So far with regards to research and development we have explored the codes and conventions of the Punk/Pop-punk genre (energetic movements, poor hygiene - spitting etc, group shots of entire band, unique looks, selling points, shock factor, humour or seriousness, deep meanings behind lyrics or parody styled songs etc.). We have also obtained results of numerous surveys covering personal taste in music, opinions and influences from not only punk bands (Green day/Blink-182) but also bands from the alternative rock and grunge genre (Biffy Clyro/ Alter-bridge). This allowed us to get a taste of what people like from each genre, what is the unique selling point, what is visually attracting and what is influential to the viewer.
Next we researched various elements of the Punk genre, from fashion, morals, spends, demographics and the target audience we learned where to target our work and what is most effective to engage them as a result. So far we have researched what the Punk Genre is, its history, the people, their social interests, their culture, how they interact with each other, the diversity contained within the subculture and essentially the evolution of the punk genre. This combined with the research into codes and conventions, demographics, target audience and the results gained from our surveys we have begun to inform certain aspects of our final piece music video.
Our next step involved researching various music videos of the punk genre, the choice of music videos to research was influenced by our surveys and as a result we knew where to focus our attention to on certain aspects prevalent throughout the videos.
The first video we looked at was the parody song "all the small things" - Blink-182. From this song we were able to deduce that the band had created its own unique look (in Blink's case this was the three band members each having their own unique style with gelled spiked hair, piercings, shorts, colourful T-shirts and comedic attire from giant diapers etc.) this unique look created a memorable impression of the band on the viewer no matter how strange it my seem, we wish this aspect to inform our music video - to create a unique look, one that creates a lasting impression on the viewer.
Also from this video various technical aspects can be perceived such as shot types (Group shots are most prevalent, with typically mid shots also commonly zooming into close ups of the band members, focus pulls are often common as are untraditional almost unnatural styled transitions such as blurs while reverse zooming. Scenic panning shots are also commonly seen as they gradually reveal more of the band or more of the scenery or backdrop. Wide and two shots are also seen repeatedly these are used to create a more grunge styled atmosphere which is nicely contrasted with the upbeat and colourful instruments vocals and saturation. It's also worth noting that the misé en scene, lighting and props all follow the codes and conventions of the punk genre, as they retain the surreal saturated vibrant exaggerated atmosphere common to the genre and over emphasise certain elements for comedic effect along with the introduction of taboo elements and toilet humour to further "poke fun" at the target of this parody while keeping it funny, unique, weird and engaging for the audience, this is also fairly common of the Punk genre. We wish to include certain elements reminiscent of these aspects in our music video, such as the group shots, shots of the instruments either in use or as a prop, the introduction of a surreal atmosphere to further emphasise the narrative contained within the music video, possible panning shots to reveal the environment to emphasise the narrative further.
One thing we found prevalent in this video and also in many others of this genre was the lack of a filter (common in the Punk genre), but what is used quite frequently in its place is an exaggerated over saturation (as shown in "all the small things" and "basket case") this overuse of colour creates a virtual world, in which any non-realistic narrative can be told. It became apparent in this video that the narrative was not intended to be serious nor was it intended to represent reality, rather it creates an exaggerated representation of reality where it is ok for people to be dancing in giant diapers infront of crowds of fans etc. and the audience doesn't question it, they are drawn into the narrative through this exaggerated and unrealistic atmosphere.
Yet while over saturation is extremely common of the punk genre so is its polar opposite, undersaturation. This is the inclusion of only minimal colour to create a more serious grunge styled atmosphere, this is not a monotone filter this is just a desaturation of the natural colours present (as shown in "after midnight" and ''up all night") this creates a more realistic portrayal of a narrative in a music video, it suddenly becomes more 'real', emotive and hard hitting, this is often accompanied by more serious styled lyrics and resulting narrative. This knowledge and research has influenced our intentions on how we approach our final piece, we have decided to approach it with a more serious and mature attitude common with this style prevalent in the punk genre, the use of desaturated filter ( yet possibly with the inclusion of over saturated elements such as instruments to contrast against). This has also influenced our decision on narrative, we wish now to approach also with more serious intentions as opposed to a humorous or parody song.
Overall it became clear while watching this video and others that certain conventions are common and to be expected within the Pop-Punk Genre, from lyrics, to shot types, filters, clothing, movements, narrative and the combination of scenes of drama and of the band playing. From these we were able to find the typical location (usually a deserted environment such as a warehouse or a skate park), the lighting is usually dark with crisp casted shadows created from an artificial light source which is come cases shown (floodlights etc.) this convnetion can be contrasted though in some videos which have bright environments but retain the sense of isolation or create an eccentric exaggerated environment.
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