Changes in Music Videos

 TIMETABLE

1975: Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

• Performance-based - Purpose of the music video was to promote and sell the artist
• Includes close-up shots of the singers
• Includes effects (i.e. the flames in the image above).

1980: The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star

• Performance & Concept-based music video - The band is concerned about/addressing the changes within the media industry
• Close-Up shots/Animation Layovers/ An attempted futuristic mise en scene.
• A reflective, blue sheet; bright, round light, and a darkroom used in the beginning create the image of the ocean in the night - suggests imagination

1990: The Beautiful Swift - A Little Time

• Both performance and narrative-based that portrays an interesting gender representation - both sides were aggressive/involved in the fight. - Not the stereotypical video with a violent or abusive boyfriend.
• Portrays relationship problems and that both sides are involved.
• The music video cuts between the song and the narrative - similar to flashbacks.
• A simple house is used as the filming area with trashed and broken props - emphasizes the portrayal of a fight between a couple. 
• Feathers and dust (maybe flour?) float to the ground - uneasy tension shown.

1999: Backstreet Boys - I Want it That Way

• Performance-based with a slight hint of narrative but not much.
• Close-up shots of each individual singer as they each sing their part of the song.
• Full shots/ Wide shots of the entire band (i.e. in the image above).
• The "rise of the boy bands" - when this style began to become popular
• Inclusion of fans - the majority of them are female.

Within the past 35 years, music videos have become more performance-based with hints of a narration included. This is generally because the artists are trying to portray a message to their audience through the video - that supports the lyrics of their songs. I have also noticed that effects aren't used as explicitly as they used to be; instead, they are more subtle and fewer in numbers.

Studying Photographs

 Image One

This image is a wide shot of a landscape that may have some surreal aspects; mainly in its colouring.

The viewer's attention is immediately drawn to the sun at the centre of the image. The sun itself is framed by the core of the tree, just as the branches begin to weave outward. I believe the lighting is mainly natural (from the sun) and it creates a contrast between the foreground and background. Unlike most photos, the background of this image is actually rather interesting because of the colour gradient created by the sunset. 

The colour of the tree and the hill is darkened to emphasize the contrast from the foreground and it further draws attention to the sun. Because of this, it could be debated that the viewer's attention is actually drawn to the foreground, however, this almost manipulates them to look along the tree - up to the sun; then along the branches and out to the background.

The horizon line is just beneath the sun at the borderline of the ocean and shows that the image follows the Rules of Thirds.

Image Two 

This image is at a low angle and is a close-up shot of a leaf, that guides the viewer to look at the stags in the background.

The camera is placed within an assumably large leaf; this enables the viewer to somewhat travel along the stem and lines of the leaf until they reach the background of the image. In my opinion, the background is more interesting than the foreground although it is quite interesting to see the exterior of a leaf at a closer angle. As the tip of the leaf extends upwards, the viewer also looks up to the stags.

Although the horizon line isn't exactly clear due to the curved sides of the leaves, we can see that it is the forest ground; also proving this photo follows the Rules of Thirds.

Historical and Cultural Context in Media

 

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

This iconic film poster conveys the historical context of the year 1912, when the supposed "unsinkable" ship called the Titanic was to first set sail, however, unfortunately, sank. Because the film is inspired and based on that event, the older audiences more specifically, will want to see it as they were either survivor of the tragic event or because they were alive when the event occurred. The event will have been the news of 1912 for months and is still well known and discussed now. While the film mainly shows historical contexts (such as social classes), the film itself has become cultural to today's generation. 

The woman in the poster is obviously of a higher class than the man; this is shown through their appearance as she is wearing finer and better clothing then he is. This shows the historical differences between the higher and lower classes and their lifestyle.

During the tragic event of the Titanic, there was actually a passenger named Jack, assumably he may have been the inspiration for Jack's character within the movie. 

CULTURAL CONTEXT

The magazine cover shows the cultural context of popular movies, specifically from the 80s. This more than likely attracts the attention of that specific generation, although it may appeal to general movie watchers or provide suggestions for which movies to potentially watch next. The iconic images of movie characters (E.T; Marty McFly etc.) and the iconic text font used all collaborate together and create a sense of nostalgia through the magazine cover. 

Fun with Fonts!

 

This unique font for Halloween reminds me clearly of a forest in the dark, autumn nights. It is written in capital letters and shaped like old, dead trees, however, in my opinion, it is not terrifying, I think it is quite pretty and interesting, though some may beg to differ.

The Transformers font makes me think of space and technology. This also suggests that the movie will be either sci-fi or an action movie, making the movie more intriguing for watchers.

The Harry Potter font looks custom made and generally compels people to think of storms and lightning. To me, this reflects the terrible events that just seem to swirl and strike the Hogwarts school, every school year. 

Finally, one of the most popular movie series, the Star Wars font is written in complete capital letters and is rather iconic to many people's childhood. However, the Harry Potter font is also very iconic. The title STARWARS makes people automatically think about space.

The final font is probably one of the most iconic drink product logos because it is an original font that has been used since the late 1800s. This almost tells its customers: "We're original" and that they never change, highlighting that it is trustworthy. The site text against the red background stands out and catches the attention of customers.

Statista/Newsworks Data

 Every year, newspaper circulation changes due to many factors: increasing technology (hat makes it easier to access the news online); sales of a specific newspaper; access to newspapers etc. Although, it could also be - in context to 2020 - being unable to shop as often as usual due to lockdown/quarantine. Because of the ever changing circulations of newspapers, it isn't always easy to keep an accurate record of these circulations. However, there are some websites which provide regular information on newspaper (i.e. Oxfam).

One example is (https://www.statista.com/statistics/246077/reach-of-selected-national-newspapers-in-the-uk/) Statista.

The graph above shows the monthly reach of leading newspapers within the UK from April 2019 to March 2020. This shows me that The Sun (a Red Top tabloid) is the most reached newspaper (2019-2020) with up to 39,626 individuals. It is closely followed by The Sun on Sunday (38,567 individuals), the Daily Mail (35,803 individuals), The Guardian (35,543 individuals) and the Mail on Sunday (34,647 individuals)- suggesting that these were the most commonly reached newspapers for almost a year. 

However, this does not necessarily mean that they are the most popular/positively reviewed newspapers, the graph below shows popularity statistics from August 2019 - August 2020.

While none of these newspapers have a minimum of 50% of their readers who have a positive opinion on their newspapers, they top 5 positively viewed newspapers (according to the graph) are: the Metro (44%); The Times (36%); The Independent (35%), The Guardian (35%) and the Financial Times (33%). This graph highlights that while The Sun was the most commonly reached newspaper, it is not the most positively viewed upon. 

 

How the News Differs Online to Print

The Daily Mail

The front page for Friday the 18th September 2020 highlights two exclusive articles for the day; one of a scandal and one which is the main article. Both technical and symbolic codes have been included within the main headline - '£1bn cost of maternity blunders'. The technical codes are the font, that is bold and in capital letters, in order to urge members of the public to read it. While the symbolic code is the negative noun 'blunders' as it indicates that the NHS has made careless mistakes with maternal situations. Another symbolic code is the actual cost - '£1bn' - as it is a serious amount of money and could indicate that the 'blunders' were very serious. Finally, the title highlights in general, who is involved and what the situation is.

The projection 'Jeremy Hunt exposes damning toll of lawsuits against NHS' suggests there are going to be consequences for the NHS. This also further intrigues readers to buy the newspaper so they can read the full article on page 4. 

The image used to reflect the top title of the day shows the couple who the article's about, however, their smiles seem fake/forced; specifically the woman. This encourages people to buy the newspaper as it further emphasizes that something has happened with their relationship and they want to know the gossip.

 

The homepage for the website for the Daily Mail actually features a different story from the print newspaper, although this story is more relevant to current situations. This makes it clear that the website updates multiple times during the day, encouraging subscribers to view and favour the website. 

There are multiple images featured at the top of the home page with the latest story of the day. 

The website is also more interactive/easier to use as it enables readers to choose a story/article they would like; just by simply clicking on one they find interesting, e.g. sport.

The Guardian

The front page for the Guardian on the 18th September covers two different stories, however, they convey the same topics as the Daily Mail; Social and Political. The introduction for the main headline at the top of this newspaper is heavily reliant on the text as it provides a brief explanation about the situation with trace-testing, and what people actually think about it. The use of quotes within both the headline and stand-first "Barely functional" certainly portrays a negative viewpoint towards trace-testing and encourages readers to feel the same way.

For the second story, an image is used and presents a very stern, almost angered looking woman. This highlights her viewpoint and encourages readers to buy the newspaper to read more on the article about her; especially because she is a former model and her allegations against President Trump. 

The homepage for the Guardian website is a lot more user-friendly, even more so than the Daily Mail. It also features multiple stories of the day, based on different genres (e,g. sport). This enables users to choose the story they wish to read rather than read through articles that they have no interest in. 

Broadsheet vs Tabloid

Broadsheet and tabloid are both different types of newspaper however, are quite different from each other. Some of these differences have led Broadsheet newspapers to have a more popular reading or to be seen as more reliable. 

Broadsheet Newspapers

• These are a common newspaper format.
• They're the largest newspaper format; generally consisting of pages typically sized 22.5 inches long.
• Broadsheet newspapers rely on text.
• Considered to be serious and 'less sensationalised' than the tabloid format.
• Broadsheet newspapers generally focus more on political stories 
• They have more informative and serious headlines/subheadings - partially because they don't focus on celebrities or gossip.
• Even if their paragraphs are short, they still have more detail. 
• A commonly used style within these newspapers are columns - they make the newspaper somewhat easier to read, especially if there are more than one articles.
• Most pictures and headlines have little to no humour whatsoever, there is also less colour included.

Tabloid Newspapers

• These have a more compact page size than Broadsheet newspapers however there isn't a standard size of the pages for this format.
• Their headlines and images have more humour involved, almost as if mocking situations or making the situations more light hearted.
• Heavily relies on gossip and celebrities instead of politics or current affairs. Most of these stories aren't true and are very bias. 
• They also generally have columns however the front page doesn't usually use columns.
• Short and snappy quotes/headlines are used to draw in more readers.
• More reliant on images rather than text.
• They usually keep paragraphs short and snappy and use the first paragraph to summarise the whole story they are covering the article on.

Online News Consumption

 Note: Information source is: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/tv-radio-and-on-demand/news-media/news-consumption

With the increasing development of technology/social media/apps etc, many different people use many different devices and platforms to access the news, rather than reading the traditional newspaper (35% of the population). This is because it is easier and more convenient to access the news through these different methods. The Ofcom News Consumption Survey wrote a report of the findings from their research as to how people access the news and how many people use these methods. 

TV is the most commonly used device to access the news with 75% of the population using it. However, there is a higher percentage of people aged 65 years and above (92%) who watch the TV in contrast to those aged 16-24 years old. While this is the case with the usage of the TV, there are at least 65% of the population who use the internet to access the news. Although there is a higher percentage of 16-24-year-olds who use the internet - 79% - in comparison to people aged 65+ years. The usage of the internet will increase, assumably due to the fact that most websites update their news daily, some (like the Daily Mail) even update multiple times a day. This means people can be updated almost instantly, unlike with print newspapers.

Unsurprisingly, the radio is the third most commonly used platform to access the news with at least 45% of the population using it. Assumably this is while they are driving or travelling via public transport.

Finally, social media is most commonly used by 16-24-year-olds, however, according to Ofcom, about 45% of adults who use social media to access the news believe it is less reliable and accurate. This is supported by 55% of 12-15-year-olds who believe they have come across 'fake' news via social media.

Ofcom used two sets of bar charts to present their data on the percentage that these different platforms are used.

Interestingly, the usage of these platforms to access the news has decreased within this year (2020).  This could be due to the pandemic and natural disasters that have occurred this year, but there is no definitive reason behind this trend.

Emeli Sande - 'Heaven'

• I believe that the song, generally, indicates the idea of wanting to be a good person - 'I wake with good intentions' - and wanting to be good in the eyes of other people. However, there seems to be disappointment weaved within the lyrics as the speaker's actions or decisions don't reflect their intentions. 
• The lines 'Will you recognise me when I'm lying on my back? Something's gone inside me, and I can't get it back' suggest that the speaker doesn't seem to recognise who they are because of their actions and they wonder if others will be able to recognise them. There could be one or two ideas associated with these lines as well, one is that the speaker may be a drug addict and have lost a part of themselves. However, another idea is that there may be a sexual meaning behind the lines, that the speaker has lost their virginity but feel like they have let themselves down in doing so. This could be because maybe it was before marriage which goes against Christian beliefs. 

Long Shot

This shot shows a woman walking downstairs into, what assumably could be, a club. This indicates gambling or entertainment.

Close-Up Shot

A close-up shot of a man who looks unhealthy, his yellow eyes indicate that he has a liver condition, generally caused by infections or drinking too much alcohol. This enables listeners/viewers to think about their lifestyle and question whether they make the right decisions in regards to alcohol and diet. 

Close-Up Shot

This shot shows a person lying on their back (Links to the second verse of the song) seemingly covered by just a sheet. They have a bland expression their face, indicating that they are ashamed or regret the event.

Extreme Close-Up Shot

The writing in the condensation 'Fear is your only God' cleverly suggests that many people are run by their fear. They make their decisions solely based on how they worry what others will think about them - Peer-Pressure or, they worry about what others will think of them based on their previous actions. Sande could be saying that society worries about what other people think, instead of focusing on more important factors of life.

Medium Close-Up Shot

This shot portrays a mother with her young baby, sat in a car. There seems to be a bittersweet effect from this shot, particularly for parents, as it enables people to think about how children may be affected by the choices they make. In this shot, the mother seems to be willing to put her child above everything else and to take care of him. However, in the shot below, a different young boy seems very sad and alone

Medium-Close-Up Shot

The colouring of the image is very dull, indicating that the child has a very bland life and is potentially neglected by his parents. This may be Sande's way of addressing child abuse/negligence.

This shot could also link to the lyrics 'You say that you're away', assumably indicating the parent(s) go away for the day, for too long, and leave the child.

Close-Up Shot

This shot frames a statue of an angel stood against a cross with their hand on their heart. I think this could represent how the speaker prays they can one day mend their mistakes and atone for their bad decisions. It could also be mean that Sande hopes that society can improve one day and become better for themselves and other people.

Long Shot

The Long shot frames the shadows of a group of teenagers/young men speaking with each other. This could indicate gangs, speaking against the idea that unfortunately young people end up in gangs everyday. Although, it could just be a harmless meeting and suggest that people should have a group of good and reliable friends to speak and hang out with. 

Research Stranger Things; Season 1 Episode 1

Found on Google Images

• The first episode was aired 15th July 2016
• Currently has 3 completed seasons
• Creators are the 'Duffer Brothers' - Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
• 25 completed episodes
• A Netflix Original series
• Main characters:
• Mike Wheeler - Finn Wolfhard
• Eleven - Millie Bobby Brown
• Will Byers - Noah Schnapp
• Dustin Henderson - Gaten Matarazzo
• Lucas Sinclair - Caleb McLaughlin
• Steve Harrington - Joe Keery
• Nancy Wheeler - Natalie Dyer
• Joyce Byers - Winona Ryder
• Jonathon Byers - Charlie Heaton

Synopsis:-

• Stranger Things is a Fantasy, Drama, Horror TV show set in a small town where everyone knows everyone. A chain of events (that was started by an incident) leads to the disappearance of a child named Will. His mother Joyce and friends (Mike, Dustin, Lucas) desperately search for him however, his friends find a strange girl who is on a run. Throughout the entire series, government secrets, portals and monsters are uncovered.

Episode 1 (The Vanishing of Will Byers):-

Medium Wide Shot

The episode begins with a man, wearing a lab coat, running through the empty and dark halls of an isolated laboratory. This shot shows him pausing in fearful realisation as if he's figured out where whatever he's running from actually is. This creates a tense atmosphere filled with anticipation.

Medium Close-Up Shot

Within this scene, just outside Mike's house, Will is portrayed as a likeable and honest character as he explains that the Demogorgon did, in fact, get him. Although, I feel like the line foreshadows that something bad may happen to him later on in the episode.

Long Shot

This shot is set in a dark foggy forest, creating suspension as a humanoid shape appears in front of Will. Further indicating something bad will happen and enabling viewers to worry for the character. This links back to the beginning as Will tries to run away and ends up hiding in his family's shed.

Long Shot

Six men in all-body suits appear to be investigating another area, assumably within the laboratory from earlier. This creates a mysterious atmosphere that further intrigues viewers as they appear to be from the government and indicate a secret operation with the line 'And the girl?' 

Close-Up Shot

Shortly after the shot above, a new character is introduced and appears filthy and not well-looked after. While they look like a boy, the viewers are most likely to assume that this character is the girl they were talking about. Seeing as she is in a forest, we can also assume that she has run away.

Full Shot

In a fast-food restaurant, the girl (who we learn to be called Eleven) has been given a large shirt and some food. The owner of this restaurant tries to learn more about her situation but doesn't seem to find anything out. Despite this, viewers feel relieved that she does get help and seems to be in a good place at this moment.

Netflix:-

• Founded 29th August 1997 by Reed Hastings & Marc Randolph 
• American technology & media services provider
• HQ is in Los Gatos, California, USA
• Has over 193 million paid subscriptions worldwide, 70 million within the USA.
• Took an active role of production/distribution of films and TV shows - offers 126+ 'Netflix Original' shows/movies. An example is Stranger Things.
• The monthly plan costs range from £5.99 - £11.99

David Guetta 'Titanium' - ft. Sia

 

 

David Guetta - Titanium ft. Sia

The narrative of the Video:

The video successfully conveys the theme of isolation as the main character is viewed negatively - with fear and shock - by many of the other characters due to his supernatural abilities. As the video continues, the main character becomes more confident in the control of his powers and uses them more. He also appears more determined in himself than he was in the beginning. 

While the video conveys a young boy with supernatural abilities, the lyrics actually reach out to those who feel isolated and alone or look down upon themselves because others do so. The aim of the song is to give some form of courage or confidence to people and enable them to view themselves in a better light. It motivates them to continue being who they are rather than who society wants them to be.

Medium Shot

The shot shows the boy seeming upset and isolated while the teacher looks at him with fear and shock. This is effective as it conveys the isolation of the young boy because even the teacher tries to avoid him. She's desperate for the authorities to arrive as she watches him walk through the empty hallway. 

Viewers feel sympathetic towards the main character as he is only a young boy who doesn't seem to have any support, however, some viewers can understand the teacher's reaction to the situation as it is completely unusual.

Close Up Shot

Conveys the teacher's fear and desperation in the scene.

Extreme Close Up Shot embedded in a Full Shot

This shot is zoomed in on the main character's feet on the pedals of the bike and indicates that he is pedalling rather quickly.

Close Up Shot

The close-up shot in this scene further enables viewers to feel sympathetic towards the main character as now, thousands of people are made aware of the situation. This just further isolates him.

Long Shot

I find this shot of him leaving via the kitchen rather interesting as it suggests a few things. One this is that, potentially, he lives alone. The mess highlights that there isn't really anyone to clean up the house and that no-one had been inside since that morning. However, there hasn't been any guardian shown within the video, this could mean they are busy at work and have very little time for the boy or that he may not have any guardian. Once again, highlighting isolation.

Within this scene, the main character also seems more determined and confident with himself as he goes to escape. This confidence is highlighted when he uses his abilities with ease to reach the backdoor key.

Extreme Long Shot

This shot presents the boy as completely isolated as he has left civilization and is walking through the woods. He seems prepared to live by himself and is clearly determined not to get caught. Viewers are urged to hope he keeps going and becomes more determined ith his own strength.

Research of Shot Types

 Shot Types

Note: The source(s) of information: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/

Types:-

• First is the Long Shot/Wide Shot (LS/WS):
• This is where the entire size of the subject of the image is included in the camera shot without filling the entire shot. This means that an area of the subject's surroundings is also included in the image.
• Viewers are given a distinct idea of the setting and how the character fits in the area during the scene.
• 
• Example from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

• Extreme Long Shot/Extreme Wide Shot (EAS/EWS):
• This is similar to the LS however, the background/setting covers are larger area than the subject. Generally, it's used to: convey distance & unfamiliarity, emphasize the location, emphasize isolation, all resulting in the theme of being overwhelmed. 
• 
• Example from studiobinder.com

• Full Shot (FS):
• Full Shot is where there's a movement within the shot; in some cases, the camera movement can be slow for dramatic/emotional effect; in other cases, it can be rapid - specifically in action movies.
• This type of shot can also be used to feature multiple characters within a shot.
• 
• Example from Thor: The Dark World

• Medium Wide Shot (MWS):
• This is where the subject is framed from the knees and above, sometimes from different angles.
• 
• Example from studiobinder.com

• Cowboy Shot (CS):
• The cowboy shot frames the subject from the thighs above. It's given the name "Cowboy Shot" as it is used in Western-themed films as is generally shows the gun/gun holster.
• However, it can also be used in films and shots that have no relevance to cowboys.
• 
• Example from Iron Man

• Medium Shot (MS):
• This shot is very similar to the Cowboy Shot but only frames the subject from the waist/torso and above whilst also showing some of the backgrounds.
• The Medium Shot is one of the most commonly used shots; it's used before an important moment or piece of dialogue.
• 
• Example from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

• Medium Close Up Shot (MCU):
• The subject is framed from the chest up to present distance, even during a face-to-face conversation.
• 
• Example from Avatar

• Close Up Shot (CU):
• This shot generally reveals the emotions or reactions of the subject. Again, this is used in important moments of the media project.
• 
• Example from The Mummy (1999)

• Extreme Close Up Shot (ECU):
• Within this shot, smaller objects (i.e. bullets/clocks/eyes etc.) fill the shot and are given more clarity.
• This shot can have different effects; comedy, tension, shock etc. 
• 
• Example from Twilight Breaking Dawn: Part 1