Thursday, 22 October 2009
Treatment
Artist:
The band that we decided to use for our Media coursework is Petrabox. They are an unsigned rock act from Warrington, UK and consists of four members; Chris, Ben, Sam and Alex. The band all living in Warrington will make it easier if we need them for the production of the video. After trying to find local musicians, we decided to go ask Petrabox due to there professionally recorded tracks and there catchy lyrics and music. Petrabox have also done many live music festivals and gigs where we have noticed there confident stage presence and good band image. They also have many successful songs that are all professionally recorded and are assessable through MySpace but are not currently yet signed.
Song:
The song that we chose to base our project on is called “Jimmy Go Home”. The song is about a man who is trying to be a famous singer but is failing at his life dream, the song says he should just “go home”, in other words, give up. This is a stereotypical view for many bands or artists that try and make it in the music industry, as there is a lot more rejection rather than acceptance. Within the song there is also imagery.
Genre:
The genre Petrabox would be classed as would be alternative and Indie, as the band themselves classed themselves as this. Also there current tracks relate to many in the mainstream charts which class them selves as Indie. This is because they are part of a band and within the music they generally use quite heavy drum beats and electric guitars. These are conventions of Indie bands.
Target Audience:
The target audience for Petrabox would be mostly multi-sex teenagers and young adults aged 14-21. This is because the band is made up from students; this alone makes the band appeal to students. The lyrics also seem to appeal to the younger generation as well with the beat. Being stereotypical, the fast tempo of the song will appeal mainly to the younger generation and not to the older generation.
Outline of Narrative:
Within our music video, our narrative is going to amplify the lyrics. We wanted to do this as the lyrics for our chosen song have quite strong imagery behind them. Also we feel like doing this will make the song and the video catchier and commercially feasible.
The narrative will be about a character (Jimmy) that leaves his family home to try and make it within the music business. This character will be the main character and will be in almost every shot. He will be very determined to succeed but will seem blinded to the reality of life. Within doing this, the character will cause a domestic with his mum and dad at home. There will be a shot quickly of this as the song is fast paced; the shot will not last for very long.
He then travels away from home to an unfamiliar place with nothing more than a rucksack and a little bit of money to try and make him a music career. At this point there may be a shot of him getting on a bus / train away from home. He manages to find himself some band members and starts up a band. The band members are not that good and nobody seems to like their music. They then struggle to get any gigs and are unable to get signed by a music company. Without an income he was unable to pay for his rent and then his landlord kicked him out. Because of this, and his shame of going home, he decides to stay and busk on the streets try and make some money. While this is going on Petrabox will follow him lip syncing the song. The narrative will be half performance based and half narrative based. Doing this will make an image for the band as they are featured within the video.
Resources:
For our music video, we will need the following recourses to be able to effectively produce a professional music video.
Equipment:
• Camera
• Tripod
• Tracking
• Jib
• Blue screen
• Lighting
Properties:
• Guitar’s
• Drum Kit
• Microphone
• Band Matching Outfits
• Bus / Train
• Mobile Phone (arguing with parents)
Crew:
The crew will be our group, as we will not be in the actual video it is important that we film the entire thing and contribute as much as possible as it is our work. Our group will be responsible for things such as camera work, make up, lighting etc. As it is our coursework, we will all contribute as much as possible to make sure it is all our work.
Time Required:
To film the music video, we will have roughly two weeks to complete the filming. After that, we will have a further few weeks to complete the editing. We are currently on schedule and with our time period, we will not have to rush aspect of the music video.
Budget:
The budget for our music video will be very minimal. It will cover such things as transportation, and properties needed. We will budget £20 for our music video to cover these things. If the music video was a professional, we would have to budget for things such as cameras, camera crew, extras, and main actors and all the properties and equipment used.
The band that we decided to use for our Media coursework is Petrabox. They are an unsigned rock act from Warrington, UK and consists of four members; Chris, Ben, Sam and Alex. The band all living in Warrington will make it easier if we need them for the production of the video. After trying to find local musicians, we decided to go ask Petrabox due to there professionally recorded tracks and there catchy lyrics and music. Petrabox have also done many live music festivals and gigs where we have noticed there confident stage presence and good band image. They also have many successful songs that are all professionally recorded and are assessable through MySpace but are not currently yet signed.
Song:
The song that we chose to base our project on is called “Jimmy Go Home”. The song is about a man who is trying to be a famous singer but is failing at his life dream, the song says he should just “go home”, in other words, give up. This is a stereotypical view for many bands or artists that try and make it in the music industry, as there is a lot more rejection rather than acceptance. Within the song there is also imagery.
Genre:
The genre Petrabox would be classed as would be alternative and Indie, as the band themselves classed themselves as this. Also there current tracks relate to many in the mainstream charts which class them selves as Indie. This is because they are part of a band and within the music they generally use quite heavy drum beats and electric guitars. These are conventions of Indie bands.
Target Audience:
The target audience for Petrabox would be mostly multi-sex teenagers and young adults aged 14-21. This is because the band is made up from students; this alone makes the band appeal to students. The lyrics also seem to appeal to the younger generation as well with the beat. Being stereotypical, the fast tempo of the song will appeal mainly to the younger generation and not to the older generation.
Outline of Narrative:
Within our music video, our narrative is going to amplify the lyrics. We wanted to do this as the lyrics for our chosen song have quite strong imagery behind them. Also we feel like doing this will make the song and the video catchier and commercially feasible.
The narrative will be about a character (Jimmy) that leaves his family home to try and make it within the music business. This character will be the main character and will be in almost every shot. He will be very determined to succeed but will seem blinded to the reality of life. Within doing this, the character will cause a domestic with his mum and dad at home. There will be a shot quickly of this as the song is fast paced; the shot will not last for very long.
He then travels away from home to an unfamiliar place with nothing more than a rucksack and a little bit of money to try and make him a music career. At this point there may be a shot of him getting on a bus / train away from home. He manages to find himself some band members and starts up a band. The band members are not that good and nobody seems to like their music. They then struggle to get any gigs and are unable to get signed by a music company. Without an income he was unable to pay for his rent and then his landlord kicked him out. Because of this, and his shame of going home, he decides to stay and busk on the streets try and make some money. While this is going on Petrabox will follow him lip syncing the song. The narrative will be half performance based and half narrative based. Doing this will make an image for the band as they are featured within the video.
Resources:
For our music video, we will need the following recourses to be able to effectively produce a professional music video.
Equipment:
• Camera
• Tripod
• Tracking
• Jib
• Blue screen
• Lighting
Properties:
• Guitar’s
• Drum Kit
• Microphone
• Band Matching Outfits
• Bus / Train
• Mobile Phone (arguing with parents)
Crew:
The crew will be our group, as we will not be in the actual video it is important that we film the entire thing and contribute as much as possible as it is our work. Our group will be responsible for things such as camera work, make up, lighting etc. As it is our coursework, we will all contribute as much as possible to make sure it is all our work.
Time Required:
To film the music video, we will have roughly two weeks to complete the filming. After that, we will have a further few weeks to complete the editing. We are currently on schedule and with our time period, we will not have to rush aspect of the music video.
Budget:
The budget for our music video will be very minimal. It will cover such things as transportation, and properties needed. We will budget £20 for our music video to cover these things. If the music video was a professional, we would have to budget for things such as cameras, camera crew, extras, and main actors and all the properties and equipment used.
Costume
If the band is going to star in the video we film, they will be all dressed similarly so that the audience can easily tell them apart from the rest of the cast. We plan to dress the band in all checked shirts, probably different colours from each other, regular or skinny jeans and plain shoes. The rest of the cast we plan to have them dressed normally in plain, average clothes that aren’t as eye catching, so that they don’t stand out as much. If the band do not star in the video, for example if they are unavailable for the filming, the rest of the cast will still be dressed plainly so that they blend into the background and are not as noticeable, the main character who the song will be based on will star in the video either way. The main character (Jimmy) will be dressed in clothes that suggest he is a wannabe; for example black skinny jeans, converse or scruffy shoes, bright UV colours, a couple of studded belts etc. This also will give the audience the impression that possibly the way he looks is another reason that he didn’t make it in the music industry. The “normal” looking people in the video will not associate with Jimmy; this will help the viewers to understand that he is a bit of an outcast and is isolated from the other people. Also the fact that Jimmy is not accepted by the others is just another hint as to why he wasn’t accepted in the music industry as a singer/rock star. Jimmy’s parents who star in a small part of the video will be dressed like typical parents wearing middle aged clothing.
Props:
The obvious props we will need if the band do star in the video are their instruments, for example their guitars, drum kit etc. But other than that, we will not need any other props.
Props:
The obvious props we will need if the band do star in the video are their instruments, for example their guitars, drum kit etc. But other than that, we will not need any other props.
Cast Decisions
Main Character (Jimmy)
Jonathon Coleman – We have chosen this person for our main character for a number of reasons. Firstly, his style is matched closely to what we feel that Jimmy would have, so aesthetically, we thought he was right for the role. Also we no he has acting experience and he is reliable so we would be able to work with him.
Band Members – Petrabox
- Alex Draper
- Chris Biggin
- Ben Foster
- Sam Humphries
These are the members that are in the band, Petrabox, which we decided to use.
Extras
Marko Marafilias – This is the character we choose to be the father. He fits the role perfectly as his appearance matches his role.
Ste & Luke – We are going to use these two for the role of Jimmy’s Band Members. There appearance also makes them very suitable for the role.
Jonathon Coleman – We have chosen this person for our main character for a number of reasons. Firstly, his style is matched closely to what we feel that Jimmy would have, so aesthetically, we thought he was right for the role. Also we no he has acting experience and he is reliable so we would be able to work with him.
Band Members – Petrabox
- Alex Draper
- Chris Biggin
- Ben Foster
- Sam Humphries
These are the members that are in the band, Petrabox, which we decided to use.
Extras
Marko Marafilias – This is the character we choose to be the father. He fits the role perfectly as his appearance matches his role.
Ste & Luke – We are going to use these two for the role of Jimmy’s Band Members. There appearance also makes them very suitable for the role.
Interview a fan
Sam Dunstan
Where did you first hear of Petrabox?
“They played at a local rock night called plugged that is held every month at a venue called the Parr hall”.
What other mainstream music do you listen too?
“The Killers, Bloc Party and Kings of Leon are some of my favourites currently in the charts. Petrabox are quite similar to all of these. Maybe that’s why I took a liking to them”.
Would you recommend Petrabox to a friend?
“Yeh, I guess so. There music is really catchy and the recordings on their MySpace sound very professional”.
What do you like about Petrabox?
“When I saw them live, there stage presence was really good and they seemed like they have been doing it for years even though they are all teenagers. There songs are very similar to what I’m into and there also really catchy. When I listen to one I can’t get it out of my head all day!”
Where do you see Petrabox in 5 years time?
“I don’t really know. I think they could possibly be very successful because of the very likeable songs they have produced and because of their whole image.
Would you watch a music video produced for Petrabox?
“Yes, most probably. I have looked on websites such as YouTube and there are only live recordings of them, so a music video would be a huge hit for Petrabox such as me”.
What is your favourite Petrabox song?
“I really like ‘Practise Makes Perfect’ and ‘Jimmy Go Home’. I’ve listened to most of their songs on MySpace and when I’ve seen them live and those two songs are just so happy and catchy!”
Where did you first hear of Petrabox?
“They played at a local rock night called plugged that is held every month at a venue called the Parr hall”.
What other mainstream music do you listen too?
“The Killers, Bloc Party and Kings of Leon are some of my favourites currently in the charts. Petrabox are quite similar to all of these. Maybe that’s why I took a liking to them”.
Would you recommend Petrabox to a friend?
“Yeh, I guess so. There music is really catchy and the recordings on their MySpace sound very professional”.
What do you like about Petrabox?
“When I saw them live, there stage presence was really good and they seemed like they have been doing it for years even though they are all teenagers. There songs are very similar to what I’m into and there also really catchy. When I listen to one I can’t get it out of my head all day!”
Where do you see Petrabox in 5 years time?
“I don’t really know. I think they could possibly be very successful because of the very likeable songs they have produced and because of their whole image.
Would you watch a music video produced for Petrabox?
“Yes, most probably. I have looked on websites such as YouTube and there are only live recordings of them, so a music video would be a huge hit for Petrabox such as me”.
What is your favourite Petrabox song?
“I really like ‘Practise Makes Perfect’ and ‘Jimmy Go Home’. I’ve listened to most of their songs on MySpace and when I’ve seen them live and those two songs are just so happy and catchy!”
Artist Information
Petrabox is a Warrington based, unsigned rock act. They are made up of 4 musicians. Alex Draper are there lead vocalist and also there rhythm guitarist whilst Chris Biggin is there lead guitarist. They also have a drummer, Ben Foster, and a bassist called Sam Humphries. They age from 18 – 19 and are all currently students across the northwest in different colleges and universities. The genre of music they specialise in can be related to modern indie rock and alternative rock. There influences in music orientate from early bands such as The Beatles and Cream, and are currently influenced by bands such as Oasis, Hard-fi and Red Light Company.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Codes and Conventions
The narrative could be either linear or non-linear.
The lyrics are usuallu Amplified.
Some performance is used.
The star is used in the music video, especially with close ups.
There are main characters which stand out.
There are storylines to the music videos.
If there are any special effects, they would be simple.
Music videos are usually set in realistic places.
Lip syncing is used.
The editing matches the speed of the music.
Elliptical editting is used.
A star might be porteayed to show an image of a certain genre.
A range of camera angles are used including tracking and crane shots.
There usually isnt any dialouge at the beginning.
There are usually simple and closed narratives.
The lyrics are usuallu Amplified.
Some performance is used.
The star is used in the music video, especially with close ups.
There are main characters which stand out.
There are storylines to the music videos.
If there are any special effects, they would be simple.
Music videos are usually set in realistic places.
Lip syncing is used.
The editing matches the speed of the music.
Elliptical editting is used.
A star might be porteayed to show an image of a certain genre.
A range of camera angles are used including tracking and crane shots.
There usually isnt any dialouge at the beginning.
There are usually simple and closed narratives.
Alexisonfire - This could be anywhere in the world
Aspects of performance/mode of address
The music video is performance based, there are direct modes of address in certain parts when the singer sings to the audience. For the rest of the video there are indirect modes of address.
Narrative
The narrative of the song is told through the song title, the lyrics and the setting of their performance.
How does the video create an image for the star/atrist/band?
The music video for this could be anywhere makes the band look independant, as though they dont rely on anything or anyone.
How do the visual elements relate to the song - Illustration/amplification/disjuncture?
The visual elements illustrate the song by usuing the buildings in the background, the city isnt recognisable, this is sung through the lyrics.
Mise-en-scene
The clothing blends in with the background as they wear either black or white clothing. The background for their performance is a black bcakground and a city that isnt recognisable.
Use of camera
There are a few camera angles, these include extreme close ups, long shots and mid shots. A zoom is used slightly on the drummer. These camera angles are used because the music video is a performance based video, there arent many variations of camera angles, there is just quick editing to split up the shots.
Editing
There is a very quick pase of editing, this matches the song as it is fast. Slow motion is used when the water falls, this makes this bit more effective. A fade is used for the quiet bit of the song when it is just the vocals and clean strummed gutar.
Representation
The setting (the city) has become unrecognisable to people, this is something that happens because of different issues effecting the world.
Special effects
There are some special effects used, these are the fire in the background, the rain and water which the singer swims in. There is also a slight use of a smoke machine.
Genre
Punk/Rock.
Audience
Around 15-30 year olds.
The music video is performance based, there are direct modes of address in certain parts when the singer sings to the audience. For the rest of the video there are indirect modes of address.
Narrative
The narrative of the song is told through the song title, the lyrics and the setting of their performance.
How does the video create an image for the star/atrist/band?
The music video for this could be anywhere makes the band look independant, as though they dont rely on anything or anyone.
How do the visual elements relate to the song - Illustration/amplification/disjuncture?
The visual elements illustrate the song by usuing the buildings in the background, the city isnt recognisable, this is sung through the lyrics.
Mise-en-scene
The clothing blends in with the background as they wear either black or white clothing. The background for their performance is a black bcakground and a city that isnt recognisable.
Use of camera
There are a few camera angles, these include extreme close ups, long shots and mid shots. A zoom is used slightly on the drummer. These camera angles are used because the music video is a performance based video, there arent many variations of camera angles, there is just quick editing to split up the shots.
Editing
There is a very quick pase of editing, this matches the song as it is fast. Slow motion is used when the water falls, this makes this bit more effective. A fade is used for the quiet bit of the song when it is just the vocals and clean strummed gutar.
Representation
The setting (the city) has become unrecognisable to people, this is something that happens because of different issues effecting the world.
Special effects
There are some special effects used, these are the fire in the background, the rain and water which the singer swims in. There is also a slight use of a smoke machine.
Genre
Punk/Rock.
Audience
Around 15-30 year olds.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Prodigy - Voodoo People
Aspects of performance/mode of address
There is no performance in this music video, it is narrative based. There is an indirect mode of address throughout the video, however at the end, there is a direct mode of address when the man turns around and looks at the audience.
Narrative
A linear narrative is used in the music video. At the begining, we see a witch doctor and a victim of his. In the middle, they are running away from the witch doctor. Towards the end of the music video, they escape in the end.
How does the video create an image for the star/artist/band?
This music video is unusual as it uses different codes of conventions, Eg, the setting is not in a normal place. The unusual idea shows creativeness and also a hint of dance culture with the use of drugs.
How do the visual elements relate to the song - illustration/amplification/disjuncture?
The visual elements illustrate the music video because in the lyrics, there is repatition of voodoo and magic, on the screen there is voodoo magic happening throughout the video.
Mise-en-scene
The setting is on an island/jungle which doesnt follow codes and conventions because it is not a normal setting. The witch doctor is wearing a top hat and a yellow waist coat, this makes him stand out from the other people so the audience know that he is the main character. The props that are used in the video are cards, beads and power, this is the voodoo magic equipment, but it can also suggest a religion.
Use of camera
Close ups are used on props such as skulls which suggest that there is a danger to being there. A low camera angle is used on the witchdoctor to show that he has a lot of power in the music video. Tracking shots are used when the characters are creeping through the jungle, this is to show how big the jungle is, a long shot is used for the same purpose. A handheld point of view shot is used so that the audience can see clearly what the witch doctor is doing and looking at. An establishing shot is used at the end to show that they were on an Island the whole time.
Editing
The pase of the editing is slow to start off with and then it gets much faster, it matches the song. It is like they are sneaking to begin with, then they are running, slow to fast, this is to show that there is a rush. Slow motion is used at the beginning when the characters are creeping through the jungle which shows that they are cautious.
Representation
The people living on the island including the witch doctor take part in voodoo magic, possibly as a religion. They are also not friendly to the people who are visiting the island as they are hiding and running throughout the video.
Special effects
None
Genre
Dance
Audience
Young people around 16-25
There is no performance in this music video, it is narrative based. There is an indirect mode of address throughout the video, however at the end, there is a direct mode of address when the man turns around and looks at the audience.
Narrative
A linear narrative is used in the music video. At the begining, we see a witch doctor and a victim of his. In the middle, they are running away from the witch doctor. Towards the end of the music video, they escape in the end.
How does the video create an image for the star/artist/band?
This music video is unusual as it uses different codes of conventions, Eg, the setting is not in a normal place. The unusual idea shows creativeness and also a hint of dance culture with the use of drugs.
How do the visual elements relate to the song - illustration/amplification/disjuncture?
The visual elements illustrate the music video because in the lyrics, there is repatition of voodoo and magic, on the screen there is voodoo magic happening throughout the video.
Mise-en-scene
The setting is on an island/jungle which doesnt follow codes and conventions because it is not a normal setting. The witch doctor is wearing a top hat and a yellow waist coat, this makes him stand out from the other people so the audience know that he is the main character. The props that are used in the video are cards, beads and power, this is the voodoo magic equipment, but it can also suggest a religion.
Use of camera
Close ups are used on props such as skulls which suggest that there is a danger to being there. A low camera angle is used on the witchdoctor to show that he has a lot of power in the music video. Tracking shots are used when the characters are creeping through the jungle, this is to show how big the jungle is, a long shot is used for the same purpose. A handheld point of view shot is used so that the audience can see clearly what the witch doctor is doing and looking at. An establishing shot is used at the end to show that they were on an Island the whole time.
Editing
The pase of the editing is slow to start off with and then it gets much faster, it matches the song. It is like they are sneaking to begin with, then they are running, slow to fast, this is to show that there is a rush. Slow motion is used at the beginning when the characters are creeping through the jungle which shows that they are cautious.
Representation
The people living on the island including the witch doctor take part in voodoo magic, possibly as a religion. They are also not friendly to the people who are visiting the island as they are hiding and running throughout the video.
Special effects
None
Genre
Dance
Audience
Young people around 16-25
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