GENRE map

A simple graphic demonstration of the proliferation and splintering of genre in the digital era, surely undermining the broader concept itself?

 

See the full map here.

Metal sub-genre challenge

Remember before embarking on this that you need to clearly blog on all 3 levels of this:
- the research + planning
- the production process
- evaluating the final product + outlining the learning that took place

THE CHALLENGE:
To research + present your findings on the conventions of a sub-genre, then to pitch an achievable idea for a short (30secs+) music video reflecting several these (and possibly challenging some); agree on one idea and film/edit - all within 7 days!

THE INITIAL RESEARCH

Genres are complex, constantly evolving concepts

Using at least three sources, outline the history of the genre and its major features. This means the early and major bands/albums and associated record labels; significant events (eg tours, festivals); any clothing code (are fans a recognisable sub-culture?); definitions of the genre and views on it (you could include here any views on the concept of sub-genre and what factors decide whether a genre is generally recognised or accepted, plus any theories you come across tied to genre). Is it mainstream or niche - and has this changed over time? Is there any basis to outline a core audience? Have there been any controversies linked to the genre? [These are just a few of the things you should be knowledgeable and aware of when it comes to your full, final production]

THE VIDEO-BASED RESEARCH
View at least 10 videos, taking initial notes. Work back through these so that you can convincingly evidence the major conventions by citing multiple examples for each convention you claim. Provide a detailed post on the media language involved in ONE individual video, indicating as you go how un/conventional the media language (camera work, editing, mise-en-scene) is for this sub-genre, and noting any intertextuality and links to other genres and texts. Take plentiful screenshots as you go.

THE VODCAST
Summarise your findings in a vodcast. You should consider using an ident to brand your vodcasts if you haven't already (you could use one from your AS work). If possible, use moving image clips as well as screenshots, and ensure that titles are used where appropriate to help the audience follow your points.
We'll discuss to what extent these three sub-genres are distinct as we view your vodcasts.

THE PITCH
Detail and sell an achievable idea appropriate for this sub-genre. As a group, plan, resource, film and edit, making sure you continue to note new tools within FCPX that you hadn't previously used, and noting significant insights gained as you go throughout the process.

THE END
Reflect and evaluate!
By this stage you'll be ready to put together a more comprehensive vodcast of the general codes and conventions of the music video format, working as a group (we'll consider some further examples as a class to help with this). This is a key point for marks in both the Research + Planning and the Evaluation - and the exam.

Researching vid conventions - metal eg

Easy enough to find analysis and egs of conventions of most major genres - a google search such as "[genre] music video conventions" (try other variations too) will get relevant results, including several from A2 students elsewhere!

UPDATE: FEB 22ND 2011 - these are some useful egs of the glam metal genre, with many useful additional vids on the sidebar when you click through:
Parody, highlighting the dubious morality of the genre: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=iv&v=aDUOC9Xk2wM&annotation_id=annotation_777924
Montage of vid clips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z82IqIxC50&feature=related
80s Glam A-Z part3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_HzhhFsGKg&feature=related
Quirky 80s+now pics of singers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gvp_TUX_LC4&feature=related
Best 80s hair metal bands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qNnDus7yAw&feature=related
Skid Row - typical 'power ballad' - lots of other bands/vids in sidebar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivFYVAntpw0&feature=related
Silly, overdone, retrospectively very camp but foregrounding rebellion for their teen aud to relate to - Ratt were US kings of the 80s scene before Motley Crue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo9GsHuJSEA&feature=related
High notes by singers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwQhn429FGM



An example follows: detailed breakdown, with clear egs, of conventions of metal vids, including an historical perspective on their evolution and changes


SOURCE for article below: http://people.virginia.edu/~rlk3p/classes/usem180/bibliography/metalVideo/MTVMetal.htm

Bibliography » MTV and the "Live" Metal Concert Video

These sources were viewed or referenced as part of a discussion about the depiction of "live" concert imagery in music video primarily related to the Heavy Metal genre. Heavy Metal is used loosely here to include the widest number of sources within this genre of music.

The term "live" (used in quotes) denotes a video production that attempts to capture or simulate the visual experience of a rock concert. Most of these sources are studio or sound-stage productions. Some were shot on location in an arena with an invited audience. A few appear to contain footage from actual concerts. Many of these sources mix concept footage with "live" footage in different ways.

No attempt is made her to create a definitive list. Some videos were selected because of specific content, themes, or images presented. Others were selected at random.

This page is under development

[add classification notes]
[add chronology notes]

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Historical Sources

MTV News and Specials. "It Came from the 80's II: Metal Goes Pop" Dir: Abbie Kearse. Writ/Narr: Chris Connelly. MTV Networks 1996.

Produced for MTV this special program is structured around a series of interviews with metal band-members about the transition of metal into the mainstream and it's sudden abandonment by the record labels. There are many short clips of music videos demonstrating the height of ridiculousness of the genre. A couple of those interviewed express anger or resentment about the experience of being launched into the pop-metal genre and then quickly dropped. Most of those interviewed, however, are able to joke about their unlikely short ride into the pop music spotlight.

Dee Snyder of Twisted Sister on the transition of heavy metal into pop music:

There was Twisted, and we were …street urchins, bad boys, ugly, angry--but other bands were starting to smile. And the biggie with that of course was Bon Jovi—you know—the birth of happy metal. Suddenly everybody found out …that some of the bands had teeth… Instead of everybody scowling and being pissed off, they were saying hey, what are we pissed off about, we’re making millions of dollars, we’re playing happy metal now.