Summer project tasks

 

Summer project tasks

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14GARtFSveTnStO7ff4Xj-TZjFLQI_6I8vNReeX4efUg/edit?usp=drivesdk tiktok links 

Complete the following tasks on a blogpost on your coursework blog called 'Summer Project: coursework planning': 

1) Research: TikTok videos

You need to write a 150-word close-textual analysis of SIX TikTok videos that will inform your production work. The TikTok videos you analyse are up to you but focus on a different aspect of media language for each one (see guidance below).  

TikTok videos


TikTok Video 1: Narrative https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdqn5RNY/

This TikTok uses a clear narrative structure to parody epic storytelling within a gaming context. It begins with a classic equilibrium (two brothers loyal to the King), before introducing disruption (disequilibrium)  through their doubts and eventual mistakes, reflecting Todorov’s narrative theory. The moment of the stray fireball acts as a crisis point, generating tension and sympathy from the audience. Barthes’ enigma codes are central: why are they treated differently, and what secret is the King hiding? The final reveal :“I am your father”  mirrors the famous Star wars twist, blending humour and intertextuality. This narrative device both surprises and entertains, rewarding viewers who recognise the cultural reference. The TikTok condenses a traditional dramatic arc into under a minute, proving how short-form platforms adapt classic storytelling to fit fast paced mass consumption.


TikTok Video 2: Camerawork (shots, angles, movement)  https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdqng4Bg/

This TikTok demonstrates how camerawork generates suspense, taking clips from Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. The doorway encounter begins with a medium shot that frames both women and establishes their sudden confrontation. As the siren sound erupts, the tension is intensified through a series of close-ups on the assassin's eyes, focusing the audience on the unspoken threat. The quick escalation is then punctuated with extreme close-ups her eyes and then a flashback scene ensuing, which magnify violence and shock and also sets up a justified binary opposition or vendetta. In the second sequence, the assassin watches from behind as the woman with the bun talks on the phone. Here the TikTok shows us a shot/reverse shot between the assassin’s eyes and the oblivious target, creating dramatic irony because the audience recognises the danger before the character does. These cuts mimic the rhythm of the siren, each visual beat reinforcing the auditory cue. By relying on precise camerawork, the TikTok repackages an iconic cinematic moment into a condensed format that communicates bloodlust to an audience. 

TikTok Video 3: Mise-en-scene   https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdqWro7w/

This TikTok uses mise-en-scène to show character, status, and genre. Costume plays a central role: Django’s dark coat and hat mark him as the heroic outsider, while Dr. King Schultz wears a tailored suit to show intelligence and being well put together. Calvin Candie’s outfit, with rich fabrics and accessories, establishes wealth and power, highlighting him as the villain and binary opposition to Django. The setting of Candie’s mansion, with lavish furniture and weapons as props, reinforces the Western genre and the historical context of the story. Lighting is warm and bright, emphasising the vastness and homeliness of the mansion while creating tension in confrontational scenes. Actor positioning also communicates power: Django and Schultz are framed together as partners, while Candie often dominates the frame, positioned at eye level. Minor characters like Stephen are placed to show subservience. Overall, the mise-en-scène gives the audience immediate visual information about personality, hierarchy, and genre.

TikTok  Video 4: Editing https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdqWFpK4/

This TikTok relies on precise editing to create tension and rhythm. It begins with Saint naming people he killed, then cuts to him holding a gun, using match cuts to link these shots visually. The edits are timed so that gunshots, punches, and other key actions occur on beat with the music. The use of diegetic sound from gunshots and punches is emphasised by parallel sound, reinforcing the impact of each action. Alternating close-ups on Saint with medium shots of action keeps the audience focused on both emotion and movement. Jump cuts compress time, showing Saint training on the punching bag and fighting in prison in quick succession, which builds intensity. The combination of parallel sound and rhythmic cuts creates a sense of momentum that mirrors the character’s drive and power. The TikTok condenses multiple cinematic moments into a high-energy sequence that captivates the audience. 

TikTok  Video 5: Music Video Conventions https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdqnKdGF/

Think back to our Introduction to Music Video and our work on Andrew Goodwin's theory on music video conventions as part of the Ghost Town CSP. How many key conventions of music video can you find in your fifth TikTok example?

This TikTok shows several key music video conventions. The relationship between music and visuals is clear, with the girl in the fields moving in time with the melancholic beat, reflecting the mood of the song. Performance is highlighted through close-ups of Future, showing his star image and emotional connection to the lyrics. Iconography of genre appears in luxury clothing, the double cup (codeine, "lean" reference", and surreal settings, representing hip-hop themes of wealth, struggle, and identity. Direct address is used when the camera frames Future directly addressing the audience, which makes the audience feel more involved. The edit also uses intertextuality, referencing visual tropes common in rap videos to give more meaning. By condensing these conventions into a short TikTok, it mirrors a full music video. As Steve Neale notes, audiences recognise familiar genre codes but still enjoy small differences, which this TikTok achieves with its psychedelic visuals and slow pacing.

TikTok 6: Visual effects, intertextuality or product placement https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdqW1Qyt/

This TikTok effectively showcases product placement through its integration of Giannis Antetokounmpo's sponsorships. As Giannis delivers his iconic monologue about promotions and failure, the video overlays Google Pixel advertisements, subtly embedding the brand into the narrative of success? Perhaps tying using said products to discipline, success and the zero to hero narrative many brands push. The edit transitions to NBA game footage where Nike branding is prominently displayed, aligning with Giannis's long-term partnership with the company. Additionally, Motorola, the Bucks' jersey patch sponsor, appears during game sequences, highlighting the team's commercial affiliations. The use of match cuts and jump cuts between Giannis's speech and game clips maintains a dynamic pace, while parallel sound ensures the continuity of his message over the visuals. This integration of branding not only promotes the associated companies but also enhances the video's narrative, demonstrating how product placement can be effectively utilised 

n short-form content.

You can start adding TikTok links to this shared document that should help with research and, of course, or you are free to select videos of your choice. You may wish to write more about one video than another but as long as you have 800+ words of TikTok video research in total you will be fine. Feel free to use bullet points if this is helpful.

2) Planning: THREE TikTok video treatments

A treatment is like a script for a TikTok video - it tells the band or artist exactly what will happen in the video and the kind of style or effect the video will have. You'll need choose what songs you are going to use at this point - remember, you can use an existing artist's work but it needs to be appropriate for the brief. 

For this aspect of your summer project, write a basic treatment that gives your reader a good idea of what each of your three TikTok video will look like. The most important thing is to keep in mind the brief - the TikTok video can feature any of the following:

• interviews/AMAs with band members 
• content created by band members 
• performances, live shows or personal appearances 
• band members taking on a TikTok challenge 
• the band interacting with fans • fan-made content 
• merchandise or promotion of the band’s music 
• any other content or combination of content you think would be appealing to the audience and promote the band effectively.

Start each of your THREE treatments with the following key details: 

1) Artist/band and song(s) you will use for video.

2) Original name for artist/band you have created - MUST be completely original

For example, Ed Sheeran - Shape of You is the artist and song you plan to use but your original name for your artist will be John Smith - Shape of You.

TikTok 1: NOVA – Runaway

The video begins with a medium shot of the band, answering questions about their journey and musical inspirations. As the piano intro of Runaway begins, clips of the band performing and behind-the-scenes footage cut on beat with the piano notes. Sharp edits and transitions sync the visuals to the music while the voiceover continues answering the Q&A. Text correlating to the song shows, and appear in time with the piano. The video ends with a tracking shot of the band walking out of the studio into streets, reinforcing their identity.

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TikTok 2: NOVA – Runaway

Two members sit in a casual setting answering questions about the song and their creative process. As they talk, the video cuts between the Q&A and clips from the music video, showing shots and visuals. Medium shots and close-ups of the members are combined with jump cuts to keep the pace energetic. Diegetic sound from their conversation is maintained over non-diegetic music from Runaway. The video ends with the members pointing or waving at the camera, encouraging fans.

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TikTok 3: NOVA – Runaway

The final video mirrors the first but with a more cinematic approach. A wide establishing shot of the band performing in a location opens the video. As the piano intro plays, tracking shots, extreme close-ups, and slow-motion shots of the members’ performance cut on beat. Text overlays highlight key lyrics and brand messages, while diegetic city sounds blend with the track. The video concludes with a crane shot.

3) Statement of Intent

Write the first draft for your genuine 500-word Statement of Intent. This will be submitted to the exam board alongside your media products and is worth 10 marks of the overall 60 marks available.

It should explain:

• the ways in which you will apply knowledge and understanding of media language and media representation to your products
• how your products will target the intended audience
• the industry context they are created for
• how you will exploit the opportunities for digital convergence between the products

We also strongly recommend you look at our Statement of Intent questions to consider document too (you'll need to log in with your Greenford Google account to read this). 

This is just your first draft of the statement so try and keep it under 500 words if you can. That will leave a bit of room to add later when you do your next draft.

I will be creating content based off tiktok engagement and print to promote my fictional original band NOVA using the song Runaway by Kanye West as the track. The band’s image will reflect contemporary pop/rap crossover conventions with a strong youthful identity that would be relatable to mainstream music fans aged 13-25.

In my music video, I plan to use two locations: the streets where the band grew up and a park bench where the band will be answering questions. I will employ a range of camera shots, including medium shots, close-ups, extreme close-ups, and tracking shots, to showcase performance, emotion, and brand identity. Mise-en-scène will be carefully considered through costume, props, and lighting to reflect genre conventions and the band’s contemporary aesthetic. Editing will involve sharp cuts on beat, jump cuts, and slow-motion effects to maintain pace and enhance visual impact. The video will also use diegetic and non-diegetic sound, combining ambience with the music track, and incorporate text overlays for key lyrics and brand messaging. Narrative theory will guide the structure, creating a loose narrative that highlights ambition and personal storytelling. Genre hybridity will be referenced in blending pop performance with rap rhythms and visual style/ convention.

The music billboard will follow common conventions, including a main image of the band, cover lines, a contents page, and a two-page feature promoting the music video and tour. Original photography will include at least 2 images across the billboard, capturing performance, casual moments, and fan interaction. Layout, fonts, and colours will target the youth demographic while reflecting mainstream music billboard standards.

Media representations will challenge stereotypes of pop bands as superficial by portraying NOVA members as authentic, diverse, and hardworking, reflecting contemporary cultural values. I will apply Gauntlett’s identity theory to show how audiences can engage with relatable figures.

My target audience consists of mainstream music fans aged 13–25, likely to engage with TikTok, YouTube, and music streaming platforms. Using Uses and Gratifications theory, my products will offer entertainment, social interaction through challenges, and personal identity reinforcement through the band’s style.

Digital convergence will be exploited by linking the music video, TikTok promotions, and billboard content. Fans can stream the video, interact on social media, and access billboard content digitally. The project reflects the industry context of a major record label (e.g., Universal Music Group) and a youth focused billboard publisher, showing awareness of professional production and distribution practices.

4) Ignite presentation

Prepare a 5-minute, 20-slide presentation using the Ignite format in which you present your coursework project. In effect, this is your statement of intent in presentation format. You must cover:

• Your TikTok videos and billboard posters concept: your new original artist, genre, song and TikTok video treatments. Then, your print brief: documentary title, artists / bands featured, eras covered, etc.
• Media language: how you will use TikTok video conventions and billboard advertising conventions - e.g. camerawork, editing and mise-en-scene to create meanings for your audience. 
• Media representations: how you will use or subvert stereotypes in your TikTok video and music documentary adverts; applications of representation theory; social and cultural contexts - how your coursework will reflect contemporary media culture and society.
• Media audiences: your target audience demographics and psychographics; audience pleasures - why they would enjoy your TikTok video and magazine; audience theory if relevant.
• Media industries and digital convergence: the potential record company that would promote your band or artist; the streaming service for your music documentary; the brand identity for your artist; how fans would engage with your products etc.

Ignite presentations have very specific rules: you must create exactly 20 slides with each slide set to 15-second auto-advance. This means your presentation will be exactly five minutes followed by questions and comments from the class. You will deliver your presentation on your coursework planning in the first week back in September.

Your Ignite presentation will be marked out of 30 on the following criteria (each worth a possible 5 marks):

1) Research (through the presentation AND your blog - make sure it is posted before you present) 
2) Coursework concept
3) Language: terminology and theory
4) Representations / social and cultural contexts
5) Audience and Industry / digital convergence
6) Presentation delivery

You can find more information about Ignite presentations - including examples - in this Ignite presentation blogpost here

MY IGNITE PRESENTATION: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13VpWZOJSU34OWA6iL37_XmyK1kgc1lzL6S1JPuT92Aw/edit?usp=sharing