Monday, 28 September 2009

Narrative and Theory

Narrative

Russian theorist, Tzvetan Todorov, suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure. They begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored.

Character

Todorov came up with his theories after making a study of Russian folk tales. So too did Vladimir Propp, who came up with the theory that there are only a certain number of characters, who crop up in most narratives. It is easy to spot the hero and villain in most cases, but here are some others:

Character Type
Role within narrative
Hero

Leads the narrative, is usually looking for something (a quest) or trying to solve something (a mystery). Does not have to be male :)

Villain

Conflicts with the hero

Heroine

Is usually some sort of prize or reward for the hero. NB if your hero is female, your heroine can be male :)

Father

An authority figure who offers a reward to the hero for completing their quest. That reward might be a prince or a princess or a cool new job

Helper

Helps the hero - often acts as a sidekick

Donor

Gives the hero something - a clue, a talisman, a special power - which helps them complete their quest

Mentor

Teaches and guides the hero



Conflict

As well as Aristotle deciding that 'all drama is conflict' in the 4th century BC, 20th century theorist Claude Levi-Strauss suggested that all narratives had to be driven forward by conflict that was cause by a series of opposing forces. he called this the theory of Binary Opposition, and it is used to describe how each main force in a narrative has its equal and opposite. Analysing a narrative means identifying these opposing forces eg

light/dark
good/evil
noise/silence
youth/age
right/wrong
poverty/wealth
strength/weakness
inside/outside




Source - http://www.mediaknowall.com/gcse/keyconceptsgcse/gcsenarrative.html



Camera Techniques 3 + 4




This technique is interesting as in this case, it looks like he is attracting the object towards him. This could be used for an instrument or drum sticks or something that could mean i could apply it to my music video.




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This time i decided that i would try to trick the audience by using a cross dissolve technique. This paired with two takes, one each in a different place will give a good effect in theory.



You can see the effect that is trying to be made. The cross dissolve is key in making sure the transition is seemless. Another idea would be to up the contrast so that the fade is also not so obvious, however in this case i think it is fine without having to change the contrast. This could be a good idea to use in a music video if i wanted to change the setting while still focusing on a character.

Lyrics and Analysis

Casino ****
I’m getting closer to the point of broke,
but that five and six are looking pretty damn tempting.
My last tenner’s worth of plastic coins,
on my last beer and my wallet’s full on empty.

But it was bound to happen, lost it all.
The dealer took my money.
And now I face my misses wrath.

Back once again to preserve my pride,
More tanked up now, this time I’m invincible!
Put fifty against his blackjack,
I’m skint again why does this keep on happening?

But it was bound to happen, lost it all.
The dealer took my rent.
And now I face my landlord’s wrath.

They rob you blind, they take your life.
This addiction ends tonight, I swear,
I won’t return here again.

Solo

This time I’m sure my luck is in,
It’s all or nothing, the odd’s are with me.
I should leave when the going’s good,
But something inside me says play one for the road Jack.

But it was bound to happen, lost it all.
The dealer took my savings.
And now I face the cold street’s wrath.

They rob you blind, they take your life.
This addiction ends tonight, I swear,
I won’t return here again.

YOU STUPID ****!!!
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Tuesday, 22 September 2009

DP Background

"

Destruction Preveter formed in the spring of 2007 by Matt Adams and Mike Carroll after the collapse of their former band, MORNING STAR. The aim was to create a band who weren't tied down to any genre or "core" shit, A band who were just PURE HEAVY METAL.
With former MORNING STAR drummer Andy "Stoney" Stonelake in the ranks, we just needed a second guitarist to complete the rythym section. This came in the guise of former PLASTERCAST member Chris Lockyer. With Chris on board, DESTRUCTION PREVETER'S unique sound began to take form. For a band who tried to cross Power metal with 80's Rock and Roll, it was important to find a frontman who doesn't take himself too seriously. Fortunatly we knew just the rocker for the job! Enter Dave Cooper, a vocalist whos personality is just as strong as his voice.Finally the line up was complete.
After various succesful gigs in early 2007, playing with signed groups such as SANZEN, ERRANDER and Holland's SQY, as well as local groups GUILT TRIP, DRAIN THE LAKE and TSW, Disaster struck! Stoney's back injury was getting on top of him and he felt he was no longer able to put the required energy into his drumming. Subsequently we were forced to part ways with him and it seemed we were back to square one. Stoney went on to form Black/Death metal outfit SON OF APOLLYON, (see banner below) as lead vocalist
The summer of '07 was spent in the rehearsal room, writting new material and working on yet more legendary covers! But despite the many drummers we auditioned, it seemed none were willing to commit. That was until we stumbled across an old friend in a beer garden!Enter Mad Mark. He is probably one of the most insane rockers in the whole of Torbay, however, his dedication and enthusiasm are second to none.Finally THE PREVENTER were back on the gigging circuit and this time with a new driving force and subsequently a new and more unique sound.Over the past year we have been playing more shows around Torbay with local groups such as SEKHMET, RAIDER, BULLET & CHAINS and COVERED IN BLOOD to name but a few. We have also appeared at various charity events across the region for good causes such as Oxjam, The RNLI and The British Legion.
As well as performing many shows we have also released our debut record, THE STARSCREAM EP in 2008. It was recorded and produced at COOMBESHEAD STUDIOS, the greatest recording studio in the southwest, and the title track, STARSCREAM, features on the WYLDSTONE/COOMBESHEAD ALLIANCE compilation album.
With alot more in the pipeline, life in THE PREVENTER camp is becoming hectic but truely enjoyable. None of this would be possible without you, the fans. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support. We look forward to rocking with you for many years to come!

"

Source - Destruction Preventer Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/destructionpreventerofficial

DP Influences

SONATA ARCTICA,
HELLOWEEN,
STRATOVARIUS,
HAMMERFALL,
SKID ROW,
AC/DC,
BLOOD DUSTER,
LAKE OF TEARS,
GAMMA RAY,
PRIMAL FEAR,
3 INCHES OF BLOOD,
NANOWAR,
MEGADETH,
ANNHILATOR,
IRON MAIDEN,
ED GUY,
JUDAS PRIEST,
DRAGON FORCE,
FREEDOM CALL,
RHAPSODY OV FIRE and many, many more.

DP group members

Dave Cooper

Lead & Harmony Vocals

Matt Adams
Lead & Rythym Guitars, Vocals


Mike Carroll

Bass Guitar


Chris Lockyear

Guitars

"Mad" Mark Lander

Drums




Camera Techniques 2



This time i wanted to see if i could create the effect where i move around normal speed while the background is speeded up. This could be done with a green screen but i wanted to see if i could create the effect just using a camera and my own editing skills.



I like this effect, but may find it hard to include within my music video due to the genre. However there may be a way to include it as long as what is in the frame relates to the genre and represents the group strongly enough.
Once again i have tried to use the rule of thirds to strengthen my work.