In what ways does your media products use or develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

In this PowerPoint I will be giving in-depth analysis of my music video and ancillary texts, by exploring the conventions Ive used, developed and challenged.

My music video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgrr__mQ_Y4&list =UUV3vJvY00k_ryvNVSqxIN0w&index=29

Screenshot of my music video

Description: A shot of a bright sky, the light shining through some of the scrawny, bare branches that reach up in juxtaposition to the light sky. Angle: Low angle, exaggerating the height of the trees to create a slightly threatening manner. Shot: Long shot/ Establishing shot to display the full view of the wildlife. Movement: Tilts down to reveal the silver man. ASD: (Average Shot Duration) 3 seconds Conventions: Using nature to convey darkness. For example, the long creepy-looking branches infer a horror themed story, which links to a rock genre as they thrive on darkness and mystery. Also, juxtaposition is a Screenshot of professional music video common rock convention. Band: You Me At Six Stay with me Description: Band playing in a field with a large tree centred behind them, blocking out most of the sun. Angle: Low angle that tilts down from the treetops to the performing band. Shot: Establishing shot that displays scenery as well a the whole band. Movement: Tilts down to reveal band. ASD: 4 seconds

Screenshot of my music video

Movemen

Screenshot of professional music video

Description: The main actor shown against the bright blue sky and scrawny tree branches. The sun shades the majority of his face as he seems turned from it. Angle: Flat angle. Shot: Mid shot, to establish his make-up and expression clearly. Movement: Static (no movement) to enact his role as a frozen statue. ASD: 2 seconds Conventions: Mid shots are quite common in rock genres as they like to focus on the singing expression and often direct address. Shading of the face is another convention as it connotes darkness and mystery. Also, smart dress is a common convention as many professional band members would wear suits. Band: Poets of the Fall Carnival of Rust Description: The main actor is clearly shown, framed by the two lights either side of him. Angle: Flat angle, for a clean, neutral look. Movement: slow zooming in to increase mystery or insight on their thoughts/meaning to lyrics. Shot: Mid shot (shoulder shot) to establish make-up/direct address/expression

Screenshot of my music video

Screenshot of professional music video

Description: Predictably a band members foot tapping along with the beat, dark coloured Converse sneakers are displayed. Angle: Flat angle. Shot: Mid shot? Not close enough to be a close up, but enough to fit the tapping feet. Movement: Static, movement could perhaps steal the focus of the beat and display. ASD: 3 seconds Conventions: Converse are a traditional symbol/footwear of the rock/indie genre with an origin of American rock. Dark clothing and background, as well as the use of shadows are also quite conventional in the rock genre. Band: Green Day Boulevard of broken dreams Description: Two band members, both dressed in dark clothing walk in slow motion over a sandy/dusty desert ground. Vans (rock/indie footwear and smart white boots are shown) Angle: High angle, to suggest that someone 9the audience) is actually looking down at their feet. Movement: Pan the left to follow their steps. Shot: Mid shot, half ground, half feet. Gives enough background an setting.

Screenshot of my music video

Description: Demonstration of the guitar skills is clearly shown, the fierce contras with the white shirt and black background and guitar outline. Angle: Slight low angle to connote a powerful stance. Shot: Mid shot to contain the bulk of the guitar. Movement: Static, the guitarist moves around more than enough in this shot. ASD: 4 seconds Conventions: The guitar is a fake guitar in actually a part of the Guitar Hero instrument set. Guitar Hero is a rock game that holds thousand of heavy metal rock songs that people can play along with. This will show that the band itself is a friendly, comical band which their fans will easily associate with. Screenshot of professional music video Band: Foo Fighters The best of you Description: The lead guitarist shows of his skill in this shot, by veraciously strumming at the guitar. The consistency of black insures the rock genre and its aggressive nature. Angle: Slight low angle to connote power to the music and to somewhat challenge the audience. Movement: Static. Shot: Mid shot, enough to show parts of the amp behind and the main guitar parts. ASD: 3 seconds

Screenshot of my music video

Description: The audience are shown the skill and precision of the drummer, as were shown the makings of the beat while the rest of the band rock on in the background. Angle: Slight high angle to suggest that youre looking down on the drums from a spectators point of view. Shot: Long shot, it holds some of the lead singer in the background, the drummers hands and the whole drum set. Movement: Backwards creep (zooming out slowly to reveal more) ASD: 5 seconds to get enough of the beat shown. Conventions: The drummer is seen in some cases as the most important member as they hold the beat, which is vital in rock genres as the beat is the most powerful and Screenshot of professional music video characteristic function. Band: Avril Lavigne Happy ending Description: The drums are put into focus of the camera while the rest of the band are blurred out. Angle: Flat angle. Movement: Static. Shot: Mid shot/Long shot depending how you look at it the main drum faces are shown. ASD: 3 seconds.

Screenshot of my music video

Description: The lead singer is shown from the side (to view his profile) the black backdrop contrasts with his white shirt and the spotlight shines down on him, making him seem superior and god-like (which links to the rock genre the battle between good and evil) Angle: Slight low angle to give the singer a powerful stance and to suggest that we should look up to him (aspire to be like him leader?) Shot: Mid shot, to highlight the lyrics and meaning that the singer is performing. Movement: Static. ASD: 5 seconds to allow one verse to be performed. Conventions: The contrast with the background is a common rock convention, as it makes the person stand out. Also, the use of the spotlight is an effective convention as it holds multiple connotations. Band: Green Day Boulevard of broken dreams Description: Like above, the lead singer is shown in a dark shade with shadowed eyes. The vibrant red background and spotlight highlights his profile. Angle: Flat angle Movement: Static / no movement. Shot: mid shot/close up to shown facial expression. ASD: 4 seconds

Screenshot of professional music video

Screenshot of my music video

Screenshot of professional music video

Description: the lead singer is shown singing passionately into the microphone, while giving strong direct address, someone what speaking to the audience and perhaps challenging them, with a slight aggressive nature. Angle: Slight low angle to give the singer power and importance. Shot: Mid shot to focus on the vocals and to fully distinguish the direct address. Movement: Static. ASD: 2 seconds Conventions: Direct address is a common convention of the rock genre as the singers challenge the audience or seek to gain understanding and emotional connection with them. This is what generates a strong fan base that connect with the lyrics through emotional connection with the singers. Also, shadowed faces and spotlights are also common. Band: Green Day 21 guns Description: Lead singer is shown giving direct address, the spotlight shines down on his head and shoulders, but his face is quite shadowed. Angle: Flat angle, perhaps a slight low angle conveyed. Shot: mid shot. Movement: static, no movement ASD: 3 seconds

Screenshot of my music video

Screenshot of professional music video

Description: This shot shows the drummer tapping the foot pedal in sync with the beat. His footwear is smart and indie-looking. The dark clothing and dark foot pedal merge. Angle: High angle as if looking down at the pedal. Shot: close up. Movement: static. ASD: 3 seconds. Conventions: The dark costume and instruments are a common ideology, and the importance of the instruments are demonstrated through singular shots of them being played. Rock music videos show a lot of instrument-dedicated shots to show that they do not circulate around style and fashion statements, but instead the beauty of raw musical talent. Band: Boys Like Girls Great Escape Description: A dark Nike shoe is shown tapping the foot pedal in sync to the beat. The background and setting is modernised with wooden floorboards. Angle: Flat angle Shot: close-up on the shoe to show brand and beat. Movement: zooms out slowly. ASD: 4 seconds.

Screenshot of my music video

Screenshot of professional music video

Description: The whole band is shown, with the traditional rock layout, of the drummer and guitarist on either side behind the lead singer. The lead singer is highlighted by the spotlight and white shirt. Angle: flat angle to show the band as equal. Shot: long shot to establish each of the band members as a whole. Movement: static, mo movement. ASD: 5 seconds Conventions: The layout of the band is a traditional rock convention. Normally, the main face of the band is the lead singer, thus his position in the band is magnified. However, the rest of the band is shown in equal positions (drummer and guitarist) to show some form of band unity and structure. Band: Green Day Boulevard of broken dreams Description: The band are all shown playing their instruments and performing together. They stand out against the light flooring and give strong stance. Angle: flat angle. Movement: static, no movement. Shot: long shot to allow the audience to see the whole band and their designated role. ASD: 4 seconds.

Screenshot of my music video

Description: The lead singer takes is seen taking a pause before singing again, and in this pause he smiles. This holds multiple connotations. A challenging smile, a passionate smile, a smile to link to the narrative? Its all down to audience interpretation. Angle: slight low angle Shot: Close up, just the mouth movement should be seen. Movement: static. ASD: 3 seconds Conventions: Its a common rock convention that the lead singer is conveyed in multiple close-up shots, and their dedication to vocal performance and emotion is Screenshot of professional music video portrayed through close-ups of their mouth and the microphone. This shows that the rock genre prioritises vocal talent and meaning, rather than fashion statements and materialistic values. Band: Foo Fighters The best of you Description: The lead singer is shown screaming into the mike with raw passion and emotion. This is a visually striking image. Angle: slightly low angle Movement: static, no movement Shot: close-up on the mouth and microphone (vocal) ASD: 8 seconds

Screenshot of my music video

Description: This shot gives the audience a personal, up close shot of the leading actor and lead singer. His eyes are centre focus and his make-up is fully established in this shot. Angle: slightly low angle to give the illusion that he is looking ahead (the future? Above us power?) Shot: close up. Movement: zoom in slowly ASD: 2 seconds Conventions: Close ups of facial features, commonly the eyes are conventions of rock genres, as it gives their make-up (often eye liner/eye make-up/contacts..) the full establishments it deserves. Also, eyes are the most intimate feature of the face and can secure a bond with their fans as they feel emotionally connected to them Screenshot of professional music video throughout the music video. Band: Green Day Wake me up when September ends Description: This shot reveals the eye of the lead singer, despite the smudge of black eyeliner, his green/grey striking eyes show a sense of sensitivity and familiarity. Angle: flat angle. Movement: the camera moves around areas of the face. Shot: close up. ASD: 5 seconds.

My webpage (ancillary texts)

The targeting of specific popular social networking sites such as Twitter is a main tool used on any webpage. However, the dark colour schemes that they are shown in indicate their genre and their band statement. To the left, our background was consistent black (apart from the main image, where it filtered to white light) which is a common rock convention. The use of black, white, grey, silver and dark electronic blue are quite conventional rock conventional colour schemes. I used three types of colour scheme through the poll of the Twitter newsfeed list. For example, I used metallic blue to indicate a link, as well as grey font, and white font to distinguish more important and favoured tweets/comments from fans. Similarly, on the right, a professional webpage (The Script rock band) also use these colour schemes in presenting the Twitter newsfeed. My webpage

Professional webpage

My webpage symbols

Another rock convention that I have adopted has been the alteration of well-known symbols. Above is the selection of social networking symbols that I displayed on the border of my webpage and on the bottom. I have chosen filtered symbols of the original and converted them to suit my webpage and my colour scheme. This can infer to the audience that our band can dominate social networking sites and that perhaps they are familiar to us. Also, it could suggest that the interest in our fans is embedded into the band, and thus the webpage acting as a primary source.

Professional webpage symbols

Above, my own webpage tour date list. Below, a professional webpage tour date list.

Another rock convention that Ive used, has been the advertisement and highlight of tour dates. However, like some rock conventions hold the effect of using capitals makes it urgent and solid looking, as well as professional. Also, the use of encouraging the fans selling out by the second, heres a quick sneak peak! makes the audience feel directly connected with the band and that they are in with this sneak peak. This strengthens the relationship between the band an their fans, as they treat them like friends and address them in this manner also.

Also, a professional webpage of Mumford & Sons (a folk rock band) have use similar capitals and black and white colour schemes too.

Above, my webpage Below, a professional webpage

Ive also adopted the black border that holds the different pages and generates navigation, and also structures the webpage. Its a commonly used rock convention and it sets the tone for the webpage. Also. The centralisation of the artist is key in the rock genre, as the lead singer/guitarist is the face/symbol of the entire band. Also, the black and white colour scheme is another rock convention, however, Ive challenged this to the sense that the guitar is given colour, and the bright light effect can be questioned as blue-looking. This is my way of showing that our band is not as dark and aggressive as other rock bands present themselves to be. The use of the logos on either side of my navigation on my webpage almost borders the whole webpage. It looks structured and supportive of the whole page. Also, its constantly in the view of the fans if they wish to navigate the page. A professional webpage such as The Script, shows similar structures as mine, such as colour scheme, border and centre image. It gives a clean, organised look that isn't completely in your face and off putting.

My digipack (ancillary texts)

(Above) my own digipack front cover (Right) professional digipack front cover The front cover of AC DCs album (right) shows a golden styled title, overlapped with a golden, statue-like man, who happens to be the lead singer and guitarist. The colour scheme is simple and straight forward as black and gold are the only two main colours shown, this gives a trophy or medal look to the cover this suggest a winner or champions, or even class and tradition. All of which are representations of the band. In my front cover for Lift Off (above) weve similarly used the lead singer on the cover, and used a strict colour scheme of silver and grey/white. This represents the band as strong and resistant such as the material of silver.

Ive adopted conventions of the rock genre by using solid and quite physical colours, to imply the aggressiveness of he rock genre. Ive also centred the band title to make it the main focus, and similar to the professional front cover, weve used the lead singers suit to somewhat frame the cover.

(Above) back cover of my digipack (Right) back cover of a professional digipack The back cover of AC DCs album, shows a planet (we can infer) with a list of the song titles on the CD itself. The title colour contrasts the image to such an extent that the audiences eyes are immediately drawn to it. On my own back cover for Lift Off (on the left) is a picture of the lead singers back, with a guitar hanging loosely. The edit gives a raindrop effect, that adds to the vibrant white glow. The song titles, similarly to AC DCs back cover, are listed in the centre of the image. Ive used traditional rock conventions such as the dark colour scheme that filters to light in the centre. Also, the labelling of the songs in quite a hand-written font and style (layout) makes the digipack seem hand made and personal to the band, which thus creates a rush of the fans to then own this to extend their dedication to their band.

(Above) the design cover for my CD disk (Right) professional CD disk cover On the left is the CD design for AC DCs album, their design is relatively simple. The black background is suggestive of its genre, and the logo and title in the middle contrast the background and stand out highlighting the band logo. The designs, like a stereotypical rock band would usually stick to, are fairly simple and limited on colour. My CD design for Lift Off (right) is also simplistic, however Ive shown part of the lead singers face, as the background. This could suggest that the lead singers face is perhaps a symbol, or an icon of the band itself. Also, the colour scheme, similar to AC DCs, is simple and synergistic with the front cover and general band image/identity.