Media Coursework

Music Video: An introduction Our next topic is Music Video - with two brilliant Close-Study Products. Music video is a targeted CSP which means we need to focus on  media language  and  representation . The CSPs are Common's  Letter to the Free  and Michael Jackson's classic  Billie Jean  so we'll also be looking at the representation of race and ethnicity and incorporating post-colonial theory. An introduction to Music Video Music videos typically feature  movement  – often fast paced either in terms of actors, camerawork or editing. Many contain a  performance element  or  narrative . Music videos can also feature  visual effects  and  intertextuality . Music videos were originally designed as a  promotional device  to sell the band or artist’s music but have developed over time to become a recognised artform or product in their own right. Modern music videos no longer have the huge budgets of ...

Simulacra-  Imitation that seems more real than the things it's imitating. Meta-narrative- A  totalising cultural narrative, that organises thought and experiences  into a a grand 'story' that makes sense of our lives.  bell hooks believes that traditionally  masculine attitudes and behaviours aren't natural but rather constructed by a patriarchal society.  Van Zoonen believes that in a  patriarchal society women bodies are sexualised and vulnerable whilst men's bodies are sexualised through power and strength.  Butler believes that gender is a performance:  a repeated system of behaviours and costumes  that are used so many times they may become seen as 'natural'  Barthes believes that  signs we assume and denotations are actually 'dominant connotations' that hide ideologies.  Constructing and performing gender:  "gender becomes a set of connotations that have become naturalized." Gender roles are constructed, men an...

Music Video: Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Our second Music Video CSP is Michael Jackson -  Billie Jean . This was a hugely influential media product that helped set the conventions for future music videos - and persuaded Michael Jackson's record company to throw million-dollar budgets at future productions. Notes from the lesson Goodwin’s music video theory Andrew Goodwin’s theory of music videos states that music videos contain some or all of the following elements: A link between the visuals & lyrics (compliment, contradict or amplify) Genre characteristics (heavy metal in industrialised settings; rap music in urban street contexts etc.) Contain intertextual references (references to popular culture) Contain notions of looking (e.g. screens within screens) Include objectification of females (e.g. male gaze) Include demands of the record label (close ups of lead singer, symbols or motifs associated with the band / performer etc.) Video will be performance...

Radio: Introduction to radio Staying with broadcast media, our next topic is radio. We have two CSPs to study and also need to consider the place for radio in a digital media landscape. Radio CSPS War of the Worlds  – Columbia Broadcasting Company (1938) Life Hacks  – BBC Radio 1 (2017-) These are targeted CSPs and need to be studied with reference to two elements of the  Theoretical Framework ( Audiences  and  Industries ) and all relevant contexts.  Example exam questions Briefly define public service broadcasting (PSB) [2 marks] To what extent is War of the Worlds a historically significant media product? [20 marks] Identify two strategies or techniques used by Radio 1 to attract a youth audience. Explain the reason for each. [4 marks] Explain how regulatory contexts shape the output of media industries. You should refer to your radio Close Study Product,  Life Hacks . [9 marks] Key question: Is radio still...