Media elements

Demonstrate understanding of selected elements of media texts

AS90990

3 Credits

Version 3

This assessment requires you to study a music video and show your understanding of media language and its effect.

You will be assessed on how well you understand the use of elements of music videos (specifically narrative music videos) including how these elements combine to create effects. We will look at some videos as a class and then you will be given the music video you will write about for the assessment.

You have two weeks of in-class and homework time for this task.

This is an individual task.

You can either write about three different elements and how each of those elements is used in the music video by themselves and in combination with other elements or you can use Screencastify to talk over the top of your video and explain.


To achieve you must have:

Studied at least three different music videos

Submit one page (or Screencastify video) discussing at least three elements used in the chosen music video

Discuss how each of those elements are used in combination with other elements

An understanding of the elements of music videos


elements of music videos


Camera work:

Here are some examples of different camera angles (camera work) that you could discuss:

Diegetic sound

Sound is called diegetic when its source is visible or implied in the world of the film. Common diegetic sounds present in most films are:

  • actors speaking to each other (dialogue)

  • sounds originating from any object on the screen, like footsteps and police sirens

  • music that comes from a sound system or orchestra


The intro of the James Bond movies has a diegetic sound effect because we hear the gunshot as it happens on the screen.


Mise en Scene

Mise en scene (pronounced mez-ahn-seen) is a key concept in most media projects. It’s a French term and means ‘putting into the scene’. In film it refers to all the elements in front of the camera that make up a shot. It is all the small things that add to what we are seeing and the story we are being told.

These elements are:

• Lighting

• Objects

• Costume and make-up.

• Colours

• Position of characters in the frame and their movement

• Setting and location (can be external or studio)

• Composition of the shot as a whole—how it is framed and what is in the frame.




Watch this youtube clip to get a better understanding of mise en scene


Props

A prop, formally known as (theatrical) property, is an object used on stage or on screen by actors on film. In practical terms, a prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or a set, distinct from the actors, scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment.

Editing

Editing in music videos is often done in time with the music. Shots will change as the music does. Editing could include adding lyrics or words over top and changing the transitions between shots. Jump cuts are also very popular in music videos.


Lighting costume


Here are some basic examples of lighting and how it can enhance a mood or change the feeling in a scene or about an actor.



COSTUME

What the actor is wearing including accessories (hats, jewellery, shoes etc) and their hairstyle. They tell us so much about the character and can have a huge effect on what is happening for the character.


MUSIC VIDEOS

Practice identifying elements in these music videos:

WRITE UP

You can find this on our Google Classroom

Media Elements Notes

Marking Checklist

Music Media Marking Checklist


Grade: Achieved

The student has demonstrated an understanding of selected elements of media text(s).

This involves:

  • mostly using relevant media language

  • describing how selected elements are used in the media text(s)

  • describing the effect(s) of the selected elements.


Grade: Merit

The student has demonstrated an in-depth understanding of selected elements of media text(s).

This involves:

  • using relevant media language

  • describing the use and effects of selected elements in the media text(s)

  • giving reasoned explanations for the effect(s) of the selected elements.


Grade: Excellence

The student demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of selected elements of media text(s).

This involves:

  • using relevant media language

  • describing the use and effects of selected elements in the media text(s)

  • giving reasoned explanations of how or why the selected elements combine to create effects.