Critical Reflection Questions

  1. How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?

The music video I produced was a mix of the pop and indie genre of music. When I researched multiple types and kinds of music videos of the same genre, rhythm and style, I came across multiple types of conventions. The major connection I made between them was the clothing or costumes that the actor or actors were wearing. They consisted of normal, everyday wardrobe, which had jeans, t-shirts, and loose hair. This way the audience would see how relatable the story line would be to them, while also being able to put themselves in the actor's shoes. Being able to be relatable, connects the audience in a deeper, more powerful way. The similar music videos also obtained a less detailed background with more focus on what the actor was doing, not on what was going on around the actor. Keeping the focus on the main subject helps the audience understand what is happening in the story line and plot. Also, within the comparing music videos, majority of the videos contained some sort of luggage or backpack to signify moving on or exploring. I, therefore, included this in my music video as a way to establish wonder and adventure. However, my product does challenge the common conventions in pop music videos. In majority of pop music videos, the actors in them tend to not relate to the average human by using or showing off flashy items like jewelry, clothes, and other luxury items. This is the exact opposite of the my music video. Even though the type of music was pop, I decided to use Indie style music video as reference because I wanted to tell a story that not a lot of pop videos have. Moving forward, this music video represents the need and acceptance of curiosity and wonder in an average, everyday life. It shows normal people what they can miss out if they do not look deeper and explore the unknown. It targets everyone who feels they are living a boring life and desire adventure. 

2. How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?

     The music video engages with audiences by being relatable and having empathetic feelings through the actor. This allows the audience to interpret what the scenes mean on their own without any words or talking being told directly. This also allows for interpretation through the emotions of the actor and their facial expressions. All of these ways help engage the audience into the music video, locking them into it. Moreover, this music video would be distributed over social media, YouTube, or on television. Having it aired on different platforms allows the music video to be reached on all levels with a variety of viewers. These viewers would come from all over the world seeing how fast videos spread on the internet and how accessible it would be. It would also be available to people of every class and rank in society, not making it exclusive in any way, shape, or form. 

3. How did your production skills develop throughout this project?

    Throughout this project, multiple production skills were developed. With this being my third filming and editing project, I would say that skills have greatly increased. I developed two main skills as I was making my storyboards. I made note of everything that I wanted and where it was going to be. This would help me make everything go according to plan, while being structured and in order. I also learned to pay attention to tiny details because it would be important in the long run. I made sure to note how I wanted my background to look before I began filming. With my time management skills, I developed a faster way of production, while also being efficient. Unlike my previous projects which took well over 4 hours, I was able to complete everything in under 4 hours. There was little to no hassle in filming because I had planned everything out beforehand, making filming much easier. This also meant that I needed to film and do my task in a fast-paced environment, helping me by forcing me to be in control and calm, yet efficient. Moreover, I developed a better communication skill by telling the actor exactly what I was looking for, while also being assertive and understanding. By clearly telling the actor exactly what I want, they were able to directly show that in the camera through body movements and facial expressions. I also learned how to be flexible when it comes to another person's schedule and being dependable on people as well. In addition to flexibility, I also developed the skill of prioritizing. Since this project was assigned before a long break between school, I had decided to film during that break. I used this method so that I would not need to rush when I got back to school after the break. Again, I learned how fast time goes by when you are filming, it seems that there are not enough hours in the day. 

4. How did you integrate technologies - software, hardware and online - in this project?

    Just like the previous commercial project for this class, I filmed the clips of the music video on my phone. I also used iMovie to edit and piece the clips together just the previous project. It was much easier editing and placing clips this time around than before. Seeing that I knew where everything was before I even started filming was an advantage in its own. I had more experience this time around than before, aiding the editing process. By knowing where all the correct buttons were, editing went much faster than the 2 times before. Overall, this added to my time management skills. I only found one difficulty in the editing portion of my music video, the music portion. I needed to watch numerous videos on how to integrate music into iMovie without it sounded weird or not the same. Although, I did find a technique to aid me in the process, which was screen recording. I searched up the proper music that I needed and began to screen record. After I finished screen recording the proper section of music I needed, I airdropped it to my laptop and played it into the editing software. I also made sure to mute and silent each clip so that there would be no overlapping sounds that I did not want/ I then had to upload my music video to YouTube. Although, there was some difficulties I faced when uploading. I faced a copyright claim while uploading, this took time in re-uploading and editing the description and video once again. All in all, the editing process, where I integrated technologies, was accelerated and more efficient than before. Even though this process did take a little more time and attention, it was still less than what it was before. I did figure my difficulties out and produced a successful commercial.