Print Productions - All Four Panels

Print Production Case Study 2

Two Door Cinema Club, originate from Bangor, Northern Ireland are a indie rock band that are pioneering the genre, alongside similar bands such as Arctic Money and The Neighbourhood. Forming in 2007, the band is made up of three members, Alex Trimble (vocals, rhythm guitar, beats, synths), Sam Halliday (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Kevin Baird (bass, synths, backing vocals). The band's debut album, Tourist History, releasing on 1st March 2010, was instantly selected for the Choice Music Prize for album of the year. Signing onto small independent French record label Kitsuné Music; this follows key conventions of the genre by signing onto a minor record label, thus displaying their attempts at maintaining a close relationship.
The band's following album, Beacon was released on 3 September 2012, debuted at number one on the Irish Albums Charts and reached number two in the UK Albums Chart. This success within the charts heavily increased the bands fan base, however, throughout this exponential rise, they continued to ensure a close and personal relationship with their fans, through social media and local gigs. This is an essential feature of Two Door Cinema Club's ethos and the genres as a whole; a key element that I wish to capture through Choose Wisely's brand identity and image, through print productions and music videos. Later producing two more albums with immediate success, seen through their features on BBC Radio 1 consistently. By appearing on popular radio stations, Two Door Cinema Club are able to generate an even wider audience, touching upon different genres and broadcasting their music into different demographics.

Within this blogpost I shall endeavour to analyse the specific single, 'Next Year', of which the track featured on their 2012 album, 'Beacon'; more specifically it's single cover. Following a fantasy styled design, giving the audience imagery of Snow White and fortune telling. This is very typical of the Indie genre, following a fantasy themed design, as it shows personality through outlining the artists interests, in this case fantasy and tales. Furthermore, this is commonly seen within the Indie genre, exampled by Florence and the Machine's 'Lungs' album. Similarly following the fictional style through vines and old dresses, which scream damsel in distress. Through making these wider links to films that their audience may have seen, and be fans of, Two Door Cinema Club are able to strengthen the connection to their audience and market their product further. In the background, a voyeuristic image of a women, connoting elegance through the purple sequenced dress, but enforcing a clear message of sexual deviance and voyeurism. The blocking of this image is important, by situating the symbolic and eye catching women in the center shot, the audience are drawn to it, immediately forming fantastical connotations and a seducing atmosphere. In addition, when considering the voyeurism, it has even more effect when applied to their marketing demographic, teenagers. Again, we see this symbolism employed through the women's long and glamorous nails, painted a soft pink, creating a innocent atmosphere, contrasting the rest of the image's connotations. Conforming with the fantastical theme of witchcraft and magic is the mystical and mysterious fog; possibly suggesting a sense of exclusivity, as if it needs to be contained or hidden. Further extending this, the fog almost begins to consume the ball, in which the band name can be seen, further emulating this exclusive and mysterious nature. Also, the fog can be considered as a reference to Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, with the scene of the fog rising from below the Witches upon the heath. In this play, the fog gives negative connotations and foreshadowing of ambiguity and uncertainty; when incorporated and applied to this single, could be used in the same way, suggesting mystery and surprise. In direct center shot is a fortune telling ball, following this foreshadowing theme with the fog and fantasy. The colour of the ball matching with the lady's nails, this time connoting hypnotism and beauty; holding illuminating qualities this ball instantly catches and draws in the audience. Cleverly partnered with the name of the band within it, the audience is exposed to the brand it's name. increasing marketability for the label and band. The tall and looming typeface gives connotations of fairy tales and 80's film; through prominent ascenders and descenders the typography further captures the viewers attention. At the bottom of the design we see the singles name, in an interesting American diner typeface once again following the pink colour scheme to maintain continuity.

This advert is for their tour in January 2013, as similar to the single, they follow a common colour scheme of pink and black, suggesting fluidity and togetherness. By using a image of the artist, a brand identity is formulated, this artist exposure is a key element of the indie genre as it maintains a close relationship between audience and band, essential to the genre. Also, this is strengthened through the blocking of the band, in center frame, complimented by a direct mode of address from the band, this connection is maintained. As seen under the image, ios the event locations and dates of the tour; the majority are in universities and academies, displaying their clear target demographic as young, university students.

Print Production Case Study 1

The purpose of a CD cover, is to commercialize the artist and the label; often having a link to the general narrative of the album. Often including the artist themselves in order to formulate a brand identity that is recognisable, thus allowing easy marketing. Within the indie genre, as my artist is, this element of the musician on the front cover is paramount as the genre centers itself around personality and intimacy between artist and audience. 

Ben Drew, known as Plan B, is an English Hip Hop recording artist that has endeavoured in multiple genres, for example singer/songwriter at times, soul and even pop music. Furthermore, Plan B ventured into other media areas successfully, for instance producing, directing and acting; this is important for an artist as it means he is recognised across multiple media platforms increasing his marketability. First emerging with his critically acclaimed album in 2006, 'Who Needs Actions When You Got

Words', this was met by huge outrage, especially from parents, from his explicit and dark lyrics centered around British Youth. Alexis Petridis, writing for The Guardian, reviewed the album as "a bleak, visceral, obscenity-strewn British urban album". Refusing to adhere to the boundaries of subjects in which songs generically discuss, the young artist talks about crack addiction, rape, gun and knife crime, gang life and underage sex. With an early start to Plan B's carrier fuelled by his experiences as a teenager and young man, he chose a new path in 2010, pop/soul music. With his second album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, Plan B ventured into soul music, with immediate success the album when straight to number one on the UK Albums Chart. 

However, the CD cover that I shall be analyzing in this blog post is 'Ill Manors', releasing in 2012, storming to the number one in the charts for the second time in his career. Accompanying the album was his film 'Ill Manors' that he directed and produced, about British Youth and crime. 'Ill Manors' the album was nominated for the Mercury Prize and received huge recognition from critics for its storytelling ability and other factors. Speaking about the album in an interview, Drew stated ' You could call it bassline, soul, with a bit of hip hop'; this versatility is a key element of Plan B's persona and musical ability. On review website Metacritic, the album attains an average score of 83 out of 100, based on reviews from 14 professional critics, which indicates "universal acclaim". 

The album cover holds several elements that accumulate to produce a striking, powerful and symbolic piece. The overall piece resonates an urban decayed and industrial style; connoting hardship and struggle. Interestingly, the album's music follows this theme as they narrate life on an estate and the struggle this poses. The dark colour scheme made up of grey's and blacks further reinforces this theme of struggle and loneliness; through the desaturated background the audience can relate, possibly applying their own issues and problems through this album. The typeface of the album further supports this theme, through block sans serif writing it holds metaphoric meaning of huge tower blocks, like the background behind it. The effect of the 'Ill' being fully lowercase, enforces this raw nature and informality of the piece. The text for the word 'Manors', follows a slightly different style, whilst maintaining block capitals to show urbanization, a spray paint feature can be interpreted, this enforces and replicates the meaning of the title, 'Ill Manors' suggesting destructive behaviour. When combined, the words and the typography style formulate a powerful and symbolic meaning. 

In addition, this CD cover follows an urban jungle look that Plan B depicts through his lyrics. In center shot we can see the artist, this establishes a brand identity and recognizability, thus proliferating his marketability and support base. Similarly, the clothing of the artist is typical of the genre and conforming to conventions, wearing a hoodie and jeans, this further supports the brand identity and relatability. If the artist was too be wearing, a suit or expensive brand clothing, it would reduce this relatability between artist and audience, which is key when creating a musical brand. The blocking of Plan B is interesting, situating him in the middle of the shot, challenging composition techniques such as rule of thirds; this unorthodoxy connotes uneasiness and opposition. Although in the center of the shot, the artist uses indirect address to possibly connote isolation and reluctance. The red razor blade at the top of the cover connotes danger, blood and ruthlessness. Within this razorblade, we see Plan B's logo, immersed within the blade, it could suggest his brute honesty and realism within his songs, no matter the explicit nature of them.  

This CD cover holds various features that I could incorporate into my print production; for example the clear use of symbolism behind his imagery. This would prove to be very useful as it forces the audience to engage and relate to the text; which especially in the Indie genre, is key. Also, the desaturated colour scheme and monochrome filter, accumulates to create a lonely and depressing atmosphere; this could link in with my music video as it's narrative follows a break up scenario. 

With such a successful album, advertising is paramount, I shall proceed to analyse an Ill Manors advert that was distributed widely across different platforms of social media and newspapers. The advert focuses upon the views of critics and reviewers; displaying three extremely praising quotes from large corporations. This is very effective in catching the audience's attention as it shows recognizable reviewers and their positive feedback to Plan B's album. With Metro commenting, "A UK Hip Hop album that resets the bar", this is seen in large block character writing, similar to that on the album, reinforcing this urban style. This quote targets all listeners of the rap/hip hop genre, increasing recognizability and accessibility which is key when marketing new albums. This is a feature that I shall ensure is used in my poster as reviews prove hugely effective when establishing a new fan base and targeting a demogrpahic. As my target demographic is 16-25, I shall primarily focus on social media marketing, as this is more suitable for the age group as oppose to newspapers or television. 

By Thor Forster 

Visual Styles

Visual styles blogpost from ThorForster

Fonts

Fonts from ThorForster

Planning - Intertextual References

A media text can often incorporate intertextuality for an array of reasons. For example to honour or pay homage to other media texts that have influenced or even caught their attention. Julia Kristeva stated that no media construct is original; this is a valid idea as all media takes influences from past texts before them, in one form or another. This inter textual implementation gives the piece depth and character, allowing the audience to make references to their other media interests and establish a deeper meaning for the piece.

Intertextuality can be found throughout media texts including music videos and film. One example of this intertextuality is between music video and film, with Robbie William's - You Know Me. In which he makes reference to Alice In Wonderland throughout the song, through the mise en scene and editing in post production. The significance of this is that it engages the audience within media texts submerging them within the message of the piece and its link to other pieces.

In consideration of inter textual references for our music video we have incorporated several, including Great Expectations, the novel by Charles Dickens and 13 Reasons Why, a Netflix programme. Great Expectations influenced our music video through a grand and large house similar to that of the character Miss Havisham. This is implemented for symbolic reasons, suggesting the confused expectations of the couple within the relationship, shown through the argument in front of the house.

Another reference made within our piece is the link to 13 Reasons Why, as seen in my music video through the contrast of monochrome shots and coloured shots. When the relationship is crumbling or has tarnished, a monochrome filter is used connoting sadness and longing; this is contrasted through flashbacks of the relationship in it's happiest moments. This switch, is a direct link to 13 Reason's Why, in which a blue filter, connoting depression and sorrow, is seen after the death of Hannah. This is contrasted through the yellow or brighter filter seen when she is still alive. This intertextual reference is made as 13 Reasons Why was a popular TV show for our target audience, through this link it could raise the audiences attention to our music video.

In the Killing (1956), chess pieces are used, this relationship between chess and film is something we thought we could incorporate into our music video. Perhaps, as a metaphor for love and relationships being games; through close up's we can capture this symbolism and apply it to our piece.

by Thor Forster

Planning - Explanation

Through maintaining a steady rate of work and a diligent attitude, this process proved successful, only through meticulous planning and distribution of roles could this have been achieved. In order to work as an efficient group, we reflected on what we could learn from our project a year prior, we understood that a constant work ethic is vital to stay on top of the tasks set. By each member of the group tackling a fair amount of work each we could stay on top of the deadlines and continue to produce a high standard of work. Similarly, communication within the group was key as it allowed us too share ideas and organize regular meetings to evaluate our progress in the coursework.

Upon reflection, this process has been successful and rewarding, as a group we have proved efficiency and hard work result in a final piece that can make us proud.

Planning - Narrative Structure

A narrative, is an accumulation of events to form a story. Narratives are vital in music videos as they engage and immerse the audience into the message or meaning of the video. There are many different narrative techniques employed within music videos that are used to for different reasons. In this blog post I'm going to evaluate and analyse a few, and outline the techniques we used in our music video. 

Climax/Crescendo 

The climax of a narrative work is the highest point of tension or drama. This narrative technique can be employed through camerawork, audio or editing. It's function and effect is that it adds intensity and ambiguity for the audience. This function is employed in many music videos, one example is Eminem - Space Bound, in which the crescendo is built up as the story becomes complex and seemingly finite. This climax is brought about through an increase in editing speed and close ups of the characters, creating a rising sense of personalisation and character attachment. This climax is matched perfectly with the sound of a gunshot, creating confusion and tension for the audience; this is at the point of highest interest and engagement with the music video. Similarly to this, Choose Wisely - This Love, our music video follows a similar basic narrative of a love story/break up, climax's work perfectly within these types of narratives as there is always a sense of connection between audience and the story line.  

Within our music video, at the point of highest tension, the climax, I employed fast paced editing in an attempt to immerse the audience through the ominous nature of the scene. Furthermore, there is meaning behind such editing for our character as it's like he is reminiscing and the pace is emulating the increased heart rate as he looks back at his memories. In addition, the symbolism of the chess piece falling initiates the gradual build up of the crescendo. 

Type of Narratives 

Different Narratives are explored within music videos, for example linear and non-linear narratives. A linear narrative, which is what our music video follows predominently, is a logical narrative in chronological order thus maintaining clarity for the audience. This is the most suitable narrative for our story line as it is a relationship; the linear narrative allows the audience to see a change in continuity, often having a significant turning point. In our case, we display a scene of the couple having a heated argument, this is employed to be the definitive turning point within the video as after this we see shots of the male character reminiscing and showing regret. An example of a linear narrative being employed in another music video is Blank Space by Taylor Swift; this follows a chronological and clear story line to represent the normality of such relationships for Taylor Swift. A non linear narrative follows a disjointed and fragmented structure, employed to captivate, confuse and overwhelm the audience. This narrative structure is displayed perfectly in Eminem's - Guilty Conscience, in which it displays Eminem and Dr Dre acting as peoples consciences in different scenarios. 

Flashback 

Several times within our music video we explored this flashback technique as it displays the characters longing and reminiscent nature after the break up. Furthermore, this adds depth to our narrative, engaging the audience further as they learn more about the characters life. This connection is important, especially within the Indie genre, as many songs messages provide a relatable element for the audience and fan.