Unit G324 Advanced Portfolio in MediaAlex Holden

For this project myself and my project partner Taran worked to create a music promotion package, including music video, CD album cover and advertisement for the band in a music magazine. The band that we used for this project was the musical project of myself and my twin brother Joe – Speak Of The Devil. Originally we were to use one of our own tracks for the music video, but unfortunately, due to time restrictions using the recording studio, we were unable to produce a track in time. Instead, we contacted my cousin’s band, The King Cheetah in Los Angeles and they gave us permission to use their track ‘Squaddie Meat’.This track was ideal as it did not compromise the original genre of music that the products were to be based on.

Introduction

The music video:After researching music videos of a similar genre to ours through looking at the videos of bands such as •Billy Talent, •Green Day •Enter ShikariWe aimed to make our video to target a similar audience- the video had to have an emphasis on the musicians of the band performing, as well as a slightly random narrative to accompany it, involving scenery to match the genre, i.e. Derelict or run-down buildings with graffiti running along the walls.

The outcomeIn the end we ended up with a video that had an emphasis on the band performing the track in the studio, as well as a narrative in which the main members of the band are seen wandering a derelict building – the abandoned power station in Huncoat.

Comparison to professional music videos

I have compared our music video to a video of the band Billy Talent, who are of a similar genre and put across similar ideas in their music, such as repulsion at current society and the will to be free and do as we please.

In this video the theme is of youth revolt against war and modern society. It shows teens of a varying age running through dusty American streets, gathering followers along the way, and wrapping objects in red sheets. This suits the theme of the song, as the title as the song is called ‘Red Flag’. Shots from Billy

Talent’s Red Flag

Comparison to professional music videos continued:Location

Our video is similar to that of Billy Talent’s in that both videos use colour grading to create an effect - ours uses black and white to give and emphasise the time being in the past, and Billy Talent’s video uses colour grading to create an aged and dusty effect to match the theme of youth revolt and rebellion.

We chose to set one part of our video in a derelict, decaying building, to suit the punk theme of run-down areas, which emphasises the roughness and battered lifestyle that is often portraying in these types of videos.Similarities to Billy Talent’s Red Flag video:• Dusty, run-down location• Members of the band involved in the location• Theme set of desolation and desire to escape

How does our product challenge the conventions of real media products?

• Unlike mainstream videos, our video is shot in a small room, not on an expensive location with lots of effects. This shows truthfully the impression of a band making its way on its own without financial support and the support of companies. This gritty realism, showing what most bands truly have to make do with – i.e. a cramped and often untidy practice space and battered equipment. • This challenges the convention of groups having lots of moving and complex camera shots, costumes and expensive sets.

Audience feedback on video

The audience feedback we received was generally quite positive, even though most of the audience did not particularly enjoy the style of music.

Audience feedback charts to go here

Ancillary tasks comparison

Ancillary tasks and comparisons to go here. (Yet to be transferred to my computer.)

Draft logo

Audience feedback on ancillary tasks

Audience feedback and charts/graphs to go here

Use of media technologies

For filming our task we had to learn to use and apply different technologies effectively, including:• Apple Final Cut Express • Standard tape film camera• Adobe Photoshop• Adobe InDesign