...Analysis Of Music Viedo - Akon 'Right Now'...

In this brief analysis I will be looking at the music video Right Now by Akon. Whilst analysing this video I will be following the use of MIGRAIN.



Media Language
The use of the main singer 'Akon' walking in the beginning with security behind him indicates to the audience that he is in control and has power over others. Also, with the use of bouncers either side of him shows that he is an important individual. During the video he wears a suit, whereby the propps change to being a casual t-shirt when shot changes to the beach. Whilst the shot changes you can see the change in colour from being low key lighting in the dark club to high key lighting on the beach. This can show that the situation is more relaxed and he has got what he wants, in the case of the girl. Whilst the shot changes to the beach, text appears up on the screen leaving the audience with various rhetorical questions and the use of Barthes theory of raising enigma codes of 'why is he saying this?' 'What is the main narrative is behind his song?' etc. Whilst the text appears on the screen it shows flashbacks of the club and the beach at the same time showing that he’s thinking about the past. With the use of the beach it shows happiness as the propps are brightly coloured. The use of the back shot is a reminder of how things were. The women in the video lives in an estate and she’s not as wealthy as Akon himself. There is also a shot where a women is acting promiscuous towards Akon on a bed. The audience know that she is promiscuous due to her actions and the clothes that she is wearing.

Institutions
The song itself was written by the Aliaune Thiam (Akon) he was born in 1977 whereby his stage name was introduced.

Genre
The genre of the text is a music video which is promoting a song. The song in which it is trying to promote is by Akon.

Representation
The video represents a man who obviously reminiscing his past with his ex girlfriend. The women in the video is being represented as sex objects. The text also represents the two lives’s (binary opposition) that he can choose to live; the good happy side or the bad side. In the text it is shown that the good side is not the most enjoyable side and that the bad side is the happier side (richer and poorer)

Audience
The type of audience this music video may be targeted may perhaps be males and females. A vast majority of the audience being young from 18+. The music video may be in use of audience theory, uses and gratification: the audience may watch this as it may relate to the own personal relationship. The preferred reading of the text would be males as they maybe able to relate to the situation that Akon is talking about. The oppositional reading would be females as they may be feeling that men are degrading them due to the lyrics of the song such as “I wanna make love right now”.

Ideologies
The music video may have the use of propp’s theory. Good Vs Evil. The dark lighting in the club then switches to the high key lighting of the beach could represent good, and the dark lighting in the club representing badness. Also, Barthes theory of enigma codes can be used, when the text appears across the video which can have an influence upon the audience. This can arise enigmas as in why these questions are being said? It also can represent male dominancy in life (patriarchal society) as Akon has the option to pick the lifestyle he wants with women. Laura Mulvey’s theory can be related to this text because of the lyrics that have been said and the actions which have taken place. Lyrics such as “I wanna make love right now” can suggest hat women are only needed for their sexual attributes. Also, women are seen to be sexual objects.

Narrative
The narrative of the music video is a dual narrative where it shows Akon in two different lifestyles that he could be in. The dual narrative could represent the two minds that he is in; whether to take the good side or the bad side.
The narrative follows almost a non-linear narrative which shows the story of Akon and which girl he wants to be with.

...Cross Media Case Study...

In this brief analysis I will be looking at the opening sequence of the film ‘Kidulthood’ (directed by Menhaj Huda) and will be studying the opening in a deeper depth. The genre of the film ‘Kidulthood’ is Drama as the film follows the life of teenagers in school and the actions of teenagers in Today’s society. The opening sequence follows a non-linear narrative which straight away raises enigmas in the audiences mind.

In the beginning of the opening sequence there is a lot of cinematography used which enables us to concentrate on a certain character or prop. For example in the opening sequence there are a number of medium shots which jump from one to another which show the audience a new character. This represents that the film will be a very fast paced film and also as there is more than one character being shown, that there will be more than the one narrative in the film. This distinguishes to the audience that the narrative is going to be about the representation of teenagers in school life. This also raises many enigmas in the audience’s mind as they may be thinking how are these characters? What is going to happen to them? How are they linked?

The lighting that is used as a backdrop outside when the students are in the playground is very dark, gloomy and grey. This could represent that almost a storm is on its way and is coming to haunt the teenagers that are in the school. Also, it can represent that in this school there is no happiness or love, it is all hate and turmoil. This links to an audience of teenagers at school as they may be going through some of the situations that are going on in the film. This could give a false and negative view of teenager’s life, as not all teenagers are that shown in the opening.

The setting of the opening is in a high school were there are teenagers are smoking drugs, bullying and sexual intercourses. This immediately represents the characters as rebels or ASBO’s which makes the audience think, is this what the characters are going to get in trouble for. This links to an audience of A and B social class for surveillance purposes. An upper class professional would watch this opening and say, is this what Today’s society has come to? This gives a false, stereotypical view of students at high school as most high school will not allow there to be any sort of behaviour like that.

The language that the characters use in the film is colloquial. The characters are talking amongst their mates in slang. This represents that the film is based in an urban rural environment where children have been brought up to talk in slang. This links to an audience of teenagers as they can relate to the language used by the characters in the production; personal identity.

In the opening there is a shot were a boy (Sam) in a blue hoody walks up to a girl, spits at her and then swears at her. This represents that the Sam is the bully and the girl is a innocent girl who is just being picked on n school. This links to an audience of teenagers who may be getting bullied at school and don’t know how to deal with. This reinforces Levis Strauss’s theory of binary oppositions and the in every narrative there are always elements of good vs. evil.

There is a significant medium shot in the opening were the teacher is telling the students to get to lesson and supposedly the main protagonist (Trevor) stops and stares at him, the teacher then looks away as he is scared. This shows a representation that at this school the students are in control of the teachers and hardly do not get into trouble due to this reason. This is then significant to an audience of teachers so that they are aware of what students can be capable and what to do if they react in a certain way. This scene assumes that students have the dominant power in that society and have control over their superior power within their environment.

In conclusion, I think that the opening to Kidulthood is very interesting and raises many enigmas for the audience and grips them into watching the film. The use of making the film start with different narratives make it harder for the audience to understand what is going to happen however if they chose to watch on then they will find out

...How Is The Opening Sequence Of Two TV Dramas Used To Establish Narrative?...

In this essay I am going to be analysing the two opening sequences of “Desperate Housewives” and “Footballer’s wives.” “Desperate Housewife’s” is a comedy drama series created by Marc Cherry which was released on October 3rd 2004. “Footballer’s wives” is a TV drama series created by Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus which was released on January 8th 2002.

In the opening sequence of “Desperate Housewife’s” there are a range of medium and long shots which show scenes from the previous series to show the audience what happened previously if they did not see it. This was done so that it captures the targeted audience of females who have never seen the programme and to introduce them and keep them up to date with the new events that are taking place. This follows a linear narrative which means that the scenes are linked together chronologically so that the audience keep engaged and interested and have to watch the programme to see what new events happen next in the programme.

Similarly, in the opening sequence of “Footballer’s wives” they also have a number of medium and long shots which introduce each character in the programme to give the audience a feel of what each character is about and what part they have in the programme. This is done to attract the audience into watching the programme as they will feel that they know a basic introduction of the programme. It follows a non linear narrative so the audience are unexpected of what scenes are going to appear next on screen and raises enigmas in the audience mind they may then watch the programme to answer their questions.

Furthermore, in both “Desperate Housewife’s” and “Footballers wives” there is a voiceover through out the opening sequence which help the audience follow what is going on the screen. This could represent that we as the audience are apart of the voiceover and that we are looking over on what is happening in both environments of the programmes; fourth wall. The audience being the fourth wall suggests that we are included in the narrative and it’s almost a secret for us that we have to keep in because we cannot tell the characters in the programme.

In both opening sequences there are medium shots of women that are living in wealthy lifestyles. This represents that the women are living in luxury of superior roles. This links to a female audience of A and B socio demographics via personal identity. This reinforces the theory of feminism as in the programme the women are the dominant sex in society. This then suggests that the programme is based on feminism and how women can be the dominant sex in society by challenging the stereotype of a patriarchal society. This make the narrative slightly different for both programmes as most media texts are base upon a patriarchal society; it has only been quite apparent for women having power.

Moreover, in “Footballer’s wives” there is a high angle shot on a women which focuses on a women in a bikini in a swimming pool who narrates the opening sequence. This represents that the women in the programme have a bit more power and they know everything that is going on in the programme. This links to a male audience as they may feel that the women narrating maybe acting in the programme. This proves Laura Mulvey’s theory of the male gaze by women being objectified as sex objects.

In addition to this “Desperate Housewife’s” title sequence has a shot of a cartoon form re enacting of events of Adam and Eve, and Eve eating the apple rather than Adam. This represents that Eve being a female was the dominant sex as she ate the apple. This links to a female audience as they may watch the programme to re ensure themselves of having power. This also, suggests that programme is going to be primarily about females and how they are the dominant sex in society.

In conclusion, I think that the two opening sequences which I have chosen both have different narratives as one is a linear and one is non linear. However, they both try to put the same message across to show that women are the dominant sex in society.

...Self Evaluation...

Attainment - 1

I would say my attainment is Excellent reasons being because, when I conducted my GCSE examination results for Media Studies I achieved an B one mark away from an A. Therefore: I think I put in all my effort to achieve the best for both me and the teachers satisfaction.

Effort - 1

I would say my Effort is Excellent because, I tend to do all my tasks set to me and hand it in on the deadline given, with the best of my ability.

Punctuality - 1

My Punctuality is also Excellent as I attend all classes on time and give a positive attitude towards learning new things.

Submission And Quality Of Homework - 1

The submission and quality of my homework, I would say is Excellent as every peice that has been given has been completed to A Level standard. Also, one or two peices have been given a Merit.

Ability To Work Independently - 1

I think that my ability to work independently is Excellent this is because, I think I produce well standard work when I work independtly, Also, I know I get most of the work done with a great standard of quality.

Quality Of Writing - 2

I think my quality of writing is Very Good, but can get better. This is because, I do present my work in a clear manner and include paragraphs and punctuation etc.

Organisation Of Media Folder - 1

I think the organisation of my media folder is Excellent becuase, I have divided it up into 3 different sections for the 3 different teachers that I have. Also, all my work is in order and all worksheets are up to date.

Oral Contributions In Class - 2

I don't necessarily contribute in the class much. However, When I know and am certain that my answer is correct or my point is vaild I do not hesitate to araise my hand and get more involved.

...Best Media Productions Of 2(",)(",)8...

...A Rappers Ambition...

This media production specifically caught my eye because, the effects and shots that where used where unique and powerful. For instance: the broken glass bottle effect. Also, whilst watching this production me as being part of the audience can automatically tell how much time and effort went into putting this trailer together. What's more, after veiwing this clip the team included a numerous amount of angle shots and clips, which successfully brought the production together and made it to being an Award Winner Of 2008.


...Kuch To Hua Hia...

This productionn came to my attention because, the main storyline of this short trailer alomost seemed realistic. The way the 'Friendship' scene was recorded engaged the audience more as it showed clear imagery of the actors. Although it was an Asian Indian trailer it was clear to what was going on and what the main plot of the film is, which is a typical 'Love Triangle'. Moreover, the way they used real bollywood sound effects and clips for example: dancing in the rain, made it look more traditional.

...Silent Pain...

This media production was one of my favourites as they talked about rape and went in more depth about the situation. The advantage of showing this was to tell women about what could happen whilst their in a committed relationship and how the tables can turn dramatically. Moreover, the team used examples from the media, for instance: Hollyoaks and bollywood film Provoked. This demonstrates to the audience how it begins in the outside world. What’s more, they even included an example of their own and how that women met her husband. Overall, this documentary has sure given women a short view about what can happen within a relationship.

...All About Web 2.0...

What Is Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 is all about 'Social Networking' sites, which allows us as individuals to communicate with others worldwide. Websites such as: Face book, Hi5, and Bebo etc allow us to connect with others. Also, Web 2.0 has a faster Internet connection which have a numerous amount of browser sites. Web 2.0 is mostly used and beneficial from youngsters to a wide audience of middle-aged males and females, aged from 16-30+

What Is Web 1.0?

Web 1.0 was given the state of the World Wide Web. It was created from 1994-2004, it used to dial up Internet connections rather slow and didn't really have whats known today as the "Social Networking" sites.

How Do They Both Differ?

Web 1.0 was about reading - Web 2.0 is about writing.
Web 1.0 was about companies - Web 2.0 is about communities.
Web 1.0 was about client-server - Web 2.0 is about peer to peer.
Web 1.0 was about HTML - Web 2.0 is about XML.
Web 1.0 was about home pages - Web 2.0 is about blogs.

..."We Are The Producers And Consumers Of The Media"...

0:00- Introduction To Youtube's Big Numbers:

1989- Launched the foundation of World Wide Web. A Male man called Kevin Kelly was invited by ABC to consult about the "Internet".

1948- ABC started broadcasting and then became the third major network. This was about 60 years ago...

2008 - 1948=60 Years

If they broad casted...

3 Networks x 60 Years Ago x 365 Days x 24 Hours A Day =

Over 1.5 MILLION Hours Of Programming

However, YouTube produced more in the past 6 months, this was without the use of producer but the use of everyday outsiders who have brought it together by uploading videos etc.So whats on YouTube?

9232 Hours A Day

385 Always On TV Channels

200,000 3 Minute Videos

88% New and Original Content

2:00- Numa Numa And The Celebration Of Web cams:

2003- A pop song was launched, and later on became a Big hit in Italy during 2004. Throughout the year the song was well known in Europe. This big hit then travelled around the world to create animated videos and stuff. One of the videos arrived at New Jersey in December 2004, where a man called Gary Walter had a web cam image of him enjoying himself and didn't really care about what others thought. It was seen as a new...

*"Cyber Star"*

2005- YouTube was launched and everyone had the privilege to join the 'Numa Numa' with nearly 50,000 videos uploaded.

Web cam- People at the web cam have... and they...

A Stronger Voice And Presence

Celebrate Of New Forms Of Communicating,

Global Connections &

New Ways To Connect Together

5:53- The Machin Is Us/ing Us And The New Media scape

The web is not about researching, but is about Linking People, Sharing, Trading And Collaborating. After 2 days the above video was uploaded it already had 253 views, and a couple days later it had jumped to a Blasting figure of 1,154.

The video was now extremely popular with...

Over 13,000 Blog Reactions

It was then published on...

*"Internet Star"*

Also stated that...

"We Are Living In A Media scape"

"Media Is Not A Content"

"Media are Not Tools Of Communication"

However...

"Media Meditates Human Relations"

"When Media Changes - Human Relations Change To"

12:16- Introducing The Research Team

Graduate Students launch onto YouTube and up-load videos which then goes onto a Data Base

12:56- Who Is On YouTube?

25% Are 35Yrs+

25% Are Teens

A Vast Majority Of Viewers Are 18-24Yrs With 52%

13:25- Whats On YouTube? Charlie Bit My Finger, Soulja Boy Etc

The most commonly videos on YouTube are Home Videos.

They are mostly viewed...

Less Than 100 Times

Approximately 15% of videos on YouTube are Remakes of other videos. In April 2007 - Soulja Boy was created and was uploaded on YouTube. Which then started to spread World Wide and everyone was doing the 'Soulja Boy' dance.

August 2007 - Soulja Boy was now a large label and it was...

All About The New Media

17:04- 5% Of Videos Are Personal Blogs Addressed To The YouTube Community, Why?

Almost 10,000 videos from 200,000 are addressed to the YouTube Community Everyday.

Why?

The Loss of Ccommunity Over Time.

17:30- YouTube In Context, The Loss Of Community And "Networked Individualism" (Wellman)

When women joins the workforce theres no Free Time. Where only connected by Road Ways & TV. New forms of community/networks are immuring, for Intance, 'Cell Phones'

"Barry Wellman" stated that...

"From Place-To-Place.. To.. Person-To-Person Connectivity"

This is call "Networked Individualism"

18:41- Cultural Inversion: Individualism And Community

Express: - Value:

Individualism - Community

Independance - Relationships

Commercialization - Authenticity

19:15- Understanding New Forms Of Community Through Participant Observation

People on YouTube are participating in the community

Participant Observation= Core Of Methodology

21:18- YouTube As A Medium For Community

When media changes, Human realtions change to. Everytime someone talks on webcam its unknown, you don't know whos talking back to you. Its an invisable auidence on the otherside, you never know when there watching.

23:00- Our First Vlogs

This was moslty about people producing films and clips about themselves on vlogs and making sure that yhe type of shots are correct etc.

'Mitigating The Collapse Of Context'

25:00- The Webcam: Everybody Is Watching Where Nobody Is There ("Context Collapse")

Webcam is a public place, it studies Self Indentity. Also...

'We know ourselves from our understanding and the way other people understand us'

26:05- Re-Cognition And New Forms Of Self-Awareness (McLuhan)

'Hyper Self - Awareness'

People are able to watch these videos over and over again including those who originally created them.

27:58- The Anonymity Of Watching YouTube: Haters And Lovers

Anonymity + Physical Distance + Rare + Ephemeral Dialogue =

...Hatred As Public Performance...

...Freedom To Experience Humanity Without Fear Or Anxiety...

29:53- Aesthetic Arrest

People are experiencing others through YouTube, they are Overwhelmed with what they see.

30:25- Connection Without Constraint

Cultrual Tension:

Connection = Constraint

People Are Connecting Deeply...

Media Just Don't Distance Us, They Connect Us In Different Ways...

That Can Sometime Feel Distant

New forms of community create new forms of self - understanding.

32:35- Free Hugs: A Hero For Our Mediated Culture

Individuals who came from another country felt lonely, therefore; "Free Hugs" gave them an opportunity to build strong connections and Re-Connect with Humanity.

34:02- YouTube Drama: Striving For Popularity

On YouTube your video should be well - known and popular in order for it to appear on the frontpage/homepage.

34:55- An Early Star: Emokid21ohio

Two people are Connected with each other talking about a Love Story, soon later YouTube stars and others are Tuning In To Veiw It.

36:55- YouTube's Anthenticity Crisis: The Story Of LonelyGirl15

LonelyGirl15 started vlogging in June 2006, In matter of weeks she was YouTube's second most subscribed. However, debates soon sparked amongst YouTubes's regarding her authenticity. Suspicions then aarised about this vlog but...

These Suspicions Were Confirmed

Poeple where also concered, who she was?...

"LonelyGirl15 Is A Reflection Of Everyone"

39:50- Reflections On Authenticity

We are all Producers...

Producing Ourselves...

Re-taking Identity...

Editing Our Own Histories...

Playing with Identity

41:54- Gaming The System / Exposing The System

People are...

'Gaming The System'

&

'Exposing The System'

43:37: Seriously Playful Participatory Media Culture

Extending in the real world. (Context Collapse) of everyday life.

Networked Production: The Collab

People all around the world can collabrate togeather.

47:32 Networked Production: The Collab. MadV's "The Message" And The Message Of YouTube

Individuals on YouTube have written little statements on their hands, to show others there Not Alone. Its more seen as a Cultrual Value

49:29 Poem: The Little Glass Dot, The Eyes Of The World

The poem was produced by Wesh, its about the Web Cam and its Eyes Of The World. The Web Cam is used in many ways, for instance: Fame or Glory. Its just a way to connect with others and What We As The Consumers Make Of It.

51:15 Conclusion By Bnessel1973

It is stated that people should create videos to Change The World. However, Bnessel1973 created his to help Him Live In It. Wheather he decides to upload more videos in the future, YouTube Will Always Help Him Bring Life Again.