Lip Sync Excercise

   Lip sync Task   

In preparation for the lip sync task we had to learn the words to the section of the song in order for us to lip sync successfully. We then chose one of three backgrounds to film on. We chose the green screen on which we used a Sony NX5 fixed to a tripod and was lit with a basic red head light. We asked Katie, Ksenia, and Danel to perform first using a basic wide angle shot. We had a set sound recording of the song where it began with 4 beats of a drum, this would allow us to sync the video and audio later in the edit. We then repeated the same shot using a medium close up, before trying some simple pans. Me, Max and Lauren then entered the spotlight, where we repeated the process.

The next set up featured a dolly track, allowing for some interesting shots. The background was a textured wall, featured a harsh 'red head' side light giving an atmospheric and stylised appearance to the footage. It was also filmed on a Sony FS100 giving great quality footage. We divided the team into different roles, three performers and three people on camera. One person directed, one sat on the dolly controlling the camera and the other worked as a grip (pushing the dolly). We experimented with the shots trying some slow crabs and some quick moving tracks. We alternated each role, meaning I had a go at camera, grip, directing, and performing.

The third and final station featured a sofa with a nicely lit backdrop. The camera used was a canon 5D Mark III, with a selection of prime lenses. Prime lenses provide a much higher quality image as there is less glass for the light to travel through because these types of lenses do not zoom. By Having only one focal length and fewer moving parts, it can be much more precisely calibrated for maximum sharpness. On this set up we chose to use firstly e a 35 mm, giving a medium shot, then a super wide angle at 10mm whilst using a low angle giving a rap video style. As this lens does not zoom, the focus has to be measured. this is done from the focal plane mark on top of the camera, which is a small symbol on top of the lens marking where the cameras sensor is. From her the focus is measured to the eyes, and this measurement is where the lens needs to be focused for. After these final shots we had completed the production stage of our lip sync task.

We then wen to the edit suite to cut together our video. when all the clips were imported, we synced up every single track with the song in the timeline. We did this by ensuring the beats put in at the beginning of the song lined up on the recorded audio and the actual song. By syncing this one moment, the entire video would be synced. We did this with every clip overlaying each one before we actually trimmed and cut the clips till they played in the order we wanted them to. In order to make the cuts flow we placed them on the main beats of the song. 

 Final video 

Andrew Goodwin - Disjuncture

Andrew goodwin - Amplification

Andrew goodwin - Illustration

Richard Dyer | Star image

    Richard Dyer    

Star image

Richard Dyer is a Theorist who had various influential ideas in terms of music culture. In order to understand the relationship between the music industry and its audiences, it is important to consider the roles of music stars. The term ‘Star’ Refers to the semi-mythological set of meanings constructed around music performers in order to sell the performer to a large and loyal audience. Dyer has written extensively about the role of stars in film, TV and music. 'Star image' (his most famous ideology) dictates that: 

Stars are representations of people, they are an image, not a real person, constructed out of a range of materials (advertising, magazines, films). They are merely products created by institutions for financial gain, and target one specific audience.

He encourages that stars are commodities produced and consumed on the strength of their meanings. Stars depend upon a range of subsidiary media - magazines, TV, Radio, the Internet - in order to construct an image for themselves which can be marketed to their target audiences. Dyers theory suggests that stars are made to make money and that purpose alone. Although there is a real human being behind the star, the institution transform the artist in order to ratify the needs of a specific group i.e their target audience. For example one direction were originally styled to look young, clean and fresh, as this is what appealed to their target audience. Through this image they were able to attract millions of fans. However as they grew older and so did their fans, they began to reveal a slightly more grown up and defiant side to the group, it may seem that this was done through leaked videos, and a mistake from the band members, however Dyer would argue that this was all purposeful to create a more anti-establishment, 'cooler' image to appeal to older audiences.

Here are Dyers common values on music stardom, with examples from Miley Cyrus's career:

• Youthfulness (Began as Hannah Montana; a young children's TV star/singer)
• Rebellion (Videos of her taking drugs began to be exposed)
• Sexual magnetism (Wears very revealing and provocative clothing)
• An anti-authoritative attitude (reported to have parked in disabled parking space)
• Originality (Music is fresh and delivers a very unique popular sound)
• Creativity/talent (Very good singer)
• Aggression/anger (songs such as "Cant be tamed" and "Wrecking ball" have an aggressive undertone)
• A disregard for social values relating to drugs sex and polite behaviour (seen doing drugs, lots of provocative pictures have been released, has an overall demeanour which conveys carelessness and a bad attitude.
• success against the odds (this does not necessarily apply to Miley, however it does apply to most rappers: "Started from the bottom now we're here" - Drake

Fundamentally, the star image incoherent that is incomplete and ‘open’. Dyer says that this is because it is based upon two key paradox’s:

Paradox 1: The star must be simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary for the consumer

Example: Beyonce has a family, she is a mother figure, and therefore seems like a regular person however at the same time she still seems unbelievably extraordinary to her audience. 

Paradox 2: The star must be simultaneously present and absent for the consumer. 

Example: Beyonce is often featured in magazines and performing concerts therefore she remains in the public eye. However, she is such a celebrity that she is completely untouchable to the audience. Even at a concert, the audience get the impression that they are meeting her, however there is still a barrier between the artist and her audience meaning she is still untouchable. 

The incoherence of the star image ensures that audiences continually strive to complete or to make sense of the image. This is archived by continued consumption of the star through his or her products. In the music industry, performers seem to promise the completion of the image, but is always ultimately unsatisfying. This means that fans will go away determined to continue the star in order to carry on attempting to complete their image.

Madonna - Like a prayer | Music video analysis

Madonnas music video ‘Like a prayer’ fuelled an outrage between religious and ethnic groups in 1989 when it was released, due to its controversial content. It is evident that this music video is purposefully contentious featuring sacrilegious symbols like a black Jesus and a burning cross.

The video tells a non linear story of a woman (Madonna) who witnesses a crime. 2 white men assault a white woman, however she is saved by a black man. When the police turn up the white men have fled and they assume the black man has commit the crime. The woman runs to a church where she meets a black saint and falls into a fantasy world where she joyfully sings with a gospel choir. In the end she goes to the police station as a witness and free’s the man declaring his innocence. The Video ends as the cast take a bow and the curtain closes. 

The video uses clear iconography to instigate thoughts of religion throughout. The first clear symbol is a burning cross; a practice widely associated with the ku klux klan. This symbol was intended by the group to be a symbol of jesus’s fiery light, however on the surface it is a mere attack on religion. By featuring the symbol of the ku klux klan the overall racial diversity message being portrayed is juxtaposed. Perhaps Madonna is using it as a menacing reminder of what is wrong.

The next clear symbol is that of the church. It appears to be a typical american church however the main focus of it is the ‘Jesus’ or saint like figure which is depicted as a black man; opposing the traditional white man with a brown beard image. The reveal of this is given more impact through a slow intense tracking shot. Madonna uses this controversial character to express the power of faith, and ethnic diversity.

She shows equality within religion, purposefully knowing that this will cause outrage. However her social comments simply make her seem like a more intelligent and layered artist, who cannot only sing and look good but has something to say aswell.

There is a sexual undertone through the video both reflected in the lyrics and in the visuals. A prime example of this is when madonna kisses the black saint. It is a very powerful image which breaks down racial barriers. In the 1980s many american cultures entirely disagreed with this however in our modern society it is completely normal. The sensuality displayed as madonna dances around, with shots composed to draw focus towards her chest, make her a sex symbol to females who want to be like her and males who want her. 

The video features intertextuality particularly at the end where the camera tracks out to reveal they are on a stage where the characters take a bow. This distances madonna from the controversy she has just created and implies that this shouldn't be taken too seriously

Madonna is both an organic and synthetic artist, as she sings about traditional values such as religion, however she is synthetic in the way she plays to the cameras and performs her material. This increases the appeal of her music to a wider demographic. She does have ideas about society which she aims to portray, however her incredibly daring and shocking way of conveying them is a clear management decision which builds upon madonna’s star image. giving the impression she is bold, brave and fearless.

Madonnas aim is to make a statement on society and racial tensions in the US. This video is purposefully controversial. Knowing that it will cause outrage, evidently the ultimate outcome for madonna is more awareness. The publicity created for madonna will make her a more well known artist. Furthermore the fact that she is portraying a message makes her seem, not only a talented artist, but an intelligent one. She has something to say to her audience, and is making a comment on society. On top of this is the sexual image she portrays. Despite conveying her views, she also heavily flaunts her body through the video creating sex appeal, for male audiences. It is a very well thought out campaign using purposefully blasphemous imagery to make her a bigger, wider recognised artist.

Progression of the star image