Friday, June 21, 2013

Lip Synching A2 Media Practice

Firstly we entered the studio and teachers explained us what are we meant to do. We had a chance to refresh our memory on how we supposed to use the camera and we had a go with a dolly that filmed tracking shot across the rock wall. We had 3 different locations green screen, sofa and the rock wall. We've been separated into 3 groups so we had a chance to try each location. Also we had a floor managers who were taking control of discipline in the studio. This person had to make sure that everyone is standing by and ready to roll. There was also the other person who should have shout countdown for the playback. Each time those people were changing for everyone to try something new.
We planned what and how are we going to film just before actually doing it. Everyone was suggesting ideas and the front person brought his/her improvisation in it. Shot choices came to us as we went. We've been told to film close-up, mid shot and wide shot and usually one to improvise so we went with that ideas and tried to get the best out of it.

The problems occurred when we were filming. When we were shooting thrillers we weren't allowed to talk and give directions to the actors because in the editing process we had to use the same sound tracks that came with the video but with the music video the situation is completely opposite. When you film the music video you can shout on the actors as many as you want because in the editing you are going to put already existing soundtrack over the video. But in overall our group didn't have any problems because we had experienced it before and therefore we were quite confident in it.
Using set in the studio is very interesting as we were able to use professional facilities but the negative point is that the studio is quite small and in got very hot in it in the process of filming because of all of the lights and people in it. Anyway the atmosphere was quite friendly and relaxed which helped us to finish filming process slightly earlier. 
The lighting was set up and turned on before we came in so we used what we were given. On each location we had at least one sours of lighting. We were aware that this light can get very hot in the process of filming so we had to be aware of space that we were working in otherwise we could have been injured.
In the process of editing I noticed that I had some improvement of using Final Cut Pro and I remembered how to use it after a long break. I learned some new stuff that I will use next year.

Our team work was very effective because we were listening to each other and gave opportunity to try something new to each member of the group.




 

Rihanna Star Image









Wednesday, June 12, 2013

PUSSYCAT DOLLS

The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble, founded in Los Angeles by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995 as a burlesque troupe. After attracting national attention, Antin negotiated a record deal with Interscope Records in 2003 turning the group into a music franchise, which developed a global image and commercial brand overseen by Antin, Interscope and various partners. The Pussycat Dolls were launched into mainstream recognition following the release of their best-selling album, PCD, which contained the number-one singles "Don't Cha" and "Stickwitu". Despite critical and commercial success, the group was plagued by internal conflict and legal turmoil, as Scherzinger was promoted as the brands' lead member. Their sophomore album, Doll Domination, which contains themes the public interpreted as a channel to the group's experience, contains the worldwide hits "When I Grow Up", "I Hate This Part" and "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)". In 2009, they announced a minor hiatus and was later revealed to be an official break up. The Dolls brand diversified into merchandise, reality television programs, a Las Vegas act, product endorsements, spin-off recording groups (Girlicious, Paradiso Girls) and other ventures.

In 2009, Billboard ranked the Pussycat Dolls as the 80th most successful musical act of the 2000s. As of today, the group has sold 50 million records worldwide making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.


It can be argued that the girls in Pussycat Dolls are being portrayed as sex objects. This shown through their clothing where there is a lot of flesh showing. This fits into the idea where a woman’s clothing tells you about her personality. The dance moves throughout the music video are quite provocative as they include a few sexual positions. Not only are the girls being presented physically as sex objects but also through the lyrics of the video such as, “Take a chance to recognize that this could be yours”. This suggests that the audience should look at the video from another light. “This could be yours” also suggests that it is as if her body is being sold to attract male attention to win this prize.

Pussycat Dolls definitely are synthetic band. In the beginning they were found as a dance troupe so they don't have any music education or talent to sing. Their produsers used their sexual attraction to sell them to people as the biggest part of their recognition is the iconic look were 6 girls are dancing and singing in provacative outfits. They don't write their own songs as tthey've been give to them (and sometimes sang as well).

Monday, June 10, 2013

THE KOOKS














The Kooks are a British rock band formed in Brighton, East Sussex, in 2004. The band was formed by Luke Pritchard (vocals/guitar), Hugh Harris (lead guitar), Paul Garred (drums), and Max Rafferty (bass guitar). The lineup of the band remained constant until the departure of Rafferty in 2008. Dan Logan served as a temporary replacement, until Peter Denton joined the band permanently in October 2008. Early in 2010, Pritchard announced the departure of drummer Paul Garred, due to a nerve problem in his arm. Late in the year, Garred rejoined for studio sessions, however Chris Prendergast played drums when the band played live. In 2012, the band was accompanied on drums by Alexis Nunez (from Golden Silvers).
A self-described "pop" band, their music is primarily influenced by the 1960s British Invasion movement and post-punk revival of the new millennium. With songs described as "catchy as hell", The Kooks have experimented in several genres including rock, Britpop, pop, reggae, and ska, at times being described as "more energetic Thrills or a looser Sam Roberts Band, maybe even a less severe Arctic Monkeys at times".


Signed to Virgin Records just three months after forming, The Kooks broke into the musical mainstream with their debut album Inside In/Inside Out (2006). The album was ultimately successful, achieving quadruple platinum status in the UK within a year and also overseas in the form of a platinum certification in Australia and two times platinum in Ireland. The Kooks found themselves entering into mainstream media attention, with the band winning the award for Best UK & Ireland Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2006 and picking up a nomination at The Brit Awards for the single "She Moves in Her Own Way". With their follow-up Konk (2008) debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart, it recorded first week sales of 65,000, achieving gold status in both the UK and Ireland. Their third studio album, entitled Junk of the Heart, was released on 12 September 2011.

Self-described "musical whores", The Kooks have drawn on a number of varied sources to create their indie pop sound. Listing The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Chris de Burgh among their influences the band have gradually developed both their song writing style and musical presentation over the course of their three albums.

This group is definitely organic because they write their own songs and play them as well. Most of their music videos contain performing element to highlight their organic idea. Their style (styles) of music also make them organic because they are not targeting wide audience.