Commentary for Evaluation

This is my commentary for my evaluation, here I have discussed audience feedback and my own personal views about my digi-pack. I created this by using a "sound recording" file on my computer (under Accessories/Entertainment in my Windows computer) and used a voice over recording microphone.

Evaluation Powerpoint

Evaluation of my A2 Media Studies Portfolio

View more presentations from Amachin.

My Four Main Evaluation Questions (Plan).

Though I have already started to cover my evaluation, I decided it would be valuable to go through and plan how I will accordingly answer each evaluation question.

The four main evaluation questions are as follows;

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop, or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

2. How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?

3. What have you learned from your audience feedback?

4. How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluative stages?

Question number 1 - I will cover this question in two different forms; firstly, through a blog post in which I will compare my music video to that of another one (thus showing how I have developed conventions of real media products) and also, for my digi-pack, in the form of a powerpoint presentation.

Question number 2 - Once again, I will cover this question in the form of interviews/video diaries and a powerpoint presentations.

Question number 3 - I will cover this question primarily through interviews I will film, but also in the form of a video diary, by which I will bring both these interviews and previous audience feedback together in a conclusion.

Question number 4 - This will be covered in a powerpoint presentation as I feel it is the most constructive way to demonstrate how I constructed my ancillary products.

Comparison of my Music Video with that of a professional one.

As part of my evaluation process, I have decided to compare the features and technicalities of my music video with that of a professional nature, but one in which holds the same sort of theme and genre as my music video. This question is in relation to number one of the key evaluation questions "In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?". However, I have linked this question specifically to my music video and I will discuss my other ancillary products (my music digi-pack) in another form.

The song I have decided to compare my music video to is the Arctic Monkeys - "Leave Before the Lights Come On"; I decided to choose this music video as it is a broken love story (much like my video storyline) that features only two characters, a man and a woman, thus exploring the usually not so perfect relationships between that of a man and a woman. The video is socio-realistic much like mine and the main connection is that of the genre of both songs/music videos - that being Indie music. As I will explain and as you may probably see, there are both key differences and comparisons between that of my music video and that of the Arctic Monkeys' one.
Here is the full video:

Here is the establishing shot of the Arctic Monkeys music video and my own and as you can see in the Arctic Monkeys video, this medium close up clearly does what it intends to - establishes the main character and scenery. In my music video establishing shot, this is similair to an extent as I start my music video with a close up of the cue cards my main character uses and thus, instead of establishing my character, I focus my attention on the cue cards and theme of the music video yet still bring my main character in. This is why my establishing shot is so very short - because I want it to be encompassed with the second shot as the establishing shot and thus, introduce both the theme and my main character. Both music videos are additionally similair as they clearly establish the main setting - outside. This is to create a socio-realistic feeling to the music videos, relating to the "grime" feel of Indie music and in turn, relate to a younger generation - the "street" generation. At a later date, my video then introduces itself through my editing in which I create a title. This is not apparent on the Arctic Monkeys video. Additionally, the biggest difference between both establishing shots is that the main character introduced in the Arctic Monkeys one is the object of the womans affections, whilst in my video, the main male desires the girl.

The representation of genders and relationships throughout both videos is key in their similarities and differences. As I have mentioned before, the desirer/desire-ee genders are different in both videos with the man desiring the woman in my video, and the woman wanting the man in the Arctic Monkeys video. The key difference in representation between both videos is the amount of seperation between the genders. In my video, I purposely made it so that there was absolutely no shot in which my characters were in together. This was to create a sense of being apart by the characters, which would ultimately emphasise the longing in which the male character feels. This is key in which I use a shot reverse shot editing technique whilst my male stands at the object ofhis affections' door. This is different initially to the Arctic Monkeys video in which the characters do interact together and are in the same shots, though towards the end this decreases more and more so when the female protagonist starts to become obsessive towards that of the male.

The individual characters are also represented with both differences and similarities. The female character in both my video and Arctic Monkeys' one is initially presented with a close up of their face in order to create a more personal feeling to their prescence. However, despite this similarity the way they are presented are different. For example, the facial expressions of my female protagonist are smiling, and I used this to link her with the fun feel of the music video. This is reflected in the Arctic Monkeys video by which the female antagonist's first initial facial expression is of melancholy, thus giving insight to the mood of their music video.



Aswell as this, my male protagonist is ultimately presented in a humourous way, whilst the male protagonist in that of the Arctic Monkeys music video is presented with a more serious tone. This is seen by both my mise-en-scene in which humourous props are used around my male character (such as the big signs) to create a comical effects, where as the lead male protagonist in the Arctic Monkeys video has nothing on him, focusing the attention more on him and his acting. Upon this, both my male and female wear more colourful and happier clothing to fit the jovial theme of my music video. This is contrasted against that of the Arctic Monkeys video in which both the male and female where clothes with shades of blue and grey, promoting melancholy.

One key difference between that of this Indie music video and my own is that I have used the repeated use of "canted angle" (camera technique) in order to create a sense something isn't quite right, allowing my audience to link this uncertainty to the stability of the relationship between both my protagonists. My female protagonist is at a canted angle on most occasions and at a later date, so is my male protagonist.

To conclude therefore, from looking at both my music video and that of the Arctic Monkeys one, it is clear that there are key elements of both music videos which are the same, namely the representation of the failure of relationships and with this, the presentation of British Youth as a side theme. However, I feel the Arctic Monkeys video pulls this off with far more precision that mine as it connects the male and female lead together, whilst mine purposely keeps both protagonists seperate to make obvious the distance of their relationship. However, in hindsight and from analysing the Arctic Monkeys video, I could have created far more intimacy amongst the characters to establish more of a romantic relationship and thus, a romantic element to my music video despite the comedic intentions present. My music video therefore does indeed both challenge and use conventions of typical music videos of the theme Indie music as it uses certain camera angles and

Final Video :)

This is my finalised Music Video! As you can see, it has been updated substantially from the draft and I will discuss all of this and the technicalities in my evaluation at a later date! I hope you enjoy!

Classification of my Music Video.

I have decided to classify my music video as I feel it is important to set boundaries that stop those of a younger age from watching material unsuitable. In britain, these guidelines are set by the BBFC (The British Board of Film Classification) and here is a print screen of the classifications below as seen on the institutions website; http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Luckily for me, after reviewing both my video and the BBFC's classification guidelines, it appears to me as if my music video could be rated as a U - that being because it contain's no unsuitable material and whilst young children may not understand it, it contains no innapropriate material.

Outtakes!

I thought it would be both fun and educational if I posed my cut scenes and "outtakes" of my shots to give my audience a decent laugh and to also show them the different scenes and progression within my video. Some of the scenes may be a bit random; for instance, me and my first actor Jamie were disrupted by a cat that kept following us, and at one point I messed up on the camera angles.

Still, I hope this gives you a laugh.. enjoy!

Video Draft!

This is the draft to my music video. There are still a few improvements to me made, but this will give you an indicator of how the music video will turn out and what i'm trying to create video wise. Hopefully, you will be able to see the music genre's prescence creep out and well as the pertaining to the target audience. There are a couple of factors I have tried to create yet haven't been able to so efficiently, or feel my audience will not recongise them; I will discuss these in my evaluation at a later date.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Font Permission.

This is a print screen of the permission that was sent to me by the creator of my "Ghetto Marquee" font, Kris Shelton via http://www.dafont.com/

Kris says he will allow me permission if it is not for a commercial use and he would be glad to seethe end results.

Video Feedback.

Here is some video feedback off students in my school regarding my Media Digi-Pack. One student, Megan Marlow, is a non Media Studies student whilst the other, Sarah Hall, is a Media Studies student in my class. I filmed these feedbacks using the webcam on IMovie on an Apple Macintosh computer - the same way I filmed my video diary. Whilst the video's may be short, (remembering that my participants were nervous and not very experienced in speaking without a script on camera), they contain, what I feel to be, insight into where my Digi-Pack is at. As I mentioned before, my participants were unscripted and were told to view my Digi-Pack before making their comments.

CD Back Cover Feedback.

I have decided to post some feedback about the back of my CD cover from a range of students (Both Media Studies students and non for a wider range). Here is their feedback;

Media Students:

Chris: I think the technicalities at the bottom of the CD page are effective in making it look professional. The colour scheme compliments the photo as it is all black and white.

Lance: I like this back cover as it appeals to both men and women with the colour scheme and the red love heart. Additionally, the red love heart makes it stand out and seem more interesting.

Ashleigh: I like the simplicity of this back cover as I personally feel back covers don't need too much else they crowd out the track list. It seems to contemplate the entire of the digi pack.

Amy: I enjoy this back cover as it gives out lots of information that is vital for a CD cover. The colour scheme has been well executed and fits the "Indie" genre well.

Non Media Students:

Jodie: The love hearts are really appealing and well structured on the back of the CD cover. To improve, I would say make the primary background colour slightly darker or lighter as grey seems too dull.

Sally: The love hearts give the digi-Pack a sense of fun romance and this appeals to me on a personal level. The simplicity of it makes it effective but I fear it could be too boring.

Leanne: I think this looks very professional looking and it looks like a lot of hard work has gone into this. To improve, I would say to make the information at the bottom of the CD cover smaller so it doesn't drown out anything else.

Cate: The lack of colour mixed with red is highly appealing and works very well. I like the font and how it has been used throughout the entire Digi-pack. This Digi-pack seems to appeal to both boys and girls of a mixed range of ages.

My Digi Pack - CD Back.

This is the newly finished piece of the back cover of my CD (as part of my Digi-pack). As one can see, the sizes have changed improving its effect drastically.

I will post feedback at a later date.

My Digi Pack - CD Back (Draft!)

This is the draft to the back cover of my CD as part of my digi-pack. As you can see, the sizes are yet to be reconfigured and I will make some according changes to my final piece. Still, this will give you an impression of how it will turn out.

CD Front Cover Feedback.

This is some of the feedback I have been given regarding my newly created CD Front Cover. Unlike my poster, I have chosen a variety of people to comment on my CD Front cover, as my feelings have changed regarding people's insight into the workings of Media. I will split my feedback into non-Media Students and Media Students to show an overall, general view.

Media Students:

Rebecca: I really enjoy this CD cover and it links well with the poster. It seems much improved from the draft and I like the colour scheme, it makes an impact and stands out from average CD covers.

Jack: Like the poster, I enjoy the font and the way in which the words have been structured onto the CD cover. I feel this gives a random and unique feel to it.

Amy: Though this cover is very well created, it has silly mistakes within it. For example, the "A Guide To Love" seems to overshadow the love heart and looks unprofessional and disconnected from the rest of the poster. However, it's individual and well thought out.

Rachel: I enjoy the photographic element to this poster, feeling it creates a bigger feel of realism and it really compliments the "Indie" feel to this poster. This poster is different and seems a little fun!

Non Media Studies Students:

Megan: As a fan on Indie music, I enjoy this poster as I feel it pertains well to the "Indie" theme. The photograph is really professional looking yet I can't understand the relevance of the main character being on the London Underground.

Charlotte: The black and white background against the colour of the character and love heart creates an effective impact. I like the "grimy" feel to the font which is softened by the love heart, making it neutral yet effective.

Ben: Indie music is a favourite of mine and I really enjoy how this CD front cover compliments it. The black and white drowns out the background and allows the main character to leave a lasting impression on the audience of this CD Front cover. It seems to work well with the target audience of Indie music.

Lisa: I'm not a fan of Indie music, but I think this CD Front cover works well with the Indie genre. The love heart appeals to me as a female and I can definitely see the romantic aspect of the CD and in turn, probably the music.

My Digi Pack - CD Front Cover!

This is my finished front CD cover. The sizes have been changed significantly and each detail has been resized accordingly. Hope you enjoy! I will post me feedback later.

My Digi Pack - CD Front Draft

This is my CD front draft. As you can see, I haven't yet reconfigured the sizes to suit that of a CD, yet the theme still remains as to that on the poster to create uniformity and a recurring theme throughout my digi-pack.

Poster Feedback.

Here's some of the feedback I recieved regarding my newly created poster, those that I have asked are from my media class with this being the intent that I believe they will have a deeper insight into the works of Media than non Media Studies students;

Amy: I really like the colour scheme. The black and white set against a singular colour really bring out the emotions that are trying to be conveyed in this media project. Some little mistakes have been made such as some of the letters are cut short, though this seems easily eradicated.



Sarah: The font really appeals to me - though i've said this before - and I think it compliments the indie theme of the music video and song well. The love heart appeals to the female audience and makes the poster more appealing on the whole.




Ashleigh: I like how the original album title has been kept in order to create realism, and in that sense, it makes it quite professional. The black and white background works well with the red love heart but I think that might drown the character and his colouring a little.




Jack: There is something quirky I really like about this poster, though I can't point my finger to it. The font really appeals to me and makes it look slightly masculine, whilst the love heart adds a touch of romanticism.




Carla: Though the photo is professional looking and well shot, I cannot help but feel the person to whom is face up close drowns everything else out. However, the poster is certainly unique and compliments the Indie theme quite well. It does The Wombats and their music justice.




Lance: The photo is well shot and it looks extremely professional to have colour amongst black and white - a clever and unique colour scheme. Overall, this poster seems likeable and professional.

My Digi Pack - Poster!

This is the completed poster as part of my musical digi-pack. As you can see, I have made quite a few changes from the draft/"improvement needed" one, including creating a love heart for the comical romantic effect, and a border. However, my main element (the colour with black and white scheme) has stayed the same as it is detrimental to the theme of this poster. I will discuss this further in my evaluation!

My Digi Pack - Poster draft!

This is the draft for my poster that is part of my digi-pack. It is not finished yet and I will post the finished one when it is completed. Hope you enjoy!

Album Track List.

To promote realism, I have decided to post the track list that will accompany my digi-pick in terms of my album cover. This track list is the real track list from The Wombats' album; "The Wombats proudly present:A Guide To Love, Loss and Desperation" (their first album). I retrieved the album listing from my own CD at home, but the track listing can be found anywhere easily on websites such as Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wombats_Proudly_Present:_A_Guide_to_Love,_Loss_%26_Desperation#Track_listing

Track listing:
1.
"Tales of Girls, Boys & Marsupials"
1:10
2.
"Kill the Director"
2:42
3.
"Moving To New York"
3:31
4.
"Lost in the Post"
3:06
5.
"Party in a Forest (Where's Laura?)"
3:27
6.
"School Uniforms"
3:14
7.
"Here Comes the Anxiety"
2:31
8.
"Lets Dance To Joy Dvision"
3:11
9.
"Backfire At The Disco"
3:13
10.
"Little Miss Pipedream"
4:12
11.
"Dr. Suzanne Mattox PhD"
3:33
12.
"Patricia the Stripper"
4:01
13.
"My First Wedding" (hidden track - Tales of Girls, Boys and Marsupials piano instrumentation version)
6:38

As you can see, my chosen song; "Kill The Director" is second in the album, and from my knowledge of music albums, generally means it is one of the more popular ones. Using this, I know I will have to maintain a high level of standards.

Real Problems!

Hello,
I'm just writing a quick message to talk about a few problems i've come up with in my Media coursework, and to profusely apologize.
The filming is done. That is to say, all filming has been completed. My only problem is to do with technology. For the past week or so I have been suffering technical problems in terms of editing my film and this has caused a lot of stress. The editing itself is a tricky process for me (something I discuss in my evaluation) and i've spent so much time trying to fix my laptop and the software at school for this editing it's taking a lot of time.
I'm trying to reconcile these problems, and it should all get started again shortly!
My sincerest apologies.