover Analysis
Within the mise en scene, there is an extreme closeup of the artist, Gwen Stefani. The shot only allows the audience to see her shoulder, hair and lips. This may indicate that a statement is being made that it is not nessecary for her to show her whole profile as her fans will be able to recognise her by her name and brand symbol ( on the key) as she is a well known and successful artist. Therefore the reason for the camera shot is used for the purpose to show the key, which is the symbol of her brand which is obviously important to her. Although her physical identity is hidden, it provokes sexual connotations as her shoulder is bare and sunkissed, and it gives the illusion that she is naked. This especially attracts the male audience mostly, whist also creating and enigma towards the female audience.The artist is not making eye contact with the audience which is rare in the pop/rock c.d covers i have researched, however the audience will still have a sense of closeness towards the artist as is is an extreme closeup and it is only depicting her without distractions from the background.
Her image as a whole is the typical prortrayal of an attractive female. For example her blonde hair, red lips and fair skin builds up a similar imagery in the audience's mind of a barbie doll. Feminists would be aginst this depiction as she is suggested as a figure of sexuality which supports stereotypical ideologies.
The one object on the c.d cover that draws attention away form Gwen Stefani is the key of her brand ( L.A.M.B). The key is golden with diamonds in it which symbolises her success and wealth, which makes her seem experienced in her profession as she has grown to be a success. This creates an enigma towards the audienece as the wealth and luxury this key represents provides an idea of what her life is like which interests the audience. The key can also have a hidden meaning of secrecy and the way that it is clear in the audience's view, it is almost like she is welcoming her audence into her world and music with this key.
The copy of the text is golden, which again represents her luxurious lifestyle of fame. Although the connotations to these colours make her seem like a 'diva', it contrasts with the style of the font of her name which seems very laid-back and relaxed because of the missing capital letters in her name. Both contrasting traits make her interesting as it means that her personality will come across as being very open and a mixture.
There main lighting is the key light used form the back and top her, which lightens the whole image and makes everything on the cover more exaggerated and clear. Also the fill light is used to excentuate this. The lighting almost makes her look 'heavenly' and pure with connotations of an angel, as there is a slight background of pastel blue and her platinum blonde hair and fair skin exaggerated with light promotes her innocence and portrays her as a pure person.
Katy Perry- I Kissed a girl CD Cover Analysis
Within the mise en scene there is a medium shot of the artist, Katy Perry. It is made apparent that she is the main focus on the cover as she takes up the majority of the space. Although she is not positioned centre framed, it parallels with the kooky look she is trying to portray, and it connotes that she still stands out without having to be in the centre. Furthermore, the eye contact the artist shows has a larger impact on the demographic as there is a connection and the cover will grasp their attention. Miley Cyrus- Can't Be Tamed CD Cover Analysis

Within the mise en scene, there is a medium shot of the artist Miley Cyrus. She takes up the majority if the frame as she is the main focal point on the cover. As she is a typically attractive artist which is also appealing ot the audience, the camera shot allows the audience see the majority of her.
In the camera shot she is centre framed in order to draw the audience, along with her eye contact towards the audience make her seem confident and allures the audience to focus on her in the centre.
The background is plain to make the artist stand out, however the use of shadowing and lighting makes it more interesting. For example, there is key lighting on the artist to exaggerate her features and highlight her image, however shadow is created by using lighting such as back lighting and areas of low key lighting. The shadowing conveys her in a mysterious way which is consequently intruiging to the audience.
Music video - Avril Lavigne : Girlfriend
Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend found on YouClubVideo
Twist and Shout- The Beatles Music Video Annalysis
Camera shot/movement
The start of the video consists of a fade in movement medium shot of what appears to be a how host introducing the beatles, which makes it apparent to the demographic that they are headlining a gig, most likely for television. Consequently this has connotations of their fame and success which makes them more appealable to the audience. After there is a fade out from the host to a long shot of the band so the whole band is visible to the audience within the mise en scene. Within this shot the camera zooms in to provide a sense of closeness to band, and also to focus on the the lead singer more-so.
Furthermore there are interchanging shots where there are close-ups of females in the audience dancing to their song. The close-ups are used on these females to show that they are dominant males in the band who have loyal and excited fans, especially females and the audience can see this though their ecstatic facial expressions in these close-ups. Also, there is a further variety of camera shots of the band, for example a many medium shots from different angles such as a side view. This shot from the side allows a bigger focus to be made towards the lead singer. There backing singers and guitarists in the band are behind the lead in this shot, also shown sharing a microphone stand. This connotes that they possess less dominance and focus in the video compared to the lead singer. Also supporting stereotypes that there is more focus upon one band member than the other, and maybe the most popular member that it is. Furthermore, supporting this there are more close-up shots on the lead singer to emphasize his importance in the band.
Costume/ mise en scene
The band members are wearing identical outfits, such as black suits and tie. Although this makes the band look smart and professionally styled, it also suggests that they are conforming to a certain style to present their genre of music. Also, this would lead to the demographic and their fans following their style and fashion, as they are idolised. This is a way fashion is brrought forward and certian styles made popular. This also applies to the bands' hairstyles are they are all nearly identical.
The props within this video are musical instruments alone to exaggerate their musical talents. Also, as their music video is based on a performance in a gig atmosphere it shows that they can still make an effective video without there being a narrative, and a higher budget production. Within thios video, as it is a simple performance, the theory Todorov's or Prop's does not apply, for the fact their main purpose is to entertain in a realistic way, and not crafting a unreal scenario. Also, they are not taking a role of a character such as villians, heros for example as by being themselves it conveys a sense of trust and realtionship to the audience as they can see them for who they are, also making them more relative towards the younger demographic.
Lighting
The ligting throughout the video remains the same, to give a sense of realism of a gig performance to the audience. Studio lighting such as key lighting and filler lighting is used on the band, as would be conventional to enhance the focus on them and make them more clear to the audience watching and also for the benefit of the audience watching in the studio at the time. Only bright lighting is used and low key lighting for example is not used as the mood and atmosphere of the song and video is aimed to be cheerful and lively, hence the excess lighting.
Pink- U + Ur Hand CD Cover Analysis

Sunday, 6 June 2010
Genre of Pop/Rock
Pop/Rock is a genre, a type or category of music we audiences identify with to determine which style of music it is.
Defining what Pop/Rock is?
Pop/Rock is easy to classify by its codes and conventions. The stereotypical codes and conventions of Pop/Rock are attitude, use of alcohol, rebellions, bold colours, loud statements etc. These are codes and conventions of Pop/Rock because they are the things that are expected to be seen by audiences. In affect they are the scenes/costumes/iconography that has been used on a number of occasions through this genre and has built itself a reputation.
Looking into further detail, for example alot of Pop/Rock artists tend to wear bold or dark colours such as pink or black, these colours connote two different things. Black connotes death, misery and negativity whereas pink conveys girly connotations, youth and perhaps immaturity as it can be associated with Barbie. These contrasting colours together have created its own style, its own category. For these artist's who encode themselves via their costumes using these colours, it indicates a deeper meaning for their character, displaying that they are rebellious and they are conveying attitude. However they aren't completely challanging female ideologies of being feminine or girly by wearing pink.
In respect of institutions, the concept of genre is imperative as it enables them to generate a media piece that can be categorised into that specific genre. In addition genre helps them decide whether it will appeal to their target audience or not by looking into and making use of the codes and conventions of that genre.
Overall genre is important for both institutions and especially audiences, as it allows them to recognise their individual interests, inevitably an audience will form an emotional attachment to that specific genre through experiences they may have, peers influence or simply because they enjoy it. Producers have to make sure they meet the expectations of a genre they imitate as the audience they wish to target towards will only search for the genre of their preference.