Vince Reyes Evaluation

G324 Coursework Evaluation
Vince Reyes

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

Early Stages
Within the early stages of my project, I decided on producing a music video due to my
interest of producing a narrative relating to a relationship within a music video as I felt it
would be much easier due to only having to insert the song and not worry about any other
sounds unlike in a trailer.
Within my music video, I researched into different music videos that contain the narrative
of relationships/love within the video so that I gain more knowledge on how to develop my
own story as it is the main focus within my product. In addition to this I have also looked
into codes and conventions of a music video and of my R&B genre so that I gain more
understanding on how to produce a piece that is similar to a professional music video as
possible.
http://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/research-into-similar-products-codes_30.html
http://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/research-into-similar-products-codes.html
http://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/research-into-similar-products-music.html
I chose the genre of 'Contemporary R&B' as I felt I could produce an understandable
narrative within the video as the genre can link to topics such as love.

Music Video Influences
The main influence of my music video
production was from Bryson Tiller's
"Exchange" due to the narrative of the
video, showing an ex couple reminiscing
the times when they were together and
what went wrong. The overall atmosphere
and story that it brings to the viewer is
exactly what I wanted to achieve within my
own product.
This influenced the narrative of my own product as I wanted
my story to involve a broken relationship where the person
who caused this to break apart, to reminisce on what he had
when he was with his ex. The video used a photo album to
allow the girl look back at the memories the couple had. This
inspired me to use something similar to this, using a polaroid to
allow me to create a type of journey through the past as a
polaroid is a type of memory.

Music Video Development
My music video starts with a panning shot
through the room of the character. It shows
him stumbling upon a polaroid picture of
him and his ex whilst clearing his room. I
did this to start the mood of regret and
reminiscing the memories of the past. This
is also similar to the beginning of the
"Exchange" music video where the ex
girlfriend looks at a photo album which
starts the scene of memories.
In addition, I have also used multiple
camera shots and angles to express what is
occurring within the scene, instead of only
sticking to one shot throughout. This is
because this will be appealing as it gives a
sense of professionalism to the viewer
instead of boring them with only one shot.

I have also color graded my scenes
to create a more gloomy, sad
atmosphere within the clip, in
order to emphasise the idea of
regret. For example, I have lowered
the saturation and brightness of
the clip in order to gain this edit.
Some scenes are shown to be dull,
but other scenes are shown to be
more lighter and brighter to
express the happier scenes, where
the couple used to be together.
This is done to emphasise the
positivity that love may bring, but
also contrasting the mood during
the regret after a break up.

There are multiple angles/shots ranging from behind
the shoulder shot, long shot etc. It was difficult at the
time when choosing which shots to use during this time,
but through trial and error, I was able to overcome this
weakness.
In addition to this, I also included simple editing
techniques in order to emphasise the idea of regret
within the scene and to also make it more appealing
towards my target demographic. For example, I used a
slow-motion edit for a specific scene which matches the
sounds and voice of the actual song which sounds
dragged and allowed me to use this.
I also used another effect which was also in accordance
with the sound of what was in the actual song which
was a rewind sound, this allowed me to use a rewind
effect within the scene to go back to the time where
instead of regret, the main character was experiencing
happiness at the time.
http://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/drafting-
planning-rewind-effect.html

Another important effect that I used was the 'iMessage'
effect, where it showed text messages within a phone
that the main character was using. This is done in order
to show the conversation of the characters in an
interesting way rather than to just show the screen of
the phone. It also appeals to my target demographic as
people of this generation are mostly using mobile
phones
planning-imessage-effect.html
I have also used a 'Split Screen' effect, showing both of the
characters in one clip however, are shown in both
different locations. This is done to contrast both
character's personal feelings about how they feel in the
relationship. It also expresses the separation and how
slowly they are distancing each other.
planning-split-screen-effect.html

As the music video comes to an end, the
ending shows the main character going
back to his room (where he was in the
beginning) and realising his mistakes.
Multiple shots such as close ups and mid
shots are shown to emphasise this. He
then attempts to contact her, hoping she
could forgive him for what he has done.
This is accompanied through the use of
the 'iMessage' effect to further relate to
the target audience. The low-key lighting
and dark colours included within this
scene fits into the conventions of a slow
R&B music video as they normally relate
to a breakup of such.

Digipak Influence
I researched different digipaks to find ideas
of producing relation between my ancillary
products and music video. I wanted to bring
that aspect of remorse into my digipak and
so I realised that I needed dark colours
within my colour scheme in order to portray
this.
I looked at the original digipak of the artist
of the song I chose and saw that it was
exactly how I wanted to produce my
product. I then decided I wanted to produce
a piece similar to this but adding in my own
ideas during the production.
I was inspired by this piece front and back
design as the layout attracted me through
its ‘memories’ in each box that was put. It
allowed to think of many other ideas that I
could use with this. I also was attracted by
the dark house colours that was included
with this, expressing the artist’s isolation
and regret that he is trying to portray.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2018/0
2/research-into-similar-products-
digipak.html

Digipak Influence
I also looked into other examples of the inlay and tray within
the digipak but after researching multiple examples, I finally
concluded that I wanted to produce an inlay and tray with my
own idea and not through the inspiration of other digipaks.
For example, I was influenced to create an inlay which related
to the music video narrative of ‘breaking apart’ in a
relationship, thus, I followed a simple but effective design of a
polaroid being ripped in half. I then decided that I wanted to
go through a simplistic approach within my inlay and tray
rather than a complex cover.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/organisation-
inside-digipak-idea.html

Digipak Development (Front Cover)
From my inspiration from my chosen song’s artist digipak, I
used the layout and design similar to that of the digipak I
found. I have also added that relate to the music video so
that there is similarity and not contrast between this and
the music video.
I have also used the same layout of boxes which include
‘memories’ of what perhaps the artist had experienced.
However, at the time of the production, I was unsure of how
to fade an image within the page but had found the solution
after learning through a tutorial on YouTube. This allowed
me to create the idea of a memory slowly fading away due
to the image blending in with the dark background.
Overall, I am happy with the production of the design of my
front cover as it presents all what is in the music video into
one cover. Therefore, I feel that I have succeeded in my
creation as it has all the aspects in which a professional
digipak cover should look like.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/drafting-
planning-digipak-front-cover.html

Digipak Development (Interior)
Due to the influence of producing a simplistic
design instead of a complex one, I decided to find
aspects which would relate to my music video but
were simple and effective techniques. Therefore, I
concluded with using only black and white colours
within the interior to relate back to the front cover
and to also emphasise how broken and lost we are
when heartbroken.
For my inlay, I produced the ‘ripped polaroid’ idea
which I had initially thought of. I had also added
the rip and layered it in as if it was part of the
polaroid and also faded in the sides of the polaroid
image into the background so that it looked more
aesthetically pleasing.
planning-inside-digipak.html
For my tray, I decided on going through the
simplistic approach and kept with the polaroid
idea. I have also changed the background of the
page to a ‘space-like’ image to emphasise how
space holds such value like memories do. In
addition to this, I have also added a polaroid-type
image and the name of the album onto the CD.
planning-digipak-cd.html

Digipak Development (Back Cover)
My inspiration from my chosen song’s artist
digipak back cover led to the production of
a layout and design similar to what I had
research in my research into similar
products.
I have included the conventions of the back
cover, such as the barcode, song names,
side of digipak etc. The background was
originally a coloured image of the texture of
a granite rock but was but in black and
white in order to fit the colour scheme of
the overall digipak. I had also used the same
font for important areas of text such as the
song name and title so that it is consistent
in the digipak throughout.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2018/0
3/drafting-planning-digipack-back.html

Advertisement Influence
My initial idea for my music video advert was from
inspiration from several music adverts that I had
researched and found ideas on how to produce my
own music advert based on these.
This magazine advert interested me the most due to
its design, showing a specific object such as glasses
as the frontal image and the main image being put
in the back. This initially gave me an idea of
producing an umbrella instead of the glasses as the
frontal image and the background image of the
artist looking down onto the ground or skies to
express the regret that the artist has.
However, in the end, this research did inspire me to
create something that my initial idea had as I
resulted with using a polaroid type of image which
would relate back to my music video.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/research-
into-similar-products-music.html

Advertisement Development
From my advert inspirations, I did actually gain
understanding on ideas on how to create my music video.
From this, I used a polaroid type image, and added a photo
of my artist onto it to make it seem like he was actually put
on the polaroid. I also added the conventions of a music
video advert, such as the name of the artist, album name,
release date, record labels etc.
I had made it so that only the artist name is in a different
colour font than the rest of the text as it contrasts from the
rest of the text due to it being the artist name. The black
font at the bottom were put in black so that it would be
seen clearly due to the polaroid image being white, so if
the font was white then the viewer would not be able to
see the text clearly.

Representation
I decided that my protagonist would be a male, being the
only male member in the cast, whilst the other two
members were female (being the ex-girlfriend, and the
other girl the protagonist was with). My narrative focused
on the idea of love and separation, showing the regret
that a person may have after thinking back into the
relationship. However, this is mostly stereotypically
known for women to be heartbroken over a guy, and so I
wanted to move away from this stereotype and show the
other side, vice-versa, with the guy thinking deeply about
his past relationship.
The Contemporary R&B genre mostly has conventions of
showing women and money within their music videos.
Although my song is a Contemporary R&B song, the
actual song is quite slow and slow R&B songs usually
follow a narrative which relate to a sort of romance in the
video. Romance is also emphasised through the use of
editing, such as colour grading to dark colours, to evoke
emotion.
There are many different ideas within love and
relationships, however I wanted to produce a clear and
relatable story in which my audience can relate to. The
suffering that a person may go through due to a
relationship can hurt emotionally, and so I wanted my
viewer to be able to understand what is happening
through my artist ‘going on a journey through the past’.

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

Branding
Character Representation
I produced a clear similarity between my music video and
ancillary products, due to my images used are consistently
showing my protagonist with the expression of him being
full of remorse and regret. This is shown as he is avoiding
direct mode address within the main image in the digipak
front cover, showing that he cannot come face to face
with the mistakes that he had done.
The direct mode of address is also avoided within my
music video advert but is not put in black and white filter
and left in its natural lighting as the colour blue is
emphasised in this image. This is because the blue colour
connotes to sadness which is the main aspect of my
product.
I had decided to avoid using direct mode of address
throughout my ancillary products as it portrays a sense of
weakness and is effective for a narrative such as mine
which relates to regret.

Branding
Mise-en-scene
Mise-en-scene was an important aspect when producing a connection between my music video and ancillary
products.
Costume
My costume worn by my main character consisted mostly of dark
colours when isolated by himself or in arguments with his ex-
girlfriend to express sadness and separation. I believed that this
was effective in my music video as it emphasised on the sense of
regret. However, in some scenes where it portrayed happiness, I
wanted to emphasise this further through the use of lighter
clothing such as the colour white as it associates with joy and
contentment.
Colour Scheme
I also kept a consistent colour scheme throughout, using dark
colours in my digipak and music advert as it links to the narrative
being regret. Although it was a dark colour scheme, I had made
sure to make some areas of my digipak and music advert lighter to
highlight areas which may be important.
Props
Due to my narrative focusing on the idea of memories, I decided to
use a form of memory which would be effective within my video.
Thus, I had decided to use polaroids, as it linked well with the idea
of regret and thinking back to the past.
More on props:
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/organisation-
props.html

Applying Theory
Uses of Gratifications Theory
The uses of gratifications theory expresses that a member of the demographic uses media for their
own reasons, showing that they have a role in the way they receive media. Music videos may be
enable a individual to relate to what is occurring in the video and can find relation to their own
situation when watching a music video such as mine. Overall, I feel that my media product can be
used to relate to the audience, showing that the individual that is watching is not going through
situation such as this alone. I expressed the idea of regret, which is relatable to those who may have
experience a recent break-up/argument.
Reception Theory
The reception theory creates the idea that the demographic take the meaning from media products
in different ways, but through stereotypes and conventions of characters within the media product,
this can lead to an agreement of the same interpretation/result which is known as ‘preferred
reading’. In relation to my music video, I believe that my scenes such as the scene where it shows
argument the ex-girlfriend is making could show the audience the regret my main character feels
from the mistake he made.

Overall Branding
Overall, I believe that the branding of ‘regret’ within my
ancillary products is successful as I produced a similarity
throughout. This consistency would allow the audience
to identify the music video if they were to view my
ancillary products as there is a similarity in the colour
scheme, mise-en scene and representation of my main
protagonist.
In addition to this, all of my ancillary products meet the
conventions and are kept consistent throughout which
creates a sense of professionalism in which the
audience can see.

3. What have you
learned from your
audience feedback?

Audience Responses
During my creation of my music video and ancillary
products, I was given feedback from my target
audience, mostly being positive and some giving
improvements to my product. Being given feedback
have allowed me to be successful within my product.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/drafting
-planning-music-video-feedback.html
During the first stages of my music video, I had chosen
my song “In Check” by Bryson Tiller and pitched to a
group within my target demographic about the plot
which would fit the lyrics and tone of the overall song.
Thus, I had received feedback which were positive and
some being improvements on what I can include
within the video I would produce.
In addition to this, I also received feedback relating to
my first draft which enabled me to improve further on
my music video on areas which I had missed. For
example, I had learned that I had to match the
transitioning of scene to the beat of the song so that it
would be more appealing towards the viewer.

Music Video Feedback and Changes
After being given feedback for my
first draft of my music video, I was
told that simply everything was up
to standard as it is, however some
areas I had to improve on were to
adjust the editing so that it matches
the beat of the song. This was
because it had to be more
consistent so that it would appeal
more towards my viewer. I agree
with this feedback as I do believe
some parts were off within the
video.
Music Video Improvements:
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk
/2018/03/music-video-
improvements.html
I was also given feedback on some
transitions in which I could include
within my product in order to make it
more appealing and interesting. I was
suggested to use some slow-motion
effects and rewind effects in the areas
which seem suitable to put this in. I
agree with this feedback and had
proceeded to find suitable parts of
the video which I could add this
improvement in.
Rewind Effect:
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2
018/01/drafting-planning-rewind-
effect.html

Ancillary Products Feedback and Changes
From the feedback on my ancillary products, I found that
everything fit and related to my topic of regret and also my
music video. I kept a similar colour scheme throughout which
was effective within my design as it emphasised my topic and
genre of heartbreak.
The feedback assisted me as it showed me that my production
of ancillary products were up to standard and looked
professional and unique. It was highlighted that the consistent
dark colour scheme was the main positive of my digipak, as it
gives off ‘an emotional aura’ throughout.
However, I was given improvements was that I had forgotten
to include the side of the digipak and two conventions within
my Music Advert, which were the Record Label and URL and so
I began on working on these improvements. I had also
forgotten to add the name of my artist on to my music advert.
Feedback:
planning-ancillary-products.html
Improvements:
planning-side-of-digipak.html
planning-magazine-advert.html

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

Research and Planning
Blogger
Blogger was the main media technology which I used
throughout the production of my project. This was
essential within my development as it allowed me to
show evidence of my research and planning due to its
provided tool of embedding videos from YouTube
onto the blog. It also allowed me to locate previous
blog posts in which I had done before easily so that I
can refer back to it. For example, during the late
production of my music video, I had looked back on
the conventions of a contemporary R&B music video
to make sure that I had no missed any conventions.
In addition to this, my posts within blogger were set
in chronological order which allowed the action of
finding specific posts easier and quicker. Overall, this
was a simple media technology which was easily used
and learned throughout the development of my
media product.

Research and Planning
Editing Software
Before filming my media product, I had looked
into different video editing software’s in which I
could use during the post-production stage.
However, I decided to use the software Adobe
Premiere Pro due to its reputation as one of the
top editing programs. In addition to this, the
program allowed me to create different types of
transitions and effects which other programs
would not have allowed me to do so.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/or
ganisation-editing-software-choice.html
Movie Plus was a software which I used as part of a
preliminary editing task, where I had to re-edit a
short film through trimming, overlaying some clips
and give different types of transitions. This program
helped me develop my understanding during the
editing process of a video.
However, the program was very simple to use and
was although had the basic functions to edit, it was
not able to create effects or transitions in which I
had initially planned on doing.

Development of Music Video
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro contained complex editing
techniques and was suitable for the production of my
media product. Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional
program used by many editors and by using this
program, this would allow me to reach the standard of
a professional music video which I wanted to create.
Through Adobe Premiere Pro, it allowed me to learn
about different aspects within editing, such as colour
grading which was an important element within my
video. Without this, I would not have been able to
produce a slightly darker scene which would emphasise
the topic of regret. Overall, Adobe Premiere Pro
offered the essential tools needed for editing and also
allowed me to create effects/transitions which would
not be possible on any other program. I am pleased
with the production of my media product and I feel
that this program allowed me to create the best
product I could create in the end.
Nikon D7000
During the production of my media
product, I had decided to use a DSLR
called the Nikon D7000. This was
because the camera shoots video in
HD 1080P which would be I wanted as
I wanted my product to try to be in the
same caliber as music videos
nowadays.
https://vincereyesa2.blogspot.co.uk/2
017/09/organisation-camera-
choice.html

Development of Ancillaries
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop was used during the
post-production stage of my ancillary
products. This was a more advanced
software than the software that I had used
during AS level where I created a music
magazine. However, I already had
experience from creating my magazine
from AS level and so I had the basic skills of
producing a product and transferred these
skills within the more advanced software.
This allowed me to be more quicker within
the process of editing my ancillary products
so that I could meet deadlines.
I had used different tools such as the
‘gradient’ tool, filtering, layering etc. which
allowed me to create my digipak and music
advert more professional.

Target Audience Research
Social media was the most effective method of receiving
feedback from my target audience. This was due to my
target demographic fitting into mostly teenagers and young
20s who are individuals that are mostly exposed to social
media. Snapchat allowed me to receive feedback instantly as
it enabled me to send images and receive replies easily
about my product. Instagram also allowed me to send
questions and images of my product to individuals or even
groups in order to receive feedback.
Other methods of receiving feedback from my target
audience were Instant Messaging apps such as WhatsApp
and Facebook Messenger. Both of these Apps allowed me to
send images and receive feedback from my audience quickly.
Popularity of these Apps allowed me to contact many people
about my product to give me feedback.
Questionnaires were also a method of gaining
information, but this was less effective as social media
and instant messaging service were a more efficient
and faster way of gaining feedback.

Evaluation
For the production of my evaluation, I had decided on using Slideshare to
upload my evaluation and PowerPoint presentation to create it. This is
because Slideshare is a very simple software which allowed me to easily
upload my evaluation. I had used this software before in the past for other
presentations and so it would require less time for me to upload it.
Another method in which was suggested that I’d use was ‘Prezi’, however, it
was very complicated and time consuming and so I did not want to overly
complicate how I presented my work.
PowerPoint was a flexible software which allowed me to add features which
were easily accessed such as hyperlinks, images and videos. This software
also allowed me to easily find which slide I want to go to as they were put in
chronological order. Overall, PowerPoint and Slideshare were software's
which were essential for the production of my evaluation.

Vince Reyes Evaluation

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