Task 2
- 1. Media Studies A2Task 2
- 2. Richard Dyer’s Star ImageRichard Dyer states that in order to understand the relationship between the music industry and its audiences, it is important to consider the roles of music starsThe term ‘star’ refers to a semi-mythological set of values associated with music performers, in order to sell their music to an audience.Some of these values include:YouthfulnessRebellionSexual magnetismCreativity/talentStars depend on a rang of media, including music videos, posters and the internet in order to construct an image for themselvesWhen creating our star image, we used a music video, posters and a digipack.
- 3. Our Star ImageName: Jack ThompsonWe decided construct our star around the basis that he is:an Organic Act – signed by an independent record labelYouthfulOriginalAttractiveThe main target audience for our star would be 18-25 year oldsA more specific target audience for our star would be people who listen to less mainstream music/ people who are rediscovering the music of the past.
- 4. How we achieved thisWe represented our star as an organic act. We chose to set our music video in a 60’s style because it showed their creativeness, drawing on the music of the past. We used several close up shots of the band playing instruments to show how they were ‘pure musicians’ dedicated to creating good music.Also by using a 60’s style song, it shows that they are not a ‘synthetic’ act constructed by a record label to appeal to a mainstream audience.By switching the style of the music video from 60’s to modern, it shows that the band are also very modern and interesting, and so will appeal to a younger audience. Richard Dyer said that in order for a star to be successful, they must be simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary. By switching styles we give the impression that the band can travel though time and that their music can be found in different time periods, making them scene extraordinary.However the fact that fans of the band can simply walk into the studio and rip the clothes of the and makes them seem very accessible and ordinary.
- 5. How we achieved thisIf we look at the narrative of the video, its all constructed to make them seem popular and to keep the audiences interested.Richard Dyer said that a star has to be simultaneously present and absent for the consumer.We did this by using direct address from ‘Jack’. We use close up direct address shots of ‘Jack’ and then cut to shots of the band playing instruments.This invites the audience into the world and makes them feel like they are personally being addressed, and then by cutting away they are craving more direct attention. This keeps the audience interested.By setting the video in a 60’s TV show, it gives the impression that they are popular.The dancing girls at the beginning also reinforce how the band are meant to be popular.
- 6. The Digipack and PosterThe Front Cover One of the Inlays The Back CoverThe Poster
- 7. The Digipack and PosterThe front cover in particular helps to sell the bands star image. Its styled to make it look like a passport photo, which gives the impression of an international lifestyle.It also looks like a desktop, with bits of paper piled on top of each other, making seem more modern, like a disorganized youth. These two aspects of the front cover makes the band seem popular and successful and also helps them appeal to a younger audience.The poster contrasts with the 60’s style of the video. It makes them seem like a much more modern and individual band. The picture of ‘Jack’ gives of the impression that he is confident with performing, youthful and sexually attractive.