1.
How effective is the
combination of your
main product and your
Ancillary Task?
Media Evaluation Question 2
2. Symbolism
In our main product, we decided to use a
medallion type symbol to link the main
protagonist with one of the other soldiers
in the video. The medallion also features
as the focus point of our digipack.
Throughout our music video we refer back
to the medallion to reinforce the idea of
our main protagonist being haunted. We
included it on our digipack so that
audiences could understand the link
between the two products. The medallion
is a symbol that we have used throughout
our whole project.
Screenshot from Music Video
Screenshot from Digipack (Ancillary Task)
3. Themes
The representation of soldiers as individuals and
warfare in general is made apparent in the ancillary
tasks which relates to the music video.
The content within the narrative is also present in
the ancillary tasks with the main protagonist
mourning over the death of his fellow soldiers (band
members) for the inside covers of the CD design.
The back cover maintains the gritty, sombre themes
that are reflected through the location. The
particular shot used is featured in the build up to the
first death in the music video.
The atypical representation of a pop band in the
music video is also made clear through the content
of the front cover for the CD design through the
soldier uniforms which follow on the themes
present in the music video.
Screenshot from Digipack (Ancillary Task)
Screenshot from Digipack (Ancillary Task)
4. Themes
The poster also demonstrates a direct link to
the main product by including a particular
image that relates to the music video. The
themes of warfare and the army are
represented.
The theme of isolation and certain emotions
are also incorporated by positioning the
characters in a certain way which
demonstrates this.
The song ‘Ghosts’ by The Presets is also
represented in an abstract way through the
poster by including the sky behind the
characters, this enables the ancillary tasks to
link well with the main product.
Screenshot from Music Video
Screenshot from Poster (Ancillary Task)
5. Palette
Throughout our music video, the audience will notice that the palette is often
equally divided. When half the shot is dark and gloomy to give a war type
feel, the other half of the palette is bright, normally in the sky. This is to
reinforce the ongoing theme of ‘ghosts’ and ‘heaven’. On our poster, we have
used the same palette, with quite a dreary lower half to the shot, yet a
luminous upper half. This would suggest to audiences that the colour is a
constant theme running through our project.
Screenshot from Music Video Screenshot of Poster (Ancillary Task)
6. Costume
Within Mise-en-Scene, the costume is
featured throughout our whole project.
Our music video, digipack and poster all
feature the same participants in the same
costume. The costume is army uniform
(commando) and is featured so
audiences understand the war theme of
the project as well as creating the link
that the ancillary tasks and music video
are meant to be together. There is one
point in our music video when the main
protagonist is wearing a suit rather than
commando uniform (as shown to right).
However we link this with our digipack
by using the same screenshot for the
inside covers.
Screenshot of Digipack (Ancillary Task)
Screenshot from Music Video
7. Cinematography
The range of shots/shot angles that are present in the music
video progress into the ancillary tasks by including different
shots for each design.
1. The front cover includes a mid-shot of the band whilst the use
of the medallion is positioned as a close-up.
2. The inside covers feature a long shot of the main protagonist
mourning his former colleagues.
3. The back cover includes an establishing of one of the locations
in which the first death occurs.
4. The poster incorporates an extreme close-up of the band
walking towards the audience.
The fact that we have included a range of unique shots
represents the same connotations as the main product which,
therefore, demonstrates an effective combination between the
two tasks.
8. Typography
The typography we have used is represented through both our Main
Product and Ancillary Task. The text varies between the colours of
black and white, which sticks to the theme of our palette throughout.
However, the typography that presents ‘GHOSTS’ and ‘The Presets’
is consistently the same font throughout. This font acts almost as a
logo as it is eye catching in each product, and so audiences will easily
be able to establish the link between the products.
Screenshot from Digipack (Ancillary Task)
Screenshot from Poster (Ancillary Task)
Screenshot from Music Video
9. Conclusion
To summarise, we have intentionally maintained particular
codes and conventions from the main product when
creating the ancillary tasks. This, therefore, allows the
audience to discover the links and easily understand what
the product is about.
By incorporating the idea of symbolism, Mise-en-Scene,
themes, and cinematography it enabled us to produce
separate tasks which can successfully promote the main
product.
10. Conclusion
To summarise, we have intentionally maintained particular
codes and conventions from the main product when
creating the ancillary tasks. This, therefore, allows the
audience to discover the links and easily understand what
the product is about.
By incorporating the idea of symbolism, Mise-en-Scene,
themes, and cinematography it enabled us to produce
separate tasks which can successfully promote the main
product.