iLL Manors music video analysis

Media Forms
How is it typical of a music video? 
It contains elements of both narrative and performance that allow the audience to understand the overall message that Plan B is trying to deliver. This is done through fast paced editing and also several camera shots and movements , (MS, LS, panning ), that further build up the meaning behind the music video. There are several closeups of the artist/characters , especially in terms of clothing and props. This is shown to attract the target audience. Also, the performer is looking directly at the viewer to interact with them.  

The basic structure is typical to that of a music video as it within the 3-4 minute time frame, and combines a range of visual imagery such as animation and live performance by the rapper himself. The video also uses symbolism to support the lyrics and add meaning to the narrative- Plan B uses a montage of real life news clips to help communicate his ideas. 


Media Representations
How does it represent the London riots/rioters?
The music video uses news clips from the event to emphasize the point Plan B is trying. It presents them as reckless and violent as there are many scenes in the video where they vandalize cars and shops. By doing this, he suggests that, the rioters are to blame for their unlawful behavior, whereas in fact, they are meant to show us that riots occur due to the fact that these sections of society (especially youths )are neglected and ''unwelcome''. In a way, Plan B mocks those who believe that the riots are to be blamed on the reckless youth, and purposely shows the events at the riots to make his point clear. 


Media Audiences
What audience pleasures does the music video offer?
The actors from the film (or their characters) appear in the music video, which could excite the audience as they have a sense of recognition. Also the visual imagery ties on with the pace/tempo of the song. For example during the bits where Plan B takes the audience on an ''urban safari'' the pace of editing is quite slow, wheres during the chorus, Plan B performs in an aggressive and expressive manner. The visuals are therefore quite satisfying in terms of mirroring the tempo of the song. Another example of this is when the beat drops when Plan B throws the bottle (which has a piece of cloth in it which is ignited), into the car and it explodes. 

The video is a form of entertainment and distraction (Uses and Gratifications theory) as the visuals are aesthetically pleasing throughout (with the use of interesting graphics and effects). This allows the audience to be submerged into the media. 


Media Institutions
How does the music video help to promote the film of the same name?
The music video features the characters/ actors from which gives the audience a sense of recognition. The song is also featured in the beginning of the film where the narrator, Plan B himself, is introduced. The music video also includes social media links at the end to promote the film aswell. This is an example of synergy - which allows the viewers to interact with the film and find out about exclusive info e.g behind the scenes, release dates etc 

Ill Manors soundtrack research task

• The Ill Manors soundtrack album was recorded in 2011-12 in two studios: ''The Sanctuary''(London, UK) and ''Edge Recording Studio''(Alderley edge, UK). It was released on the ''Warner Bros Records and Atlantic records'' label and was produced by various artists which include, Al Shux, David McEwan, and Labrinth. 
• The singles from the album include: Ill Manors, Playing with Fire, Lost My Way and Deepest Shame
• The Metacritic website gave the album an average score of 83 out of 10. The album was also shortlisted for a Mercury Prize in 2012. 
• It peaked at Number 1 on the UK music charts in August 2012.  
• The Telegraph claims the album is ''cutting- edge and on a lyrical level, is brutally brilliant''
• Fans such as ''Forest90'' claim the album ''was an incredible experience from start to finish''. 

Ill Manors broadcast platform: film trailer analysis

1) What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?

• short clips from film- fast paced editing and action/dramatic scenes/ set pieces
• text on screen
• social media/ website link
• music/ audio 
• release date 
• enigma and action codes 
• cast/ director 
• film review quotes 
• title 
• tagline
• narrative
• action codes 
• institutional info/logo 
• age certification

2) How are trailers usually distributed?

They are usually posted online on sites such as YouTube or IMDb.  

3) How does the Ill Manors trailer use film trailer conventions?

It contains short clips from the film that revolve around the characters ''Kirby'' and ''Chris''. There is fast paced editing and a soundtrack made by the director of the film, Ben Drew (Plan B). There is text on screen - film reviews from popular magazines like ''Time out'' and ''Q'', taglines, age certifications and social media links. 

4) Watch the trailer carefully and discuss how it might attract an audience. Firstly, think about who the target audience for Ill Manors might include. Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together – does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator’s voice-over used? Why?

The target audience for the film is 15-25 year olds (even though the age restriction is 18) , who are mostly male. This allows the audience to identify with the characters as they also fall into this age group and the narrative explores the problems and challenges that teenagers/young adults face. It also uses a soundtrack that was made by Plan B, to appeal to this particular audience. Plan B is known for ability to tell stories (of troubled individuals) through his grime/ rap music. The trailer uses narration to guide the audience through the narrative - Plan B acts like a mentor/ philosopher in a way to help the audience recognise that criminal activities such as drug dealing cannot be avoided sometimes due to the circumstances of someones life e.g Chris' character has been involved in the drug dealing business with Kirby, since he was a kid. This is also supported by the text on screen- in the beginning it reads ''we are all products of our environment.''  The trailer uses fast paced editing to mimic the feeling of an adrenaline rush. The trailer only reveals some aspects of the narrative- Chris and Kirby's stories- to attract the audience and encourage them to come and see the film just for its drug abuse/ dealing scenes. The main stars, Riz Ahmed and Ed Skrien are only seen in a few shots in the trailer. The trailer shows Chris and Kirby instead of the two main characters (Ed and Aaron) as their story is much easier to explain to audiences, in a small space of time. The name of Plan B's production company is displayed- ''PLAN B Enterprises''. 

5) How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, 

music/dialogue, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?
The film is a hybrid as belongs in the crime/drama genre. This is represented through the characters as there are several shots of them involved in criminal activities such as drug dealing/abuse and kidnapping. The fast paced editing also mimics the feeling of an adrenaline rush. 

January assessment: learner response

Feedback

WWW: In each question you pick out some relevant aspects from the clip - there is clearly a lot to build on here. However...

EBI: ... In each question you also drift away from the question focus and this means you can't move beyond the lower levels. e.g vast majority of Q2 is not earning you any marks. Beware of drifting to audience in each question. Representation is another area to revise...you start well but need to offer a lot more.

Learner response- Improved Answer
Q2- How does mise-en-scène contribute to the impact of the film? (12 marks)

The mise en scene allows the audience to suture the narrative of the advert and understand what the advert is trying to tell us. The setting is in a ''safe home'', where we see a typical family playing a game of ''charades''. This contributes to the impact of the film as it allows the audience to identity with the characters - as it shows a typical middle-class family, which helps them understand the importance of wearing a seat belt when driving.  The fact that the ''car crash'' occurs in the ''safe'' living room, suggests that a car crash can be unexpected and can occur within the safest of environments. This therefore increases the impact as the audience are surprised when the car crash occurs.

The use of physical theater is not commonly used in typical road safety adverts- as they usually show explicit car crash scenes- this therefore makes the advert unique and  intriguing to a large audience. The game of ''charades'' increases the impact of the film as it also appeals to, and concerns children who could have parents that drive on a regular basis. This emotional response, therefore allows both children and parents to relate to the advert and think about the consequences of driving.

The use of costume e.g the daughters pink fairy dress, could possibly connote happiness - which is then taken away from the family after the father is involved in a car crash. Additionally, the use of facial expressions and gestures helps the audience understand this, as the sudden change of moods in the advert, makes the advert more dramatic and ''alarming''.

The use of bright colours and high key lighting completely contrasts typical road safety adverts (as they tend to be very dark and disturbing), which again creates greater impact.  The overall image of a ''typical nuclear family'' warns audiences of the consequences of unsafe driving.

The British film industry- Factsheet 100

1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?
The cultural test is a method of identifying British Films. A film must have a score of 16 (out of 31) to be classified as British.  
2) Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test:

Sweeney- 16+4+3+8 = 31 (BRITISH)

Attack The Block- 16+4+3+8 = 31 (BRITISH) 

The King's Speech- 16+4+2+7 = 29 (BRITISH) 

We Need To Talk About Kevin- 4+0+1+4= 9 (Not British)

Skyfall - 16+4+2+7=29 (British)

3) What is the main problem for the British film industry?
There are many British films to be made, but they have to be exhibited by various distribution companies which are foreign. Therefore they lose most of their revenue through synergy (cinema screenings, DVD and Blu ray sales etc). Other problems faced by the British film industry include : the glamorization of american actors over their British counterparts, better pay in Hollywood, and also the popularity of theater acting over film acting.  

4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

1. Creativity - J.K Rowling's Harry Potter books have paved the way for successful British Films
2. Outstanding Facilities - studios and camera companies attract investment from filmmakers around the world
3. Financial aid - Organisations such as the BFI help with production and distribution costs

5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?
British filmmakers can rely upon co-productions with American studios or they could attempt to make low budget films aimed at a niche, British audience. 
6) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?
 I think that the second option - producing low budget films- would be the best safeguard as it will keep the essence of British culture and themes such as social realism relevant . They could attract audiences worldwide and ultimately allow British films to be made more frequently, benefiting upcoming British filmmakers and institutions such as the BFI.  

The British film industry- Factsheet 132

Media Factsheet #132 on British Film. 

 1)  Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.

A film is classified as British if: It is made in Britain, uses British actors, funded from within Britain, and is based on Britain or British culture.

 2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?

Hollywood productions tend to have high budgets and a heavy reliance on cast and crew whereas British films ted to have low budgets and character driven stories. However there are several successful British films e.g ''Harry Potter'' and ''Skyfall'' that go against these expectations. 

 3) When did the James Bond franchise start?
In the 1960s 

4) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and            1980s?

During the 1970s British films began to show more sexual content. Films such as ''A Clockwork Orange'' also managed to combine this with acts of violence. In the 1980s there was a rise in ''extreme'' videos, since filmmaking was becoming more accessible. 

 5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

The representation of youth in British films - they are seen as anarchists or ''anti-establishment'', and tend to be very mischievous and violent. This is evident in films such such as ''A Clockwork Orange'' and ''Eden Lake''. 

The representation of women - seen as either the virgin. the mother or the whore 

6) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?

Popular British actors can be identifiable in certain genres of film e.g Hugh Grant is known fro his role in romantic comedies. Also the use of British locations in films , especially northern town or cities, could appeal to a British audience as many narratives revolve around social class, education etc. Additionally films that deal with social and political concerns also appeal to British audiences as they revolve around the theme of social realism. 

MIGRAIN index

1) Media consumption audit
2) Language and Genre: Reading an image - advert analyses
3) Institution: major media institution research, presentation and feedback/LR
4) Institution: brand values
5) Narrative: narrative theory YouTube clip analysis
6) Genre: Factsheet questions and Chandler genre analysis task
7) Audience: psychographics
8) Audience: audience theory blog tasks/questions
9) Audience: Effects theory - factsheet and questions
10) Audience Pleasures: The battle of the Christmas adverts
11) Representation: clip analysis - dominant and alternative representations
12) Representation theory: 500 word analysis on blog
13) Representation: Photoshop collages - dominant and alternative representations
14) Ideology: BBC QT analysis and binary opposition
15) Ideology: Media Magazine reading and notes

Ideology: further reading and tasks

MM52
Page 34: The World Of Mockingjay: Ideology, Dystopia And Propaganda

What view of capitalist ideology is presented in the Hunger Games films
The upper class are the dominant figures in society. This means that they control ideas and resources as they have more power. The leading authoritative figure is self-centered and believes in his own supremacy rather than supporting the public. 

What do the Hunger Games films suggest about the power of the media to shape and influence ideological beliefs?
They suggest that the media does in fact have the power to control and influence beliefs as certain content can have a negative effect on us, which we are unaware of. In the Hunger Games the Capitol use propaganda and also ''broadcast execution to embed fear without anyone realising.''
Page 48: They Live - Understanding Ideology

What are the four accepted ideological beliefs in western societies highlighted by the article?

1. Money = happiness
2. Consumer goods= fulfillment
3. Marriage/ Family/Children = happiness
4. Obedience/Work=fulfillment

What does Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggest about power and ideology in society?
He suggests that those with power are able to dominate ideology in society as they are able to express ideas that relate to or support them, which appears valid and reliable to the rest of society. They therefore ''maintain control through consent'' as people will believe in what the ''elite social group'' wants them to believe. 

What does French theorist Louis Althusser suggest about ideology and consumerism?
He suggests that much like consumerism, ideology '' dominates and drives society''. In terms of consumerism we believe that the more goods we consume the happier we are. However the actual group that benefit from such actions are the elite upper class groups e.g the manufacturers and owners. Similarly to ideology we believe that some ideas are true/reliable, when in fact they were just created for the benefit of the upper class.Do YOU agree with the idea behind They Live - that we are unthinkingly controlled by the media which is run in the interests of the economic elite?
I agree with the idea behind the film as it is still relevant in today's society. We are constantly being controlled by the media in different forms, and we are still unaware of the effects it could have on our opinions and morals. The idea that media is ''run in the interests of the economic elites'' suggests that we are being controlled by those who are economically superior to us, which therefore confirms that we are in fact 
living in a capitalist society, where the ''big corporations'' are the leaders. In the film the character of George Nada sees hidden messages within billboards. Similarly in TV shows, newspapers and other forms of media we are somehow ''tricked'' into believing that the message in front of us is the real representation, when in fact there is always a hidden meaning or ''elite'' figure that benefits greatly from our credulity. The article suggests that the process in which we believe these ideas is actually one of the reasons why we understand ideology- ''we want and desire to be controlled''- with the absence of these false ideas in media we would not understand certain messages and judge whether or not they are reliable. 

Ideology and Binary Opposition

BBC QT with Nigel Farage and Russell Brand 

What examples of binary opposition can you suggest from watching this clip?
There is a clear contrast in terms of their views- Farage supports the upper class or the ''economic elites'' whereas Brand is in favor of the working class. There is also a difference in terms of their occupation or status as Brand is a TV personality whereas Farage is a politician. In terms of mise en scene, the fact that they are sitting on opposite sides of the table also show this. Their clothing could also show binary opposition as Brand is wearing casual clothes whereas Farage is wearing a suit. 

What ideologies are on display in this clip?

Based on their views throughout the clip it is clear that they are at different stages of the political spectrum- with Farage being more right wing and Brand being left wing. We can also assume that both of them are dominant figures in society and as a result their views would heavily influence those beneath their social status- which links to the ''two step flow'' model. 

True Romance (1993)

What examples of binary opposition can you suggest from watching your clip?

The two characters are both dressed differently- Clarence is in casual clothes (a hoodie and a jacket) whereas Drexl is dressed in a silk leopard print robe and a hat. They both also speak differently as Drexl curses whereas Clarence is well spoken. They are also different in terms of their accent as well. 
What ideologies are on display in your clip?

It is clear that Drexl is the villain and Clarence is the protagonist. Also since the scene takes place in a strip club it is obvious that Drexl's character (who is a pimp)  is conceited and troublesome. Clarence's character is seen as heroic and dauntless. This is shown when he gives Drexl an envelope containing money, but is actually empty instead.