a2 media studies advanced portfolio evaluation
TRANSCRIPT
A2 Media Studies Advanced Portfolio Evaluation
Matthew Winfield
In what ways does your media project use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
When researching music videos of bands in a similar genre
(metal/hardcore/punk) I found that all the videos were majority
live footage of the band, whether on stage at a concert or
specially filmed live footage. This follows Goodwins Music Video Analysis; the first rule states that the music video
demonstrates genre characteristics. Therefore I decided to stick to these conventions of using live
footage of a band in my video. However I did not stick to to this
convention 100% as i used a storyline in my video as well as
live footage
Goodwins second rule is that there is a relationship
between the lyrics and the visuals. I found that in similar
bands music videos the footage was mainly live,
occasionally with a storyline, and the link between lyrics and visuals was physically seeing the vocalist sing the lyrics and the other band
members play their instruments. Therefore I
decided to link the lyrics and visuals through this. I also
took this approach in Goodwins third rule; that there
is a link between the music and the visuals as the video
shows the individuals playing the music.
In my video I followed Goodwins theory of fulfilling the demands of the record label by using close ups on the individual. This is used to make the
these individuals recognisable and sell their image. I looked at other bands videos and saw
this is used regularly.
However in this genre long/medium shots are also used to show the bands image as whole, not just on certain members. Therefore I shot my video
with a variety of shots on the individual.
Goodwins final theory is that there is
intertextual reference in media products. I
feel this rule has been used as my CD
covers, poster and video have very strong links and similarities. My
poster has an image of the C.D cover on, and all the products
use live images/footage of the band playing.
This is stereotypical for the genre.
How effective is the combination of your main products and ancillary texts?
I feel all my projects should have intertextuality, so they are more recognisable to the consumer.
They should also have a strong link to the conventions of this genre of music to attract the
right consumers.
From my analysis of current products I came to the conclusion that the stereotypical video and
ancillary products in this genre include mainly live footage/pictures of the bands. However I
challenged the convention of 100% live footage.
I used intertextuality in my digi-pack and video. I
used live pictures/footage in all
my products as this is a stereotypical technique
used in the genre to attract consumers in this
music scene. My cd cover is used on my poster so that if the consumer sees the
poster and goes to buy the product then the
cover is easily recognisable.
What have you learned from your audience feedback?
I felt it was important to use audience feedback, as this research shows you what the consumer wants and likes.
If the products (video, cd, poster etc) do not meet these wants and likes there is a chance the consumer will not like/buy the product.
Therefore I feel audience feedback is important in making products that are successful.
Throughout my project when creating my products I have asked members of my class for opinions on my products and to choose a
best product out of a range of designs.
For example I created my front cover logo and put a live
image in the background of it. I then asked for feedback and Sam Nellist said “try removing
the image and have just a black background”. I then
asked Kris Siddall for feedback and he suggested to
“invert the image so the background in white and the text is black”. After feedback
on these 3 products I concluded that the logo on the
black background was the best product. Throughout my
project I have done this; evaluated peoples comments and made necessary changes
to my products.
How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning
and evaluating stages?At the beginning of my project I used the internet to research into products similar to my bands. I used sites like YouTube for videos,
Google for C.D cover images and posters, Wikipedia for information, programs like Adobe Fireworks to create spider diagrams of my
idea’s, Slideshare to create PowerPoint’s including my research to upload onto Blogger, and Blogger itself to host my work.
As I started to create mock up products I used Adobe Fireworks to edit photo’s and create
designs for my C.D and poster. When filming I used a digital camera to film my video then
Pinnacle to extract the video from the camera and edit the footage. When evaluating I Used Microsoft Word to type up my evaluation and then put this into Microsoft PowerPoint with
images.