AUDIENCE
In this section, I will analyse and identify the audience within three music videos and express the audiences intention within my own video. I will also identify three different theories and how these theories have been put into place.
An audience is a group of spectators, A regular public that manifests interest, support or enthusiasm.
An audience is a group of spectators, A regular public that manifests interest, support or enthusiasm.
USES AND GRATIFICATIONS
Uses and Gratifications theory is an approach to understanding why people seek out specific media. This is split into four categories: Surveillance, Diversion, Personal Relationship and Personal Identity.
Surveillance is being able to acquire knowledge and understanding through mediums such as the news. I personally use the news to find information such as the weather, which allows me to know what to wear that day.
Diversion/Entertainment is a way for people to relax and to escape from their everyday lives. It will also let them pass the time and do something different in their daily routine. I watch T.V when I get back from school to divert from the outside world and take my mind off of work.
Personal Identity will reinforce peoples own values as an expression of their lifestyle and to confirm their identity. I personally identify with Cristiano Ronaldo for example, as I admire his values. He is a hardworking footballer and is very successful. I also aspire to be like him in the near future as I will like to be a successful female footballer.
Personal Relationship is for social interaction because they may find something in common with the characters in a specific medium. We form a relationship with the media, but we also use the media to form a relationship with others. I watch The Simpsons because I personally feel that my family is a reflection of theirs as they are very similar in character.
Surveillance is being able to acquire knowledge and understanding through mediums such as the news. I personally use the news to find information such as the weather, which allows me to know what to wear that day.
Diversion/Entertainment is a way for people to relax and to escape from their everyday lives. It will also let them pass the time and do something different in their daily routine. I watch T.V when I get back from school to divert from the outside world and take my mind off of work.
Personal Identity will reinforce peoples own values as an expression of their lifestyle and to confirm their identity. I personally identify with Cristiano Ronaldo for example, as I admire his values. He is a hardworking footballer and is very successful. I also aspire to be like him in the near future as I will like to be a successful female footballer.
Personal Relationship is for social interaction because they may find something in common with the characters in a specific medium. We form a relationship with the media, but we also use the media to form a relationship with others. I watch The Simpsons because I personally feel that my family is a reflection of theirs as they are very similar in character.
HYPODERMIC SYRINGE MODEL
Hypordermic Syringe Model theory, is used to explain how passive audiences react to a certain media. It suggests that the information they have recieved passes through their head with out them even questioning it. It also suggests that as an audience we are being manipulated by certain medias and our thinking is easily changed.
This theory is used to explain why certain groups in todays society should not be manifested to certain mediums. For example this could be applied to the murder of Jaime Bulger. The two young kids had been discussing violent films that they had seen. It is believed that the violent films that they had seen affected their behaviour, and made them do such an act. They did this as they thought what they had been watching on TV was fine to do in reality. Violent films is an example of moral panics, and the Hypodermic Syringe Model in effect.
This theory is used to explain why certain groups in todays society should not be manifested to certain mediums. For example this could be applied to the murder of Jaime Bulger. The two young kids had been discussing violent films that they had seen. It is believed that the violent films that they had seen affected their behaviour, and made them do such an act. They did this as they thought what they had been watching on TV was fine to do in reality. Violent films is an example of moral panics, and the Hypodermic Syringe Model in effect.
TWO-STEP FLOW
This theory effects active audience members such as myself, as it is when people question what the media is saying and do not just digest and believe what is being said. An example of this is earlier in the year when I read a news article saying that their was a pedophile on loose in my area. Me being an active audience member did not believe this straight away and went on to research further, and came to realise that this was not the truth. This is a clear example of the two step flow theory being put into place.
MUSIC VIDEO 1
STRESS BY JUSTICE
This music video is aimed to attract government and older generation to state and tell them about the situations. It also subconsciously attracts youths/boys as the ages are similar but also can relate to them.
Applying the Uses and Gratifications Theory:
Surveillance:
Applying the Uses and Gratifications Theory:
Surveillance:
- The music video allows me to understand some of the social issues in France, in more depth.
- Even though what is occurring in the music video is bad, this knowledge leaves us feeling more secure about the safety of our own lives. The idea might seem a bit strange, that the more we know about tragedies the safer we feel.
- I would have no social interaction with this group of people. Their behavior is something that i could not understand, and I have a completely different group of peers who all have a social conscience and would not want to inflict chaos and pain on anybody. I know that there is a minority of young people who act in this way and I feel its not my place to judge as they have probably had a completely different up bringing to myself. This video made me question if its nature, nurture or peer pressure that makes people act in this unacceptable way.
- I couldnt personally identify with the characters as they are male, a different ethnicity and they are full of testosterone and are aggressive which is the exact opposite to myself.
- It allowed me to divert from the pressures of school and distract myself whilst also realising that my life is very good in comparison to the characters in the music video. This is not a music video which I would choose for entertainment value although I found it extremely thought provoking and relevant for my age.
MUSIC VIDEO 2
A TEAM BY ED SHEERAN
The target audience for this video are the younger generation, between the ages 15 - 25, this is similar to the singers age. The song is about drugs and this is a topic that young people get caught up in. The music video appeals to both genders because, although it is only a female in the video, drugs is something that both girls and boys may/can relate to. His videos are mostly low budget and often relating to the struggle of living. His music videos have deep meaning making the target audience greater. For example The A Team is purely narrative based on a girl living the life of a prostitute - this is a topic that you don't see being presented through music videos, and so intrigues viewers even more.
Applying the Uses and Gratifications Theory:
Surveillance:
Applying the Uses and Gratifications Theory:
Surveillance:
- The music video allows me to understand some of the social issues people are caught up in. It has also made me more aware of the current position many vulnerably housed people are in, and the extremes they have to go to to make ends meet.
- It has made me realise the importance of making the right decision in life, and how life is too short to drag yourself into an unhappy/neglected lifestyle.
- I also feel this has made me appreciate my friends and family and the support they give me.
- I have older siblings whose some of their friends have so easily gone down the wrong path.
- I feel I can identify with the character because shes not that far off from my age and shes a young female adolescent.
- The music video has allowed to divert from my own life, and focus on the importance of the protagonists story. It has made me realise how lucky I am to have an education, a roof over my head and a loving family to support me.
MUSIC VIDEO 2
FEATHERSTONE BY THE PAPER KITES
I feel defenetly one of the targeted audiences for the video would be the people who are fans or like the music The Paper Kites produce. Aswell as people who like to listen to music which fall under the genre of indie/folk/rock. By the music video exploring the journey of young characters, I would say this would also attract teenagers, as they may be able to relate to the children within the music video. It reinforces the idea of adventure, imagination and freedom.
Applying the Uses and Gratifications Theory:
Surveillance:
Applying the Uses and Gratifications Theory:
Surveillance:
- From watching this video, I have realized that it is very important for a child's physical and mental health to spend time outside in the fresh air using their own imagination and not relying on technology and television for their entertainment.
- I formed a relationship with some of the characters during the pillow fight scene as this is something I used to do with my friends when I was younger.
- I can personally identify with the behavior of the children in this video as they come across as free spirits who put a strong value on a carefree and outdoor life - something I grew up with.
- I enjoyed watching this video as it allowed me to escape from my everyday life and routine. It was fun and mystical.
INFLUENCE ON MY OWN MUSIC VIDEO
Our music video is targeted at several different audiences.
3. The policy makers in Government: To make them re think their polices with regard to young people, and to increase investment in education and a support network for young vulnerable people, as social and economic factors can intervene in a persons life and cause a rapid change in their living situation.
4. Parents: To inform parents of the importance of communication with their children to help them avoid the pit falls of unprotected sex.
Our music video has also covered all the uses and gratifications.
Surveillance:
- Teenagers: This is because many teens find themeselves alone without a strong mentor in their life and can relate to the loneliness portrayed in our video.
3. The policy makers in Government: To make them re think their polices with regard to young people, and to increase investment in education and a support network for young vulnerable people, as social and economic factors can intervene in a persons life and cause a rapid change in their living situation.
4. Parents: To inform parents of the importance of communication with their children to help them avoid the pit falls of unprotected sex.
Our music video has also covered all the uses and gratifications.
Surveillance:
- Our music video informs the audience about the plight of the homeless, young and teenage mums. It also opens up their eyes and shows them that although a young person maybe smartly dressed, this may not portray the persons true situation.
- Allows parents to consider the possibility of their daughter in this situation.
- Teenagers can imagine their friends/sister in a similar situation.
- Allows young women to identify with how quickly the wrong choices can effect their own lives.
- We feel our music video is entertaining as it diverts the audience from their own everyday lives and ruitines, and makes them realise that their own lives are probably very good in comparison to that of the homeless teenage mum.
MARKET RESEARCH
1. Can the genre of the film be identified and how?
- The genre of the film can most certainly be identified as the audience are immediately drawn to the characters and are interested in what they are doing. It also is shown because you have used a hand held camera, which helped to show the documentary and realistic style.
-Yes, as you are witnessing and observing the characters relationship as well as what they are doing. You feel as if you are a fly on the wall, also because of the naturalistic acting. There are also a range of medium and longs shots again implying that the you are implying that the camera is a fly on the wall.
-I think so, mainly because of the normal, basically not staged, locations that you've used. you also have relatable situations, therefore making it seem like real life. The shaking of the camera also adds the documentary style of filming, as it shows that you have used a hand held camera.- I liked the documentary style done through hand held camera, its naturalistic and not stages. The manner in which you follow the person through there journey.
2. What did you like about the cinematography, editing, sound and mise en scene?
- In terms of sound the music helped set the mood and emotions of the piece. There were some great angles and ranges of close ups, medium shots, long shots.
- The use of costume was particularly effective and interesting as I would not have known they were vulnerably housed, without seeing the last scene. The lyrics linked in well with the theme behind the music video. Although you did not move the camera around very much this still worked as it kept us focused on the characters journey. There was good use of long shots as we were able to familiarise ourselves with the surroundings. However, I felt that the extreme close ups appeared to be staged.
- I liked it when you left shots for a while as we could see what the characters were doing in more depth, whereas when you used short jump cuts it pulled away from the documentary style and made it less realistic to watch. The sound creates a good atmosphere and so did the costumes as they came across very average looking and normal.
3. What did you dislike about the cinematography, editing, sound and mise en scene?
- I personally could not fault anything within this music video however, if I was going to comment on one area of improvement, I would suggest that you related the cuts in your song, to the cuts in the music. This would help the journey of the characters seem smoother.
- In my opinion I found the characters to happy and unnatural for people who really are in situations similar to this. However, I loved some of the closeups.
- The continuity did not always flow, perhaps you could possibly add some more shots inside the park as I felt this scene did not go on for very long.
- I feel as though the costumes could have been stero-typical of people who are vulnerably housed, as I would not have guessed this from their costume. I think the performance of Ella could have contratsed the character of Daisy (concerned) as she was more aware of the tragic situation that the characters are currently in.
4. What audiences do you think the film will attract?
- I think your music video would attract a target audience of teenagers as many nowadays find themselves in similar situations to the one you are presenting.
- I think it would attract a large audience of 18-25 year olds due to the genre and artist you have chosen to accompany your music video. As well as this I think many people will be taken by the facts that you have used such a young girl to play the part of someone who does not have a stable home. I think it was excellent that she was able to sustain the role and act so natural in front of the camera.
- As soon as I started watching the video, I was concerned for the welfare of the characters, being a parent myself, I tihnk that other parents would sympathise and be interested to see the end result of these poor youngsters travel. It was sad to think that the little girl was completely oblivious to the fact that she had no place that she could call home. I also felt extremely sorry for the teenager mum as I have a teenage daughter myself, and would hate the thought of seeing her in a situation like this.
5. What did you like/dislike about the representations of characters, events and spaces (places)?
- I like the fact that they designate normal surroundings in which many people visit on a day to day basis. The locations you incoporated were exceptional, especially the abandoned building you used in your last scene. The last scene is very effective as, as an audience member I did not want to believe that the characters of such a young age would be staying there alone overnight.
- The locations were very effective, especially the scene by the pond, as it allowed us to see the characters enjoying themselves as well as giving us a sense of what they do on an average day together.
- I Like the discovery of the fact the characters are in normal places, until later we realise that something is wrong. It is not stereotypical.
- I thought it was interesting that you decided to show someone that is vulnerably housed in a different light, not the usual 'druggy', old and un-groomed. Instead you created a more realistic assumption of those in a vulnerable position, and did this through using young actors.
6. What ideology can be read from the film (judgement)?
- The fact that you can not judge a book by its cover. Usually in music videos, they give the wrong ideologies towards certain classes such as vulnerably housed people.
- As viewers we do not usually identify what is really going on.
- Nowadays members of the public are too quick in judging and assuming that young mothers, are bad mothers. This is without learning of their siutation, and therefore I like your interpretation of this mother daughter relationship, as it seems to be one of the strongest I have seen.
- The genre of the film can most certainly be identified as the audience are immediately drawn to the characters and are interested in what they are doing. It also is shown because you have used a hand held camera, which helped to show the documentary and realistic style.
-Yes, as you are witnessing and observing the characters relationship as well as what they are doing. You feel as if you are a fly on the wall, also because of the naturalistic acting. There are also a range of medium and longs shots again implying that the you are implying that the camera is a fly on the wall.
-I think so, mainly because of the normal, basically not staged, locations that you've used. you also have relatable situations, therefore making it seem like real life. The shaking of the camera also adds the documentary style of filming, as it shows that you have used a hand held camera.- I liked the documentary style done through hand held camera, its naturalistic and not stages. The manner in which you follow the person through there journey.
2. What did you like about the cinematography, editing, sound and mise en scene?
- In terms of sound the music helped set the mood and emotions of the piece. There were some great angles and ranges of close ups, medium shots, long shots.
- The use of costume was particularly effective and interesting as I would not have known they were vulnerably housed, without seeing the last scene. The lyrics linked in well with the theme behind the music video. Although you did not move the camera around very much this still worked as it kept us focused on the characters journey. There was good use of long shots as we were able to familiarise ourselves with the surroundings. However, I felt that the extreme close ups appeared to be staged.
- I liked it when you left shots for a while as we could see what the characters were doing in more depth, whereas when you used short jump cuts it pulled away from the documentary style and made it less realistic to watch. The sound creates a good atmosphere and so did the costumes as they came across very average looking and normal.
3. What did you dislike about the cinematography, editing, sound and mise en scene?
- I personally could not fault anything within this music video however, if I was going to comment on one area of improvement, I would suggest that you related the cuts in your song, to the cuts in the music. This would help the journey of the characters seem smoother.
- In my opinion I found the characters to happy and unnatural for people who really are in situations similar to this. However, I loved some of the closeups.
- The continuity did not always flow, perhaps you could possibly add some more shots inside the park as I felt this scene did not go on for very long.
- I feel as though the costumes could have been stero-typical of people who are vulnerably housed, as I would not have guessed this from their costume. I think the performance of Ella could have contratsed the character of Daisy (concerned) as she was more aware of the tragic situation that the characters are currently in.
4. What audiences do you think the film will attract?
- I think your music video would attract a target audience of teenagers as many nowadays find themselves in similar situations to the one you are presenting.
- I think it would attract a large audience of 18-25 year olds due to the genre and artist you have chosen to accompany your music video. As well as this I think many people will be taken by the facts that you have used such a young girl to play the part of someone who does not have a stable home. I think it was excellent that she was able to sustain the role and act so natural in front of the camera.
- As soon as I started watching the video, I was concerned for the welfare of the characters, being a parent myself, I tihnk that other parents would sympathise and be interested to see the end result of these poor youngsters travel. It was sad to think that the little girl was completely oblivious to the fact that she had no place that she could call home. I also felt extremely sorry for the teenager mum as I have a teenage daughter myself, and would hate the thought of seeing her in a situation like this.
5. What did you like/dislike about the representations of characters, events and spaces (places)?
- I like the fact that they designate normal surroundings in which many people visit on a day to day basis. The locations you incoporated were exceptional, especially the abandoned building you used in your last scene. The last scene is very effective as, as an audience member I did not want to believe that the characters of such a young age would be staying there alone overnight.
- The locations were very effective, especially the scene by the pond, as it allowed us to see the characters enjoying themselves as well as giving us a sense of what they do on an average day together.
- I Like the discovery of the fact the characters are in normal places, until later we realise that something is wrong. It is not stereotypical.
- I thought it was interesting that you decided to show someone that is vulnerably housed in a different light, not the usual 'druggy', old and un-groomed. Instead you created a more realistic assumption of those in a vulnerable position, and did this through using young actors.
6. What ideology can be read from the film (judgement)?
- The fact that you can not judge a book by its cover. Usually in music videos, they give the wrong ideologies towards certain classes such as vulnerably housed people.
- As viewers we do not usually identify what is really going on.
- Nowadays members of the public are too quick in judging and assuming that young mothers, are bad mothers. This is without learning of their siutation, and therefore I like your interpretation of this mother daughter relationship, as it seems to be one of the strongest I have seen.