1. 1 In what ways does your media
product use, develop or challenge forms
and conventions of real media products
By Ryan Gurney
2. Representation
I used these two shots in my film, at a nearby pond while it was raining to represent the mood of my artist to the
audience which is that he was depressed. It is conventional in a pop video to use the narrative very literally. The
dreary colours, rain and body language of my artist to represent him as un happy, depressed and downcast. In some
ways this is unconventional on pop music is an upbeat genre another artist who used similar representation
techniques is Ed Sheran’s with his song “A team” this protagonist is represented in a similar manner and the video is
shot in black and white to add to this. My artist is shown wearing blue. Blue is often used to represent depression and
sadness. My artist is also not wearing any designer labels, whilst this is unconventional for a pop genre music video, I
chose to do this deliberately as designer labels represent wealth which would not fit with the genre.
3. Setting and location
• Through out my music video I have used every day locations. I have also chosen the locations to match the
places mentioned within the lyrics and narrative for example a bank and job centre . I used the shot of the
bank to link to the bank to show the artist downward spiral as he doesn't have any money. It is conventional
to portray artist doing various things in pop music videos and move from different locations. There is often a
lot of movement in fast paced songs. Such as in Mark ronson’s “uptown funk” moving from various locations
is an easy way to hold the audiences engagement and interest.
4. • I used the shot of my artist sitting in a field to show where may artist may sit down as he doesn't
have any money which links in with my narrative. This area is uncared for , it’s forgotten abut and
this is how my artist feels throughout the song.
5. • I used both these shots to link to the narrative which helps to tell the story to show where my artist may
have to turn for help and go to get money as he doesn't have any. Having my artist visit his brother and
father in locations that contrast with the bench in the rain and the deserted hill because they are well cared
for homes exaggerates the contrast between the characters and the protagonist.
6. Costumes and props
• Costumes and props are vital in adding to the scenes and creating significance of certain points in the
narrative. For all the scenes involving my artist he is wearing different clothes as they were all shot on
different day but I made sure on the day I would wear blue to represent the depression of my artist. For all
the scenes showing my protagonist he is wearing different clothes. however they are always similar and blue
in colour it is conventional for pop artist to be fashionable and age appropriate however they are
understated because the narrative repeats his lack of money. I also used money and kids shoes for the
narrative of the music video which linked in with the lyrics of the song. I also showed money in a number of
shots to emphasise the point that my artist doesn't have any money.
7. Camera work and editing
I used a medium shot to show as much of my body and the bench to show where my artist had to sit as he
doesn’t have any money. I used a medium shot into a close up to focus on the shoes which was part of the
narrative of the song. I chose my artist to stand against a white wall to ensure the audience focuses on the
artist and the shoes to emphasise Their importance to the narrative..
8. • I used a crane shot to show all the money I did this so that I was able to link back to my artist not having any
money. I also used a long shot to show my artist walking off into the distances to make the audiences ask
question about what will happen to my artist. It is convention in the pop genre to have mixed types of shots
like this, such as Jamie Lawson’s music video “wasn’t expecting that” which has long, medium and crane
shots through out. In my music videos these have added to the audiences enjoyment and engagement with
the narrative.
9. Performance
• I chose for my music video to be performance based, my artist is shown lip-syncing throughout. This is
conventional of the genre as pop artist are featured heavily in their own music video. this can be seen in
Adele's music video “someone like you” she is the main focus out. Beyoncé's videos she is shown to dance
throughout the video. There are also some conceptual clips mixed in with my performance, this is done to
strengthen the message of the narrative
10. narrative
• There is a strong narrative throughout my song choice. It is the story of a mans struggle to find money to
look after himself and his family. Like in Jamie Lawson's “wasn’t excepting that” I have followed the narrative
by using props that are mentioned in the lyrics and locations to help tell the story. It is conventional that pop
artist videos have strong narratives. However I have challenged normal conventions of this genre by not
having a resolution to the problem and ending with my artist unhappy.
11. • The genre of my music video is pop. The artists are usually
fashionable, happy and enjoying life. My music video challenges this
as my narrative is quite depressing
12. How are my characters introduced
• There are 3 characters in my music video. My artist, his brother and his father. They are introduced slowly
and in time with the lyrics of the film. My main character is in the first shot before the lyrics begin he is
shown as sad and depressed this set the theme for the music video. There are many pop music videos with
similar themes where the artist is shown before the music/ lyrics start that set the tone of the narrative. For
example in Sam smith’s “writing on the wall”. However for the pop genre it is mostly conventional to have
the artist happy and singing before their introduced. I showed the brother opening a door to represent that
the brother has more money than the artist as he is able to live in a house. I showed the father coming down
the stairs to represent that he is having to come down to the same level as the artist. He was at the top of
the stairs at the beginning of the shot to show he is at a higher status in regards to money than are artist.
13. Editing effects
• I have cut between scenes throughout my music video. I use
conceptual clips and then cut back to performance. This is very typical
of a pop music.
