Location for Music Video

We have decided the location for our Music Video should be set in a big city our a location with good scenery. We can not film in a nearby location as Bourne or Spalding as typical Hip-Hop videos are filmed in locations with scenery in the background and not rural locations.

The 3 locations we have chosen to film in are Nottingham, Lincoln or Peterborough. These 3 locations are perfect as they contain urban areas, rural fields and also big buildings to film in the background. The protagonist (Ashley Firth) will be walking through each location and as he walks around a corner the scene will change to a new location. This will be hard to pull off thats why a suitable transition is needed to make it look effective and not too amuter.

4Music

4Music is a music and entertainment channel in the United Kingdom and available on some digital television providers in the Republic of Ireland - its web component can be found at www.4Music.com with its own Facebook and Twitter pages. It is the only channel within the Box Television Network to be branded under Channel 4 and the only channel in the network to be broadcast in widescreen. The channel replaced The Hits. It is available on Freeview, Virgin Media & Sky, The channel broadcasts 24 hours a day.

MTV

MTV is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJ's.

At one time, MTV had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture. Slogans such as "I want my MTV" and "MTV is here" became embedded in public thought, the concept of the VJ was popularized, the idea of a dedicated video-based outlet for music was introduced, and both artists and fans found a central location for concert music events, news, and promotion. MTV has also been referenced countless times in popular culture by musicians, other TV channels and television program, films, and books.

MTV has spawned numerous sister channels in the U.S. and affiliated channels internationally, some of which, like the former MTV Tempo now known as TEMPO Networks, have gone independent. MTV's moral influence on young people, including issues related to censorship and social activism, has been a subject of debate for years. MTV's choice to focus on non-music programming has also been contested relentlessly since the 1990s, demonstrating the channel's previous impact on popular culture.

(Each figure is represented in 000's )

Media Questionnaire

Age: 0-12     13-18     19-24     25+

Gender: Male     Female

Favourite Genre:  Hip-Hop   R&B   Pop   Rock   Dance   D&B                                         

                             Metal   Alternative   Other

What do you feel makes a good music video:  Narrative           

                                                                         Performance

                                                                         Both

What location would you pick to film a Music Video: 

Rural    Urban    Stage    Club    Other: ______________________

How would you purchase your music:  Video2MP3   iTunes   HMV  

Other: ____________________

What is your favourite music channel?

4Music        MTV       Viva       Kerrang       Scuzz      Starz    

Other: _____________________

How often do you listen to music a day?

 Less than an hour    1hour   2hours    3hours    4hours    5hours

What do you feel makes a good music video?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Grouping

Our group consists of: Arjan Boyall - myself
                            Dan Munton -http://www.danielmuntonadvancedproduction.blogspot.com/
                            Guy Hasler - http://www.guyhasleradvancedproduction.blogspot.com/
                            Ashley Firth - http://www.ashleyfirthadvancedproduction.blogspot.com/
                             
This grouping has worked out well as we all have the same interest in muisc genre of hip hop, and th song we have picked fits in with this.

Actors
The main actor throughout our piece will be Ashley Firth, he will sing the main verses  throughout and be the protagonist. The chorus will be sang by the whole group to emphasise the chorus and liven it up. The second main actor will be me as a back up incase we need a shot with two actors if the song contains a verse with two people singing.

Camera Work
The two main people shooting our production will be Guy and Daniel as they have had past experience filming the AS thriller production. This allows us to get the best variety of camera angles and shots as they have had past experience filming so they can judge what will be the best shot and how to work with the lighting. If any of the group members feel they have a good idea on a particular shot we can all contribute and a share our input.

Editing
When w come towards editing our footage after filming, we have decided that the whole group will contribute and put forward their ideas. We all must agree though as the idea must be the most effective for our video to be successful. Also the fact that one member of the group has an Apple Mac at home adds to the precise editing needed to ascertain a successful grade in A2 media.

Music Video Theory

Steve Archer's Theory

Steve Archer's theory was that there needed to be a strong coherent relationship between the narrative and performance in the music video, there should be cuts in music videos from narrative to the performance of the song which must be balanced. He also believed that a dance could be part of the performance but it must be carefully choreographed as it aided visualization. 

e.g. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VMFdpdDYYA&ob=av2n Nickleback - Rockstar

John Stewart's Theory

John Stewart's theory was that the music video must have the aesthetics of a TV commercial, with plenty of close up shots and the lighting to be used to focus and emphasize the stars faces. Visual references influences by the cinema, fashion and art photography. The video allows more access to the performer than a stage performer can.

e.g. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyk-Vdd_Qrk&ob=av2e R.E.M - Bad Day 

Sigmund Freud's Theory

Sigmund Freud's theory was based on voyeurism which refers to the notion of erotics pleasures may be gained by looking at a sexual object, preferably when the object is unaware of being watched.

e.g. -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuNAfUc3t1s - 50 Cent - Ayo Technology 

Laura Mulvey's Theory

Laura Mulvey's theory was that the presence of females was purely for the purpose of display, this display presumes a ‘male gaze’ one that is a powerful controlling gaze at the female on display.

e.g. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y99IfyBqhc&feature=related - Camille Jones - The Creep


Tzvetan Todorov
Believes narrative begins with the equilibrium, harmony, then move to disequilibrium, disharmony, untill a new equilibrium is restored at the end.
e.g. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g5Hz17C4is - Shaggy - It Wasn't Me


Vladimir Proopp
Develops Todorov's narrative theory


Claude Levi Strauss
Believed that the narrative can only end with a resolution to any conflict, relates to light/darkness or love/hate. 
e.g. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wYNFfgrXTI - Eminem - When I'm Gone

Our Track

Inflowential - "Wherever" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McjFP6Wbe4Y


Lyrics to "Wherever" 

Verse 1
It’s a combination of greatness to make it through the matrix,

Another day of racing and pacing so I can make it,

Conversation amazing no way that we could fake it,

It’s Zen flow, back on vacation, like,

Hi haters, buzzin like vibrators,

Came to toss flavour all over the crossfader,

It’s the war bench pressers, bench mark setters,

Here to spread letters and fly higher than ever,

Get your redder together we clever and never slippin’,

Pronato, hard work and tell in the ambition,

So thanky’all for listening, tune in your transmittion,

To this Carolina wave radio rendition,

And cool on a mission that shines gloss and glisten,

Digging in the planet like trees and the crops,

Cuz we be to rap boy, keep me to lock,

Say we be to rap boy, keep me to lock,

Chorus
Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

Verse 2

Yeah it’s number one with the bullet, nigger said I’ll be done,

Done when I pull it, you did it like a re-run,

Girls wanna cut it, some like the shera,

But it’ll cost you nothing, and so I call it freedom,

Even, steven, nash, cash, you heard the pitter patter cuz my crew is on your ass,

I heard the chitter chatter cuz we moving in a flash,

Blurred the words, turn the verse,

It shit on it, if you aint doing that you should quit on it, I read on it,

Then I do it bad and I hit on it, they wont put a lid on it,

When I do a track and I spit on it your boys on the rag wouldn’t sit on it,

Now, get up off the ground if you bit on it,

Yeah you need a crown, not your head but your teeth,

Got the leg for the beats, the bread for the sneaks,

So whenever we open up the door follow me

Chorus
Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock 

Instumental

Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

Wherever we go, we go, we go

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

We be to rap boy, keep me to lock

Our Band

Inflowential

Genre - Alternative, Hip-Hop

Members - Tab-One, Charlie Smarts, Adid, Bender, Kyle

Record Label - M.E.C.C.A. = Middle East Coast Carolina Always

Influences - The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village, Little Brother, and Blackstar

Inflowential is an alternative hip-hop band from NC that slides comfortably across genre labels, including blues, rock and reggae, using their live instruments and jazzy undertones to create tracks with an energy and power that feels fresh.

Inflowential joins a recent upsurge in hip-hop bands with live instrumentals. But unique to Inflowential’s sound, instead of a drummer, their live percussionist drops the breaks as a human beat box. Though far from a new concept, live hip-hop bands—with the exception of the Roots—have not notably broken into the mainstream consciousness. Musicianship has not even been a prerequisite for mainstream.

Gorillaz Magazine Advert

This magazine advert for Gorillaz which features N.E.R.D is very informative and the contrast of red on black stands out to the reader which automatically catches their attention. 

The bold but yet simple text stands out which grabs the attention of the reader, as it gives a clear indication of the band. The colour red also stands out on the black background, red also signifies power and danger so it makes the text stand out. The tour dates and information regarding it are also clearly located it big, bold black lettering. The fonts used are very simple as this is easier for the reader to view and the clear caption at the bottom of the advert promoting a prize of tickets, this stands out as the text is bright red which is alerting the reader. The information on where to buy the tickets is also clearly located with locations, websites and a telephone number. This shows not only is the advert promoting the band Gorillaz but it's also promoting the prize and purchasing option.

The design of the advert is fairly basic using plain backgrounds with bright fonts contrasting to make the text stand out. The yellow used to signify a electronic genre to music the band produces. The advert we may produce will be of a similar design to this as it is very basic but yet effective as the colours and background contrast well to highlight the text.

Conventions of a Digipak

• Website address of the artist & record label
• Record label the artist has been signed by
• Logo, if the band has one or of the record company 
• Price of the album
• Barcode
• Purchasing options
• Tour Dates of the artist
• Lyrics to songs on the album
• Images of the band and that relate to the album itself

Conventions Used in Music Videos

Fatboy Slim - Praise You -

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ULVQOneeZE  

The video is very unconventional as the video has no reference to the lyrics. The video is limited on the use of camera shots,  the performance is very basic and unconventional. There is poor use of lighting and the camera shots have no real varation.

From the pictures we can see a very basic use of camera shots, a long shot throughout to show whats in the picture, the lighting is also very poor as the bottom image is fairly dark and doesn't light the performace which needs ro be emphasies

Eminem - Without Me -

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkUvmDQ3HY

The video has strong references to comic books through various effects used throughout the video. Has strong use of intertextuality such as Elvis Presley, superhereos and chat show.

Fish eye lense used, camera shots tend to be either low angle or high during direct more of adress.

Key Terms

Intertextuality - Were one text refers to another piece of text, e.g. Eminem "Without Me" refers to Elvis Presley, comic books and various superheroes.

Amplification - the result from enlarging or amplifying a text to create an effect throughout a music video e.g. Kanye West "Good Life".

Illustration - Where you back up your point with an example or illustration.

Disjuncture -  Were the music video has no reference to the lyrics and the video is unconventional containing random irrelevant footage e.g. Fatboy Slim “Praise You”










Exhibitionism – More powerful female artists added to the politics of cultural debates.

Organic / authentic – Bands that create, write and play there own music and haven't been influenced by input of the media

Manufactured – Bands that are produced and influenced by of other bands and the media

Chase & Status - No More Idols Digipak

This cover by Chase and Status immediately catches our attention for two reasons. The colour yellow tends to be associated with hazard signs and some emergency vehicles, because of the high visibility of bright yellow holds. The use of an emergency type of feeling can unconsciously create excitement for the viewer because of how much it stands out. However we can also notice an extreme close up of a bulldog behind the writing. Bulldogs are beefy, strong and when things are linked with this animal we do think of menace. Perhaps Chase and Status are showing that this album is dangerous in a good way, it will get you excited and pumped up, and the fact that the bulldog is there creates a statement that it means business.

Once again the colour theme of black and yellow again adds to the feeling of caution. You as a buyer feel that this album should be handled with care. This goes well with the genre that Chase and Status are connected with. The deep bass that’s linked with dubstep and the quick drums all make a very quick paced genre and when played in clubs, dancers feel as if their getting a shot of adrenaline.
Another thing we notice is that the barcode, label company and distributors are put into one side of the back cover. We know that all this is associated with Chase and Status, however the people who have designed the cover know that when buying an album, the consumer wants to notice the main contents of the album such as the album front cover and track list.

Digipack

Digipacks are a type of CD packaging, it can have three parts, so that one portion of the packaging opens to the right and one to the left, with the CD in the center portion. Usually, the portion of the digipack that hold the CD is made of plastic like a traditional jewel case CD.

They look nice, and many bands and labels like to use them for aesthetic reasons. The three section digipack sleeves opens up more design options because there is more room. However, they're more expensive than traditional liner notes and jewel cases.

   8 Panel 4 Tray CD DigiPak Rollfold Template


   4 Panel 1 Tray CD DigiPak Template


   6 Panel 1 Tray CD DigiPak Gatefold Template
   6 Panel 1 Tray CD DigiPak Rollfold Template

Filming our Premlinary Music Video

The music video we have decided to produce is based around the track Rockstar by Nickleback.

Nickelback is a Canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta, formed in 1995 by Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake and then-drummer Brandon Kroeger. While largely a rock band, the group has also experimented with various other musical styles such as pop and country, aside from their hard rock and post-grunge base. Nickelback is one of the most commercially successful Canadian groups, having sold over 35 million albums worldwide.

Whilst filming out music video we used footage from around school of various students and members of staff to mime the lyrics to our song to copy the same sort of style of Nickelback. We thought this would be a good platform to build on as it was funny yet it made a very entertaining video which appealed to audiences.

Album Cover Mood Board

Music Videos

A music video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings. Although the origins of music videos date back much further, they came into prominence in the 1980s.

The first music video made by Queen called Bohemian Rhapsody is considered the first music video. When the song was released in the UK in 1975 the band were on tour abroad and couldn't make it to Top Of The Pops each week when it reached no.1. No-one imagined the record would be so successful (at nearly 9 minutes long it was considered un-radio-friendly and the record company assumed no radio station would play it), and that is when they recorded the video to be played in their absence.

Musical films were another important precursor to music video, and several well-known music videos have imitated the style of classic Hollywood musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s. One of the best-known examples is Madonna's 1985 video for "Material Girl" which was closely modelled on Jack Cole's staging of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" from the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Several of Michael Jackson's videos show the unmistakable influence of the dance sequences in classic Hollywood musicals, including the landmark "Thriller" and the Martin Scorsese-directed "Bad" which was influenced by the stylised dance "fights" in the film version of West Side Story.