Firestarter Firestarter Evalutation by Azzees MinottEvalutation by Azzees Minott

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

media products?media products?

Overall Music VideoOverall Music Video

Steve Archer’s theory of having a strong and coherent narrative and performance Steve Archer’s theory of having a strong and coherent narrative and performance is antithetical to the way I had designed the theme of music video. The main is antithetical to the way I had designed the theme of music video. The main idea was to create a video which is quite abstract but has a strong mood idea was to create a video which is quite abstract but has a strong mood which drives the editing. In order to establish a mood there had to be some which drives the editing. In order to establish a mood there had to be some sort of planning of how and why our character is in a particular setting/ place sort of planning of how and why our character is in a particular setting/ place and ultimately, why and where is he/ she going or going to end up.and ultimately, why and where is he/ she going or going to end up.

The main feel of the demonic idea can be seen to be a typical theme to the genre The main feel of the demonic idea can be seen to be a typical theme to the genre of hardcore- electro beat. Which is a genre that has reminiscent ideas from of hardcore- electro beat. Which is a genre that has reminiscent ideas from rock and heavy metal. Therefore for the theme of the music video, the overall rock and heavy metal. Therefore for the theme of the music video, the overall idea follows the general conventions to the genre. I believe that this can be idea follows the general conventions to the genre. I believe that this can be supported by observing other videos within the same genre such as….supported by observing other videos within the same genre such as….

My Firestarter music video would epitomise Andrew Goodwin’s Theory My Firestarter music video would epitomise Andrew Goodwin’s Theory highlighting that: voyeurism is a common theme within music videos and that highlighting that: voyeurism is a common theme within music videos and that close ups should always be included. The implementation of one other close ups should always be included. The implementation of one other character after the protagonist, has an ambivalent meaning.character after the protagonist, has an ambivalent meaning.Does this female induce these demonic behaviours? Is she his savour? Is she Does this female induce these demonic behaviours? Is she his savour? Is she apart of this change in character? Could her existence be an echo of the Adam apart of this change in character? Could her existence be an echo of the Adam and Eve story?and Eve story? In addition it is a commonality of ‘The Prodigy’ video to use one protagonist In addition it is a commonality of ‘The Prodigy’ video to use one protagonist and this is also something that I have decided to use. and this is also something that I have decided to use.

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

media products?media products?

EditingEditingOverall the editing techniques of the video follows the conventions of general Overall the editing techniques of the video follows the conventions of general music video with the extremely quick pace which has been incorporated due music video with the extremely quick pace which has been incorporated due to the rapid tempo of the music. I have used “fast- cut montage” editing and to the rapid tempo of the music. I have used “fast- cut montage” editing and also “images impossible to grasp on first viewing” because of the quick pace. also “images impossible to grasp on first viewing” because of the quick pace. In addition, the “digital effects, which play with the original images to offer In addition, the “digital effects, which play with the original images to offer different kinds of pleasure for the audience.” different kinds of pleasure for the audience.”

Jump cuts are prominent throughout music videos, tvs and films. However this Jump cuts are prominent throughout music videos, tvs and films. However this technique in my music video is aimed to add pace to video and in other technique in my music video is aimed to add pace to video and in other videos this technique is also used for similar reasons. It also makes the video videos this technique is also used for similar reasons. It also makes the video not seem in real time, which amplifies the abstract theme of the video.not seem in real time, which amplifies the abstract theme of the video.

Other editing techniques that follow conventions of real media product would be Other editing techniques that follow conventions of real media product would be the use of parallel editing. Also I haven’t used this throughout there an the use of parallel editing. Also I haven’t used this throughout there an element of this within the music video. It is this editing technique which is element of this within the music video. It is this editing technique which is used in ‘The Prodigy’ videos and throughout music videos of all genres. used in ‘The Prodigy’ videos and throughout music videos of all genres.

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

media products?media products?

EffectsEffectsMost ‘Prodigy’ music videos are in black and white but other videos similar Most ‘Prodigy’ music videos are in black and white but other videos similar to current music videos are in colour. The use of chromakey is particularly to current music videos are in colour. The use of chromakey is particularly adopted by most music videos to obtain a futurist look (black eyed peas) or adopted by most music videos to obtain a futurist look (black eyed peas) or to manipulate the audience into believing that the artist, character to thing to manipulate the audience into believing that the artist, character to thing is in a different location. The chromakey is used in very few Prodigy music is in a different location. The chromakey is used in very few Prodigy music videos and because as a group we also didn’t have the resources to be videos and because as a group we also didn’t have the resources to be able to embed this within our music video we didn’t use it either.able to embed this within our music video we didn’t use it either.

I chose to change the majority of the video to black and white to follow the I chose to change the majority of the video to black and white to follow the conventions of this band and to try and make my remake video of conventions of this band and to try and make my remake video of Firestarter similar and seamless to the other videos that they have, to keep Firestarter similar and seamless to the other videos that they have, to keep that PRODIGY feel.that PRODIGY feel.

However, I decided to leave the quick jump cuts of the word ‘fire’ which is However, I decided to leave the quick jump cuts of the word ‘fire’ which is a motif in the video, in colour. The main reason as to why I did this was to a motif in the video, in colour. The main reason as to why I did this was to make sure that this part of the video was highlighted to the audience that make sure that this part of the video was highlighted to the audience that this frame is important and a key part within video. As the word features in this frame is important and a key part within video. As the word features in the title i thought that this image should be also very focal within the the title i thought that this image should be also very focal within the viewing of the video, thus the reason as to why I have used it as a motif. viewing of the video, thus the reason as to why I have used it as a motif.

What have you learned from your audience What have you learned from your audience feedback?feedback?

Questionnaire:Questionnaire:For our initial question of age group “The graph indicated that the For our initial question of age group “The graph indicated that the majority of the votes were for the 16-25 age group. As a group, we majority of the votes were for the 16-25 age group. As a group, we had already predicted that this was going to be the outcome. Most had already predicted that this was going to be the outcome. Most of the sample we used for questioning were from this age group of the sample we used for questioning were from this age group also, and so it is a valid representation of the bracket.”also, and so it is a valid representation of the bracket.”

Due to the influence that music videos have on young people Due to the influence that music videos have on young people watching them, it became difficult whether I would incorporate watching them, it became difficult whether I would incorporate certain features on the video, for fear of misguiding the certain features on the video, for fear of misguiding the impressionable. The only controversy was the footage of the impressionable. The only controversy was the footage of the protagonist smoking: first holding a cigarette and blowing smoke protagonist smoking: first holding a cigarette and blowing smoke into the camera lens. I decided to still incorporate this image as is into the camera lens. I decided to still incorporate this image as is followed the theme of smoke, fire, danger and demonic attitudes. I followed the theme of smoke, fire, danger and demonic attitudes. I figured that because a more “adult- minded” should be watching figured that because a more “adult- minded” should be watching this video, giving the research, that ages 16 – 25 year olds would be this video, giving the research, that ages 16 – 25 year olds would be viewing this, I felt that it many viewers may not see these images viewing this, I felt that it many viewers may not see these images as promoting smoking.as promoting smoking.

What have you learned from your audience What have you learned from your audience feedback?feedback?

Questionnaire:Questionnaire:

Another question asked Another question asked What sort of things would you expect to What sort of things would you expect to see when you hear this song? see when you hear this song? And our respondents gave us And our respondents gave us answers like: answers like: dark setting and shadows of people”, “flashing lights dark setting and shadows of people”, “flashing lights in a dark room”, “strobe lighting”, “graffiti”,  “alley”.in a dark room”, “strobe lighting”, “graffiti”,  “alley”.

These ideas were extremely useful when it came to editing These ideas were extremely useful when it came to editing techniques and ideas. Whilst editing I wanted to create some techniques and ideas. Whilst editing I wanted to create some strobe lighting which would be ideal for the tempo and the fast-strobe lighting which would be ideal for the tempo and the fast-paced editing that I wanted to achieve. The best I could do, given paced editing that I wanted to achieve. The best I could do, given the software ‘SERIF’ that we was using and my technical the software ‘SERIF’ that we was using and my technical knowledge I knew of it I created a flickering. I realised whilst this knowledge I knew of it I created a flickering. I realised whilst this followed the same theme of pace that I wanted it also helped to followed the same theme of pace that I wanted it also helped to create and unnerving atmosphere and mood, which projected on a create and unnerving atmosphere and mood, which projected on a sense that the character was no quite right (mentally and sense that the character was no quite right (mentally and physically) through the distilled images I used. physically) through the distilled images I used.

How effective is the combination of your main How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?product and ancillary texts?

SpiderSpider

This is prevalent throughout all of their various media types. Whether This is prevalent throughout all of their various media types. Whether it is on the drum kit. Billboard or flyer this is the iconic feature and it is on the drum kit. Billboard or flyer this is the iconic feature and logo for the band. Therefore It was imperative that incorporated logo for the band. Therefore It was imperative that incorporated this somehow into my work. Our group discussed how we could this somehow into my work. Our group discussed how we could embed this logo into the actual footage, as our secondary embed this logo into the actual footage, as our secondary research showed us that the band had used this as an enlarged research showed us that the band had used this as an enlarged cut –out in various types of metals that the protagonist walks past.cut –out in various types of metals that the protagonist walks past.

FontFont

The prodigy name has a unique title which I found hard to find The prodigy name has a unique title which I found hard to find online or try to recreate, however whilst adjusting the original and online or try to recreate, however whilst adjusting the original and emulating a scratchy title in the CD cover and the CD single emulating a scratchy title in the CD cover and the CD single releaserelease

How effective is the combination of your How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?main product and ancillary texts?

Through analysing various CD covers and single releases I have found Through analysing various CD covers and single releases I have found that the images were almost identical. Thus my reasoning for a that the images were almost identical. Thus my reasoning for a similar look of my two ancillary tasks. Whilst observing TV adverts similar look of my two ancillary tasks. Whilst observing TV adverts promoting new singles and scanning newspapers and the internet I promoting new singles and scanning newspapers and the internet I found that CD covers and single releases looked extremely similar. found that CD covers and single releases looked extremely similar. This could be due to the fact that they are promoting a single or This could be due to the fact that they are promoting a single or album and want the audience to be able to identify the album or CD album and want the audience to be able to identify the album or CD cover when going into the shop and purchasing it. cover when going into the shop and purchasing it.

When trying to find evidence of this similarity, it became difficult to When trying to find evidence of this similarity, it became difficult to capture two images of the same album or single cover and show a capture two images of the same album or single cover and show a before and after shot: capturing both the coming soon before and after shot: capturing both the coming soon advertisements and the actual cover. My analysis of this would advertisements and the actual cover. My analysis of this would suggest that when making an ‘out soon’ advert there are only a few suggest that when making an ‘out soon’ advert there are only a few technical devices added to promote the CD and can easily be technical devices added to promote the CD and can easily be dissembled once the release of the cover is advertised.dissembled once the release of the cover is advertised.

How effective is the combination of your How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?main product and ancillary texts?

This is both the CD Cover and the CD release advert for the album to the track invisible light. Although I couldn’t find any footage of the new video I am confirming the similarity of both the advert and the CD cover itself thus justifying the reason as to why both of my ancillary tasks are similar. In addition, I would expect to see (if I could see) the music video have images of a bum clenching within the video.

Identical to how my footage has no allurement or even explicit image to matches, on a superficial level because the title is ‘Firestarter’ this could evoke an image of matches however although this image juxtaposes the lyrics of the song, yet I believe that my image is still justified as it also would be memorable for the audience

How effective is the combination of your main How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?product and ancillary texts?

For copyright reasons I have not used the same logo’s as the band or the same spider either. Instead I have analysed their previous works and try to recreate something which has similar elements of their work. Such as the ‘Scratchy’ writing

That they use for the website and is the more modern motif they are using. They used to also use a curve in the text but moving on from the old styles I think that my interpretation could be something of the future

How did you use new media technologies in How did you use new media technologies in the construction and research, planning and the construction and research, planning and

evaluation stages?evaluation stages?Research and PlanningResearch and Planning

During our research because I was assigned to find the location, I During our research because I was assigned to find the location, I decided to look at Google map. I had already been to the location decided to look at Google map. I had already been to the location before but because I didn’t know the area well my memory of before but because I didn’t know the area well my memory of exactly where area it was, was a bit hazy. Once I has established exactly where area it was, was a bit hazy. Once I has established the area, which was initially south- east London, I remembered the the area, which was initially south- east London, I remembered the closed train station was Canada Water and used the Google Map closed train station was Canada Water and used the Google Map at Street view. This relatively new media technology allowed me at Street view. This relatively new media technology allowed me to be able to source the precise location which was on ‘Stave Hill.’to be able to source the precise location which was on ‘Stave Hill.’

I gathered pictures of the location and the surrounding area in I gathered pictures of the location and the surrounding area in order to pre- plan some of the shots we would be able to use.order to pre- plan some of the shots we would be able to use.After the questionnaire I would have liked to have gathered more opinions on a large sector the target audience. I would have used a social networking site called Facebook and uploaded an opinion poll or virtual questionnaire.

How did you use new media technologies in How did you use new media technologies in the construction and research, planning and the construction and research, planning and

evaluation stages?evaluation stages?ConstructionConstruction

During the construction of the footage my group members and I used During the construction of the footage my group members and I used texting, emailing and calling all from our mobile in order to communicate texting, emailing and calling all from our mobile in order to communicate with each other. By two members of the group having Blackberry’s and the with each other. By two members of the group having Blackberry’s and the feature of Blackberry Messenger, we were able to instantly send messages feature of Blackberry Messenger, we were able to instantly send messages and pictures, voice notes and video clips of ideas we had for the music and pictures, voice notes and video clips of ideas we had for the music video.video.

Serif Movie plus during the editing stages of the footage which was Serif Movie plus during the editing stages of the footage which was extremely useful as I had used it before but I also found that it hindered my extremely useful as I had used it before but I also found that it hindered my creative ability because I only used the basic skills and elements of that the creative ability because I only used the basic skills and elements of that the program provided me with. When editing this music video I only discovered program provided me with. When editing this music video I only discovered the flicker mechanism and used it, but overall my editing skills were not the flicker mechanism and used it, but overall my editing skills were not tested or developed. tested or developed.

Due to the fact that this was my first experience of Serif DrawPlus, Serif Due to the fact that this was my first experience of Serif DrawPlus, Serif PhotoPlus, I found the software’s extremely difficult. I had read the basics on PhotoPlus, I found the software’s extremely difficult. I had read the basics on the both programs but felt that this did not help in my novice understanding the both programs but felt that this did not help in my novice understanding and application of tasks. Because I found both the advice and practical skills and application of tasks. Because I found both the advice and practical skills quite incoherent I felt that this hindered my final product. quite incoherent I felt that this hindered my final product.

How did you use new media technologies in How did you use new media technologies in the construction and research, planning and the construction and research, planning and

evaluation stages?evaluation stages?

EvaluationEvaluation

The social networking and exchanging of videos; Youtube, was The social networking and exchanging of videos; Youtube, was used at all stages to gather further research into techniques and used at all stages to gather further research into techniques and can be used a portal of evaluation. This evaluative skill is possible can be used a portal of evaluation. This evaluative skill is possible because people are able to give feedback on the site after because people are able to give feedback on the site after watching the video that you post. watching the video that you post.

What I would of used:What I would of used:

During the planning period, I would have like to used a mass During the planning period, I would have like to used a mass emailing questionnaire, which could be distributed to everyone in emailing questionnaire, which could be distributed to everyone in the school to get a more valid response over a larger target group. the school to get a more valid response over a larger target group. However with such large response it would have been too time However with such large response it would have been too time consuming and too large a task to conduct evaluations from. consuming and too large a task to conduct evaluations from.