Ill Manors Music Video Task

 Ill Manors music video: blog task

Watch the music video again and analyse it closely, making detailed notes. Use the same skills you are developing for the MEST1 Section A unseen text. 

Answer the following questions on your blog using the minimum three-paragraph structure we have discussed for MEST1 Section A:

Media Forms
How is it typical of a music video? 
(Use this PowerPoint on the key conventions of music videos to help you).

First of all, the setting used correlated with the music video and the film. 
Also there was a define mixture of live performance and a narrative around the music video which presented post riots London. It was also used to promote the artist, plan b's directorial debut film. This was achieved by using the characters from the film within the narrative of the music video.

There was a lot of medium shots as there is a lot going on behind the the artist, Plan b that he wants the audience to take notice of such as dancing and fighting behind him. The music video in terms of location was pretty conventional in a sense for grime artist such as fields, rooftops and outside council estate buildings.

There was a lot of close up shots of Plan b as he was protagonist of the music video and the music video was presented as an example of 'spectacle filming'.

Media Representations
How does it represent the London riots/rioters?

The music video conveyed a high amount of discontent and resentment towards the government and politicians. However, it showed more reinforced negative connotations towards teenagers as it presented them as mindless, rebellious and uncontrollable. This was shown through the smashing of the shops, inappropriate use of fireworks and physical abuse towards each other.

In addition, although the music mainly reinforced negative stereotypes of  adolescents, it also reminded us of the unprofessional and cruel acts of authoritative figures such as the police and politicians. Clips of young teens being malicious handled by the police and politicians physically fighting back. This shows an alternative representation of those in power and as being biased towards the underclass youths of south london.

Media Audiences
What audience pleasures does the music video offer?


Firstly of all, it reminds the audience of the times when the london riots that occurred and the uncivilised state of London (which was nostalgic.)

The fast past editing correlated with the flashing cinematography of the music video which was very captivating and vibrant.

The music video also features appearance of the characters from plan b's directorial debut film. This brings a sense of nostalgia to those who have watched the film and another format of promotion for the film.

Media Institutions
How does the music video help to promote the film of the same name?

the same setting used correlated with the music video and the film. 
Also there was a define mixture of live performance and a narrative around the music video which presented post riots london which was also the setting of the film. The music video featured the characters from the movie to bring promotion towards both film and the actors themselves. However, Plan B was the focal point of the music as we got through narrative of the music video. This is helpful as it brings his music supporters awareness of the film and also allows them to enjoy his work.
A great technique to be able to utilize and promote his content.



Research the Ill Manors track and soundtrack album - focusing particularly on the institutions and critical reception.

Plan B is signed to labels such as Asylum records, 679 Artists and Atlantic records and many more.
The ill manors soundtrack was nominated for Mercury prize and the ill manors soundtrack debuted at no.1 on the uk albums charts when released in 2012.
Recording sessions for the album took place at The Sanctuary in London and Edge Recording Studio in Alderley Edge, Cheshire
Drew stated, "You could call it bassline, soul, with a bit of hip hop" when asked about the album whilst other critics stated that plan b 'puts hip hop back where it really makes sense, as the urgent poetry of the mean streets'

Ill Manors broadcast platform

1. What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?

• Reference to the Institution
• The Cast/Actors/ Film makers
• Enigma Codes
• Action Codes
• Film review quotes
• Music/Soundtrack
• Tagline
• Storyline/Narrative
• Age Rating
• Fast pace editing
• minuscule scenes

 2. How are trailers usually distributed? 

Most trailers are viewed and accessed through YouTube but it can also located on other social media forms such as Facebook and Twitter.

 3.How does the Ill Manors trailer use film trailer conventions

Many key conventions have been used effectively to create enticement towards this particular film trailer.
Firstly, there were several film review quotes stating supportive comments from tabloids. This is used to allure the audience into watching the upcoming films.  n In addition, there are no recognisable extremely famous character to bring in a large amount of viewer but there is a support network the artist, plan b.
Secondly, the use of fast pace editing helped intensify and introduce the atmosphere of the film and send enigma codes towards the audience.
Also, the minuscule scenes shown were to give the audience an insight of the narrative of the story whilst still giving enigma codes for the plot.


4. Firstly, the focal target audience for the film 'ill manors' is urban teenagers and young adults who feel socially oppressed and neglected by the government. Also grime and Hip-hop fans who may have already been enticed by Plan B's work. Moreover, it may be more appealing to a more ethically diverse demographic and males are the gender demographic. Lastly, it can be used to serve middle class audience to give them a more insightful view of under working citizens.
Secondly, the choice of characters highlighted within the trailer was interesting as they were not the protagonist of the film. This was clever constructed as the characters who had the most action codes were shown such as Kirby and Chris.
In addition, the use of grime music fit in perfectly with the fast pace editing with different shots to create the sharp and intense atmosphere.

5. How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, music/dialogue, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?

 The genre of the film was clearly expressed and reinforced many times through the trailer. Firstly, the characters choice of language which was slang. This allowed us to recognise South London as the setting of the film. Also the character choice of clothes such has tracksuits and hoods reinforced the stereotypical appearance of South London adolescents and correlates with Medhurst's theory of short-hand identification. We are exposed to two characters in particular, Kirby and Chris. This is because they have vital roles towards the beginning of the film and give the most action codes to the audience. Plan B was featured in the film through his music which more like a dialogue and presented Ben Drew was the narrator of trailer.

Ill Manors review

The film 'ill manors' is a great addition to the ongoing trend of urban and socially real films. The narrative revolves around a young male named Aaron and his friends who are faced with the intense struggles that come with being from economically deprived and crime driven area. The movie is used to add weight to the concept of 'nature versus nurture' and allows the audience to have more incentive thoughts about such matters. However, for example  the representation for women as prostitutes and the young girls as being native and mindless human being who are most likely turn out like the older women in the film.  Although this contributes to the audience having a more clear understanding of the the character's decisions and overall morals. Nevertheless, this directly reinforced the typically negative stereotypes of under-class women and correlates with the Tessa Perkins theory.
 In fairness, the women in the film were shown in a positive light towards the idea of innate motherhood and kinship but this was not breaking major conventions. Although this was great to see, similar to other parts of the film, this does not break many conventions and our previous thoughts and perceptions are intact. I think this is were the aim of the movie is missed, the movie only serves to reinforce stereotypes placed on the youths of today.

Mise-en-scene rewritten

How does mise-en-scene contribute to the impact of the film?


First of all, the use of the living room is used to play as a contrast with the environment of a car crash which for example may be a road or pavement. In addition, this is used to symbolise warmth and security which is often lost when in a car crash. Also, the whole advert uses  a home is a alternative way to show  the effects of a car crash.
Secondly, the clothing used in the advertisement for example the young girl dressed in pink. This is not only for identification purposes but to remind the audience about the effects of a car crash on family members and other loved ones.

The use of glitter was an interesting technique as it meant to resemble the internal damages on the body without being explicitly gory. The use of medium close up shots of the actor's facial expressions and gestures was another form of mise en scene cleverly used. This allowed the audience to understand the impact of a car crash without the using shock factors such explicit material and allows the audience to reevaluate and think about the long term effect of a car crash.

Lastly, a dominant representation is are used as the characters presented are white, middle class family in a cosy home therefore no conventions are being broken there. In addition, having one to two children is the most common among most therefore it is another dominant presentation shown and expressed. An alternative representation is the usage of vibrant colours such as pink which has connotes femininity and family-hood. 

Media Factsheet- British Industry

1) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.

The obvious answer is to pass the cultural test but British films usually compliment the British citizens and culture. Therefore there would be an indicator e.g set in London or British actor.

2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?

The biggest difference is the size of industry and this places a big part because Hollywood has higher budget, more studios etc. This allows Hollywood films to splash out tons of money when it comes to film making and producing whilst British films do not.

3) When did the James Bond franchise start?

The James Bond Franchise was founded in the 60s.

The James Bond Franchise is a British series of Spy filnm based on the fictional character of agent called James Bond also known as  "007", which originates from a book series from Ian Fleming.

4) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

Urban films such as ill manors which conveyed the damaging and cyclical lifestyle of many of our youth today. It was a movie that was meant to give a realistic and alternative view of London teens and adolescents that are constantly given negative outlet in the media.  

Media Sheet 2

1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?

the cultural test is how a film is able to be classified as a british film (four units involved) The film must score at least 19 out of 31 possible points and can receive funding from BFI.

2) Complete the task on the Fact sheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test: Sweeney, Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Sky-fall.

Sweeney- 31 ( classified as British)

Attack The Block-31(classified as British)

The Kings Speech-31 (classified as British)

We Need To Talk About Kevin-31 (classified as British)

Skyfall-29 (classified as British)

3) What is the main problem for the British film industry?

    The right to distribution films are usually lost when given to distribution company and much of the overall profit due to that too (including cinemas, dvd and other platforms it is sold in). Just three companies (StudioCanal, eOne and Entertainment) control half of all box office income made on UK independent films.



4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

Some of the most successful movies are made here such as star wars, slumdog millionaire, harry potter. This is incredibly good for a growing industry such as the one in the UK. 

5)What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

I think to give up American funding at this point in the growth of the British Film industry is unrealistic and would be a huge downfall but on the other hand, i believe that we should incorporate more films relative and correlates with the British views more. In addition, i strongly believe that films that incorporate more British feel and value will top films that mimic the generic american ones.

8) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry?

Similar to my answer above, safeguarding the American funding is the best option due to the size of the industry which could use some help.