Seamless Transitions

I’m completely intrigued by this music video. It looks like one continuous shot, however, I’m sure it’s not. I’m a big stickler for seamless transitions. Seamless transitions divert your audience’s attention from the filmmaking process. They’re essential to making the viewer believe they’re observing reality. Press play and see for yourself!

Aside from the audible art provided by AlunaGeorge. The production team did a great job of showcasing the artist, dancers, and record. I love how they aimed the camera at inanimate objects like the walls, the floor, and sculptures to smoothly transition to new scenes. I’m also convinced that some green screen was used in this video particularly at 1:54 – 2:16. The space seemed so open but, I’m sure that they had the cameras on a track, which they probably assembled in several positions. I could be wrong but It also looks like they used a crane as well. The key to making the video a success was using a script. The director clearly had a clear vision and direction for the camera operators. They knew exactly what shots they were aiming to get before the talent even came to the set. This piece of art was directed by Henry Scholfield.  a side note: Who knew the models from karmaloop were such great dancers?

Watch the video and let me know what you think?

Learning from your peers

I know I’m not the only one that does this. I’m always looking at visual media asking myself, how did they do that? Right now I’m mesmerized by this video from DMV artist Tabi Bonney featuring Fat Trel. (This song is on constant repeat btw). Tabi Bonney’s a breath of fresh air that I can’t stop inhaling.  This is a Must Watch! This visual orgasm was directed by 6ix Shoota!

The Colors, The Women, The B roll! I’m a sucker for beautiful B-roll! Too often people ignore the importance of it, but its the b-roll that brings the viewer into the world of what they’re watching. Those shots were so spot on that I forgot I was watching a music video, and more importantly, none of the women looked like they were shooting a music video. Those carefully chosen frames are making me melt! This has shots highlighting the artist and took the attention away from the setting. I saw the urban, but not the grit, rust, or any thing else that might tarnish the visual. I’m not sure what their concept was, but everyone looked like they exploded out of Instagram.  This video is an example of when you don’t solely rely on the talent to provide the creativity, but your creative editing skills get to shine! I’m not sure if Tabi Bonney realizes just how much went into the Post-Production. This video could have been a disaster, however 6ix Shoota did an excellent job with this video, I am amazed! I don’t have any intentions of mimicking what he’s done, but its inspiring to see someone create the type of art that I aspire to create. 

I’m curious to know what facets of media have inspired you lately?

Aaliyah’s Legacy Isn’t Her Music

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a talented and beautiful young lady. She played a significant part in my childhood. She was the standard of beauty in urban america. Every girl wanted to look like her and every guy wanted a girl who looked like her. I am quite disturbed over the novelty that people have turned her tragic passing into. She is now used as a symbol to appear alternative, and edgy. Aaliyah’s posthumous persona is the queen of tumblr, and every urban hipster’s existence.  I’m troubled by all the praise she receives on a daily basis. Rewind back to 2002 when she released the “AALIYAH” album, also known as the Red album. This was her 3rd album and first release in 5 years. 

I remember purchasing this album while shopping for school supplies with my father.  He fussed at me for ripping the shrink-wrap off before I put my seatbelt on. I listened to the cd repeatedly everyday before and after school. I also, remember being met with side eyes and questioned about my purchase from classmates. Looking back it doesn’t come as a surprise because in short Aaliyah flopped! Her single was a commercial dud, the first week sales of the album were low and people were more interested in the new crop of artists.  Aaliyah did see some success throughout her career however she was always third place in the trinity of Brandy and Monica. Aaliyah never saw the success that either of those ladies had, and because of that she remained black america’s best kept secret. She was our Selena.

Aaliyah had swag before we had a word for it, and because of that she is immortalized within hip hop music, and fashion. Countless artist are sampling her music, because of that she’s on the radio more than she was while living. Everyday someone is posting a pic online or doing a fashion spread with an “Aaliyah inspired look”. It saddens me that she had to die to receive all the praise, also it makes me wonder if people understand that she was a real person with family and friends? It may seem cool and trendy for you to style your hair with a swoop bang and put on a pair of shades to look cool and edgy, but how do you sport this look without any thought of how this woman lost her life or remorse?

Much like Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn, Aaliyah has been added to that cliché dead style icon. I feel that she was more than her style and more than her music. I’m not sure if anybody else seems to care about that though. Question to all of you “Aaliyah fans”  Where were you the release week of the “AALIYAH” album?

Gays are the new crocs?

The LGBTQ presence in media is growing day by day, but why?  Is there pressure from American audiences? Are television networks passionate about representing our country’s diverse citizens? Is there some sort of hidden agenda to push the “gay lifestyle” on to Christian America?  I’m sure you’ve heard one of those ridiculous conspiracy theories before lol.  I’m convinced that media outlets are simply seeing dollar signs. Gay seems to be the Go-To for methods of shock value, edge, and a way to secure good PR with liberal audiences.

I’m not convinced that Americans are as accepting of the lgbtq community as the media would allow you to think. There are still just as many hate crimes taking place it seems as there were pre Matthew Shepard’s murder. Some people may argue that seeing more members of the glbtq community helps queer youth adjust. I do agree that queer youth seeing more “people who look like them” in media is helpful to build self-esteem, however, I think the sugar-coated stories are misleading. The idea that the presence of Chris Colfer’s character Kurt on Glee and his fame are a sign of things getting better is just as ridiculous as the notion that President Obama’s  position brings an end to racism.  Media corporations have the power to tell untold stories , but they’re not being responsible with that power. Networks like Fox, NBC, and MTV are designed to be profitable, money-making machines. They are in the business of selling dreams and giving the public what they want, which is whatever provocative, edgy, unexplored topic they can find.

The trend is currently retelling stories we’ve seen repeatedly , but making the characters same gender loving to convince you its new. The media’s not only telling us , but they are showing us that gay is the new black. Gay is in style. Gay is in vogue. To put it simply gay is a Fad.

So let me know what you think, Is gay here to stay?

This is not an entertainment blog for teenage girls!

Hey! Hey! Hey! This is the beginning of an unpredictable journey and I’m eager to meet others along the way.  My name is Christopher Catchings. I’m starting this blog, because I need an outlet to express my thoughts without censorship. For as long as I can remember I’ve been critical of the messages I’ve received through my television and radio. I’ve studied the industry so closely that I could write a book about pop culture! In college, I’ve studied almost everything under the Mass Comm Umbrella, because my interest in media is so broad and always will be. I’ll be blogging about a variety of topics looking at mass media from a critical standpoint.I’m not here to celebrate or glorify celebrities.  Music will be dissected, Movies will be examined, and the Corporations that sponsor them will be put under my microscope!