Production Log

Today I completed the back cover for our CD casing. The problems I faced was trying to find the appropriate shot glass to place on the back and also choosing the right colour for the background. I started off with a dark grey, but after fiddling around with the gradient tool, I eventually stuck with the gradient going from light grey to white, and I also added lines I the corners and changed the colour of the text.

Location Shots

For one of the locations in our video, we started  using my living to showcase the point at which the lead band mates come round to help their friend take a load of from a long day at work but eventually after we had to re-shoot this scene, we used one of our actors houses instead. 

Production Log

Today I scanned my story board into Photoshop but I also forgot to do my ancillary tasks which I shall be doing by next week. The problems I faced today on Photoshop was saving the images as a JPEG, once I saved them on to my usb they still came up as a Photoshop file, so I had to delete then resave. Eventually I came across another problem which was uploading my photos onto blogger; I then found out that I had to create a Picasa Web account to upload my photos on to the site. Once this was done I was able to load the first couple pages of my story board.

Production Log

Today I retook the photos for our magazine advertisement and the still images of the shot glass for the intro of our video. The problem I had with the camera was trying to focus the lens, but eventually I was able to do so and then using the tripod did not help because the camera had a different angle to it. So I decided to take the pictures free hand and they came out clear. 

Production Log

Today I uploaded the pictures I took yesterday of the shot glass. I started to design the back of the CD cover, I dropped some of the images in and played around with the ones I thought looked best against the light brown background. The problem I faced today was the colour of the font for the title because Halima experimented using a gradient on the title for the advertisement but this didn’t work well with the background for the CD cover. They didn’t correlate well so I ended up leaving the text as dark grey whilst the background was a light shade of brown. I will continue to play around with different colours and images and see what work well with each other.

Production Log

Today Augustine and I started shooting the very opening of our groups music video, Halima unfortunately couldn't make it. We had slight issues of trying to find a table cloth to place on the table. We eventually found one and had to iron it as it was slightly creased. Once this was solved, we were able to get the footage we needed. 

Questionnaire Results

Questionnaire results from Anniie_Anna1

Production Log

Today I completed the synopsis of our music video

Music Video Synopsis

Narrative based story line:  displaying the end of a full day’s work and this all shown through the first person perspective but also drifts in and out from the third person perspective. The video alternates between the band playing the song and the actual story line of the video. We start off with our protagonist finishing up with some documents on the computer while he is at work, he then leaves to go home to relax and his friends (the rest of the band members) come by to pay him a visit with a bottle of alcohol.  The protagonist then begins to take shots of alcohol (in reference to the name of the song and the band) with his friends; he is then seen to fall to the ground (as he has had 1 Shot 2 Many) due to his excessive drinking. The situation quickly worsens as they begin trashing the house, they decide to go out which leads on to the scenes on the street. While on the street they are seen performing while intoxicated, they then bump into a tramp and still continue to drink. They then continue to sing while the video fades out at the end of the instrumental.

Production Log

Today I completed the prop list which will be need in our video

Music Video Prop List

Needed to show band performing (Chorus)                         2x Bass Guitar

                                                                                                      Full Drum Kit

                                                                                                      Microphone (including microphone stand)

                                                                                                      Costumes for all three characters

                                                                                                      (When playing as a band)

Needed for first setting (Workplace)                                     Work desk (including work chair)

                                                                                                      Computer

                                                                                                      Costumes for main character (Work                                                                                 

                                                                                                      Clothes)

Needed for second setting (House)                                       Table (in house)

                                                                                                     TV

                                                                                                     Bottle of alcohol

                                                                                                     3x Shot glasses

                                                                                                     Chairs/Sofa

                                                                                                     Cushions

                                                                                                     Costumes for main characters friends   

                                                                                                     (Casual clothes)

                                                                                                     Costume for main character when he leaves         

                                                                                                     House to go out (casual clothes)

Needed for third setting (Streets)

                                                                                                    2x Bass Guitar

                                                                                                    Bottle of alcohol

                                                                                                    Costume for tramp

Production Log

I completed my Music Equipment List today

Music Equipment List

Music video equipment list from Anniie_Anna1

Production Log

Today I completed the lyrics to 1 Shot 2 Many

1 Shot 2 Many Lyrics

Intro: ---------------------Instrumental---------------------


Verse 1 Starts at 00:20 seconds

It’s been a hard, hard day I could use a break

This job can get you down, make hard da take

And when I get home, I’m all alone

I kick of my boots, I twist on the bone

Chorus at 00:41 Seconds

And I don’t care, so get me out of here,

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

Verse 2 Starts at 00:56 Seconds

My friends stop over, at half past 5

With bottle in hand, I can swear he’s read my mind

He hands me a Johnny book of gilat

I take two swigs, I’m going down and I pass it dry

Chorus at 01:17 Seconds

And I don’t care, so get me out of here

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

Tonight I got that itch; you know my life’s a bitch

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many

1 shot 2 manyyyyy

1:41 Instrumental starts

------------------------------------------------------Instrumental-----------------------------------------------------

Verse 3 Starts at 2:26

Everywhere I go, it’s all the same

The rich get rich while we break a back and try to make a name

So then next time life

Makes you wanna yell

Just raise your glass, scream kiss my ass

And you can go da heeeellllll

Chorus at 02:48 Seconds

And I don’t care, so get me out of here

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

And now don’t touch my cup unless you’re filling it up

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 many, 1 shot

1 shot 2 mannnny, 1 shot 2 mannnny

1 shot 2 mannnny, 1 shot 2 mannnny

1 shot 2 many, yea, yea, yea

Yea, yea

Outro at 03:26 seconds:

---------------------Instrumental---------------------

Production Log

Today I completed the section of the artists research and their background.

Artist Background - 1 Shot 2 Many

1 Shot 2 Many formerly Sire Grey (and before that, PRIDE)! They've taken up the name of a prior group one of their members was in, about a decade ago. They are 3 childhood friends who are still rockin' out together after all these years, with the addition of another long term friend rounding out the whole sound. Once projects, now a band, 1 Shot 2 Many is the culmination of 21 years of dreams, tears, and sweat. It is the newest incarnation of past bands and present situations. Four guys' vision of what Rock is lacking today, but not necessarily what it should be. Diversity and Singularity all rolled into one. A mix of hard rock, blues, and a hint of metal, the sound is uniquely their own. 

Production Log

I completed my target audience task using photoshop 

Target Audience

Teacher's Comments No.1

Annabel,

An excellent blog so far with in depth analysis of a variety of media texts. Now you have researched media texts like yours you need to focus on initial audience research (find out about your audience) and then introduce the band and song you have chosen to those who mark your blog.


Targets:

• Complete and post initial audience research (questionnaire and results).
• Check your YouTube links for your video analysis, they currently come up as hyperlinks rather than embedded videos.
• Post some information about the band and the chosen song.

Production Log

Today I completed two video analysis Wiley – Cash In My Pocket and Lady GaGa ft Beyonce - Telephone

Analysis of Wiley - Cash In My Pocket

This video was released on the 1^st December 2008; this song was off Wiley’s 5^th studio album called “See Clear Now” and the first Pop album he composed. Wiley is signed to Asylum Records who are the subsidiary of Warner Music Group and this song generates from the genre of Grime/ Electronic/ Pop and was produced by Mark Ronson. This is a concept based video, creating the representation of what it is like within the corporate world but showing it in a comedic way using satire.

The video starts off with a close up of two white males in a car within the surroundings of central London- showing the corporate world. This is because we see a low angle of one of the most iconic buildings in London, the Gherkin.  What the audience can get from this is that, these two males are about to take us on a journey of what it’s like within their working environment. We then enter the building but see it from a mailman/woman point of view, this could be his/hers perspective of what it’s like when they come to this office to do their daily route, and the audience is welcomed by two males in smart attire one again stating it is a place of work.

As soon as we enter into the building we establish that the video is recorded by a hand held camera, which enhances the verisimilitude of it being set in an actual work place with ordinary office workers.  As view this video through someone else’s perspective, it’s an instinctive invitation for the audience to indulge within the work place and feel involved within the video. A long shot is shown for each person who has a few lines to say, whilst in the background everyone else is getting along with their work, which creates the effect of it being a normal day in the office and the use of the camera switching from face to face also reminds the audience that they’re in a fast paced working environment.

We continue to see more office workers coming into the shot saying their lines- then we pan across the different office cubicles whilst everyone inside is doing their own parts in a comedic way which will entice the audience because they may find it humorous. Throughout video it’s visible that the work place is predominately white male and female workers, so once we see the small minority of the different ethnicities, it gives the suggestion that the employment system is mainly based on 97% white ethnicity and the rest of the 3% are other ethnicities- and that is shown within the corporate businesses.  

The video ends with some of the colleagues crowed together walking towards the camera singing the lyrics, showing the company is in unison and everyone is in it together. It then ends with a pulling focus going out of the office building- which signals that the journey within the office is over, and the workers are waving goodbye hoping that the audience have enjoyed their stay.

Overall I think Wiley had a good concept to the video because the lyrics of the song are in contrast to what is happening in the video, and it makes it more exciting for the audience to consume. Everything has been done in a comedic away to subvert the idea of what office culture is like- so the director has chosen to make it less obvious but also realistic by using officers workers to get a better approach towards the video.  

Analysis of Lady GaGa & Beyonce - Telephone

This video was released on the 26^th January 2010; this was Lady GaGa’s 3^rd extended play (EP) and off her second album “The Famous Monster”. Lady GaGa is signed to Interscope Records, and the song generates from the genre of Electropop and Dance-pop and was directed by Jonas Akerlund. This is a narrative and performance based video, displaying the iconic view of Thelma & Louise (1991), two criminals who are wanted by the police for committing serious offences.

The video starts with a long shot of Lady GaGa entering the county jail, whilst this is happening the camera pans across some of the jails cells, and we see all the females up against the bars, symbolising that they see fresh meat and they all want a piece. The guards then strip her in her cell, which represent her being stripped of her dignity for the crime she has committed- as they walk away one comments “told you she didn’t have a d**k” relating to the hysteria that was made about GaGa being a hermaphrodite, making a mock of the rumour by letting the audience know that she’s gotten over it.

We see a close up of her hair with diet coke cans as an alternative for rollers, and it’s known for erupting once it’s mixed with mentos, which is significant to the fact that a fight breaks out soon after this shot is shown of her. As she’s being bailed out of jail, she breaks into an iconic MJ shuffle, paying tribute to him; this could also link back to his video “Smooth Criminal”, reinforcing the idea that she is one herself and is once again going to escape scot free. We then move into a long shot of the symbolic “Pussy Wagon” which was used in Kill Bill V1- indicating the point at which Uma Thurman also got away. Then enters Beyonce, showing “Themla & Louise” being reunited again; they both share a Twinkie, displaying the intimacy between them both- knowing that they’ll have each others backs no matter what situation may suffice.

They then end up committing their last big crime once they enter the Diner. A close up is used to show Beyonce pouring a poisonous solution into Tyrese’s coffee, stating the massacre is about to begin. We then see a montage of shots whilst GaGa is poisoning the food orders, indicating they both want to go out with a bang to make a final statement about their personas. We’re informed of Beyonce’s wittiness because she pulls a not too convinced surprised look once Tyrese collapses; enabling the audience to understand that everything they’re doing is for a purpose.

Once everyone is dead within the Diner, a long shot is used to show them both in their Wonder Woman attire, using this juxtaposition makes the audience aware that they’re not heroes but yet killers- so they’ve used this parody to enhance the situation that they’re in to make it a form a satire.

The video ends with the Pussy Wagon jetting off into the unknown, with both Lady GaGa and Beyonce making a promise that they’ll never come back; this is then finalised with a close up of their hands entwined together, showing the commitment they’ve made to one another, and knowing that they’re content within their decision.  

Overall this video displays a postmodern text which uses intertextuality, parody and satire to compliment an array of many videos, films and artist to pay tribute to their work. This video would appeal to an audience of teenagers because its current and it shows a sense of an edgy fashion which some may like. The story line is easy to understand, whilst all the action will keep an audience entertained and informed about the story they’re portraying.

Production Log

Today I completed two video analysis of Rihanna – We Found Love and Katy Perry ft Kanye West – E.T

Analysis of Katy Perry ft Kanye West – E.T.

This video was released on 16^th February 2011; this was off Katy Perry’s 3^rd studio album called “Teenage Dream”. Katy is signed to Capitol Records who are the subsidiary of EMI, which has recently been bought out by Universal, this video as directed by Floria Sigismondi. This song generates from the genre of Electronic Hip Hop and uses a Hybrid of concept based and a narrative based story line, creating the idea of falling in love with a foreigner and taking wide curiosity in something completely different.

In the beginning of this video a voice over is being played saying “where in the world is there someone for me?” whilst happening we see a pulling focus on a robot, subliminally indicating to the audience that this will be the person Katy’s falls in love with. Going into a long shot of a big spaceship within mid air, indicates that the concept is based around the idea of it being in space, showing the correlation with the title of the song. We then see a medium shot of Kanye doing his solo within the spaceship controlling the panels; this could be an invitation for the audience to join the experience he may want to take them on, this is through the dark mysterious background along with the flashing blue lights which could come across as being enticing. What an audience could suggest is that, he’s abducted her and is allowing her to have an outer body experience for her to seek for something she may like within that new world. 

We then see a medium shot of an alien, which could represent Katy within a different body, which symbolises a different persona she’s taken on board whilst being in a new world. A long shot is used of her floating in space and the background is much more colourful showing the connection between her and the other world, then an establishing shot is used to display a deserted area with her descending down to be kindled with her lover. The robot is then showed again, as she steps closer to it the centre of its chest lights up, which is symbolic for the love it has for her; a bird’s-eye-view is then used to show her touching its heart, this can be inferred that she’s giving it a little piece of her and that’s what brings the robot to life.  

Towards the end a close up is used to show their kiss, whilst this happens a beam of light engulfs their faces, finalising the point of which they’re now together and we finish of with an establishing shot of them holding hands, looking beyond the horizon at the new life they’ll share together. Around them the surroundings are much brighter than earlier in the video which signifies to the audience that they’re now content with one another. 

Overall I think this video portrays an abnormal love story, and the use of a different concept enables this video to be more creative and it helps to tie in with the genre. This video would appeal to an audience of teenagers, and people in their twenties because it’s something different but it’s able to get its message across without the video being too over powering for the consumer to understand.

Analysis of Rihanna - We Found Love

This video was released on the 22^nd September 2011 and was on her 6^th studio album called “Talk That Talk”. Rihanna is signed to Roc Nation, which is the subsidiary of Sony Music; this video was directed by Melina Matsoukas.This song generates from the genre of Dance-Pop and Electro House and has a narrative based story line, which could portray one of her own relationships with someone, or basing it on what a relationship could turn into within certain circumstances.

The video starts off with an array of several different camera angles, made up of close ups/ medium shots and establishing shots of them having fun and being intimate, creating a picture of their relationship being in a good place; we then go straight into a medium shot of Rihanna standing in front of a white wall with the image of thunder across her and wind blowing in her face which implies a sign of confusion or frustration because she’s moving from side to side and is not willing to show her face.

She then says “We found love…” and we have close up of a container, then the pills in someone’s hand, into their mouth and we end with a dilated pupil, showing the significance of the drug taking action- it also has the connation of them shrinking into their own world as a couple, showing the audience that their in the same place at the same time and they both feel happy. A straight cut is then followed with another close up of them kissing and the room spinning fast- an extreme close up is then used on a cigarette and it has the effect of multi-colours going across it, which symbolises the hallucination they’re under.

Another array of different angles is then shown of them in the supermarket, picking up alcohol and spraying it on each other, and then they’re outside spinning around in a trolley- portraying their everyday life style of getting drunk and being off their heads, reinforcing the concept of them finding love in their own hopeless place. A close up is used to show the significance of their life going to waste by displaying them spending their money on a slot machine, the effect of showing this will help the audience realise how secluded they are as a couple and how they lock themselves away from society only to dwell within each other, and the later effects are then shown of how the relationship is affecting both of them. A birds-eye-view angle is used of their car going round in circles in a dull location, signifying the idea of how their relationship works- them always ending up in square one whilst things haven’t been resolved. This links in with the next close up of the room once again spinning around but with Rihanna covering her ears whilst he’s shouting at her, showing the build up of her having enough and not being able to take anymore. Towards the end of the video we see a long shot of her vigorously packing some clothes into a bag and storming off, but then it ends with her sitting in a corner with her head in between her legs, showing that she’s the lonely one and it concludes the idea of her finally giving up within the relationship and taking time to find herself.  

Overall I think this video allows its audience to get the representation of living life but also being lost within love and not realising the bad side effects you may have with a partner. All together it displays an image of what some relationships could end like and advices people not to go down them same route and to be aware of what you can get yourself into.

Production Log

I completed two video analysis of Keri Hilson ft Kanye West & Ne-yo – Knock You Down and The Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up

Analysis of The Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up

This video was released on the 27^th of May 2008 and was on their second studio album called “Doll Domination”. This group is signed to Interscope Records, and the song generates from the genre of Electro pop/ R’n’B and was directed by Joseph Khan. This is a performance based video, and gives the representation of this being every girls dream of becoming famous, and being known world wide and making it into Hollywood.

The video starts off with an establishing shot of the group in a car waiting in traffic, displaying vibrant colours within the background and costume which enables it to entice their audience; this could also be a reflection of their personalities showing that they’re bubbly/ fun characters individually.  We then have a close up of Nicole (main singer) with sunglasses on which creates a barrier of protection between her and the audience from getting to know her, whilst everyone’s eyes are visible; this image is then replaced with a much more confident woman and it’s displayed through the choreography, allowing the audience to understand her better. It may suggest that they’re all ready for the whole world to realise who they are because in unison they say “when I was younger I would say When I grow up” symbolising the point at which they’ve stated they’ve made it to Hollywood. Whilst dancing on the cars, we see flashing lights in the background, which puts more emphasise of their importance and reiterating the idea of them being famous.

A close up is then shown of their feet walking on Hollywood Boulevard  signifying that they’re walking amongst with the greatest stars and they’ve made their mark in the industry. A low angle is then used whilst they’re standing on the bench signifying their high status and importance, then a light appears through Nicole’s legs to show correlation with the words she sings.  We then see a birds-eye-view of them climbing the construction site; this could suggest them making their way to the top, representing strong female groups who can still be prominent within the music industry and be successful. What an audience can get from this is to inform them that girl groups are still triumphant within the music industry and they still produce quality music for audiences to consume and enjoy.

Towards the end of the video Nicole is doing her solo and behind her, the groups name is in big bold red font with flashing lights which would catch the audience eye and making it more appealing for the audience. We then see her smash the screen, once again implying their break through back into the industry and showing girl power. We then finish with an establishing shot of them shooting a video whilst they’re dancing with flashy cars around them displaying to the audience the life style they’re living and can afford to live by working so hard by pursuing their career.

Overall I think this video allows its audience to see what its like to be determined in what you want to become within the future, and it will allow people to be inspired by what they’re talking about but relate it in a different context. The target audience will be aimed at young teenaged girls because they’re probably easier to connect to through music and they’ll be able to take something away from it. 

Analysis of Keri Hilson ft Kanye West & Neyo- Knock You Down

This video was released on the 7^th of April 2009 and this was off Keri Hilson’s debut studio album called “In a Perfect World”. Keri is signed to Universal Music Group, and was directed by Chris Robinson. This song generates from the Hip-Hop/ R’n’B genre and has a narrative based story line, putting across the message of being able to make the right decision when it comes to love and who’s right for you.

Throughout the video the representation being made is about the main artist trying to make her decision on who she loves more. This is showed through a range of close ups, medium shots and long shots. There’s a close up of Keri Hilson and Kanye West, him behind her showing the intimacy between them both, symbolising their happiness, that is then followed by a long shot of her facing away him with her back towards him, whilst he is falling back, this could represent her rejecting his love and then he crumbles into pieces signifying the end to their relationship.

It then goes into a straight cut of Neyo doing his solo part which suggests he’s the new man in her life; we then see a close up of both Keri and Neyo, with him behind her showing that she’s happy and content.

Soon after the screen is then spilt into two, whilst Kanye is doing his solo- on the other side we see an array of moving images which match his words, speaking of the good times he shared with Keri, but all these images are in black and white representing it being in the past, and at the end both sides are engulfed within grey smoke signifying all emotions coming to an end. 

We then move into a medium shot of all three artists, with Keri in the middle of both men, it suggests that she is indecisive of who she actually wants, this links back to the representation of being able to make your choice when it comes down to the person you love, she struggles with this and runs away, displaying that she may not be ready to commit to her reasonability. Both men are left staring at each other, whilst a close up is soon then followed of her portrait, reinforcing the idea of it all being down to her.  

The last moving image is another split screen of Keri with both men, one on each side, her holding their faces, it creates the idea of her being satisfied with them both, but we see an image of her falling onto a white bed, which could symbolise her finding comfort within herself rather than the men- showing maybe she didn’t want either of them. It could also symbolise her falling back into reality, because the same image is shown at the beginning, so it could represent her being within a dream.

Overall I think the cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing and representation portray the idea of Keri Hilson being indecisive about her choices. This video would appeal to an audience of all ages because, anyone will be able to relate to this song if they’ve been in a situation like this, and it enables the audience to understand all three artists’ points of view, because we get an insight into how they feel and it allows the audience to understand the song. 

Production Log

Today I completed two video analysis of Britney Spears - I Wanna Go and Ja Rule ft. R Kelly & Ashanti - Wonderful

Analysis of Ja Rule ft R Kelly & Ashanti – Wonderful

This video was released on the 28^th of September 2004; this was of his 6^th studio album called “R.U.L .E”. Ja Rule is signed to Def Jam Records who are the subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and this video was directed by Hype Williams. This song generates from the genre of RnB, and has a narrative based story line, the main message it is putting across to it’s audience from a males perspective is “would you still want me if I wasn’t rich” and its questioning the relationship which both males (Ja Rule and R Kelly) are going through, trying to find the right woman. 

In the video the artists are being represented as them living the “gangster lifestyle”, this is through showing close ups of them smoking cigars and them being in flashy tailor made suits.  It creates the appearance of them being rich and able to afford that type of lifestyle. 

Throughout the video we see two dominate colours being portrayed in different ways with the artists and the video girls; the white and black. White is showing the purity of the ones who are wearing it whereas the ones in Black are shown to have two sides to their personality; hence why both males go through more than one girl, showing the journey of them finding the right one.We then see a long shot of Ashanti in white, standing in front of the sea with the sun setting behind her; this portrays her as being “angelic” and how she might be the “perfect” woman they’re after. Using the close up of R Kelly smoking the cigar brings an invitation for the audience to get to know him but that’s then push aside due to the fact that he’s wearing glasses which shows that he’s a mysterious character, and the smoke also acts as a barrier because its foggy and doesn’t allow you to see his face. There’s also a series of establishing shots displaying how they’re living in paradise, this will have an effect on its audience because it will make them want to aspire to this way of living because it’s being portrayed as something beautiful and worth having. 

Within mise-en-scene there’s an establishing shot of Ja Rule standing in a white bedroom with him and the video girl both in black, this could symbolise him indulging in pleasures that may satisfy him. A fade is used and a establishing shot is followed of him coming down the stairs meeting another girl in black, this then shows that he wasn’t satisfied, and the search for “Mrs Right” still continues. This search is then put to an end once he has found his perfect match, by displaying a close up of him and another video girl lying on a Yacht, both dressed in white and sailing of into the sunset, it creates the picture the “perfect” lifestyle once again, but this time with his special girl. This then gives the message of patients is a virtue when it comes to finding the right one, and it creates the illusion of this being an everyday lifestyle that an audience can aspire to live like.

Overall the use of representation, cinematography and mise-en-scene helps portray a picture of a wealthy lifestyle, and it helps the audience to understand even if they were wealthy, they’d still want someone to share it with but it’s just about finding the right one. The different representations we come across enables audience to connect wit the artist and sympathise for them, but then they feel happy to know that one of them ended up with what they were searching for.  

Analysis of Britney Spears - I Wanna Go

Britney Spears - I Wanna Go

View more presentations from Anniie_Anna1.

Teacher Feedback

Annabel you have made very good start to the A2 research work - well done! Please keep up this good work throughout the course.

Production Log

Today I finished the analysis of the Rihanna, Ne-yo and King’s of Leon advertisement  

Analysis of King’s Of Leon Advertisement

The print advertisement for King’s Of Leon’s “Only By The Night” is likely been printed around September 2008 as this is when the album was released.

 The typography of the artist name and name of the album is very bold and will attract an audience because its one of the main conventions which stands out the most apart from the main image. Using this type of typography would appear to the ­­male crowd because it’s a masculine font and it’s sharp rather than curvy; having red on the release date enhances how important it is for consumers to go out and buy the album, it also provides visual stimulation as it’s the only vibrant colour on the add.  

With the main image the artist has chosen to make his face look grotesque by combining the features of an owl, this has correlation with the album title because owls are nocturnal creatures who like to hunt for prey at night which could suggest why the whole image has the green effect. Having the face disfigured suggests that he doesn’t want people to see what he’s truly like and the owl features can imply his other side to his music, trying to prey on the consumers to get a wider fan base;

the typography could also connect with the font that is displayed on a night vision camera. The colours used are quite dark and dull which implies that this band originates from the Rock genre, so this adheres to the stereotypical colours that you would usually associate with Rock.

Overall I think this advertisement would reach its audience and be successful because it’s something unique and it may attract more of a younger crowd because the obscurity of the main image, it subverts the ideology of a typical Rock band but the colours compliment the genre. 

Analysis of Ne-yo Advertisement

The print advertisement for Ne-yo’s “Libra Scale” is likely to be printed around October 2010 as this was when the album was released.

With the main image we se that the main artist is in a suit which makes him look sophisticated, the white connotes purity and elegance whilst the black connotes dominance. This look contrasts with where the background is set, it appears to look grim and dark, but the light behind the artist could connote him bring light into the darkness, the light representing his sound and the darkness being the music industry showing that he’s versatile artist. His posture implies confidence and that he maybe untouchable this is given off by his body language and facial expression. With the framing of this advertisement, they’ve placed him in front of the background and his name and success showing that he’s been able to make it into the music industry and people have noticed him and accepted his music “Grammy award winner”. 

With the background being dark it allows the typography to stand out more because the white works well on top of the black. The artists name is big, bold and sharp this enables it to stand out the most out of all the text, the title of the album is written in a italic font which compliments his style of dress, whereas his name ties in with the setting. Overall the contrast with the main image and typography compliment and correlates with each other because it shows the transition of rags to riches through his career.

This would appeal to a younger/middle aged audience because it showcases sophistication and the boasting of his success may draw people in to entice them to buy the product because they represent him in a good light. I think this may not be successful as it could be because an audience could argue that the appeal of the advertisement is slightly bland because it looks like the composition has been done many times previously with other artist, but then again some may prefer for it to be like this because its still appealing and gets it’s message across.

Analysis of Rihanna Advertisement

The print advertisement for Rihanna’s “Rated R” is likely to have been printed around November 2009 as this is when the album was released.

Having the effect of black and white subverts the idea of the genre this album generates from which are Pop and Dance Pop; this is a good idea because the consumer may get the impression that it may be filled with genres like Rock, R&B or Hip-Hop indicating from the heavy make up around her eyes, dark lipstick, and her wearing leather clothing and a lot of jewellery. The main image looks like its been torn from paper this goes with the look she has, showing the hard side to her personality - by her covering one side of her face makes it look like she has something to hide away from her audience but it could be that she shows it within the album.

 The typography works well with the aestheticism of the album, it’s bold and prominent. The “R” allocated in the top right corner could represent an arbitrary sign for her fans to recognise if they’re apart of that culture, so this is a good way to brand her and the album because people will notice it. The featured songs also correlate with the persona that is being perceived from the artist; the body language gives of the impression that she is “hard” and shows she may like to gamble within “Russian roulette”.  This advertisement may appeal to it’s audience because it shows the different side to her, compared to previous albums, this one shows her versatility as an artist and it displays her coming out of her comfort zone and shell.

Overall I think this a successful advertisement because the simplicity of it makes the add more interesting and appealing for an audience and it diverts the idea of the Pop genre and what it would look like with vibrant colours and interesting background settings. This would appeal to teenagers or older because they may like the look of the artist within the fashion sense and the type of genre the album is made up of.

Production Log

Today I finished the analysis of PJ Harvey and Earth, Wind & Fire album covers 

Analysis on Earth Wind, & Fire Album Cover

“Greatest Hits” was Earth, Wind & Fire’s 2^nd album of their collection of greatest hits, between 1973 – 1981; this album was released in November 1998. It was ranked number 12 and number 6 on Allmusic's list of the Top Funk and Smooth soul albums of all time respectively.

Looking at Earth Wind & Fire’s album cover, it uses a range of vibrant colours which complement the symbols and the name of the band. Using colours such as blue, red/orange, green and brown represents the earth’s natural four elements of water, earth, wind and fire which could connote the bond the artist have together, and how they’ve stuck to their roots within their music to keep it original for their audience. This may entice their consumers because it’s colourful and it works well with the band’s name. The main image represents the origin of Egyptian culture, by using symbols such as pyramids, this may interest their audience because it makes the album seem mysterious and it may intrigue them to want to know what inspired them as a group to be connected with that particular country. Also each symbol can represent a part of them and their personality.

With typography its bold upper case lettering which enables it to stand out from the cover, also by using white it allows the artists name and title to be more prominent and noticeable for the consumer.  The title gives of the impression that this group have been around for along time using words such as ‘Greatest’, symbolises experience within the music industry and it showcases their talent as a group. The genre that they derive from is American R&B and Soul, these genres might appeal to an older audience because they were alive when the music was released or recorded, so not many of the younger audience would prefer this kind of sound compared to the current sound of R&B or Pop.

This album would’ve been successful because all the elements link and work well together, there’s a good range of colours being used and the main image stands out the most which will catch the consumer’s eye; but whereas in some cases some people would not understand the meaning of this main image, and the symbols on this cover may not appeal to them. 

Analysis on PJ Harvey Album Cover

“Let England Shake” was PJ Harvey’s 8^th studio album after “White Chalk”, it was released in February 2011 and took the period of 2 and half years to write the entire album. It was named best album of the year in 2011 and won the Uncut Music Award in November 2011.

Analysing this albums front cover, it has a very simplistic look by only using black against white and it has the title within the middle. The effect of the splashed black paint filtering into little birds creates the illusion of a bird nest being shaken, representing England and the explosion being the music; indicating this album will be popular around England and many will hear about it. The explosion can also represent the growth within the artists and his music because it spreads far out, but the birds can symbolise the music being heard everywhere; also the birds flocking away has correlation with the word ‘shake’ being apart of the albums name.

The main image could also connote a picture of a black hole, by not giving any signs of what the album may contain and it gives off a mysterious look, or it can show the effect of loud music being played and the movement of how birds flee away when they’ve been irritated.

The title is what makes the album stand out more because the typography is bold and written in upper case lettering; also it looks like the birds are over taking the title which creates a nice effect because it gives the impression of the artist’s music taking over and getting a wider fan base.

This album doesn’t give away what type of genre it may be but the effect of the birds fleeing could suggest it generates from a loud genre such as Rock. This album may appeal to teenagers or people over the age of 25 because it looks enticing and there isn’t much on the album cover and that may appeal to them more rather than a lot going on.

This album would be successful because the simplicity of it makes it more intriguing and it would engage the consumer and get them to make their own opinion of the album. I think this album is branded well because you can’t tell it derives from the Alternative Rock genre and it has a subtle approach and the main image has many implications which an audience would like.

Production Blog

 Today I finished the analysis of the Gorillaz and Madonna’s album cover

Analysis on Gorillaz Album Cover

Looking at the Gorillaz album cover we see that they’ve gone for a clean background by using black, connoting dominance and gives a mysterious appeal to the album, the colour doesn’t give too much away but looks enticing. The main image of the four artists contrasts the purity of the white squares because it could represent mug shots, and it could compliment the different characteristics of each artist. By using the unique selling point of animated characters helps give them a better brand identity, it draws in a different audience because they don’t see the artist physically and the animated characters can symbolise their alter egos or the other side to there personalities which they like to display to their audience/ consumers. Also featured on the album cover is a tie – in which will help entice the consumer to listen to that specific track and it emphasises on how important or good it might be.

With the typography they’ve used sharp upper case lettering which enables it to be more prominent against the black and works well with it; the title of the album links with the main image; “Demon” correlates with the eyes of the characters, and the black once again showing the mysterious side of the album.

Using a Parental Advisory sticker enables an open market for younger audiences to indulge within profanity or sexual referencing, the effect of this shows that it works as a promotional device to get them to buy this product and to fit within society because, it’s seen as a new culture of the younger generation. Overall  I think the simplicity of the colours and main image could compliment their type of music but with the animated characters it shows the intriguing side to their music which their audience will like most.

Analysis on Madonna’s Album Cover

“The Confession Tour” was Madonna’s 7^th tour and 10^th album she recorded. This tour was released in May 2006 and successfully sold 194.7 million (US dollars) by putting on over 60shows.

Looking at Madonna’s album cover the first thing which stands out is her name, this could connote she’s fun and bubbly and it could show how the album will be up tempo and keep its audience in suspense. The effect of the glow on her name creates and illusion of her personality but then it contrasts with the main image and background because it’s more dark and mysterious and represents her other side. With the main image it has the static effect across her face which shows how she may keep it old school within her music but her name is bright and shows there are still some modern day aspects to the music she makes and it works well together. With the album title it seems more personalised because it appears to look hand written and it’s curvy; in comparison to the artist’s name which is in upper case lettering and it has a bold/ sharp font. This may come across more sentimental for the consumer and the title still has correlation with the artist’s name because it shows the neon effect behind the text.

Also with the main image it doesn’t give away too much to its audience which can be an advantage because all the clues could be within the artist’s name; the O could represent a disco ball which can suggest this album is filled with the genre of Disco or Pop and these specific genres would appeal to teenagers or older.

Using the Parental Advisory sticker would also appeal to a younger audience because they’re more likely to take interest within profanity and inappropriate views/ opinions; this shows the sign of being rebellious, and trying to fit in with society, this sticker also works as a promotional device.  

Over all I think this album cover would be successful because it works well and even though there’s a contrast between the artist’s name and main image, the colourful aspect will attract its audience and it not a common thing to see within the genre of Pop or Disco because usually the album cover would be colourful all over rather than on element.