Summer Project: coursework planning

 1) Research: TikTok videos


You need to write a 150-word close-textual analysis of SIX TikTok videos that will inform your production work. The TikTok videos you analyse are up to you but focus on a different aspect of media language for each one (see guidance below).  

TikTok videos

TikTok Video 1: Narrative
How is narrative used in the TikTok video and what impact does this have on the audience? Can you apply any narrative theories to the story in the TikTok video?

In this TikTok we see the story of an artist who talks about his past in a band and how they split up but he managed to go solo and have some success. This TikTok is a perfect example of a use of narrative as we can apply Todorov’s Equilibrium theory: The equilibrium = he’s in a successful band doing concerts, Disequilibrium = the band split up and New Equilibrium = he goes solo and gains a million streams (he’s successful). The use of narrative could make the audience feel a sense of closeness to the artist as he shows his story and his path through failures and success which makes him seem more authentic and relatable. 





TikTok Video 2: Camerawork (shots, angles, movement)
Look for particular camera shots and movement - remember that movement is a critical convention of most music videos and performances and camerawork can contribute to this. 

In this TikTok he uses a variety of shots to create a cinematic video for his band. However, he films the video landscape which is unconventional for TikTok.

He uses close up tracking shots of the guitar as the guitarist moves and close ups of the drummer passionately playing the drums, this way he switches between focusing on the equipment and focusing on the expressions of band members and the emotion they put into playing their instrument. 




TikTok Video 3: Mise-en-scene
What do you notice about the use of mise-en-scene to create meanings for the audience? Use CLAMPS to help you here and think in particular about how mise-en-scene is used to communicate the genre of music and the personality or brand identity of the band/artist.

For mise-en-scene I chose a TikTok from the popular garage band TikTok account ‘True blood’ as I believe they’ve managed to perfectly portray an original garage band through their use of mise-en-scene. Garage bands are often made up of young musicians who practice in their family home, this can be seen by their use of background as they’re practicing in a garage with boxes and other clutter in the background. Their outfits also match the aesthetic as their outfits are very relaxed and casual, consisting of baggy jeans, t shirts and sweatshirts which is what people usually wear around their home/casually. 




TikTok  Video 4: Editing
For editing, analyse pace, transitions, the number of shots and juxtaposition. How does the video create pace and excitement - or does it create a different effect for the audience?  

In this TikTok we see fast paced editing which matches the upbeat and fast paced soundtrack, this pace creates a sense of excitement as the video and music are somewhat chaotic. The video is also a good example of juxtaposition as they use editing to cross cut between different settings, one where there's red flashing lights and dark silhouettes and another where they're wearing all white and laying in a white bed.




TikTok  Video 5: Music Video Conventions
Think back to our Introduction to Music Video and our work on Andrew Goodwin's theory on music video conventions as part of the Ghost Town CSP. How many key conventions of music video can you find in your fifth TikTok example?

For my fifth TikTok, I chose the popular ‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber music video which uses music video conventions such as star power by featuring Ludacris and it also perfectly fits the Pop music genre by having a love story narrative and choreographed background dancers which is often seen in this style of music video. Music videos having clear links to their genre is one of Goodwin’s theories. Goodwin’s theory can also be referenced when discussing the close ups of the artists, links between visuals and lyrics and intertextual references to teen movie genre.





TikTok 6: Visual effects, intertextuality or product placement

Choose a TikTok video that has interesting visual effects or intertextuality and analyse the effect this creates and how it is constructed. Alternatively, you could look at product placement here and see how a band or artist has incorporated a brand or product into their video. 

In this TikTok they've used a wide range of on screen effects such as the lightning effect to create a sense of chaos which aligns with Goodwins theory about music video. This is because his theory states that music videos will match the songs lyrics and in this video we hear his rock style lyrics which he presents in an angry tone, matching the "angry weather" effect added.


2) Planning: THREE TikTok video treatments

A treatment is like a script for a TikTok video - it tells the band or artist exactly what will happen in the video and the kind of style or effect the video will have. You'll need choose what songs you are going to use at this point - remember, you can use an existing artist's work but it needs to be appropriate for the brief. 

For this aspect of your summer project, write a basic treatment that gives your reader a good idea of what each of your three TikTok video will look like. The most important thing is to keep in mind the brief - the TikTok video can feature any of the following:
  • interviews/AMAs with band members 
  • content created by band members 
  • performances, live shows or personal appearances 
  • band members taking on a TikTok challenge 
  • the band interacting with fans • fan-made content 
  • merchandise or promotion of the band’s music 
  • any other content or combination of content you think would be appealing to the audience and promote the band effectively.
Start each of your THREE treatments with the following key details: 

1) Artist/band and song(s) you will use for video.

2) Original name for artist/band you have created - MUST be completely original

For example, Ed Sheeran - Shape of You is the artist and song you plan to use but your original name for your artist will be John Smith - Shape of You.


TikTok 1 

Artist: Jonas brothers Song: Backwards

Original Band name: RAW.

For my first TikTok I'd like to do a get ready with me (GRWM) video where we see the band members or a member of the band getting ready to go out for the day. In this video I’ll be using costume to make the band members fit the genre. In this TikTok I might also have the band members choose each other’s outfits as this is something that has been trending on TikTok recently. I’ll be trying to use props to include brand merchandise which will be promoted in the video.

TikTok 2 

For my second  TikTok I'd like to do a street interview where band members are being interviewed by a TikToker who isn’t aware of their music career. The interview will start off with a few basic questions and have some bloopers at the start as many of these interviews do to capture the viewers attention. After introducing themselves and answering a few questions the interviewer will ask about their career / something they’re passionate about which will lead to the reveal that they’re all in a band together and they will drop the name of their song to promote their music as many up and coming artists do on TikTok. The first TikTok will end with a brief clip of the music video to act as a teaser/leak to build excitement for the drop of the song. 

TikTok 3 

My final video will be a day in the life/vlog video. These videos are really popular on TikTok as they give viewers insight into influencers and celebrities lives so I believe it could be used to incorporate multiple aspects from the brief. Within this final TikTok we’ll follow the members as they go through a normal day: I’ll use a clip of the final outfit from the GRWM video at the start and then move onto the members being on their way to record/practice where on the way they’ll stop off to get a drink and meet the TikToker from TikTok 2 which will be briefly mentioned as it gives another opportunity to name drop the song. It will then move on to a shot of band at their practice where viewers will get to experience the behind the scenes of the song.  



3) Statement of Intent

Write the first draft for your genuine 500-word Statement of Intent. This will be submitted to the exam board alongside your media products and is worth 10 marks of the overall 60 marks available.

It should explain:
  • the ways in which you will apply knowledge and understanding of media language and media representation to your products
  • how your products will target the intended audience
  • the industry context they are created for
  • how you will exploit the opportunities for digital convergence between the products
We also strongly recommend you look at our Statement of Intent questions to consider document too (you'll need to log in with your Greenford Google account to read this). 

This is just your first draft of the statement so try and keep it under 500 words if you can. That will leave a bit of room to add later when you do your next draft.

In my media product I’ve decided to focus on the song ‘Backwards’ by the Jonas Brothers to create my own group called ‘RAW.’. I chose this song as I believe it will help me target a younger audience as the song is about heartbreak and personal growth which will likely be relatable to people aged 16-26 and it will be delivered to them as people of those ages are finding their music from TikTok. 

My three TikToks will use trending formats of interviews, GRWMs and day in the life videos to gain traction and reach as many people’s Fyp’s through shares and reposts which means more views and simultaneously promoting the song. Get ready with me videos create a sense of closeness with the band and its audience as it allows them to feel as though they’re a part of a private moment in the bands life such as getting changed in the morning which links to the theory of surveillance.

The day in the life videos are a new version of what used to be vlogs but have now been shortened which helps keep the viewer engaged in a world dominated by short form content and keeping high engagement is important when promoting a product such as music. Within this video I'll also be using my knowledge of product placement to promote the brands merchandise in a natural way. To promote the merch I'll also have to use my knowledge of props to create merchandise that looks believable. My knowledge of narrative, mise-en-scene, camerawork and editing will be displayed throughout these videos as I follow the conventions of the genre to ensure the videos are as authentic as possible. I’ll be using mise-en-scene to match the pop band/boy band genre by sticking to outfits that consist of jeans and t shirts as that’s what many groups such as one direction and artists such as Justin Bieber wore. I’ll also be using setting effectively by ensuring that my setting matches the lyrics which is a key part of Goodwin's music video theory. My videos will combine my knowledge of social media and music video by including clips of music videos within the TikToks after capturing the audiences attention with TikTok content. 

The TikToks I'll be creating don't just tell you what the genre is but they show you through the use of stereotypes and key conventions expected of a modern boy band by audiences. Their outfits (jeans and t shirts/casual) act as a signal which signifies the genre to the audience before they've even heard the song. By doing this I'm promoting a preferred reading which is that the boy band is very laid back and casual (just regular people) unlike how other genres are stereotypically portrayed, such as rap or rock. This links to Stuart Halls representation theory as it's not just reflecting reality, it's creating meaning.


4) Ignite presentation

Prepare a 5-minute, 20-slide presentation using the Ignite format in which you present your coursework project. In effect, this is your statement of intent in presentation format. You must cover:
  • Your TikTok videos and billboard posters concept: your new original artist, genre, song and TikTok video treatments. Then, your print brief: documentary title, artists / bands featured, eras covered, etc.
  • Media language: how you will use TikTok video conventions and billboard advertising conventions - e.g. camerawork, editing and mise-en-scene to create meanings for your audience. 
  • Media representations: how you will use or subvert stereotypes in your TikTok video and music documentary adverts; applications of representation theory; social and cultural contexts - how your coursework will reflect contemporary media culture and society.
  • Media audiences: your target audience demographics and psychographics; audience pleasures - why they would enjoy your TikTok video and magazine; audience theory if relevant.
  • Media industries and digital convergence: the potential record company that would promote your band or artist; the streaming service for your music documentary; the brand identity for your artist; how fans would engage with your products etc.
Ignite presentations have very specific rules: you must create exactly 20 slides with each slide set to 15-second auto-advance. This means your presentation will be exactly five minutes followed by questions and comments from the class. You will deliver your presentation on your coursework planning in the first week back in September.

Your Ignite presentation will be marked out of 30 on the following criteria (each worth a possible 5 marks):

1) Research (through the presentation AND your blog - make sure it is posted before you present) 
2) Coursework concept
3) Language: terminology and theory
4) Representations / social and cultural contexts
5) Audience and Industry / digital convergence
6) Presentation delivery


https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQBw492Vu04YX_vYmDcsMSdfYprZbjRMkdJFl6iWJ3i906GwiLeZQfE_mB20dyhimgR-phkWxnqSic_/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=15000





 


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