DIGIPAK TEST 2

This second digipak test may seem the same to the first one, however this time I have created a new texture on photoshop and I added it to the background behind the CD. I have done this instead of using another image of the band as that may get repetitive. The texture adds body to the Digipak.

ADVERT TEST

This is an advert test to show the development of Joe and I's advert. This may be considered as our final advert. However, after the Christmas holidays, if there are any changes that need to be made we can focus on making it better. One issue that has been pointed out is that the magazine will be A4 and this advert is square, however I believe, from looking at other adverts, the magazine would work around us.

ADVERT ANALYSIS (The Stone Roses - Second Coming)

The magazine advert, shown to the left, for The Stone Roses' album 'Second Coming' is a simple, yet a straight to the point attention grabbing advert. The advert consists of four images, one of each band member, formed into one, to make it seem like a window and the audience are being given the opportunity to have an exclusive look at what the band are doing. This will excite the audience while grabbing their attention, this window image makes the audience want to know more and possible what they are looking upon in the window, what are they going to do next?

The simple black and white colour, highlights the critic review from Q Magazine showing an almost ostentatious yellow colour shouting that it has a five star rating.

When Joe and I come to create our own advert, we will consider a format such as this advert, as it fulfills all of the needs and uses of an advert while remaining so simple. I believe this to be a good idea as it doesn't need figuring out, the audience can straight away see what the advertisement is due to the simplicity of the layout.

The largest thing on the advert, is the name of the band, which when creating an advert I believe should be a kay feature as it shows the audience immediately who the advert is about and who it relates to. Also a key feature is the release date, which again is shown in large capital letters. This gives the audience all the information they need without having to look too much into it.

This advert also relates to its genre, Alternative Rock, by sticking to key conventions. This is mainly through the use of instruments visible in the images: Microphone, Bass, Drums and Electric Guitar. This highlights the performance aspect of the band, showing it is all their own music and also toput the band out there as 'talented'. This is a key feature when portraying Alternative Rock, showing the performance may also attract the audience to their music video is it is noticeable they play their own instruments.

In conclusion, The Stone Roses are quite a famous band for their time, therefore showing that this advert was in fact successful.

ADVERT INSPIRATION

I have created this mood board to give myself and Joe some form of idea of how we are going to create our advert. As seen in the inspirational images above, a lot of the adverts are front covers, which could argue the point of them being an advert. However, I believe that they are indeed an advert as it is advertising the band as well as any new album/single they may be bringing out at the time. All of the above images are related to Joe and I's chosen genre, Alternative Rock. By using band adverts from the same genre as what we have chosen, it allows us to get a better idea of how our advert should look when complete, even if it is a front cover advert. The inspiration Joe and I have gathered from this is that the main focus is the band itself, by showing them as the main focus of the advert, we are more likely to 'sell' the single is we get straight to the point, draw the audience in from the first look.

From analysing each of these images together, we have got a good idea of what image we are going to use and how to layout the advert.

PHOTOSHOOT PLANNING

When doing the photoshoot, Joe and I, thought it would be helpful to have some kind of guide or check-list of shots, so we decided to create one. This will help us as we will be able to work more efficiently and we will waste less time on deciding which shots to take on the day because they will already be planned. 

1. Portraits
A shot of the band members faces will be our foundation. One part of the digipak we are sure on is putting the faces of the band on the CD and we will tackle this shot first as it is essential for our digipak.

2. Full body shots of each band member
Although not on our digipak sketch, we realise that this kind of shot is very easy to take and we could use them alternatively instead of certain images on the digipak, or even use them for the advert.

3. Shots of all band members standing in a line from their left hand side
This picture is our initial idea for a front cover, however we are keeping an open mind and are not entirely sure about using this shot. We will get several snaps of this shot just in case though, as it could actually look good.

4. Shots of all band members standing in a line from their right hand side
The same shot as the one above, only from the opposite side, we will take this shot from different ranges as the shape of the garden allows us to. We cannot do this with the shot from the left hand side due to the fence being in the way and there for the shots from the left hand side may be favoured over those taken on the right. During these shots the band members will look in the same direction, to insinuate that we are looking at/for something.

5. Shots of all band members in a line from the front
Once again this shot will be taken but from a different angle. We will take the shot from different heights to see what effects we can create, such as making the band seem small or inferior by taking the shot from a high angle, or making the band seem dominating or more important by taking it from a low angle.

6. Shots of all band members in a line from the back
In this shot we plan to have the band looking at something. This means Joe and I must think of what the band could be looking at and we have a few ideas. If we were to put the construction light on while taking the photograph it may appear to be a star or fire. We will not know until we try taking the shot but I have high hopes for this particular shot.

From here we will improvise shots to add diversity to our portfolio of images. This will give us more choice when putting our digipak together, and leave us more room for experimentation.

We will get each shot using the flash on the camera and using the construction light we have access to in order to experiment with what lighting will look better. After a few shots we will likely come to a decision and stick with only one kind of lighting. We may also get similar shots but wiith instruments, however this depends on the availablity of each instrument on the day.

ADVERT SKETCH

This is the initial sketch for our magazine advertisement. This was drawn with the band as the prime focus, each member separate from each other to give each one individual recognition. My plan is to take individual photographs of each band member and use photoshop in order to combine the images and put each member onto a black background. Each band member will wear the same or similar clothes to what they wore for the performance. The title and band name will appear at the top of the advertisement while 'OUT NOW' will appear in capitals to grab the audiences attention.

However this may take up too much time and cause us to be late for our deadline, and may have to use one of the shots we took with the camera at the photo-shoot instead. However I believe that the one photoshoot that we did was sufficient as the prime focus is the band and we got a variety of shots that we will easily be able to use.

FIRST SHOOT

This is evidence from our first day of shooting. These stills have been taken from the footage we gathered that day. These shots show the different scenes that we shot throughout the day. Some of the shots will not be used in our final video. 

    The argument between Joe and his on screen sister.

    When the drummer of the band (Curtis) goes out running to get his mind away from his problem.

    Curtis realising his problem, being distressed and wondering where he goes from here.

    Joe's sister visits him after having no contact with him for years.


As the messages aren't clear from the shots we have gathered, this is still following our initial ideas as we want the video to be open to interpretation to the audience, so the can interpret in how they want to, so it may relate to them more that we have meant it to.

DIGIPAK SKETCH

To plan the digipak I attempted to sketch it using a simple template provided by my tutor. When planning what our digipak will look like, Joe and I decided to focus on the band. The front cover (bottom right image) depicts the band members staring to the sky from the set in which they perform in the music video. the shot takes place from the side and shows the band members attire from the performance. The title appears in the bottom left corner of the image, giving it its own space to catch the eye of the audience. I personally would make the writing white, as it will contrast against the picture well. This is because the picture will be taken at night, and although the set will be well lit i believe white, or at least a very light colour may stand out the most. The band are posed in a very tense manner as if anticipating something and their facial expressions have been drawn to reflect that.

On the back of the digipak (bottom left image) the image is depicted the same, but shot closer to the band and from the opposite side. I have left room for any text at the top of the image for such things as a track listing or required information about the product.

For the inside front cover image (top right) I have designed the sketch to represent a similar image to the other two, but once agin the shot will be taken from a different position. This time the shot will be taken from the back of the band, showing exactly what they are staring at. We plan to develop ideas for what this could be, but for now decided to have them stare at the sky, as this could represent many things and encourage the audience to think what may be in the sky that they are waiting for.

For the image on the CD we decided on having portrait shots of each band member on the CD. The image will be split into four sections with a portrait shot of each band member in a designated section. This introduces the band on a more personal level and allows the audience to see each band member individually.

DIGIPAK ANALYSIS (Kings of Leon - Only by the Night)

This digipak's cover, although lacking vibrant eye catching colours, grabs the attention of the audience. This is because we see a clear distortion in the image. When analysed we realise that the cause of this distortion is that there are four images of the band members faces that are cropped so that each band member has a quarter of their face shown (one top-right corner, one bottom-right, one top-left and one bottom-left). The four quarters of the faces do not necessarily match together well and what actually make the four images become one is the birds face from each image joining up to make one clear image of a birds face. The bird appears to be a bald eagle, a bird commonly associated with the United States of America, which is the bands home country. The pictures appear to have a sepia effect with a green tint, creating faded green, black and grey colours. These colours may be quite dull, but the contrast between them still makes the cover eye catching. This choice of colours cleverly represents the genre of the music featured on the album, as many alternative and indie rock groups use dark colours on their CD covers. Following this genre convention makes it easier for fans of the genre to spot the CD as seeing the colours will often lead the fans into believing the CD is the type of music they like. The band name and album name on the cover of the digipak are a slightly faded green. This colour of green is still brighter than the other colours on the cover however allowing them to stand out. Next to the band title is a red dot surrounded by a white box, which I believe attracts the audiences attention, as these colours clearly stand out from the faded colours on the rest of the digipak. The reason for the red dot inside the white box is to ensure that the audience's eyes are attracted towards the faded green text, which is important because it confirms the band name and album name for fans of the genre or band.

On the back of the digipak we see the back of the bald eagles head. This image clarifies that the four images on the front of the digipak are connected through the eagle, as there are four lines, one each from the bottom, top, left and right of the image which resemble the fact that there are four pictures on the front cover. This image when compared to the image on the front cover may symbolise that although separate individuals, being a band connects then and when performing they become one. On the back the colour scheme continues, but the more vivid green, red and white colours that are sparsely used on the front of the digipak are added to the palette more. These three colours come in the form of text that show the band name, album name, and song numbers and song names. Having the more vivid colours being used for the text invites the audience to read the it, which leads them to discover more about the songs on the album. 

Inside, along with the CD is booklet that folds out into four pieces that shows each of the band members.With each photograph there are green segments on each of the four band members which sticks to the theme throughout the digipak. These images also allow the audience feel that they have a more personal bond with the band as this fold out allows them to be individually introduced to each of the band members and not just the band as a whole on the front cover of the digipak.

ADVERT ANALYSIS (Pearl Jam - Backspacer)

This magazine advert for Pearl Jam's album 'Backspacer' shares the artwork from the album itself. The artwork consists of 9 very vibrant drawn images spaced in a three by three grid. The centre image is a brain inside what appears to be some kind of test tube. I personally get the impression that it is supposed to be alive and that the wires coming off it somehow connect it to the other images. It is not clear what the other images are supposed to represent, but I believe each image is some kind of dream or nightmare. For example when applying this theory, the top left image appears to be a child crying in front of a burning train, which could represent something that may be dear to the child outside the dream such as an actual small toy train he owns. The image in the centre of the top row appears to be a 3D diagram of the chest and head of a human body, something often associated with doctors surgeries or their rooms. There appears to be something casting a shadow over the image that we cannot see, to me it looks like a scalpel knife and this dream could be that of a person who is particularly afraid of having surgery done. Looking at all the other images it appears that anyone dreaming up the image is present within it, leading me to believe that the person conjuring up this nightmare is locked inside the 3D diagram of the chest and head of a human body, as it looks scared and not emotionless as it should do. The rest of the images, to me, seem like dreams and nightmares about becoming a magician, spying on a woman in the ocean, playing the drums in space, some kind of apocalyptic intergalactic war, becoming rather small and being indescribably comfortable in some sort of infinite mass of quilt. I think these images are used to evoke mystery and grab the audiences attention due to them being strange and unique and it gets the audience thinking what they could mean just as it has with me. 

The name of the band is in black at the top of the advert, with each letter surrounded by its own golden ring with a red fill. This brings the attention of the audience to the band name, which alerts them as to who the band is. Underneath the 9 images is the name of the album followed by 'THE NEW ALBUM' and 'OUT MONDAY'. the text below the images is yellow, which helps it stand out due to its contrast with the black background. the letters are also all capital which also helps it stand out. Because of the audiences attention is also drawn to these details, and then gain the opportunity to read the smaller text which reaches almost to the bottom of the advert. This text shows more details about the album such as the forms it comes in and extras you get with it and also shows comments from reviews from the magazines Q and The Guardian. Along the bottom of the advert are 3 websites, more than likely to show the audience where they can purchase the album.

This advert uses conventions well. First of all it has a black background, something that most adverts by alternative rock groups use. Secondly the images are very strange and are 'alternative' in themselves in the way that they are completely different to what mainstream artists would use on their adverts. The gold rings surrounding each letter at the top look rusty, which makes the audiencee think of metal, relating to the sound of the guitars that Pearl Jam use. 

DIGIPAK INSPIRATION

When creating our digipak, Joe and I will stick to certain conventions while at the same time adding something of our own to it. I have researched many digipaks and have noticed a few options we may choose to use when creating our digipak. 

One concept I have come across many times is taking the band and having all of their faces on one part of the digipak as portraits. Whether they are combined into one face or all of them are just shown together, it is often used for alternative rock digipaks. The Kings of Leon digipak above combines all four band members faces into one where as the Foo Fighters above depicts several portraits of the band members that have been edited into the same image and given effects to make their faces singular vibrant colours to contrast with the black background.              






Another method of creating the digipak is to have picture of the band together. The picture is often posed or has micro elements which make it stand out. Some may have specific filters while others may be taken in a particular setting. The Beatles digipak above is shot in the autumn to represent their home country, the UK where the weather is famous for being cold and dull. Below the Beatles digipak cover is the back of another digipak for 'Riot' from the band Paramore. We can see the band members stood together and a filter has been applied to make the photograph look drawn, as the theme on the digipak involves the title of the album looking like it has been scribbled all across the blank parts of the digipak. 

Yet another inspirational idea is taking a photo that doesn't directly relate to the band but rather relates to the message the band is trying to convey. The digipak above from the band Nirvana is a prime example of this. My opinion is that this digipak resembles the money driven society that we are born into, but different people may have different opinions, which is why this type of digipak is effective because the audience may often speak about it. 

The final inspirational idea I could apply to my digipak is focusing on the title alone and making a recognisable logo. This works well as the target audience for a particular band will instantly recognise and want to buy an album with their logo on. The digipak above for tourist history by Two Door Cinema Club uses this technique, with a simple picture of a cat illustrated in the background. 

When evaluating my work, I believe I have many ideas when it comes to myself and Joe creating our digipak. 

KEY MEDIA CONCEPTS

When researching key media concepts I managed to compose a list of the 7 main concepts;

• Forms 
• Audiences
• Institutions
• Representations

I have put the first letters of each concept in bold to highlight the acronym FAIR.I think this acronym is memorable and helps media students like myself and Jennifer remember the four key concepts when planning and constructing our coursework.

Forms - A media form is, to put it simply, the form a media text takes. The form is determined by the media language used to convey it. The main five media languages that we see or hear on a daily basis are music, broadcast, film, the internet and printed media. The narrative and genre also contribute to the media form, and the ways that we can use narrative and genre depend on the media language used. For our coursework we will mainly be looking at music and internet, as we will be producing a music video. The genre of music we will look at is alternative rock.

Audience - The audience is the people who consume the media text. Different audiences look for different things, and this is why audience segmentation is important. Audience segmentation is when we decide what our average audience member is stereotypically like. Things we can look out for are gender, age, class, race, culture and sexuality. Before delivering a media text to an audience it is important to identify what the target audience response will be and how they will be appealed to.

Institution - In media terms, an institution is a business that produces media to an audience. There are often institutions that produce only one type of media such as film institutions and music institutions but some may decide to produce several media texts, for example Sony, who produce media from almost all media forms. We will mainly be looking at music institutions.

Representation - This is important, as the way a media text is represented can massively impact the response to it. A media text may try to represent something through stereotypes, like groups of people or certain places.

ADVERT DEVELOPMENT

The photo below is the considered image for the advert. I have only undertaken one photoshoot for both the digipak and the magazine advert as I am trying to keep the recurring theme of featuring the band in both the digipak and the advert. So rather than carrying out two separate photoshoots, I felt that one was sufficient to gather enough photos with the same theme. This also saved time so we could carry on filming and editing.

CONTACT SHEET

These are all of the images me and Joe had taken on the day of the photoshoot in the garden of one of our actors. We believed that the background should be the same as to when we shot the performance. With Joe being an ex photography student, we were pretty confident at taking good photos. However as Joe was in some of the pictures, it was down to me to ensure the high quality photos maintained their quality, I was nervous of using the professional camera as I have had no experience, but I think i handled the situation very well.  I think the photoshoot was largely successful given it was a first attempt. 

The outfits chosen to be worn in this photoshoot matched the genre as well as the personalities of the band members. I was trying to aim for the casual look to make the audience feel more at home and give a more informal but helpful feel throughout the photoshoot and the music video.

I used the construction light which I also used in the performance section of our music video. I found that the construction light gave a better effect and made the pictures look more professional that using the flash, this is evident in some of the images. 

CD COVER IDEA

These four images are being considered to be made into the cover for the CD. The thought is to put an image of one of the band members at every 90 degrees of the CD. Wr're trying to incorporate as many images as we can into our Digipak, to add a form of variety, which may interest our audience more.
I believe that the idea to use the heads of all four band members is a good original idea.

EVIDENCE OF PHOTOSHOOT

The collection of photographs featured below are all of the pictures we took on the day of our photoshoot. Four of these images will be selected to feature on our Digipak. We had an idea to evolve the digipak around the band to show it is all about them and their problems rather than use props. We want to make the digipak as natural as possible.

ROUGH CUT 2

In our second rough cut we added performance footage, and may also consider this as our final cut. I used the first rough cut as a template and removed the storyboard images in favour of the performance footage we had shot between our first and second rough cuts.
However when converting the video on to Youtube, Joe and I noticed that when we uploaded the video it was out of sync, even though it was perfectly timed when we watched it through on final cut. We then decided to upload it to Vimeo too as well as youtube to see if it was the server that was the problem. We had similar problems with Vimeo except sometimes it is in sync and sometimes it is not.

DIGIPAK TEST

After a successful photoshoot, I have put together what I believe the final digipak will look like. I have pieced together a few of my favourite shots from the photoshoot ad placed them in the appropriate place. I have selected the specific photo for the front cover because it leaves space for a title which coincidentally will seem like the band on the cover are looking at.

We have used similar shots rather than have a great difference between the shots because it shows that the digipak evolves around them rather than a problem, showing to an audience that people rather than problems are considered.

PROPS AND EQUIPMENT

This guitar was used as the rhythm guitar, played by Joe Burn. An electric guitar is a key convention to the alternative rock genre and is also appropriate for the song as it involves an electric guitar solo. The guitar fits the alternative persona as it is used in the performance sections of our music video.

The microphone was used to film the lip syncing segments of the music video. The microphone does not feature in the group performance as it took up too much space on the decking. The alternative rock genre is known for featuring singing, therefore to follow conventions we have included singing.








This guitar was used as the lead band members guitar. As there is two guitars featured in the music video, this follows the stereotypical conventions the the genre as full equipment are expected.

The acoustic guitar is used for the first minute of the music video due to the large amount of acoustic featured.

Although the amps were never used as we were just planning to sync and not actually play the instruments. The amps were mainly used as props just to add more of an alternative atmosphere.

The drum kit was completely unused before we started filming. We could not physically play the drums to add a more realistic feel due to the noise it would produce for the neighbours as we filmed in a garden. Drums are a clear necessity for nearly all genres not just the alternativ rock genre.

The construction light we used was very important in the construction of our music video. We used it to film in the garden because as it was night time when we shot, thus needed a lot of lighting to light up the decking.
















This camera was not used in the production of our music video, but to take the pictures of the props and also the images needed for our digipak.

This was the memory card that we used to store the images on the camera.

This was used to film our music video. The camera was great quality and we got some good shots.
















We didn't use the tripod very much due to the time it took to set it up at different heights for each shot.