Here is what I learnt during class and was assigned to complete this classwork - Completed by Kaka
Names:
Jaden, Kaka
Celebrity:
Jimmy Donaldson (Mr Beast)
REEL persona:
MrBeast presents himself as a philanthropic, high energy YouTuber whose wealth he spends his money on giving it away to people, using it for challenges and charity
REAL persona:
Despite his image, recent news has come up of him allegedly faking his videos, having terrible work conditions, and using foul language behind-the-scenes. He is also, surprisingly, anti-social
Love:
How is their love life reported on?
Thea Booysen is a South African twitch streamer and YouTube and author. they met by chance during a cancelled video shoot in which he was left in south africa, and the both were introduced as mutual friends. they quickly connected due to their common interest in self-improvement, and started a long-distance relatonship.
YouTuber Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson has been having a rocky 2024 — but, in spite of all the scandals that have been plaguing his brand, one thing has remained consistent: his relationship with Twitch streamer and YouTuber Thea Booysen,
Ordinariness:
Do the media try to show them as everyday individuals like you?
MrBeast became successful by creating huge, eye-catching challenges and giveaways, reinvesting his earnings to make even bigger videos. His unique ideas and understanding of YouTube's algorithm helped him go viral and grow quickly.
Consumption:
Can you find any articles that celebrate their luxurious lifestyles? Or their extreme diets?
His whole persona involves money, and how he spends it. He has spent thousands of dollars in crazy challenges and giveaways.
Has this celebrity had a downfall? How is it reported? Did they recover?
Yes, Mr Beast had recently been exposed and revealed to staged content and giveaways that made his name and appearance a major downfall in his career.
Self-Reflection:
For this assignment, we were paired into groups of two and as usual I got paired with Jaden. I can't do anything much about it so all I care is too finish the work ASAP. One minor problem that me and Jaden has found is that we were having difficulties on choosing our Star to analyze their persona for this assignment. Finally, Jaden had made up a superb idea which is to pick Mr. Beast aka. Jimmy Donaldson to analyze in this groupwork, but as soon as he came up with that idea like usual of course it's Jaden he spoke it up very loudly until the whole group hears it. As a result, it turns Carrick into a 12 year old 5th grader who called out "DIBS" on picking Mr Beast, which ended up the whole group analyzing the same STAR for the persona in this groupwork. Sigh...
Here is the statement of intetn for our music video - Completed by Carrick, Giorgio, Jaden, and Kaka
Self-Reflection:
This part felt a bit exhausting because it took us ages to come up with ideas. We wanted to create a teen star from Indonesia with a perfect English accent. At first, we thought about just copying Bruno Mars, but we realized it wouldn’t work, so we decided to create our own original character. Me and Jaden took the lead on this, while Giorgio and Carrick reviewed it and made some big adjustments because they feel like we were useless and dislike our ideas and concepts, they changed the demographic and psychographics to fit our teen star. . The hardest part of this was making sure everything sounded clear and made sense. I think we managed as a team since in the end Giorgio stood up and handled this, but I guess we’ll see once it’s graded.
This is the poster for Media Ownership - Completed by - Jaden & kaka
Self-Reflection:
In this poster project, I was paired with Jaden. And I was a little bit upset since I wish that we could have done it as a whole group but considering some of us will be able to relax and joke around which would be me, so I guess it's a good idea to split member into two. Me and Jaden had minor difficulties on researching facts on the internet, so we both finally made a deal that we both would research on different platforms and websites to gather informations.
Name: KSI - Thick of It Year: 2024 Production Company: Atlantic Records Distribution Company: Atlantic Records UK, BMG Rights Management Genre / Sub-genre: Hip-hop / Rap
What conventions does it conform to?
Fast-paced beats typical in hip-hop/rap.
KSI’s style of personal introspective lyrics.
Focus on self-reflection and resilience, which fits the emotional tone of modern rap.
What conventions does it subvert?
KSI includes softer, melodic elements, contrasting with the harder edge typically found in rap.
The song features a combination of motivational messaging and vulnerability, subverting the tough persona common in hip-hop.
What representations are there? (people/places/events)
KSI represents themes of overcoming struggle, resilience, and confidence.
The music video highlights personal growth and balancing success with internal challenges.
What technical elements are used to give meaning?
Cinematic lighting and dark color tones to convey depth and emotional tension.
Slow-motion effects combined with rapid cuts to emphasize the conflict between vulnerability and strength.
Close-up shots of KSI reflect his introspective journey.
Name: Glenn Medeiros - Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You Year: 1987 Production Company: Amherst Records Distribution Company: Amherst Records, Mercury Records Genre / Sub-genre: Pop / Soft Rock
What conventions does it conform to?
Soft rock ballad with smooth, melodic vocals typical of romantic 80s music.
Sentimental and emotional lyrics expressing eternal love, which fits the classic love ballad genre.
Traditional verse-chorus structure, making it easily memorable and singable.
What conventions does it subvert?
Unlike many 80s hits that relied on synth-heavy production, this track has a more acoustic, gentle instrumentation.
Glenn Medeiros, as a young artist at the time, delivered a mature, heartfelt performance that subverts expectations for teenage pop stars of the era.
What representations are there? (people/places/events)
The song represents unconditional love and dedication to a romantic partner.
The music video reflects themes of simplicity and sincerity, focusing on Glenn's performance rather than elaborate storytelling or complex visuals.
What technical elements are used to give meaning?
Soft lighting and romantic settings in the video emphasize the warmth and affection conveyed in the song.
Simple camera work focuses on Glenn Medeiros, reinforcing the song’s direct and personal message.
The use of slow-motion and scenic shots adds to the dreamy, timeless feeling of the song.
General Research:
Title: All Rise Artist: Blue Year: 2001
Target audience, and how are they appealed to? The video is aimed at teens and young adults, especially fans of early 2000s pop and R&B. It grabs their attention through the band’s cool image, catchy music, and the theme of trust and relationships, which a lot of young people can relate to. The trendy stage setting, flashy cameras, and the band’s stylish outfits also fit the fashion and vibe of the early 2000s, making it really appealing for the time.
What would you like to use in your opening from this? For the opening, I’d highlight how the video captures early 2000s culture with its city scenes, cool outfits, and the use of a courtroom as a metaphor for relationship issues. The catchy beat and harmonies also grab viewers right away, which is something I’d definitely want to include.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this? I’d avoid focusing too much on the typical "boy band" look, as it might seem outdated. Instead, I’d stick to the storytelling and the courtroom metaphor, which really help explain the video’s theme of conflict and trust issues.
Technical elements: The video uses different camera angles, smooth transitions, and quick cuts to keep the energy high and hold the audience’s attention.
Representations: Blue is shown as representing young men who are dealing with emotional struggles, especially around trust and loyalty in relationships.
Conventions: While it sticks to the usual boy band format (good-looking members, choreographed moves, close-up shots), the courtroom setting gives it a fresh twist.
Media language: The courtroom symbolizes judgment and being held accountable in relationships, which ties into the song’s message.
Media theory: The video’s storyline connects with ideas of justice and fairness in relationships, which can be linked to genre and narrative theories.
Title: End of the Road Artist: Boyz II Men Year: 1992
Target audience, and how are they appealed to? The song and video target a broad audience, especially those going through tough breakups. The emotional vibe, relatable lyrics about heartache, and smooth R&B style appeal to both young adults and older listeners. The music video’s use of dark, moody lighting and scenes of the band members reflecting in lonely spaces helps connect emotionally with viewers who have experienced loss or sadness in relationships.
What would you like to use in your opening from this? For the opening, I’d highlight how the video uses its moody tone and relatable lyrics to really draw in people who are going through heartache. The emotional performance from Boyz II Men, along with the slow, soulful beat, makes it easy to connect with the pain expressed in the song.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this? I’d avoid getting too stuck on the slow pace of the video because it might come across as too sad or boring to some viewers. Instead, I’d focus more on the emotional impact of the lyrics and visuals, which is what makes it powerful.
Technical elements: The video uses slow camera movements, soft lighting, and close-up shots of the band members to match the emotional depth of the song.
Representations: Boyz II Men is shown as sensitive, emotional men who are open about their feelings, breaking stereotypes of men not expressing vulnerability.
Conventions: It follows the typical R&B ballad format—slow-paced visuals, deep emotions, and a focus on the performers.
Media language: The dark lighting, empty spaces, and reflective shots symbolize loneliness and the pain of lost love.
Media theory: The narrative of heartbreak connects with the audience’s personal experiences of love and loss, which can be analyzed through reception theory and narrative structures.
Title: One in a Million Artist: Bosson Year: 2000
Target audience, and how are they appealed to? The song appeals to fans of early 2000s pop and romantic ballads, particularly younger audiences and those who enjoy feel-good love songs. The upbeat and catchy melody, along with the positive message of finding “the one,” makes it a go-to for listeners looking for something light and heartwarming. The music video, with its romantic and dreamy scenes, appeals to people who are either in love or dream of finding true love.
What would you like to use in your opening from this? In the opening, I’d bring up how the song’s catchy tune and heartwarming theme appeal to the romantic side of the audience. The visuals, which include dreamy, idyllic locations, emphasize the fantasy of finding that “one in a million” love, which is really what hooks people.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this? I’d avoid focusing too much on the overly perfect love story because it might come off as cheesy or unrealistic. Instead, I’d keep the focus on the feel-good energy of the song and how the visuals complement that positive vibe.
Technical elements: The video uses bright, soft lighting and sweeping camera movements to enhance the dreamy, romantic feel.
Representations: Bosson is portrayed as a hopeful romantic, representing the idea of someone searching for true love.
Conventions: It follows the standard romantic ballad video format, with soft visuals, idyllic settings, and a focus on the singer.
Media language: The warm lighting, picturesque scenery, and close-up shots of Bosson highlight the dreamlike nature of the song’s theme.
Media theory: The video taps into the romantic fantasy many people have, which can be explored through theories of genre and representation.
Title: All This Time Artist: Tiffany Year: 1988
Target audience, and how are they appealed to? The video targets teenagers and young adults, especially those who enjoy emotional ballads about heartbreak and reflection. Tiffany’s heartfelt performance and relatable lyrics about lost love and personal growth appeal to young people going through similar experiences. The music video’s nostalgic, almost dreamy feel adds to the emotional connection, especially for those dealing with the end of a relationship.
What would you like to use in your opening from this? For the opening, I’d focus on how the video captures the emotional struggle of heartbreak, with Tiffany’s performance really pulling viewers in. The mix of personal reflection and the soft, soothing melody makes it a powerful visual and emotional experience.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this? I’d avoid the slower pace or overly dramatic visuals, as it might come off as a outdated. Instead, I’d focus on the timeless emotional message and the relatable feelings of loss and reflection.
Technical elements: The video uses soft lighting, gentle camera movements, and close-up shots to focus on Tiffany’s emotional delivery and vulnerability.
Representations: Tiffany is portrayed as someone going through emotional growth after a painful experience, symbolizing strength and resilience in the face of heartbreak.
Conventions: It follows typical ballad conventions—slow pacing, emotional delivery, and a focus on the artist's personal connection to the song.
Media language: The soft lighting, intimate close-ups, and gentle camera work all highlight the emotional weight of the song and its themes of loss and self-reflection.
Media theory: The video’s theme of personal reflection and overcoming heartbreak can be explored through narrative theory and audience reception, focusing on how different viewers relate to the emotional journey.
Title: I Knew I Loved You Artist: Savage Garden Year: 1999
Target audience, and how are they appealed to? The target audience is primarily young adults and fans of romantic pop music. The song’s soft, sentimental tone and lyrics about love at first sight appeal to people who are in love or believe in romantic destiny. The music video, set in a subway station, adds a relatable touch of urban life, showing that love can happen in everyday situations, which resonates with viewers looking for that magical, spontaneous connection.
What would you like to use in your opening from this? For the opening, I’d mention how the song’s dreamy and heartfelt vibe really appeals to people who believe in love at first sight. The setting of a busy subway station gives the video a grounded, relatable feel, making the idea of love finding you anywhere feel realistic and magical at the same time.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this? I’d avoid focusing too much on the overly idealistic portrayal of love, which could come off as unrealistic to some viewers. Instead, I’d highlight the video’s relatable setting and the emotional connection that makes the song feel genuine.
Technical elements: The video uses soft, warm lighting and slow-motion shots to create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. The subway station setting adds a sense of everyday realism.
Representations: The video portrays love as spontaneous and destined, showing that it can happen in the most ordinary places, which speaks to the idea of fate in romance.
Conventions: It follows romantic pop conventions—slow pacing, emotional lyrics, and an idealized portrayal of love, with a focus on the singer’s connection to the song’s message.
Media language: The lighting, slow-motion, and subtle color grading highlight the dreamy, magical feel of love blossoming in an unexpected place.
Media theory: The narrative of love as something destined can be explored through audience reception theory, as viewers may relate differently based on their own beliefs about love and fate.
Title: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now Artist: Starship Year: 1987
Target audience, and how are they appealed to? The song appeals to a wide audience, especially fans of 80s rock and pop music. Its upbeat, motivational message of overcoming obstacles, particularly in relationships, speaks to both young and older audiences who believe in the power of love and perseverance. The music video, with its larger-than-life feel and scenes inspired by the movieMannequin, grabs the attention of viewers who enjoy fun, sensational love stories with an 80s flair.
What would you like to use in your opening from this? For the opening, I’d focus on the video’s fun, energetic vibe and how it visually matches the song’s uplifting message. The over-the-top style and cinematic quality make it memorable and engaging, appealing to fans of both music and movies from that era.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this? I’d avoid focusing too much on the movie tie-in (Mannequin), as it might seem outdated. Instead, I’d stick to the universal themes of love and overcoming challenges, which still resonate today.
Technical elements: The video features bright, flashy lighting, quick cuts, and a larger-than-life set design that reflects the high-energy, optimistic tone of the song.
Representations: Starship is portrayed as champions of love and resilience, representing the idea that with the right mindset, nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams.
Conventions: It sticks to the typical 80s rock/pop music video formula—flashy visuals, larger-than-life storytelling, and a focus on the band’s performance.
Media language: The bold lighting, energetic visuals, and dramatic scenes emphasize the song’s message of overcoming any obstacle for love.
Media theory: The idea of love as unstoppable can be explored through narrative theory, while the larger-than-life portrayal of the band ties into star theory, with Starship presented as cultural icons of the 80s era.
Here is some additional research that helped with ideas:
Self-Reflection:
I'm not gonna lie, but this research is one of the best research I've did throughout the whole Grade 12 Media Studies period. It is quite similar to the Industry research I've did previously but in this research focuses more one genre and elements of the music video. Like I said previously, I'm such a fan of old songs from the 80's since they are old but gold. It's just very hearttouching and nostalgic to hear. I'd love to analyze them even so using media terminologies would be quite hard and boring for me. Additionally, one major problem is that my teacher told me that it's better to research songs which are releseaed withing the last 5 years, I'm pretty disappointed with that as most song nowadays are utter garbage and absolute nonsense. I also wonder why cambridge made that silly regulation.
Here is my industry research for my music video project.
PAULA ABDUL - RUSH RUSH
Production Company: A&M Records Directed by: Stefan Würnitzer
Description: The music video for "Rush Rush" follows a cinematic storyline inspired by Rebel Without a Cause, with a dramatic narrative starring Paula Abdul and Keanu Reeves. It focuses on youthful romance, tension, and an intense cinematic style, with visuals that complement the song’s theme of passionate longing.
Genre: Pop, Pop Ballad
Other Content: A&M Records has produced multiple other popular Paula Abdul videos, such as “Straight Up” and “Opposites Attract”.
Typical Audience: Primarily appeals to teens and young adults from the 80s and 90s era, mostly English-speaking fans who enjoy pop ballads with strong narrative elements.
Psychographics: Targets fans who are drawn to youthful romance, nostalgic visuals, and dramatic storytelling.
Company Size and Age: A&M Records was a major record label founded in 1962, acquired by Universal Music Group, and has managed various pop icons.
Most Successful Product: “Straight Up” remains one of Paula Abdul’s most successful music videos, recognized for its unique style and choreography.
GEORGE MICHAEL - CARELESS WHISPER
Production Company: MGMM Productions Directed by: Duncan Gibbins
Description: This iconic video features George Michael as he navigates a storyline of heartbreak and regret, set against the backdrop of the British coast and cityscapes. The visuals emphasize loneliness and romantic nostalgia, matching the emotional intensity of the saxophone-driven ballad.
Genre: Pop, Ballad
Other Content: MGMM Productions also worked on videos for other prominent 80s and 90s artists, focusing on pop and soft rock videos with high production quality and often dramatic narratives.
Typical Audience: Primarily appeals to adults and young adults in the 80s who enjoyed emotional pop ballads; English-speaking fans drawn to sentimental, narrative-driven music videos.
Psychographics: Appeals to a more reflective audience interested in themes of love, heartbreak, and nostalgia, often favoring songs that explore deep emotional themes.
Company Size and Age: MGMM Productions was a well-regarded production company in the 80s, known for its high-quality music videos across a range of genres, especially pop and ballads.
Most Successful Product: “Careless Whisper” is one of George Michael’s most iconic songs and music videos, recognized for its distinctive saxophone riff and romantic storyline, which cemented Michael’s place as a pop icon.
Self-Reflection:
I really loved and enjoyed doing this research, despite the fact that the genre that I'm doing in this research really subverts the genre me and my team are doing for our MV project. I've always admired songs from the 80's especially the genre of pop/ballad since it just sounds very nostalgic and hearttouching for me. In this research, I've had the opportunity to develop a further understanding of the industry and concepts of the 80s MV theme. Even so, doing a research of a MV industry from the 80's was not easy and very time consuming since most of the information was less detailed and lacking, so I must conduct extra research to gather factaul informations.
Here is the preliminary research for my music video project.
Self-Reflection:
This bit of research really helped me understand the variety of music genres out there. Before this, I didn’t realize there were so many! It was both interesting and a little frustrating, though, because there are definitely some genres I just don’t enjoy hearing or watching. Still, it helped me decide on a genre, as the analysis gave me a clearer idea of the unique features and styles in each type of music video.
This is the weekly progress for my music video project.
Here's a plan my teacher made for us to keep track of where we should be:
Week
Start Date
Task
Blogpost Title
Content
Deadline
W1
30 September
Pre Production
Research
1
Brief
2
Team
3
Weekly Progress
4
Preliminary Research
Broad genre research
W3
W2
7 October
Research
5
Research: Industry
Who makes music videos?
W3
W3
14 October
Research
6
Research: Genre
Codes and Conventions of your genre
W4
W4
21 October
Plan
7
Statement of Intent
Your initial proposal
W5
8
Theory of Stardom: Richard Dyer
A summary of the class, plus your example
W7
W5
28 October
Plan
9
Moodboard
Your visual style
W7
10
Lyric Sheet
Breakdown your song into scenes
W7
11
Storyboard
Shot by shot plan
W7
W6
4 November
Plan
12
Song Research
Background of your song
W7
13
Screen Test
star auditions
W7
14
Classwork
How to: Camera, MeS, Sound, Edit
W7
W7
11 November
Plan
15
Location scout & Risk Assessment
W7
16
Filming Schedule
Film over the break?
W7
W7
BREAK
Week
Start Date
Task
Blogpost Title
Content
Deadline
W8
6 January
Production
W9
13 January
W10
20 January
W11
27 January
W12
3 February
W13
10 February
W14
17 February
W11
27 January
W12
3 February
W13
10 February
Here is a Task List my teacher gave me to keep tracks with my Weekly Progress:
I found this Task Sheet very useful for me to keep track of my blogworks to further improve my grades. I'm glad my teacher hand it over to me so I have a better time management on doing my blogworks. As you see, I've got most of it done, Me and my team just need to start buying props for the filming and film over the break.
Week 1:
Introduced to music video project
Choose team
Started preliminary research into music video's industries
Problems: Giorgio & Jaden were absent, we couldn't get their ideas for this project.
Solution: Wait for them to arrive back
To-Do: Eat, Sleep, Pray, and complete the preliminary research
The first week of Media Studies in Term 2 wasn’t great. We started with Media Ecology, which honestly wasn’t very interesting, and then moved on to the music video project.
Week 2:
Genre Research
2 Big Research, 6 Small Research
Problems: Difficulty of choosing a genre
Solution: Go to Billboard and research
To-Do: Finish 2 Big Research and 6 Small Research
I'm so stressed up this week since we were missing our most important member in the group which is Giorgio, and Carrick insist that we can't choose a genre before Gio comes back. In our group it's as if Gio is the brain, without it the body can't function properly. Honestly, I'm kinda annoyed with tthe fact that Carrick is to over-relying on Gio. Additionally, in my opinion I guess we might have able to pull that thing over without Gio aswell.
Week 3:
Media Ecology
The power & The Media
Genre Research
Problems: Difficulty of choosing a song and arguing with team members about a song.
Solution: More research
To-Do: Finish the small research
Me and my team are still having difficulties choosing a song, we need to find a solution to that real quick. Carrick keeps asking to do weird songs, so we have made an agreement to finally wait until Master Gio returns.
Week 4:
Statement of Intent
Theory of Stardom: Richard Dyer
Problems: Nothing
Solution: Nothing
To-Do: Just do it.
Week 4 was a massive torture for me since we learnt about Theory of Stardom by Richard Dyer which I didn't really admire. But even so, it will help me as a group member to create different personas for our star in the music video. To be honest, this was quite fun since as a group we were able to discuss and gave out our different perspectives of different personas for our star for our MV. I contributed least amount on the statement of intent since I was in charge of a different role in this project, but I manage to help them find a persona for our star.
Week 5:
Started storyboard
Started location scout & risk assessment
Started lyric sheet
Started moodboard
Problems: Nothing
Solution: Nothing
To-Do: Complete Location Scout & Risk Assessment
This week was pretty exciting since we got introduced to a bunch of new things to work on. The screen test was a bit different from what I’m used to in Media Studies, and the mood board was also a first for me. I can see how both of these will keep us focused on creating something our audience will actually like. Working on these with my friends was a mix, since some members of my group keeps making unecessary jokes and arguments which slows down our process of completing our assigned tasks. I was mainly in charge with the location scouting & the risk assessment so I started researching a couple of decent locations that will suit our theme for our MV. I picked the furtherest location as possible so I can enjoy a long drive on my way to the location since I love driving and wasting my friend's time and fuel.
Week 6:
Completed moodboard
Completed lyric sheet
Completed location scout & risk assessment
Started on storyboard rough & fixed
Problems: Nothing
Solution: Nothing
To-Do: Finish storyboard
I must deeply confess that week 6 is one of the best weeks I've had in my whole Grade 12 Media Studies subject. My primary task was still to complete the location scout & risk assessment and find some good places with stunning scenery for the filimg process. I must admit that I'm one of the best people at finding good hidden places with exotic view. My friends are willing to admit that aswell, despite that the locations being too far away from where we live. On Thursday, 7 November 2024, I've finally started the REAL locaation scouting & risk assessment where I must do a total of 3.5 hours drive which I very much enjoy (Go & Return) and spent few minutes assessing the potential dangers and risks of each locations. And I also took a couple of pictures to put in the Location Scout since the image that I used in Location Scout was just a reference from Google Maps and I didn't want that. It's kinda disappointing that I wasn't able to enter one location which is Pantai Nunggalan since there was a wedding event at that time.
Week 7:
Completed storyboard
Completed filming schedule
Completed classwork
Finished all blogwork
Problems: Nothing
Solution: Nothing
To-Do: Take a good rest.
I've finally finished all blogworks and assigned tasks, which means I can take a good rest and prepare for my exams next weel. There's nothing left to do except to plan our filming schedule and buy the props for filming, I've got to remind my group about that. I really hope that I'm able to achieve at least a satsifactory score considering my low performance I've did last project. I'm sure that I've contributed enough in this project and I'll try my best to stay involved.
