Digital Kitchen- 6 feet under
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
There are lots of signs throughout the piece that stand for different things. In the beginning there is a shot of a couple holding hands in front of a large field, arms dressed in black and then the couple lets go, as if letting go.. The holding hands indicated that there is a coming together for some kind of event. Other signs that are there are all indicatory of death and the death process. At the end of the piece there is a close-up of a black crow, The back crow of death..
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The paradigm used or the patterns portrayed in this piece are consistent. The use of imagery associated with death is consistently used throughout, like dead bodies and tombstones. The text is concise and is integrated into the visual elements through, playing on the movement of the images.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The major symbols are toe tags, dead bodies, embalming equipment, dark hallways, gurneys, black crows and tombstones. Are are effectively used to convey a sense of death or mortality.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The piece may denote meaning that is aside from the obvious death context. With the bright white lights that are used, the light at the end of the tunnel and the music may jest at a deeper meaning, one that exists beyond death. There seems to be an implication here that death is a peaceful experience. As with the couple in the beginning of the piece, we see their hands letting go, implying that they are letting go.
What was the piece’s connotative message?
That six feet under is about the process of death and the preparations that one may need to take in order to prepare for the experience. This extends from the one who passed to the family who may be in grieving. The meaning of the piece is clear and the viewer has expectations about what will follow in the show.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
I think the use of the black crow flying away in the end may imply that the crow stands for death. But really, I think crows are not the grim reaper but are just smart and knew that they were on camera.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
The text throughout seemed official, clear and concise. It also has a consistent way of introducing text into to integrate into the scene. Like when the I.V. bag slowly drops, the text follows it down. Let’s just say I don’t think I saw any text in there that was unofficial.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece is to give the viewer a concise idea as to what the show is all about. With imagery that may or may not take place in a hospital but is certainly indicative or the death sequence, each cut, whether a dead body is on a gurney, or there is a tombstone, this quick piece gives a constant introduction to a segment of TV that will surely be about death and dying.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The intended demographic for the piece is defiantly a more mature audience. This is not a show for kids or anyone who may be sensitive about the topic of death. Having seen quite a few episode myself, there seems to me an almost tongue-in-cheek, satirical approach to dying.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I think it provides a nice lead into any of the episodes that were created by the show. The context and ideas are all consistent with the theme of the show. This is not a happy go lucky series about 2 teenagers falling in love. This is a show about the inevitable end that eventually comes to us all.
Why no here associates- Nike Heroes
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why? (Refer to:
I think the major signs of this piece have to do heavily with the quotes that are being used, like “I believe that the nature of people is to be heroes” signifying and meaning that there are heroes in all of us. The entire scenes plays throughout the lockers room and courts of someplace, signify all places whereby anyone may become a hero.
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The tennis model and the idea that heroes live everywhere, especially in those professional athletes that so many people look up too. This model perhaps takes the viewer back to a tennis center that was once filled by todays professional athletes.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The majors symbols are the shots of the well used locker room, bathroom stalls, sink and the tennis court that were used with the intent of creating a veleif in the viewer that heroes can rise from even the most humble of circumstances. The tennis center here being shown is not state of the art but has a recreational and worn down feel to it.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
I think that both the connotative and the denotative meanings essentially arrive at the same place. The idea that anyone can be a hero. With the visuals comprising of worn out tennis courts and lockers rooms, the piece give the viewer a familiar felling about a place that maybe many people can relate tyoo. Even if the viewer is not a tennis player and has never touched a tennis racket, the large text, superimposed on humble surroundings implies that a heroe lays within us all.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
If there was a myth within the piece, it would have to be that “there exists a hero in all of us.” While this may be true, the decision to bring out that hero also lies within the motivation of the person themselves. I think the myth is that we can all be heros. Perhaps if we all trusted in this, it would be true.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
The language is slow and the meaning are conveyed and understood over longer periods of time but the language is effective as it coincides with the visuals and the sounds of tennis balls being crushed and points being won.
What was the purpose of the piece?
Being that it is a Nike piece, I think Nike primarily wants to create the idea in people’s minds that anyone can be an athlete any day of the week. These types of pieces may inspire more people to get out of the ordinary and do something extraordinary. When this accomplishment happens, the “hero” may remember who inspired them to do something in the first place.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
Any person who wants to do better, something better with their lives I think could make sense of this piece and fall into the demographic that was intended. I think that this is the kind of piece that could be demographically indiscriminant as it may appeal to a wide age group or people.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
It’s a more subtle piece and so I don’t think Nike was trying to slam their meaning into our faces. I think this piece is much more subtle and may be conducive to creating ideas in the viewers head about what they can do with themselves, rather than letting Nike tell them what to do.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
FINAL BLOG BY WILLIAM MARK RUSSELL
1: MTV LOAD
i. The two major signs in this piece are the eyeball and the crazy flowers/plant life. They do a good job of looking eerie to make the viewer curious. The eye is parallel with the tag line of "Look Out" signifying the coming of a new product. The plant life is the naturalistic contrast to the unnatural eye in a hand telling you to look out.
i. The main concept of the piece is the contrast of interesting human imagery with interesting plant imagery to invoke the coming of a new product/service for MTV. The tag line is "Look Out" and it feels as if the eye inside the palm is saying this to the viewer. It is almost shocking. The eye is also incorporated into the plant life which is also extremely unnatural. This is to catch the viewers "eye" and make them really pay attention to what is coming from MTV.
ii. The two major symbols in this piece are the eyeball and the crazy flowers/plant life. They do a good job of looking eerie to make the viewer curious. The eye is parallel with the tagline of "Look Out" signifying the coming of a new product. The plant life is the naturlistic contrast to the unnatural eye in a hand telling you to look out.
iii. The pieces denotative message is confusion. At first glance you are just confused and wondering why this imagery is happening. It happens quick and doesn't relate to the content within. It is meant to just catch the viewers eye and brain.
iv. When looking into the piece, the tag line "Look out for MTV Load" could be referring to the content of the show. It seems as if this branch of MTV shows odd cartoons, sort of Adult Swim-ish. The imagery is to inspire the abstract state of mind and acceptance of these shows.
v. The piece played on myths of night time. The night is very creepy and the bug soundtrack adds to the feeling of night. Maybe at night time eyes would pop out of your palms and cause a ruckus.
vi. I believe the piece used official language which was very affective. It was a creepy woman whispering "Look Out" or "Look Out for MTV Load." The vocal affects used made the whisper sound "hissy." The worked perfectly with the imagery and made the piece even creepier.
vii. The purpose of this piece was to brand and promote "MTV Load." It would probably air in between shows on MTV so people would "Look out for MTV Load" and be ready for when it drops.
viii. The intended demographic is MTV viewers so probably young adults from 18 to 26. It targeted them well with the confusing imagery and sleek graphics.
ix. MTV's TV spots are always very odd, so this piece coincided with the brand very well.
ADDIKT
i. Some major signs in this piece include the target symbol, the car, and the aspect of revolution. The target symbol could signify the goals of the design movement through addikt. The car could symbolize the high class lifestyle that is the goal.
i. The theme of this piece is an urban lifestyle gone fabulous through the use of design.
ii. Some major symbols are the luxury car and the target symbol. They are used to represent the goals of the design movement.
iii. The denotative message is just showing that Addikt has fresh design and likes hip-hop.
iv. The connotative message is that through the use of Addikt you will live a luxurious lifestyle.
v. The myth at work is that people in an urban lifestyle often strive for the riches and like to seem like they have it.
vi. The piece used unofficial language and it was very affective. The use of hip-hop helped give the viewer an urban feel. The designs on the wall were reminicent of street art which also helped that urban feeling.
vii. The purpose was to show the design skills of Addikt and relate with the people who use their products.
viii. The intended demographic was young urban skateboarders. The whole conceptualization of the piece reached that demographic very well.
ix. The piece helped establish the brand as an urban friendly company that is helping out its consumers.
i. The two major signs in this piece are the eyeball and the crazy flowers/plant life. They do a good job of looking eerie to make the viewer curious. The eye is parallel with the tag line of "Look Out" signifying the coming of a new product. The plant life is the naturalistic contrast to the unnatural eye in a hand telling you to look out.
i. The main concept of the piece is the contrast of interesting human imagery with interesting plant imagery to invoke the coming of a new product/service for MTV. The tag line is "Look Out" and it feels as if the eye inside the palm is saying this to the viewer. It is almost shocking. The eye is also incorporated into the plant life which is also extremely unnatural. This is to catch the viewers "eye" and make them really pay attention to what is coming from MTV.
ii. The two major symbols in this piece are the eyeball and the crazy flowers/plant life. They do a good job of looking eerie to make the viewer curious. The eye is parallel with the tagline of "Look Out" signifying the coming of a new product. The plant life is the naturlistic contrast to the unnatural eye in a hand telling you to look out.
iii. The pieces denotative message is confusion. At first glance you are just confused and wondering why this imagery is happening. It happens quick and doesn't relate to the content within. It is meant to just catch the viewers eye and brain.
iv. When looking into the piece, the tag line "Look out for MTV Load" could be referring to the content of the show. It seems as if this branch of MTV shows odd cartoons, sort of Adult Swim-ish. The imagery is to inspire the abstract state of mind and acceptance of these shows.
v. The piece played on myths of night time. The night is very creepy and the bug soundtrack adds to the feeling of night. Maybe at night time eyes would pop out of your palms and cause a ruckus.
vi. I believe the piece used official language which was very affective. It was a creepy woman whispering "Look Out" or "Look Out for MTV Load." The vocal affects used made the whisper sound "hissy." The worked perfectly with the imagery and made the piece even creepier.
vii. The purpose of this piece was to brand and promote "MTV Load." It would probably air in between shows on MTV so people would "Look out for MTV Load" and be ready for when it drops.
viii. The intended demographic is MTV viewers so probably young adults from 18 to 26. It targeted them well with the confusing imagery and sleek graphics.
ix. MTV's TV spots are always very odd, so this piece coincided with the brand very well.
ADDIKT
i. Some major signs in this piece include the target symbol, the car, and the aspect of revolution. The target symbol could signify the goals of the design movement through addikt. The car could symbolize the high class lifestyle that is the goal.
i. The theme of this piece is an urban lifestyle gone fabulous through the use of design.
ii. Some major symbols are the luxury car and the target symbol. They are used to represent the goals of the design movement.
iii. The denotative message is just showing that Addikt has fresh design and likes hip-hop.
iv. The connotative message is that through the use of Addikt you will live a luxurious lifestyle.
v. The myth at work is that people in an urban lifestyle often strive for the riches and like to seem like they have it.
vi. The piece used unofficial language and it was very affective. The use of hip-hop helped give the viewer an urban feel. The designs on the wall were reminicent of street art which also helped that urban feeling.
vii. The purpose was to show the design skills of Addikt and relate with the people who use their products.
viii. The intended demographic was young urban skateboarders. The whole conceptualization of the piece reached that demographic very well.
ix. The piece helped establish the brand as an urban friendly company that is helping out its consumers.
Blog #5 is Alive!
Stylorouge
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
The major signs in this piece include the windmills, sky/clouds, trees/grass, and the young woman. The sky/clouds/trees/grass all signify nature for obvious reasons; these are a part of nature. Windmills are signifying renewable resources through wind power because these are a major component in wind power electricity. The woman is signifying youth because of her clothing and apparent age.
i. What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
Renewable energy.
ii. What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
As far as nature goes, they covered all the bases, they included air(clouds & sky) earth(trees & grass) and water (water sounds & waves), and animals(butterflies). Each covers a base of nature that one would come to expect. Nature typically involves one or several of these things. Windmills are symbolic of renewable energies as they are one of the components used today in nature.
iii. What was the piece’s denotative message?
That we are a part of nature and that this group is involved with nature as well.
iv. What was the piece’s connotative message
The message here is that this group called Stylorouge is a trendy design firm that is nature friendly/conscious and could be considered ‘green’.
v. What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The myth here is that electric wind technology is beneficial to nature and is a part of nature. Windmills do help with our electricity consumption, but they don’t directly help the environment nor do they belong in nature.
vi. Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
I feel that the piece used a mixture of both. Using direct images of nature is a more official means of using language. The use of windmills is more of a modern idea of renewable energy and it is used as a symbol for a company being ‘green’.
vii. What was the purpose of the piece?
To advertise the group as a green trendy company.
vii. What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The demographic for this piece are trendy teens to young twenties demographic. I feel that the piece did. The choice in clothing and haircut of the girl are trendy while also employing vector graphics to portray the nature/windmills. All of these help to target their demographic.
viii. How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
A direct logo was used and a selected color palette was involved as well. Perhaps the vector based animation was also a trend that the group employs. All of these could in fact substantiate their brand.
Eroski Online Supermarkets
i. What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
The major signs in this piece are the pears, oranges, and glass of milk (I’m assuming that was milk…makes sense to me). These all represent fresh produce/products you would purchase from a supermarket because these are foods that will spoil quickly if not properly handled.
i. What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The theme of this piece is fresh produce as products that can be quickly shipped and aquired.
ii. What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The choices in food in general are used as symbols of freshness. Fruits and Milk are foods that often spoil quite quickly and one would not imagine to purchase such items online.
iii. What was the piece’s denotative message?
This brand has fresh fruit/milk.
iv. What was the piece’s connotative message?
This company not only has these products available, but makes it trendy to order them from this site. The company also will ship these products quickly (race car noises with the milk imply this).
v. What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
That these products being shipped from online places is safe? One could argue that this service could be deemed unhealthy is shipping times are long. There is also the myth that milk is 100% good for humans. It does have many nutrients in it, but our digestive tracks are not meant to drink milk.
vi. Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
Well, the use of fruits/milk is an official language for foods. I could not read the language presented in the text, but I could infer some meaning to the text. Some unofficial language might be in the use of race car sounds during the movement of the milk. These sounds are often taken as speedy and fast, a good attribute if you are shipping fresh foods.
vii. What was the purpose of the piece?
To show that this company is trendy, quick, fresh, and reliable means to order groceries online.
viii. What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
I would imagine anyone in their 20’s to 40’s that purchase groceries regularly and are tech savvy. I would say that they did, not too many of the older generation would even think to order groceries online. Since this younger generation is much more tech savvy, it makes sense to use flashy motion graphics with foods to sell to the younger crowds.
ix. How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I’m not sure how well the brand is substantiated through this. The logo and colors of the logo are not involved much in the piece. If the key words that they showed during the piece are part of a slogan or motto of the company then this would certainly cement the brand. Otherwise I cannot really tell how effective the branding was in this piece.
A movement fairytale
MTV - Beija Sapo
First off I will say that aside from it being an MTV commercial I honestly have no idea what this commercial is meant to market. However, MTV is known for its off-the-wall marketing and (at least for me) a tendency to leave the viewer feeling just slightly baffled. The piece is using a 2D-in-a-3D-space kind of style, giving the idea of 3D space being navigated by flat objects. The style here uses more of an illustrative approach, hearkening to the denotive theme of fairy tales and story time. Since I’m unsure as to the point of the short, I can’t say for certain what they might have been trying to imply to the viewer. Perhaps that the channel they’re advertising is one that tells fictional stories, with happy endings and excitement/adventure as heroes go gallivanting off into the night. There was a compass in the clouds to signify fantasy, and then a princess in search of her prince kisses a frog and he ends up coming up to about her waist and throwing himself onto her (a reversed role between the princess and the prince, or just him showing his gratitude/devotion?) At the end, almost as if the “puppet master” threw them in as an afterthought, are the knight in shining armour, puss in boots, and other fantastical characters from childrens’ stories. I like the aesthetic of the piece, which is why I chose to discuss it, but I would like a little more clarification into what they’re trying to tell me!
Addikt - Design Movement
Addikt’s piece “Design Movement” uses signs to show different meanings of the word ‘movement’, but still keeping the design factor apparent. There are many symbols of movment; from physical movement to social movement to movement accessories (in the form of a car), and the list goes on. Some of the implied signs of movement are going from the country to the city, of the beat marks on the ground proceeding as though they are footsteps. Some more explicit symbols of movement are the car, people multiplying in a social movement, such as the line above “Design Movement” spreading along the wall, or the lines that precede the viewer. Outwardly the piece is about movement – but more subtlely is the message of change, of dynamism and that the design firm is moving with the pace of design into the future. I believe that the demographic for this piece would likely be people who are interested in hiring a design firm, and want someone with a surrealistic quality to it (based upon the 2d vs 3d movements and a lot of the photographic qualities mixed with the illustrative.) I think that the piece is well done, but doesn’t necessarily advertise their firm very well and thus falls short of its goal. The words ‘Design Movement’ are almost ignored upon the first viewing, and as such I had no idea what the hell they were trying to sell me. On the second view I was able to catch it and could follow the rest of the piece a little more closely. The style of the work is done in a very urban and collage sort of way, combining aspects together such as photographic images with 3d moving landscape.
First off I will say that aside from it being an MTV commercial I honestly have no idea what this commercial is meant to market. However, MTV is known for its off-the-wall marketing and (at least for me) a tendency to leave the viewer feeling just slightly baffled. The piece is using a 2D-in-a-3D-space kind of style, giving the idea of 3D space being navigated by flat objects. The style here uses more of an illustrative approach, hearkening to the denotive theme of fairy tales and story time. Since I’m unsure as to the point of the short, I can’t say for certain what they might have been trying to imply to the viewer. Perhaps that the channel they’re advertising is one that tells fictional stories, with happy endings and excitement/adventure as heroes go gallivanting off into the night. There was a compass in the clouds to signify fantasy, and then a princess in search of her prince kisses a frog and he ends up coming up to about her waist and throwing himself onto her (a reversed role between the princess and the prince, or just him showing his gratitude/devotion?) At the end, almost as if the “puppet master” threw them in as an afterthought, are the knight in shining armour, puss in boots, and other fantastical characters from childrens’ stories. I like the aesthetic of the piece, which is why I chose to discuss it, but I would like a little more clarification into what they’re trying to tell me!
Addikt - Design Movement
Addikt’s piece “Design Movement” uses signs to show different meanings of the word ‘movement’, but still keeping the design factor apparent. There are many symbols of movment; from physical movement to social movement to movement accessories (in the form of a car), and the list goes on. Some of the implied signs of movement are going from the country to the city, of the beat marks on the ground proceeding as though they are footsteps. Some more explicit symbols of movement are the car, people multiplying in a social movement, such as the line above “Design Movement” spreading along the wall, or the lines that precede the viewer. Outwardly the piece is about movement – but more subtlely is the message of change, of dynamism and that the design firm is moving with the pace of design into the future. I believe that the demographic for this piece would likely be people who are interested in hiring a design firm, and want someone with a surrealistic quality to it (based upon the 2d vs 3d movements and a lot of the photographic qualities mixed with the illustrative.) I think that the piece is well done, but doesn’t necessarily advertise their firm very well and thus falls short of its goal. The words ‘Design Movement’ are almost ignored upon the first viewing, and as such I had no idea what the hell they were trying to sell me. On the second view I was able to catch it and could follow the rest of the piece a little more closely. The style of the work is done in a very urban and collage sort of way, combining aspects together such as photographic images with 3d moving landscape.
Blog 5_Trevor Brooks
Six Feet Under
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
The major symbolic signs are: The single tree (This is a message of being alone, and isolated. This is a feeling that many people get when they lose a friend or family member), The crow (Many people associate this as a bad sign of something going to happen or even as a symbol of death), the graveyard sequence (The tombstones, pallbearers, and the single bird sitting up in a tree are all messages of death. Someone either died or will be dying.)
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The crow, the hands breaking apart, the wilting flowers, and the graveyard. While all of them are sceenes they all reflect common stigmatas and beliefs of death, or represent the various states that the dead or the alive but affected go through.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative messege is that ultimately we as a people have created a world of death symbolagy around us. The various use of symbols and objects used in the sequence shows this
What was the piece’s connotative message?
The connotative message is that after a person dies they still have a journey to go on, that they have to go on alone. Even tough we will all have to go on it at some time.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The only real myth is the bird. Many cultures around the world have always associated the raven / crow with death and dying. This stigmata is still evident today when people will go out of their way to avoid a black bird in a tree and what not. While the myth was not directly applied the assocation of the black bird with the single tree, and the graveyard reinforces this negative message.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
For the most part it used officical language. The only aspect that maybe considered unofficial are the sequences invovling the prepping of the body, this would only be due to the lack of knowledge of the after death process that many people follow.
What was the purpose of the piece?
First and foremost to introduce the show itself, by following the basic stages of dying > dead > transport > burial it covers the bases of what happens to a person when its game over
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
I think the demographic is from the early to mid 20s to the early 40s. The choice of imagery is seemingly universal in America, and it didn't focus on any graphic or potentially offensive images, while it avoided anything to flashy or pop driven.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
It substantiated brand very well. The scenes were well thought out, the symbols and objects used supported the concepts of dying and death, and most importantly it didn't seem to glorify death in anyway. Instead it projected it in a simple realistic aspect.
Addick (Blooger said I timed out during the first time I tried to type this in. I HATE BLOGGER!)
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
What was the piece’s denotative message?
What was the piece’s connotative message?
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The only real myth that I could take away is the change of status from a urban lifestyle in the city, being changed into a cleaner more natural lifestyle with success and flashy cars
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
Since I believe that it was aiming for the younger generations I think it was very offical. The background music reflected the style of the city, as well as reflected the status symbol of the car and success.
What was the purpose of the piece?
I think it was to demonstrate the motion and design ability of the design house. The motion was very smooth, and the additions of the faces reflected a every man style of process. The inclusion of the car and its "bling" showed the current status of the design house.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
15 - mid 20s. The piece had a hip-hop soundtrack, and the locations reflected the urban city that most of the youth in the country is living in today. With the green patch of land at the end of the sequence it showed the eventual leaving of the urban city to the vast green grasses of suburbia?
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
Honestly I don't know what the brand was they were trying to sell. I didn't know if it was an ad for the car, or for the design house or even a combination of both. If they were working for a car company and it was for the car they failed, if it was for a design house I think they did somewhat nice via showing a diversfied flow of motion, and demostration of what they will offer to potential clients.
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
The major symbolic signs are: The single tree (This is a message of being alone, and isolated. This is a feeling that many people get when they lose a friend or family member), The crow (Many people associate this as a bad sign of something going to happen or even as a symbol of death), the graveyard sequence (The tombstones, pallbearers, and the single bird sitting up in a tree are all messages of death. Someone either died or will be dying.)
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The crow, the hands breaking apart, the wilting flowers, and the graveyard. While all of them are sceenes they all reflect common stigmatas and beliefs of death, or represent the various states that the dead or the alive but affected go through.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative messege is that ultimately we as a people have created a world of death symbolagy around us. The various use of symbols and objects used in the sequence shows this
What was the piece’s connotative message?
The connotative message is that after a person dies they still have a journey to go on, that they have to go on alone. Even tough we will all have to go on it at some time.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The only real myth is the bird. Many cultures around the world have always associated the raven / crow with death and dying. This stigmata is still evident today when people will go out of their way to avoid a black bird in a tree and what not. While the myth was not directly applied the assocation of the black bird with the single tree, and the graveyard reinforces this negative message.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
For the most part it used officical language. The only aspect that maybe considered unofficial are the sequences invovling the prepping of the body, this would only be due to the lack of knowledge of the after death process that many people follow.
What was the purpose of the piece?
First and foremost to introduce the show itself, by following the basic stages of dying > dead > transport > burial it covers the bases of what happens to a person when its game over
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
I think the demographic is from the early to mid 20s to the early 40s. The choice of imagery is seemingly universal in America, and it didn't focus on any graphic or potentially offensive images, while it avoided anything to flashy or pop driven.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
It substantiated brand very well. The scenes were well thought out, the symbols and objects used supported the concepts of dying and death, and most importantly it didn't seem to glorify death in anyway. Instead it projected it in a simple realistic aspect.
Addick (Blooger said I timed out during the first time I tried to type this in. I HATE BLOGGER!)
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
What was the piece’s denotative message?
What was the piece’s connotative message?
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The only real myth that I could take away is the change of status from a urban lifestyle in the city, being changed into a cleaner more natural lifestyle with success and flashy cars
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
Since I believe that it was aiming for the younger generations I think it was very offical. The background music reflected the style of the city, as well as reflected the status symbol of the car and success.
What was the purpose of the piece?
I think it was to demonstrate the motion and design ability of the design house. The motion was very smooth, and the additions of the faces reflected a every man style of process. The inclusion of the car and its "bling" showed the current status of the design house.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
15 - mid 20s. The piece had a hip-hop soundtrack, and the locations reflected the urban city that most of the youth in the country is living in today. With the green patch of land at the end of the sequence it showed the eventual leaving of the urban city to the vast green grasses of suburbia?
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
Honestly I don't know what the brand was they were trying to sell. I didn't know if it was an ad for the car, or for the design house or even a combination of both. If they were working for a car company and it was for the car they failed, if it was for a design house I think they did somewhat nice via showing a diversfied flow of motion, and demostration of what they will offer to potential clients.
Last BLog and I didnt even get KICKED OUT!
Addikt-Design Movement
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
Skyscrapers- City or urban, perhaps a type of culture.
Peoples Design Front- Reminiscent of Che, who was a Cuban revolutionary, their designs are revolutionary.
Ballin Whip- Flashy, the car looked like one of those Bentley’s so perhaps classy as well.
Forest/Lush Grass- Nature, a natural design style, and contrary to the urban scene they showed before.
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
For this piece I would say that the paradigm for this pieces is urban super stylized to natural organic methods. There is also the idea of a revolutionary and explosive way of thinking and performing through various points of images as noted before.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The major symbols were the streets to depict their lifestyles; a flashy car in the street could mean success, coming from nothing to something. Also the pop up of the faces looking like Che Gurrera could mean a revolution of common design. The final symbol that I feel is very important is the final scene of a lush field and trees. Normally that imagery would simply translate to an organic style, however after a whole piece dealing with urban style it acts as a tool to show how they can switch gears and come with a banger in any style.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative message of this piece is that urban style is impactful, raw and flashy. In contrast a more earthy style is peaceful and organic.
What was the piece’s connotative message?
The connotative message to this piece is that the urban feel to this design company is going to be hard, gritty and come at you with an in your face style, however that can take on projects that need to be created with care, finesse and organic beauty.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
Some myths that were in this piece is that the street is a dirty and hard place to be. Also that people from the street strive for a flashy lifestyle opposite of what they are currently living in. Also that the natural affects of what a lush field could bring to mind.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
This piece used unofficial language. There were broad interpretations to all of their imagery and it seemed very affective to me because depending on your walk of life you could view all of these images in very different ways creating your own story.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece was to demonstrate how design is a movement and Addikt is on the forefront of this movement taking all projects head on.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
I think that the target demographic was the twenty something scene and I believe this from all the imagery that they used. If I am assuming correctly they accomplished this very well because these are images that we as young adults see every day in our world (i.e. Che, ballin whips, and a city scape).
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
To me this piece did not substantiated a brand for Addikt, if you had no background information then you would just think, “Hey cool video piece, whatever”. But I guess it was nice to look at.
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V12-NBA on ESPEN
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
Color (Red, White, and Blue)- The NBA’s official colors and obviously the colors of America.
ABC, NBA, Team Logos/Names- All representing the respective companies.
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The paradigm for this piece is showing all the action of basket ball without using and actual set up game, there is quick movements and highlight pictures moving throughout the screen to heighten intensity.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The major symbols used in this piece were mainly logos for different companies. I think they were used in order to brand this commercial so you don’t think your watching another cheap highlight reel or some AND1 mixtape.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative message for this piece is there is a lot of excitement to basketball so watch it on ESPEN every Sunday.
What was the piece’s connotative message?
The connotative message to this piece could mean the classic feel of basketball and how great it is, through the classic colors and old school Eric B and Rakim “Don’t Sweat the Technique.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The only myth that I can see is that only black people are good at basketball. Larry Bird any one!?
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
This piece had very official language. There was no real interpretation needed for this piece. Yes it was affective because if you like high flying action then you will enjoy watching the NBA on ESPN then this is for you.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece was to get people to watch NBA on ESPN.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
I think the demographic for this piece is men from the ages of 12 to death. Most dudes like basketball and so yes this piece successfully targeted that demographic. The reason why it accomplished that mission is it showed all the excitement of basketball and pure intensity of it.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
This piece was all about brand. Throughout the whole segment you would see either team logos, the ABC logo or ESPN whizzing by.
-MR. JEREMY JOHN PAPE!
Blog 5-YEA!
Six Feet Under-Digital Kitchen
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The paradigm that was used in conceptualizing this piece were the elements of what happens to a person after they have died, and using them to produce a narrative that shows a different perspective on it.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
Some of the major symbols that were used in this piece consist of the single tree that is shown immediately, that could be used to represent loneliness and separation. Another symbol that is used to represent separation is the two hands breaking apart just after we zoom out from the tree. After this there are images to represent death directly, such as the feet with the toe tag at the end of the gurney and also the gurney being pushed down the dark hallway towards the bright light.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative message in this piece is showing a person who has recently passed, on their journey to the final resting place.
What was the piece’s connotative message
The connotative message in this piece is that just because they have passed away, this does not mean that their journey is over. This is shown by all of the scenes where the body is being pushed through the morgue in order for the body to be further prepared for its final resting place.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
There were no myths that I noticed off hand in this piece. Although my morgue experience is pretty limited I would say that it was presented in an accurate fashion.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
Although this piece does use symbolism for the viewer to interpret, I feel that the language used throughout the piece is rather straight-forward and easy to interpret.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece is to not only to intrigue viewers into watching the show Six Feet Under, but also to give insight into a little bit about what the characters go through on a day to day basis.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The demographic for this piece would be late 20’s to early 40’s I would say. This is often the demographic that I find watching these types of drama shows. I feel that they hit this target demographic well with this particular piece by maintaining a steady, yet dramatic pace throughout the work.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I feel that it sustains the brand by establishing what experiences the characters of the show will be going through, not only by showing images of dead peoples feet on a gurney, but also through the lighting and color of each shot.
Addikt Design- Movement
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The paradigm that was used to produce this piece was that people will buy good design, which just happens to be what they sell. They do this by not only providing a strong motion piece, but also providing example of good examples of good design that make you want to use them to design your product.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The symbols in this piece range from the Peoples faces that represent the audience that is interpreting the information given to them, to the car which represents what good design is as the text displays behind it.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative meaning in this piece is that you should buy their design since it is the best, and looks the most innovative.
What was the piece’s connotative message?
The connotative message in this piece is that the design field is changing and they they are able to change with it.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
One myth in this piece is that it it is said that people will automatically buy good design. However this is not always true. Many people will often overlook good design for other reasons, such as price or brand.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece is to show that addikt is capable of good design, and that their audience will like them because of what they produce.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The intended demographic for this piece is mainly the younger generation that may be interested in motion graphics and also flashy new cars. However, I also feel that this piece is geared towards potential clients, in which I feel they could have appealed to a larger audience rather than just the younger generation.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I feel this piece sustained the brand by establishing a style that each person can attach to Addikt, but also by showing that they are capable of production high quality design.
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The paradigm that was used in conceptualizing this piece were the elements of what happens to a person after they have died, and using them to produce a narrative that shows a different perspective on it.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
Some of the major symbols that were used in this piece consist of the single tree that is shown immediately, that could be used to represent loneliness and separation. Another symbol that is used to represent separation is the two hands breaking apart just after we zoom out from the tree. After this there are images to represent death directly, such as the feet with the toe tag at the end of the gurney and also the gurney being pushed down the dark hallway towards the bright light.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative message in this piece is showing a person who has recently passed, on their journey to the final resting place.
What was the piece’s connotative message
The connotative message in this piece is that just because they have passed away, this does not mean that their journey is over. This is shown by all of the scenes where the body is being pushed through the morgue in order for the body to be further prepared for its final resting place.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
There were no myths that I noticed off hand in this piece. Although my morgue experience is pretty limited I would say that it was presented in an accurate fashion.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
Although this piece does use symbolism for the viewer to interpret, I feel that the language used throughout the piece is rather straight-forward and easy to interpret.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece is to not only to intrigue viewers into watching the show Six Feet Under, but also to give insight into a little bit about what the characters go through on a day to day basis.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The demographic for this piece would be late 20’s to early 40’s I would say. This is often the demographic that I find watching these types of drama shows. I feel that they hit this target demographic well with this particular piece by maintaining a steady, yet dramatic pace throughout the work.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I feel that it sustains the brand by establishing what experiences the characters of the show will be going through, not only by showing images of dead peoples feet on a gurney, but also through the lighting and color of each shot.
Addikt Design- Movement
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The paradigm that was used to produce this piece was that people will buy good design, which just happens to be what they sell. They do this by not only providing a strong motion piece, but also providing example of good examples of good design that make you want to use them to design your product.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The symbols in this piece range from the Peoples faces that represent the audience that is interpreting the information given to them, to the car which represents what good design is as the text displays behind it.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative meaning in this piece is that you should buy their design since it is the best, and looks the most innovative.
What was the piece’s connotative message?
The connotative message in this piece is that the design field is changing and they they are able to change with it.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
One myth in this piece is that it it is said that people will automatically buy good design. However this is not always true. Many people will often overlook good design for other reasons, such as price or brand.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece is to show that addikt is capable of good design, and that their audience will like them because of what they produce.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The intended demographic for this piece is mainly the younger generation that may be interested in motion graphics and also flashy new cars. However, I also feel that this piece is geared towards potential clients, in which I feel they could have appealed to a larger audience rather than just the younger generation.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I feel this piece sustained the brand by establishing a style that each person can attach to Addikt, but also by showing that they are capable of production high quality design.
blog #5
Six Feet Under – Digital Kitchen
The major signs in the piece are symbols. One being the crow, in which people tend to associate with being creepy, or scary, or even tend to associate the crow with death. The other symbol is a toe tag, which is placed on the big toe to identify the dead body. The paradigm of departing loved ones and dying was used in the conceptualization of the piece. This is creatively done by showing symbols of separation and death. I believe that the symbols were used to give the viewer and idea of what the show is about without flat out saying it. Not many people find a dead person or mortuary very interesting but with short clips and intriguing music the viewer easily becomes interested. The pieces denotative message is that the show is about death. The connotative message on the other hand may possibly imply or suggest that death is somewhat of a “peaceful” happening in a person’s life. There actually were no myths about this piece because the production team researched and found that crows do represent death and have for many centuries, and that lilies are commonly used at funerals. The piece used official language in a text form. The text itself was great use of typography and it went well with the music. Most people often correlate death and the mortuary as creepy but the Digital Kitchen has managed to dim down that correlation by “peacefully” creating a different image of death and the mortuary. The intended demographic is 18 and up because it is at the age of 18 that most people know about death and can understand what a toe tag is and the symbolic meaning of dying flowers. The Digital Kitchen has actually created their own brand. They have an aesthetic to their work, specifically with opening pieces, that has now created who they are as a design team. I think their work is simple, elegant and yet is still so interesting.
Sheryl Crow - “Good is Good” – PSYOP
A major sign I saw throughout the music video piece was a butterfly fluttering around. A butterfly usually signifies peace, love, hope, a change in life, and sometimes kids tend to see butterflies as magical because of their many colors and reflective wings. The paradigm used in the conceptualization of the piece is the thought of a magical world, which is constantly moving and changing with a magical butterfly flying around as a sign of happiness. As a viewer we know that the denotative message is that the magical “world” that Sheryl Crow is walking around in is not truly possible. The connotative message on the other hand is that the magical world is a place of happiness and calmness, which is also why the butterfly (I think) was a part of the piece. For the time that this music video was made, motion graphics were minimal. I believe that is why they chose this format and the purpose was to expose something that at the time wasn’t so popular. The music video definitely appeals to a wide demographic because younger kids can enjoy the motion graphics as well as adults and because of that I believe it accomplished it’s goal of attracting everyone.
The major signs in the piece are symbols. One being the crow, in which people tend to associate with being creepy, or scary, or even tend to associate the crow with death. The other symbol is a toe tag, which is placed on the big toe to identify the dead body. The paradigm of departing loved ones and dying was used in the conceptualization of the piece. This is creatively done by showing symbols of separation and death. I believe that the symbols were used to give the viewer and idea of what the show is about without flat out saying it. Not many people find a dead person or mortuary very interesting but with short clips and intriguing music the viewer easily becomes interested. The pieces denotative message is that the show is about death. The connotative message on the other hand may possibly imply or suggest that death is somewhat of a “peaceful” happening in a person’s life. There actually were no myths about this piece because the production team researched and found that crows do represent death and have for many centuries, and that lilies are commonly used at funerals. The piece used official language in a text form. The text itself was great use of typography and it went well with the music. Most people often correlate death and the mortuary as creepy but the Digital Kitchen has managed to dim down that correlation by “peacefully” creating a different image of death and the mortuary. The intended demographic is 18 and up because it is at the age of 18 that most people know about death and can understand what a toe tag is and the symbolic meaning of dying flowers. The Digital Kitchen has actually created their own brand. They have an aesthetic to their work, specifically with opening pieces, that has now created who they are as a design team. I think their work is simple, elegant and yet is still so interesting.
Sheryl Crow - “Good is Good” – PSYOP
A major sign I saw throughout the music video piece was a butterfly fluttering around. A butterfly usually signifies peace, love, hope, a change in life, and sometimes kids tend to see butterflies as magical because of their many colors and reflective wings. The paradigm used in the conceptualization of the piece is the thought of a magical world, which is constantly moving and changing with a magical butterfly flying around as a sign of happiness. As a viewer we know that the denotative message is that the magical “world” that Sheryl Crow is walking around in is not truly possible. The connotative message on the other hand is that the magical world is a place of happiness and calmness, which is also why the butterfly (I think) was a part of the piece. For the time that this music video was made, motion graphics were minimal. I believe that is why they chose this format and the purpose was to expose something that at the time wasn’t so popular. The music video definitely appeals to a wide demographic because younger kids can enjoy the motion graphics as well as adults and because of that I believe it accomplished it’s goal of attracting everyone.
Last Blog (For Now) Woot Woot!!!!!!!
Exercise Your Mind.
i. What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
I think the two major signs in the piece are the song that is played and the movement done by the various characters. The song chosen for the piece is all about singing aloud even if you don’t know the right words, and how this will make you feel better in any situation. This signifies the idea that music is a universal thing that can make even the bad times better. The next sign, the movements, is in every character in the piece. Each person is dancing, tapping their foot, or doing an activity that involves singing to pass the time. This also signifies the idea that music makes everything better.
i. What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The concept for this piece is combining cut out sketches and illustrations and bringing them to life.
ii. What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The first major symbol used in the piece is the word music in the very beginning. I believe it is used to inform the viewer right off the bat that the piece has to do with music, not with graphics or anything else. The next major symbol is the flags from the different countries on the marching soldiers. This was used to show music as a universal language.
iii. What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative meaning of this piece is very confusing because it travels through so many different scenes. Since denotative meaning looks at an object and takes it for what that object is I don’t think you can pinpoint a specific denotative meaning for this piece
iv. What was the piece’s connotative message?
I believe the connotative meaning of the piece is looking at all the elements and what they represent historically. For example in snow white, the song “whistle while you work” and in the piece we see a man laying bricks. We also see people in a bar, people dancing on the streets, etc… All of these in combination with the song playing connote meaning that music can get people through anything.
v. What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
Some of the myths used in this piece are the soldiers carrying flags from different countries, the angels in the sky, the queen dancing in the street, the slutty girl at the bar, and the multi-racial basketball players. I know these are myths because they all have their own connotative meaning if they were taken out of the piece and viewed on their own.
vi. Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
This piece uses unofficial language and in this case is very effective. Since I believe that they are trying to show how universal music can be and how everyone can relate to it. The piece does not single out any specific audience and therefore is appealing to everyone.
vii. What was the purpose of the piece?
This piece is a branding campaign for Virgin records and their digital music. The purpose is to get people interested in this and possibly go to the website for it. Also to promote the now non-existent Virgin Records.
viii. What was the intended demographic of the piece?
I believe the demographic of this piece is fairly open but most likely ranging from high school students to adults in there 40’s. I believe it was successful because the didn’t use music with inappropriate lyrics or images that would only be liked by a specific audience. If they were to have used a hip hop song for example the demographic would have been greatly narrowed.
ix. How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I don’t believe that this piece substantiated the brand enough. The only time the viewer sees the brand is at the very end and the only information provided is the logo. I think the whole piece was fantastic and could stand alone without being a brand.__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Kitchen - 6 Feet Under
i. What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
The major signs in this piece are the three different settings. The opening scene with the single tree signifies loneliness, the hospital signifies the transition between life and death and the graveyard signifies death. These are all used to set the tone for the show.
i. What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The concept of this piece is to use visual elements in combination with a wonderful music score and typography to create an intro that is as unforgettable as the show.
ii. What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
The major symbols used are the raven (maybe its a crow, i dont know that much about birds) which is a common symbol for death. Other symbols used are the hallway having a glowing light at the end of it, representing going towards the light at the end of the tunnel; and the wilting flowers actually showing the process of death.
iii. What was the piece’s denotative message?
The denotative meaning of the piece is a person dying and them being moved from the hospital to the cemetery. We know this because this is what the presented visuals show without reference to anything else.
iv. What was the piece’s connotative message?
I think that this piece connotes the transition between life and death, it brings up feelings of loneliness, sadness, and memories.
v. What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The raven is the biggest myth in this piece because ravens are traditionally associated with death. Another symbol used is when the hearse door is being open there is a skull and cross bones ring on the hand, this is another symbol associated with death.
vi. Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
I believed this piece used official language because all imagery used is very straight forward and not open to a variety of interpretations. It was very effective because this is an intro to a show, so by watching the introduction the viewer should have some insight into what the show is about.
vii. What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of this piece was to create an introduction to a show that is both memorable on its own and to introduce the television show.
viii. What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The intended audience of this piece is the night-time television audience in their 20's and 30's. I think this intro was very successful in reaching its demographic because the intro is timeless and elegant.
ix. How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
This piece substantiated brand very well because it created an identity for the show. I have never seen the television show but i recognize it because of the imagery used in the digital kitchen introduction.
Avery - Blog #5
“National Television: Exercise Your Mind”
There are many major signs in this piece, as each character and interaction is a reference to a song title. For example, the Queen of England is saved by the hand of God by a rolling stone, representing the title, “God Save the Queen,” as well as the band The Rolling Stones, perhaps. The Queen herself was one of the biggest symbols I saw because I instantly knew it was the Queen of England, despite being from that country. The paradigm reflects a certain set of assumptions in that it not only takes a keen eye to point out each song title (I couldn't get many), but one must have quite an extensive knowledge of music and pop culture. The piece's denotative message was to “exercise the mind,” which connotes that there is more than meets the eye in the piece. It also connotes a feeling of belonging to an “elite” group if you catch onto the song title references. The piece itself looks myth-like in its surrealism and randomness, but the only “myths” here are illustrations of the song titles. Perhaps it could be myth of how that song title came about. The piece uses unofficial language in that the imagery is fun and quirky; nothings feels like official business. The purpose of this piece was to provoke thought and awareness of music in a playful way. The intended demographic was a broad one in that anyone could have an extensive music education... the piece is playful enough to appeal to anyone, but is also cheeky enough to appeal to adults. Perhaps the only demographic left out would be young children. I feel the piece definitely substantiated brand because it showed Virgin as “knowing the answers” and having a broad range of music. Virgin wants to look “cool” and “hip,” and by playfully representing pop culture, they accomplish this.
Digital Kitchen: Six Feet Under
It is obvious that this piece uses death imagery as signs and symbols. The hands breaking apart, the feet on the gurney, and the black crow are all signs that represent death. The paradigm here was death; death is a universal accepted notion and common fear. The piece's denotative message was that someone had died, but the connotative message was that there is more to death than simply dying. For example, once someone is dead, he/she is wheeled on a gurney, travels in a hurse, and gets buried. “Life” for the dead does not end at death. The myths at work here are those of death, as no one who has died can necessarily come back and talk about it. However, the piece does not focus on the spiritual afterlife, which would be more mythical than what the piece shows. The piece uses unofficial language in that it is all simple imagery, and no words. The purpose of the piece was to introduce the show, Six Feet Under, as a comprehensive and quirky show revolving around death. The intended demographic, despite it being a late-night HBO show, is young adult to older adult. There is no childish behavior at work here; instead the images are powerful and so meaningful that it takes a developed mind to fully comprehend them. I feel that the piece accomplished its purpose in introducing the show as a dark and interesting one; having watched the show, I feel the introduction truly encapsulates the overall attitude of the series.
LAST BLOG!!! WOOOOO!!
Foreign_office-MTV A-cut
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
The major signs in this piece are the four professional athletes: Brian Urlacher, Rasheed Wallace, Gary Shefield, and Clinton Portis. They are all well-known athletes and role models for aspiring athletes. They signify strength, athleticism, agility, determination, and success. They signify this because of who they are. They are all professional sports icons from football, basketball and baseball that have had very successful careers.
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
To me I see the theme and concept of the piece being very similar to that of a video game. The aesthetic it seems to follow would be the aesthetic very similar to something like Grand Theft Auto. They all seem to be portrayed as some kind of tough guy super hero. The setting takes place in a dark and rainy urban environment that adds to the specific mood of the piece.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
Similar to my answer in question one, the symbols are the athletes. They were used because we can relate to them in certain ways. We all understand that they symbolize, strength, power, and fit physical condition. They are clearly being used to help sell the product at hand.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
The piece denotes the decay of urban street life. The athletes are tough guys who put bad men in their place. For example: “Best treat him nice or he’ll put you on ice”, “Stay out of his way or you’ll have a bad day”, “Don’t cross his tracks or he’ll fade you to black”, and He’s slick on the bricks and quick with his kicks”.
What was the piece’s connotative message?
Toward the end of my last answer we start to see what the deeper meaning to the message is. The last two quotes kind of give it away. “Don’t cross his tracks or he’ll fade you to black”, and “He’s slick on the bricks and quick with his kicks. Here is what I started to understand what is actually being sold in this piece, comfortable Nike boots that can handle some serious abuse because they are using tough athletes to sell them.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
I think the myth here is that these Nike boots can stand up to anything. I know this because why else would they choose some serious athletes to help get their point across. If they can withstand the abuse put on them by these guys, then they can withstand the abuse anyone puts on them.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
The piece used official language but it did not talk about the product until the very end. It was effective at telling the story but not so effective at selling the product.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of the piece was to sell Nike Neo Shock boots. By using tough guy athletes they are saying that the boots are tough and they can handle anything you throw at them.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
I think the target demographic is male’s ranging from the ages of 16 to 40, possibly males who live in tough urban environments that are active and looking for something durable and comfortable to wear. I think this piece is successful in hitting its target demographic.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
Well, I don’t know about this one. I didn’t know what the hell they were selling until the last few frames. You do see some close ups of their boots during the piece but no Nike symbols or anything, and what I was shown was only in a fraction of a second or so. I think they could have drawn more attention to the actual product being sold.
Why_not_here_associates-Nike_heroes
What are the major signs in the piece and what do they signify and why?
The major signs in this piece are the images of a locker room or team dressing room and the tennis court. They signify athletes and the game of tennis. We also see some text that seems to be the focal point of the piece that says, “ I believe that it is the nature of people to be heroes. Self trust is the essence of heroism”. These words signify that if you believe in yourself you can do things you never thought you could.
What paradigm was used in the conceptualization of the piece?
The theme and concept of this piece deals with photographic images of where the setting of a tennis match would take place. It takes us through the space of an empty locker room as well as an empty tennis court by panning and zooming in and out. It gives us the spatial quality of the rooms and court. The audio in the background consists of the sounds of a tennis match. It gives me the felling that great things will happen or did happen in this setting.
What are major symbols used in the piece and why do you think they were used?
Again this question is similar to question one. The symbols are the locker room telling us that some kind of sport is the subject. We don’t know what the sport is until we are introduced to the tennis court. The tennis court symbolizes a place where tennis players do their thing. It also takes place in what looks like a playground in an inner city. This symbolizes people who are new to tennis and works to inspire people to play the game or to continue playing. It does not take place in a professional setting so you know its not targeting people who are already established tennis players.
What was the piece’s denotative message?
This piece denotes the setting of a locker room and tennis match.
What was the piece’s connotative message?
The deeper meaning to this piece is found in the text that is presented. “ I believe it is the nature of people to be heroes. Self trust is the essence of heroism”. The meaning I took from this is that if you believe in yourself, if you believe you can do anything and work hard enough at it, you will accomplish your goals no matter what your trying to do. In this case they reference the sport of tennis but it could pertain to anything you do in life. Trust yourself and work hard and it will happen.
What myth(s) were at work in the piece and how do you know?
The myth at work in this piece is that if you believe in yourself and trust yourself than you can do anything no matter what it is. Nike is there to help you facilitate those beliefs.
Did the piece use official or unofficial language? Was it affective?
The piece used official language. It was clear and concise. I believe it was effective in getting across the intended message.
What was the purpose of the piece?
The purpose of the piece was to get people to believe and trust in themselves and the possibilities of what can be achieved if you work hard enough at it. It was also trying to promote Nike sporting good products. Not sure which ones they were selling though.
What was the intended demographic of the piece? Did the piece successfully target that demographic? How did it accomplish this or why did it fail?
The intended demographic of the piece could be boys, girls, men and women who are interested in sports and personal growth. I think this piece hit the intended demographic because it was very broad, therefore reaching a broad audience.
How do you feel the piece substantiated brand?
I don’t think they substantiated brand very well in this piece. The only logo you see is at the very end and it is so small you can barely see it. I feel as though they were trying to get a message across rather than selling their products.
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