Friday 18 May 2012
Friday 30 March 2012
How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?
When I began the task I used scanners to scan in the drafts of my digipack cover , magazine advertisement and music video storyboard which I had sketched out to gain a rough idea of what I wanted the final products to look like. I could then pass this onto my peers and receive feedback upon it with ease which I could scan in also and log on my blog.
When I began learning how to use the media equipment I went out and tried using the Sony HVR A1E camera, I shot some short clips and learnt the purpose of all the buttons, how to zoom in, how to take images/videos and then I loaded this onto a computer which I had a look at. Once I’d reviewed the footage I opened it with Photoshop premier and added effects such as reverse timing and black and white. Following this I felt more comfortable with using the camera and more prepared for shooting the main task.
Next I took images of my model for the digipack and magazine advertisement and I used my knowledge/experience from A2 to take a variety of photographs using zoom and close up to create a professional selection of images suitable for their purpose, the images needed to be clear and professional in order to replicate my similar products and appeal to the target audience. I used a tripod to make sure that the height was an even eye-level height and to avoid blurring. The cameras/ umbrellas were helpful in reflecting enough light on the models face from a central angle. Once the images were taken I opened them onto photo shop and adjusted the preset sizes so it was suitable for a digipack used the burn tool to darken her make-up and background, the dodge tool to brighten her eyes and the airbrush tool to smooth out blemishes which all worked to create a more attractive, appealing image. I used the lasso tool to move parts of the image closer together, crop out parts that I didn’t need and add in graphics that I did need, including the star brush that I downloaded enabling me to place star graphics onto the original image for the CD cover.
Once the images were created, I had to add in text for the CD cover name and song titles seen on the back cover and the title/information seen on the magazine advertisment using the text tool. Photoshop enabled me to change the colour, size and font style of this text according to its importance and purpose. The magazine advertisement required a similar process of adjusting the presets to create a suitable sized format for the genre, and I used the same large white italic font I have used throughout all the products in order to maintain continuity. Whilst creating the music video we placed the camera onto a tripod in order to create a polished finish which looked professional, minus the hand-shaking which is often inevitable from hand-held camera work. I adjusted the focus switching back and forth to create a blurred effect when the image of the candles first appears, then I turned the lense so that the focus became clearer as the music began. I played the music video soundtrack in the background as my actress mimed the words, then later when I uploaded the video onto adobe premiere I muted the audio in the background and placed the official version of the song over it by dragging it onto the timeline and placing it in line with the video to create a convincing lip sync popular in music videos today.
I had to use the slice tool to chop some bits of the music video out which didn’t need to be used including the take-outs and practice runs. I shot my music video from different angles and settings- for example when the actress is sitting on the floor surrounded by candles I took it from a high angle shot and rotated the camera to ensure that the actress and props were all visible- I also felt that this type of frame created a versatility which surprised the audience and kept them interested. When my model was standing in front of the window a lot of lighting came through which contrasted with darker shots seen previously – this felt important to me because I didn’t want the entire music video to be dark in case it came across as a gloomy toned piece. The shots in front of the window were taken from an eye-level medium shot allowing the audience to connect with the actress and feel the emotion of the narrative through her facial expressions and body language. Another feature in my music video I used was overlapping footage to create a blended effect. I took footage of ink swirling into a glass, and dragged this onto the timeline placing it above the footage of the actress singing- then I adjusted the opacity levels of the footage so that both clips blended into one another creating an interesting ambiguous effect.
The music video finishes with candles being blown out, and the focus is out until the smoke rises and then it focuses in and we can see it clearly, I liked this as it metaphorically represents ideas of the narrative surrounding love. I had to use the slice tool on adobe premiere to remove parts of the clip which I didn’t need and the drag tool to position them together in a way that looked professional/interesting.
Lighting was very important when creating my music video as we switched off all the lights and used candles as props, but very quickly realised we required more lighting, and so had to introduce these. It was important to position the lighting in a way that cast an equal, appropriate amount of light on the model without becoming too overbearing/bright.
When I began learning how to use the media equipment I went out and tried using the Sony HVR A1E camera, I shot some short clips and learnt the purpose of all the buttons, how to zoom in, how to take images/videos and then I loaded this onto a computer which I had a look at. Once I’d reviewed the footage I opened it with Photoshop premier and added effects such as reverse timing and black and white. Following this I felt more comfortable with using the camera and more prepared for shooting the main task.
Next I took images of my model for the digipack and magazine advertisement and I used my knowledge/experience from A2 to take a variety of photographs using zoom and close up to create a professional selection of images suitable for their purpose, the images needed to be clear and professional in order to replicate my similar products and appeal to the target audience. I used a tripod to make sure that the height was an even eye-level height and to avoid blurring. The cameras/ umbrellas were helpful in reflecting enough light on the models face from a central angle. Once the images were taken I opened them onto photo shop and adjusted the preset sizes so it was suitable for a digipack used the burn tool to darken her make-up and background, the dodge tool to brighten her eyes and the airbrush tool to smooth out blemishes which all worked to create a more attractive, appealing image. I used the lasso tool to move parts of the image closer together, crop out parts that I didn’t need and add in graphics that I did need, including the star brush that I downloaded enabling me to place star graphics onto the original image for the CD cover.
Once the images were created, I had to add in text for the CD cover name and song titles seen on the back cover and the title/information seen on the magazine advertisment using the text tool. Photoshop enabled me to change the colour, size and font style of this text according to its importance and purpose. The magazine advertisement required a similar process of adjusting the presets to create a suitable sized format for the genre, and I used the same large white italic font I have used throughout all the products in order to maintain continuity. Whilst creating the music video we placed the camera onto a tripod in order to create a polished finish which looked professional, minus the hand-shaking which is often inevitable from hand-held camera work. I adjusted the focus switching back and forth to create a blurred effect when the image of the candles first appears, then I turned the lense so that the focus became clearer as the music began. I played the music video soundtrack in the background as my actress mimed the words, then later when I uploaded the video onto adobe premiere I muted the audio in the background and placed the official version of the song over it by dragging it onto the timeline and placing it in line with the video to create a convincing lip sync popular in music videos today.
I had to use the slice tool to chop some bits of the music video out which didn’t need to be used including the take-outs and practice runs. I shot my music video from different angles and settings- for example when the actress is sitting on the floor surrounded by candles I took it from a high angle shot and rotated the camera to ensure that the actress and props were all visible- I also felt that this type of frame created a versatility which surprised the audience and kept them interested. When my model was standing in front of the window a lot of lighting came through which contrasted with darker shots seen previously – this felt important to me because I didn’t want the entire music video to be dark in case it came across as a gloomy toned piece. The shots in front of the window were taken from an eye-level medium shot allowing the audience to connect with the actress and feel the emotion of the narrative through her facial expressions and body language. Another feature in my music video I used was overlapping footage to create a blended effect. I took footage of ink swirling into a glass, and dragged this onto the timeline placing it above the footage of the actress singing- then I adjusted the opacity levels of the footage so that both clips blended into one another creating an interesting ambiguous effect.
The music video finishes with candles being blown out, and the focus is out until the smoke rises and then it focuses in and we can see it clearly, I liked this as it metaphorically represents ideas of the narrative surrounding love. I had to use the slice tool on adobe premiere to remove parts of the clip which I didn’t need and the drag tool to position them together in a way that looked professional/interesting.
Lighting was very important when creating my music video as we switched off all the lights and used candles as props, but very quickly realised we required more lighting, and so had to introduce these. It was important to position the lighting in a way that cast an equal, appropriate amount of light on the model without becoming too overbearing/bright.
What have you learned from your audience feedback?
In order to create a successful product- my A2 music video-which was made to accompany the song ‘Cosmic love’ by Indie artist Florence and The Machine, it was important for myself and producers generally to consider the targeted audience before beginning the task. I considered in detail their age, gender, general interests, social class etc. I decided to aim my music video at the female gender, aged from 17-25 years old, particularly those interested in the indie-pop genre, possibly with inclination to listen to similar artists such as ‘Feist’ and ‘Kate Bush’. I had to create a music video, digipack and magazine advert which appealed to this audience, so in order to understand and appeal successfully, I began studying similar products. I looked at the music magazine advertisements contained in NME and Q especially those which shared similarities regarding genre and artists. I found that the magazine advertisements in these magazines generally seemed male-orientated using male artists- which made me think that mine would stand out as it contains a female artist with a simple style, compared to the over-complicated, masculine design of many I looked at. Gaining audience feedback has been vital in my project, enabling me to foresee future problems which I could then avoid, thus preventing the slowdown of progress. I asked my peers to highlight the things that they liked about my work so far, but also the things that could be improved. This was helpful in indicating where I was doing well as well as the areas requiring improvement. The feedback I received aided my progress; by reading through their tips I was able to improve my work. Specifically highlighted areas were the dig pack, and the problems I risked from burning a flower, this proved to be supported later on when I tried to burn a flower and it didn’t quite go to plan. This meant that I had to change the method of creating a flame, not necessarily the original concept. The feedback taught me that although it may be impossible to create an image or idea in reality, there are often other methods of doing so digitally, which is what I plan to do using Photoshop.
The audience feedback was helpful in encouraging me to consider everything whilst planning, including the use of back up plans in the case of unexpected rainfall which could potentially ruin a shoot. I think that aesthetically, my feedback indicates that I’m doing well but it’s the idea itself that needs double checking.
The sheet that I handed out to my peers required them to provide information about the section of the project they were reviewing, and they then added their comments beneath about areas I could improve and those which were working well. By reading this, I was then able to work out what action would be most appropriate to take in order to move forward through the task.
When I was creating my digipack I looked at similar products on the market from the indie pop genre, which related to new modern genres of music growing in popularity thus creating attracting larger audiences particularly in young people. I found that a clear layout accompanied with an interesting use of graphics was successful, as it attracted audiences by grabbing their attention. On my digipack I added in graphic stars using Photoshop alongside my own pictures of sparklers which adhered to the quirky, interesting effect I attempted to create. The use of Laura Mulvey’s theory called ‘The male gaze’ can be applied to my music video as I used close-ups shots of the models’ face which focuses on sexual, seductive features such as the lips and eyes, and then also upon her hair also through the music video digi pack and music advertisement. However in some ways my actress rejects this interpretation of the male gaze as she is dressed modestly and the narrative of the song surrounds her feelings and experience rather than focusing on her appearance or objectification.
Bulmer and Katz’ Uses and Gratifications theory to my music video, which has four reasons as to why audiences consume media texts: entertainment, which is for the purposes of escapism and diversion; surveillance, which is for the purpose of obtaining information; personal identity, which suggests that the audience relate to the characters and situations; personal relationships, which suggests that the audience look to the media text as a way of connecting with those around them. My music video would fall under the entertaining category, due to its pleasurable, aesthetically pleasing appearance and use of interesting mise en scene. It may also be regarded as adhering to Personal identity through the use of an influential female character that might inspire audiences. My magazine advertisement, digipack and music video contains an artist with quirky make-up and dark clothing which stands out from standard, everyday styles – this therefore relates to personal identity again by encouraging the audience to become inspired and influenced by the artists style choices. The style is different, and almost controversial which Is a factor I found to be successful in music videos from my similar product research, particularly Florence and the machine or even mainstream artists such as Lady Gaga who is known for her controversial, exciting outfit choices. When audiences see the advertisement in magazines, or the purchase the CD I intended for them to enjoy it but also feel as though they are part of club, exclusivity almost which is something younger audiences typically crave.
The age of my intended audience begins around late teens towards young adults, which is typically an age of hedonism, self-discovery but ultimately a time when they begin to explore different sources of inspiration through the people they see in magazines and the music they listen to-so in this sense the target audience in regards to age particularly is suitable to the magazine. The social class I aimed my products at was C1-E, because the majority of young people are either students, apprentices or new workers, meaning there’s a high chance of them owning/having access to the internet where they can watch my music video and encourage them to buy the CD and recognise the artists in magazine advertisements which include the website address. This allows readers to again feel ‘part of an exclusive club’ by interacting with the artist’s life and events further.
Stuart Hall’s reception theory focuses upon how audiences consume media, arguing that producers encode meaning into a media text for audiences to unravel. I included this in my media video by metaphorically representing feelings and emotions with actions. For example the theme of ‘dissolving’ or ‘disappearing’ is evident through the use of blown out candles and ink dissolving into water – this concept links to the lyrics which describe the emotions felt during heartbreak such as ‘now it's left me blind’ ‘So darkness I became’. The character in the music video wears a deep red lipstick and dark eye shadow and wears dresses made from delicate materials- this highlight her femininity and ensures that she is perceived as beautiful, which links to attracting a male audience and Mulvey’s concept of seeing women as ‘Madonna’s. Although it could be argued that my music video conforms to the stereotypical woman through the chosen costumes and use of make-up, but also the narrative which portrays her as a weak female, victim to an assumed heartbreak.
I think that my music video and the accompanying products successfully appeal to my target audience which I selected pre-production. I think that my music video would not only be perceived as interesting, but also easily understood by the target audience due to the research, planning and feedback.
The age of my intended audience begins around late teens towards young adults, which is typically an age of hedonism, self-discovery but ultimately a time when they begin to explore different sources of inspiration through the people they see in magazines and the music they listen to-so in this sense the target audience in regards to age particularly is suitable to the magazine. The social class I aimed my products at was C1-E, because the majority of young people are either students, apprentices or new workers, meaning there’s a high chance of them owning/having access to the internet where they can watch my music video and encourage them to buy the CD and recognise the artists in magazine advertisements which include the website address. This allows readers to again feel ‘part of an exclusive club’ by interacting with the artist’s life and events further.
Stuart Hall’s reception theory focuses upon how audiences consume media, arguing that producers encode meaning into a media text for audiences to unravel. I included this in my media video by metaphorically representing feelings and emotions with actions. For example the theme of ‘dissolving’ or ‘disappearing’ is evident through the use of blown out candles and ink dissolving into water – this concept links to the lyrics which describe the emotions felt during heartbreak such as ‘now it's left me blind’ ‘So darkness I became’. The character in the music video wears a deep red lipstick and dark eye shadow and wears dresses made from delicate materials- this highlight her femininity and ensures that she is perceived as beautiful, which links to attracting a male audience and Mulvey’s concept of seeing women as ‘Madonna’s. Although it could be argued that my music video conforms to the stereotypical woman through the chosen costumes and use of make-up, but also the narrative which portrays her as a weak female, victim to an assumed heartbreak.
I think that my music video and the accompanying products successfully appeal to my target audience which I selected pre-production. I think that my music video would not only be perceived as interesting, but also easily understood by the target audience due to the research, planning and feedback.
How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?
The music video, magazine advertisement and digipack all work together to promote one another- for example the music magazine advertisement encourages sales of the CD by offering details of the release dates and artist name. The music store HMV’s logo is also displayed which provides further information about where the audience can purchase the CD. As well as the logo, a website address is also included on the magazine cover in white italic font just below the heading which contains the artists name in a font similar to that seen in the digipack which I chose to spark recognition and familiarity. By including the website address, the audience is made aware of where they can find out further information about the artist; buy the CD and possible links to other platforms such as YouTube where they can see the music video.
The music video helps to promote the CD, by firstly fulfilling the main purpose of entertaining the audience and then hopefully encouraging them to want to listen to the song regularly thus purchasing the CD.
Once the digipack is purchased the audience may take advantage of exclusive features provided to them, such as following the website links and entering interactional areas of the website which enable them to feel part of a club almost, but this also enables them to see latest updates from the artist.
The music video helps to promote the CD, by firstly fulfilling the main purpose of entertaining the audience and then hopefully encouraging them to want to listen to the song regularly thus purchasing the CD.
Once the digipack is purchased the audience may take advantage of exclusive features provided to them, such as following the website links and entering interactional areas of the website which enable them to feel part of a club almost, but this also enables them to see latest updates from the artist.
I think that my media products work together well as they all show continuity regarding the design/stylistic choices. I used the same colour schemes, font and make-up/hair choices for the model in order to make her a recognisable figure, but also to encourage the audience to relate all the products together when they see them. I think that my products promote and complement one another successfully and cultivate a running theme.
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? - Break into 3 sections: Music video, Magazine advert and digi pack.
Magazine Advertisement:
My magazine advertisement adheres to the typical conventions seen in magazines through the use of eye catchy typography on the cover heading which has been increased in size and designed with a different type of font. I was able to do this using the text editing tools on programme Photoshop. I felt that it enabled the text to be easily distinguishes from the accompanying text, and clearly establishes the artists name.
Another key convention of music magazine advertisements is a picture of the artist being the main focus, which is evident in my product where the photograph takes up the majority of the space. I took the photograph using a Sony HVR A1E with an eye level angle shot encouraging clear direct eye contact from the artist with the audience. The majority of magazine advertisements specifically plan how they can use make-up, hair and outfit styling to create an intentionally attractive/ enticing appearance. This is something which I also felt was important; I decided I wanted my actress to have enhanced sexual, seductive features such as the lips and eyes- therefore I used dark eye make-up and red lipstick to draw attention to her feminine features which applies to Laura Mulvey’s ‘The male gaze’ theory. This theory can also apply to my other products also such as the close up used in the digipack, and the appearance of her hair and body in the music video. I felt that my stylistic choices create a sense of ambiguity about the artist by avoiding portraying her as an obvious stereotype, thus encouraging the audience to be curious about her. This ambiguity is also relevant to the narrative of the music video which contains lyrics with unclear meaning and ability to be interpreted broadly. Music advertisements need to provide the audience with the appropriate information such as websites where more information can be accessed and release dates. This can be seen on my cover where dates and website address have been clearly displayed in a white font which stands out against the dark background.
I wanted the magazine advertisement to be clear with the important information easily distinguishable from the image, so I made sure that I designed the advertisement with a clear discourse structure and appropriate colour schemes.
Music video
My main product adheres to Andrew Goodwin’s theory about music videos highlighted in his book ‘Dancing in the Distraction Factory' which focuses on the typical features and characteristics demonstrated within them. Firstly according to Goodwin, music videos all demonstrate genre characteristics which I feel is evident in my music video of the indie-pop genre. By looking at my similar products from the same genre, I included similar genre characteristics regarding the styling choices of the actress and the chosen props. The whole tone of my music video relates to the genre of indie-pop by appearing quirky and interesting, and the way my actress expressed emotion allowed a relationship to be created between the lyrics, with the visuals illustrating and amplifying lyrics. This is another feature of Andrew Goodwin’s theory.
Typically music videos include a vast amount of close up shots which focus on the artists face and appearance, which encourage familiarity and a sense of being personal with the artist. I also used this technique whilst shooting my music video but made sure that I varied the shot types and included long and medium shots also in order to maintain a level of versatility. An aspect of Andrew Goodwin’s theory is the subject of Voyeurism. This is present in many music videos particularly towards females, but also in terms of systems of looking. I feel that this was included in my music video, with examples of Laura Mulvey’s ‘Male gaze’ as I used close-ups camera shots of the models’ face which focuses on sexual, seductive features such as the lips and eyes, and then also upon her hair also through the music video digi pack and music advertisement. However, in some ways my artist doesn’t conform to the ‘male gaze theory’ in that she is dressed modestly and the narrative of the song surrounds her feelings and experience rather than solely focusing on her appearance or objectification.
Bulmer and Katz’ Uses and Gratifications theory can be applied to my music video, which has four reasons as to why audiences consume media texts: entertainment, which is for the purposes of escapism and diversion; surveillance, which is for the purpose of obtaining information; personal identity, which suggests that the audience relate to the characters and situations; personal relationships, which suggests that the audience look to the media text as a way of connecting with those around them. My music video would fall under the entertaining category, due to its pleasurable, aesthetically pleasing appearance and use of interesting mise en scene. It may also be regarded as adhering to Personal identity through the use of an influential female character that might inspire audiences.
Digipack
My magazine advertisement adheres to the typical conventions seen in magazines through the use of eye catchy typography on the cover heading which has been increased in size and designed with a different type of font. I was able to do this using the text editing tools on programme Photoshop. I felt that it enabled the text to be easily distinguishes from the accompanying text, and clearly establishes the artists name.
Another key convention of music magazine advertisements is a picture of the artist being the main focus, which is evident in my product where the photograph takes up the majority of the space. I took the photograph using a Sony HVR A1E with an eye level angle shot encouraging clear direct eye contact from the artist with the audience. The majority of magazine advertisements specifically plan how they can use make-up, hair and outfit styling to create an intentionally attractive/ enticing appearance. This is something which I also felt was important; I decided I wanted my actress to have enhanced sexual, seductive features such as the lips and eyes- therefore I used dark eye make-up and red lipstick to draw attention to her feminine features which applies to Laura Mulvey’s ‘The male gaze’ theory. This theory can also apply to my other products also such as the close up used in the digipack, and the appearance of her hair and body in the music video. I felt that my stylistic choices create a sense of ambiguity about the artist by avoiding portraying her as an obvious stereotype, thus encouraging the audience to be curious about her. This ambiguity is also relevant to the narrative of the music video which contains lyrics with unclear meaning and ability to be interpreted broadly. Music advertisements need to provide the audience with the appropriate information such as websites where more information can be accessed and release dates. This can be seen on my cover where dates and website address have been clearly displayed in a white font which stands out against the dark background.
I wanted the magazine advertisement to be clear with the important information easily distinguishable from the image, so I made sure that I designed the advertisement with a clear discourse structure and appropriate colour schemes.
Music video
My main product adheres to Andrew Goodwin’s theory about music videos highlighted in his book ‘Dancing in the Distraction Factory' which focuses on the typical features and characteristics demonstrated within them. Firstly according to Goodwin, music videos all demonstrate genre characteristics which I feel is evident in my music video of the indie-pop genre. By looking at my similar products from the same genre, I included similar genre characteristics regarding the styling choices of the actress and the chosen props. The whole tone of my music video relates to the genre of indie-pop by appearing quirky and interesting, and the way my actress expressed emotion allowed a relationship to be created between the lyrics, with the visuals illustrating and amplifying lyrics. This is another feature of Andrew Goodwin’s theory.
Typically music videos include a vast amount of close up shots which focus on the artists face and appearance, which encourage familiarity and a sense of being personal with the artist. I also used this technique whilst shooting my music video but made sure that I varied the shot types and included long and medium shots also in order to maintain a level of versatility. An aspect of Andrew Goodwin’s theory is the subject of Voyeurism. This is present in many music videos particularly towards females, but also in terms of systems of looking. I feel that this was included in my music video, with examples of Laura Mulvey’s ‘Male gaze’ as I used close-ups camera shots of the models’ face which focuses on sexual, seductive features such as the lips and eyes, and then also upon her hair also through the music video digi pack and music advertisement. However, in some ways my artist doesn’t conform to the ‘male gaze theory’ in that she is dressed modestly and the narrative of the song surrounds her feelings and experience rather than solely focusing on her appearance or objectification.
Bulmer and Katz’ Uses and Gratifications theory can be applied to my music video, which has four reasons as to why audiences consume media texts: entertainment, which is for the purposes of escapism and diversion; surveillance, which is for the purpose of obtaining information; personal identity, which suggests that the audience relate to the characters and situations; personal relationships, which suggests that the audience look to the media text as a way of connecting with those around them. My music video would fall under the entertaining category, due to its pleasurable, aesthetically pleasing appearance and use of interesting mise en scene. It may also be regarded as adhering to Personal identity through the use of an influential female character that might inspire audiences.
Digipack
My digipack adheres to typical conventions seen in similar products with the use of a middle section where the physical material is stored (The CD). This convention is important in order to encase the CD insuring it is not damaged/scratched. The music video needed to link to the digipack in order to create a sense of continuity, therefore I stuck with the same large, italic white font which stood out against the background and clearly displayed the artists name. The image on the CD cover of my artist shows her with the same type of make-up and styling choices so that the audience can easily recognise her, especially if they have seen the music video first and then gone to look for her CD in a store.
In order to get a better idea of what a professional digipack should look like, I analysed real media texts and existing digipack of the indie pop genre to identify the typical forms and codes and conventions that they use. On the cover I used a close up camera shot of the artist’s face, which I then placed onto Photoshop and added star graphics using the shape tool, and darkened the background using the burn tool in order to create a contrast with the white heading. Whilst I was darkening the background I also darkened her make-up so it was similar to the dark make-up used in the magazine advertisement and music video.
On the inside cover I thought that I should use a different type of camera shot rather than all close ups, so I used a medium shot showing her legs, arms and hair which again relates to Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory -common in many digipack of the same genre. Many digipack contain a personal message aimed at the audience which encourages them to feel appreciated as individuals rather than as just part of an audience. The way that the artists name is signed under the message also makes it appear more personal, including the informal style of signing off a message with an ‘x’ which treats the audience more like a friend.
My artists body language in the digipack is open and welcoming with her arms outspread to create a sense of friendliness and approachability, this is similar to that seen in my similar products of the same genre such as Florence and the machine and feist who outstretch their arms on the cover of their albums.
In order to get a better idea of what a professional digipack should look like, I analysed real media texts and existing digipack of the indie pop genre to identify the typical forms and codes and conventions that they use. On the cover I used a close up camera shot of the artist’s face, which I then placed onto Photoshop and added star graphics using the shape tool, and darkened the background using the burn tool in order to create a contrast with the white heading. Whilst I was darkening the background I also darkened her make-up so it was similar to the dark make-up used in the magazine advertisement and music video.
On the inside cover I thought that I should use a different type of camera shot rather than all close ups, so I used a medium shot showing her legs, arms and hair which again relates to Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory -common in many digipack of the same genre. Many digipack contain a personal message aimed at the audience which encourages them to feel appreciated as individuals rather than as just part of an audience. The way that the artists name is signed under the message also makes it appear more personal, including the informal style of signing off a message with an ‘x’ which treats the audience more like a friend.
My artists body language in the digipack is open and welcoming with her arms outspread to create a sense of friendliness and approachability, this is similar to that seen in my similar products of the same genre such as Florence and the machine and feist who outstretch their arms on the cover of their albums.
Friday 3 February 2012
Diary post 12
Today i have been working on my music video which is proving a time consuming task. I have learnt how to add video transitions in order to allow scenes to flow rather than stopping and restarting in blunt cuts- this encourages a professional feel typically demonstrated in music videos.
I also added an interesting effect by altering the opacity and placing a video clip over another on the timeline- this allowed both images to be seen blended into one and hopefully will captivate and entertain the audience.
I have found it difficult to sync the music and actress together in perfect timing, it's resulted in having to repeatedly watching the clip over and over again second by second in order to recognise the lyrics being mimed.
I also added an interesting effect by altering the opacity and placing a video clip over another on the timeline- this allowed both images to be seen blended into one and hopefully will captivate and entertain the audience.
I have found it difficult to sync the music and actress together in perfect timing, it's resulted in having to repeatedly watching the clip over and over again second by second in order to recognise the lyrics being mimed.
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