Existing Products Within The Same Genre

The XX crystalised is classed as Indie Rock, so we have done some research into similar products and looked at the typical conventions which we would need to include into our music video.

Similar Bands: 


Two Door Cinema Club


Artic Monkeys


Kasabian


These are popular mainstream Indie bands.

Through researching similar products i have developed an understanding and idea of the typical conventions that are used in Indie music videos. They tend to feature the band or artist playing their instruments, there are normally two or three locations used which are typically in an abandoned area e.g. a warehouse and another widely used location is on a stage often accompanied with bright white stage lights. Indie bands tent to have four or five band members which are predominantly male.

 

This is the typical style for a male or female member in an Indie band. 

  

AS - Essay Question

Describe the ways in which your production work was informed by research into real media texts and how your ability to use such research for production developed over time.

We chose to do a two minute opening to a horror film, so firstly we decided to analyse popular mainstream horror films, from this we were able to take the horror film conventions and apply it to our film, we then had a discussion about the films and we felt we would not be able to achieve something of this level so we then decided to analyse low budget films such as the Blair Witch Project, we felt this would be more realistic for us to achieve. After analysing a wide variety of horror films we had a list of typical conventions for a horror which we would incorporate into our film.

At the beginning of the process we didn't really know what we were looking for, we would just have some basic ideas here and there, but as we moved further through we gained more skills and knowledge to be able to go into more detail of analysis when researching these different texts. 

Re-Evaluating My AS Media Blog

In looking back through my AS media blog I have noticed many errors, firstly I didn't do enough research and planning. Research and planning is essential to having a successful media blog as you discover the typical conventions that are needed to making a good final piece. Also planning is key for the whole running of the year as there are many deadlines which need to be kept to and it would have been far better if we would have stuck to our schedule. 
Another error I made was making my blog using Wix, this was because it was difficult to use and it overcomplicated everything I done. Just posting a simple piece of text took four times longer than it would on blogger because you then have to change the colour to fit with the theme background then there were effects on top of that. So much time went into making the page look good that I didn't do as much important work. It wasted a lot of valuable time.
The thing I feel I done well was using a wide variety of ways to present my work. We made videos about the locations, we used excel for our schedule, pictures and screenshots for similar products and also character profiles which made my blog more exciting.
Three things I am going to do differently this year:
- I am going to be more organised with my work, ensuring I have quality sufficient research and planning.
- I am going to get myself organised and ensure I get all the work done.
- I am going to spread the work load throughout the year so I don't have to rush towards the end.

      

The XX

This is the song we will be using...

You've applied the pressure
To have me crystalised
And you've got the faith
That I could bring paradise

I'll forgive and forget
Before I'm paralyzed
Do I have to keep up the pace 
To keep you satisfied

Things have gotten closer to the sun
And I've done things in small doses
So don't think that I'm pushing you away
When you're the one that I've kept closest

Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh

You don't move slow
Taking steps in my directions
The sound resounds, echo
Does it lessen your affection
No

You say I'm foolish
For pushing this aside
But burn down our home
I won't leave alive

Glaciers have melted to the sea
I wish the tide would take me over
I've been down on my knees
And you just keep on getting closer

Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Ahh, ahh, ahh

Placid as I melt into the sea 
(Things have gotten closer to the sun)
I wish the tide would take me over 
(And I've done things in small doses)
I've been down onto my knees 
(So don't think that I'm pushing you away)
And you just keep on getting closer 
(When you're the one that I've kept closest)

Go slow
Go slow
Go slow
Go slow
Go slow

Deciding The Brief

Firstly we had to assign our own groups with a maximum of four people. I am in a group with Laura and Steph. We then had to choose one of thirteen briefs from which we decided to do brief A) which is a promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video and an album cover for its release as part of a digipak and a magazine advertisement for the digipak.
The song we are going to use is crystalised by The XX. It is very well known and unique. The reason for choosing this particular one was because we thought this one had the most potential and we had far more ideas for this one then any of the other briefs.