Tuesday 26 April 2016
Welcome!
Hi, welcome to my blog, in this space you will be able to see three of my products (Website, digipak and music video), my research and planning, production and evaluation. Through my journey from September to now, you should be able to see the development and transition of all three of my products and how they came to be in their final form. Finally you should be able to view my four evaluation and critical reflection questions with illustrations looking back on my project and reflecting on decisions.
(Sunspots) Final cut
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In this cut I took on board the much appreciated audience feedback and polished some of the timings as well as incorporated some more cross cutting as well as some more frequent and polished layering.
Below is a playlist with my music videos journey and transition through various incarnations and cuts.
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In this cut I took on board the much appreciated audience feedback and polished some of the timings as well as incorporated some more cross cutting as well as some more frequent and polished layering.
Below is a playlist with my music videos journey and transition through various incarnations and cuts.
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Digipak FINAL
This is my final digipak design in which I have included a spine with additional institutional information, the record title, a catalogue number, the band logo. In addition to this I have included a plastic CD holder in my inside panel. In addition to this I have acted on audience feedback and re-positioned and downsized the 'Nothing records' logo into the corner of the back panel. I have also included an "MP3 download" to reinforce the conventions seen on a digipak and emphasize the notion of the consumer "getting more for their money". This increase in value is a prime characteristic of the digipak and it is a fundamental separator from the conventional Jeweled CD.
In addition to this, I have chosen to include several extra artwork in the digipak but have not advertised this on the front as this is not conventional. The extra artwork is alternative shots of the digipak as well as intertextual references to the sunspots music video. This is seen in the image of Kristian wearing the same eye makeup as in the sunspots music video.
*(Separate shots)
In addition to this, I have chosen to include several extra artwork in the digipak but have not advertised this on the front as this is not conventional. The extra artwork is alternative shots of the digipak as well as intertextual references to the sunspots music video. This is seen in the image of Kristian wearing the same eye makeup as in the sunspots music video.
*(Separate shots)
Monday 25 April 2016
Website FINAL
http://josephtomlee.wix.com/nineinchnails
Reflection Q1 Conventions and Representations
This is my evaluation for Q1A+B
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In this vodcast I explore and discuss how my products both challenged and embraced conventions as well as how my products successfully represented social groups and issues. I also failed to mention the essential role reversal of my two main characters and how their gender binaries are an inherent opposition to one another. An example of this would be Orla, who would in this video, be a counter-type due to her passive and emotionless behaviour towards Trent. This is counter-hegemonic and typical as women are stereo-typically overly emotional and weak. This however also applies to Trent who is seen as weak, groveling, emotionally, exposed and vulnerable to his ex romantic interest. This would be a counter-type as his masculinity and built up walls often associated with macho-ism is exposed and even undermined in this video, when he is seen looking up to Orla.
In addition to this, further acknowledgement to the French New Wave of cinema would be due to my frequent use of jump cuts and breaks in continuity. Having risen from the ashes of World War Two and the plight of Nazi occupation, French film makers had witnessed the destructive and captivating power of the Nazi propaganda films, but aimed to break down the conventional boundaries of cinema and jump cuts were a frequent element to this. Much of my jump cuts and break in continuity were products of this.
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In this vodcast I explore and discuss how my products both challenged and embraced conventions as well as how my products successfully represented social groups and issues. I also failed to mention the essential role reversal of my two main characters and how their gender binaries are an inherent opposition to one another. An example of this would be Orla, who would in this video, be a counter-type due to her passive and emotionless behaviour towards Trent. This is counter-hegemonic and typical as women are stereo-typically overly emotional and weak. This however also applies to Trent who is seen as weak, groveling, emotionally, exposed and vulnerable to his ex romantic interest. This would be a counter-type as his masculinity and built up walls often associated with macho-ism is exposed and even undermined in this video, when he is seen looking up to Orla.
In addition to this, further acknowledgement to the French New Wave of cinema would be due to my frequent use of jump cuts and breaks in continuity. Having risen from the ashes of World War Two and the plight of Nazi occupation, French film makers had witnessed the destructive and captivating power of the Nazi propaganda films, but aimed to break down the conventional boundaries of cinema and jump cuts were a frequent element to this. Much of my jump cuts and break in continuity were products of this.
Sunday 24 April 2016
Reflection Q2 Branding
This is my fake radioshow evaluation for Q2.
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1:01- House style
1:40 -Typography
1:58- Gothic costumes
3:00 - Social media
4:20 - Embodiment of NIN and Industrial conventions
1:40 -Typography
1:58- Gothic costumes
3:00 - Social media
4:20 - Embodiment of NIN and Industrial conventions
Saturday 23 April 2016
Reflection Q3 Audiences and Distribution
This is both my responses to the evaluation question 3A: 'How do your products engage with the audience?' And 3B: 'How are your products distributed as real media products?'
This vodcast has been separated into two parts for both 3A and B.
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This vodcast has been separated into two parts for both 3A and B.
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Tuesday 19 April 2016
Monday 18 April 2016
Viral concept- Complete
Throughout my project, utilizing social media, I created a viral concept which can be found in my previous post here.
Having advertised my viral competition element on my twitter, blog and website, the competition was finally completed with Reznor (Kristian) announcing a winner in the winners native language (Norwegian).
After receiving numerous submissions, to the twitter account I was finally able to collate the results and have Kristian posing as Trent respond in the winners native language.
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Some of the submissions:
Having advertised my viral competition element on my twitter, blog and website, the competition was finally completed with Reznor (Kristian) announcing a winner in the winners native language (Norwegian).
After receiving numerous submissions, to the twitter account I was finally able to collate the results and have Kristian posing as Trent respond in the winners native language.
...Trent greets and congratulates the Norwiegan fans. Thanks to everyone for participating!#NINTAKEOVER #Viral #NINhttps://t.co/l8u8OhQwy5— The NIN Project (@NINOFFICIAL98) April 21, 2016
Some of the submissions:
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| Luxembourg entry |
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| Oslo entry |
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| Oslo #2 entry |
Monday 11 April 2016
Brief evaluation notes Prezi
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This is a brief overview of the evaluation questions. I will be exploring each respective question in more depth and creative diversity in future posts.
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This is a brief overview of the evaluation questions. I will be exploring each respective question in more depth and creative diversity in future posts.
Thursday 17 March 2016
Creating a twitter feed for my website
Having researched how to do this, I found answers in the Wix help forums and embedded this feature into my website.
https://www.wix.com/support/html5/article/how-do-i-add-a-twitter-feed-to-my-wix-site-old-editor
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Tweets by @NINOFFICIAL98
https://www.wix.com/support/html5/article/how-do-i-add-a-twitter-feed-to-my-wix-site-old-editor
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Tweets by @NINOFFICIAL98
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This emphasis on across the board branding will surely be useful in maintaining and growing a fanbase through increased connectivity with my primary and secondary audiences through direct contact and second hand contact through 're-tweets' and 'likes' across the network.
Monday 7 March 2016
Digipak design #1 audience feedback summary
Likes:
- Blue colour tint
- Industrial imagery
- Institutional information + Bar-code
- Custom font
Dislikes:
- No spine!!
- 'Nothing records' too big on the back
- Add some additional consumer incentive on the front?
- Lack of disk holder space.
- Blue colour tint
- Industrial imagery
- Institutional information + Bar-code
- Custom font
Dislikes:
- No spine!!
- 'Nothing records' too big on the back
- Add some additional consumer incentive on the front?
- Lack of disk holder space.
Sunday 6 March 2016
Digipak design- #1
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| Top left: Inner left. Top right: Inner right Bottom left: Back cover. Bottom right: Front cover. |
I will be gathering audience feedback to see what can be improved on and changed in due course.
My decision to use the blue tinted imagery was due to the influence of Rob Sheridan and his various works with Nine Inch Nails.Acompanying this overall colour was the NIN logo which is seen over most Nine Inch Nails releases. In addition to this I have placed all institutional information on the rear panel including the record labels, distributors and parent companies. Beside this I have placed a bar code for retail sales. For the track listing I have used the custom 'fragile' font as seen on 'The Fragile' album in 1999.
Behind the scenes #2 (Directing cast members)
This is the second part of my behind the scenes footage involving me directing the band members in addition to some of the final clips.
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Reflection:
In this behind the scenes footage, I was able to delegate the three man band in the direction I wished through direct communication with each respective band member. Before filming I would always confirm to see if everyone was ready, and then count them in to the recording. This video was a prime example of my direction influencing the notion of simulacrum. In addition to this I communicated the handheld shot to Kristian who had some queries about the exact situation and I was able to clarify this. I learned here that in cold conditions it was important to delegate instructions as quickly and concisely as possible in order to achieve maximum efficiency and results.
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Reflection:
In this behind the scenes footage, I was able to delegate the three man band in the direction I wished through direct communication with each respective band member. Before filming I would always confirm to see if everyone was ready, and then count them in to the recording. This video was a prime example of my direction influencing the notion of simulacrum. In addition to this I communicated the handheld shot to Kristian who had some queries about the exact situation and I was able to clarify this. I learned here that in cold conditions it was important to delegate instructions as quickly and concisely as possible in order to achieve maximum efficiency and results.
Thursday 3 March 2016
Behind the scenes #1 (Directing cast members)
This video shows some direction coupled with a few of the final shots from the video. Due to excessive wind in the video, I have created subtitles! So be sure to click the subtitle button so that the clips are audible.
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Sunday 28 February 2016
Digipak- Front and Back showcase (Alternatives)
Having further explored my photo collection, it has occurred to me that there are other pictures which could work with similar effect for both my back and front covers. The following pictures will be voted on by the fans and audience in order to decide which images to proceed with.
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| Front Cover #1 |
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| Alternative front cover |
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| Back cover #1 |
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| Alternative Back cover |
Thursday 25 February 2016
Initial digipak front cover design.
In this front cover design, I looked to create a similar colour pallet to the With Teeth album. In the mean time I will be getting some audience feedback from this to see how I can improve my product, as well as working on the other facets of the digipak design.
Wednesday 24 February 2016
Audience feedback to fourth draft
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In this feedback session I was told that I should synchronize the walking sequence towards the start of the video as well as make some improvements to the focus of the video layering. In addition to this I was told that the graphic match should be made more evident (with the moon and the cigarette). Overall I was told that the speed of editing towards the later sections of the video were beneficial but I should work to speed up the footage in the first third of the video.
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In this feedback session I was told that I should synchronize the walking sequence towards the start of the video as well as make some improvements to the focus of the video layering. In addition to this I was told that the graphic match should be made more evident (with the moon and the cigarette). Overall I was told that the speed of editing towards the later sections of the video were beneficial but I should work to speed up the footage in the first third of the video.
Streaming services
The rise of streaming is something that I've covered in a past powerpoint presentation and is something I am keen to try and incorporate into my final music package.
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The above video is the release of Apple Music with none other than Trent Reznor himself narrating.
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The debate between the two music streaming giants is an important factor when looking into the intricacies and changing landscape of the music industry and how artists and audiences interact with one another, similar to Web 2.0 theory.
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The above video is the release of Apple Music with none other than Trent Reznor himself narrating.
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The debate between the two music streaming giants is an important factor when looking into the intricacies and changing landscape of the music industry and how artists and audiences interact with one another, similar to Web 2.0 theory.
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Tuesday 23 February 2016
Nihilism, Inspirations and female representation in my video.
Having taken much inspiration from Green Day's short movie and music video of 'Jesus Of Suburbia' the themes of nihilism, props and female inspiration were taken care of.
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*The full video will be listed above however for the sections I wish to discuss a time stamped link will be provided bellow for the relevant talking points*
https://youtu.be/fZFmaMbkUD4?t=6m12s
This section of the song is where I drew my inspiration for the 'smoking girl' cross cut during sections of my main lead to indicate not only a connection but to amplify lyrical content (Steve Archer's theory of lyrical classification).
https://youtu.be/fZFmaMbkUD4?t=9m12s
This next scene in the bathroom is a demonstration of nihilistic and self destructive behaviour as well as an effective use of slow motion in post production editing. Both of which I have echo'd from my production with the low angle shot of rubber piping in the cave and slow motion shots of Kristian walking out of the tunnel. This rubber piping could have connotations of suicide or self harm.
This notion is heavily linked to the uses and gratifications theory which states that a youthful gothic audience which is a large component of my primary audience, would be anchored by various signifiers of angst, nihilism, and darkness. This is something I consider to be a large influence on my video and will be a key signifier through my lead role that will anchor a preferred reading on my audience.
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*The full video will be listed above however for the sections I wish to discuss a time stamped link will be provided bellow for the relevant talking points*
https://youtu.be/fZFmaMbkUD4?t=6m12s
This section of the song is where I drew my inspiration for the 'smoking girl' cross cut during sections of my main lead to indicate not only a connection but to amplify lyrical content (Steve Archer's theory of lyrical classification).
https://youtu.be/fZFmaMbkUD4?t=9m12s
This next scene in the bathroom is a demonstration of nihilistic and self destructive behaviour as well as an effective use of slow motion in post production editing. Both of which I have echo'd from my production with the low angle shot of rubber piping in the cave and slow motion shots of Kristian walking out of the tunnel. This rubber piping could have connotations of suicide or self harm.
This notion is heavily linked to the uses and gratifications theory which states that a youthful gothic audience which is a large component of my primary audience, would be anchored by various signifiers of angst, nihilism, and darkness. This is something I consider to be a large influence on my video and will be a key signifier through my lead role that will anchor a preferred reading on my audience.
Genre specific digipaks- #3 - Pretty Hate Machine (Remastered)- Nine Inch Nails
Artist: Nine Inch Nails
Nature: LP/CD/ Album Reissue
Artist:Rob Sheridan
Although the first instance of this record back in 1989 was done by artist Gary Talpas, for the 2010 reissue, Reznor had Rob Sheridan design his interpretation of the original due to the reissued and remastered nature of the record. This artwork style from Sheridan is immediately noticeable from the more digital effect of the new artwork (Horizontal digital lines running through the cover) and darker colour pallet now associated with the band. This remaster coincided with the albums 20th aniversary. In addition to the remastered artwork and music, Reznor offered an increased attraction to the album through his release of unheard material in the bonus tracks of 'Get down make love' (Queen cover) and alternative mixes of 'Sin'.
This digipak contains one CD, a lyrics booklet as well as coming in it's own box for that added sentimental value for the buyer.
Remasters: "Remaster (also digital remastering and digitally remastered)
refers to enhancing the quality of the sound or of the image, or both,
of previously created recordings, either audiophonic, cinematic, or
videographic."
The idea of a digital remaster, is not only the improving of audio quality, but to also entice and stimulate existing audiences due to the pull factor of a 'fresh experience' into the artists music once more. Furthermore the remaster of an album brings about fresh opportunity to attract new fans and audiences to the bands music.
Influence:
- Additional content (Music or artwork)
- Rob Sheridan's artwork style
Nature: LP/CD/ Album Reissue
Artist:Rob Sheridan
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| Remastered and reissued edition of Pretty Hate Machine |
This digipak contains one CD, a lyrics booklet as well as coming in it's own box for that added sentimental value for the buyer.
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| Original '89 release |
The idea of a digital remaster, is not only the improving of audio quality, but to also entice and stimulate existing audiences due to the pull factor of a 'fresh experience' into the artists music once more. Furthermore the remaster of an album brings about fresh opportunity to attract new fans and audiences to the bands music.
Influence:
- Additional content (Music or artwork)
- Rob Sheridan's artwork style
Web 2.0 Theory
Web 2.0 Theory, differing from the 'old web' is a theory clearly defined by David Gauntlett as being
"Making is Connecting: The social meaning of creativity, from DIY and knitting to YouTube and Web 2.0"
With the rise of internet interaction, user generated content and online blogging the notion of audience power has only intensified. The increased levels of audience interaction and feedback from online content is crucial in the foundation and output of media institution.
Differences between Web 1.0 and 2.0:
Content (Producer)
Web 1: Scarce, expensive to produce.
Web 2: Abundant, cheap and easy to produce.
Distribution (Aggregator)
Web 1: Scarce, Closed highly controlled channels.
Web 2: Abundant, open, limitless.
Attention (Consumer)
Web 1: Abundant, the need for more choice.
Web 2: Saturated, the need to filter choice
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How can I ultilise Web 2.0?
-Through my interaction with my audience through social media.
-Comments on my blog posts.
-Comments on my presentations, YouTube videos and more.
While David Gauntlett argues the differences between Web 1 and Web 2, fellow theorist Andy Ruddock challenges Gauntlett's ideas and states that it would be premature and ill founded to dispose of a conventional one sided audience straight away. In addition to this he argues that "it is more strategy than creed"
In addition to this Andy Medhurst from Suusex university was not so eloquent in his critique of Gauntlett and claims that Gauntlett is egotistical with the statement of " 'Isn't it odd that whenever someone purportedly identifies a new paradigm, they see themselves as already a leading practitioner of it?'"
"Making is Connecting: The social meaning of creativity, from DIY and knitting to YouTube and Web 2.0"
With the rise of internet interaction, user generated content and online blogging the notion of audience power has only intensified. The increased levels of audience interaction and feedback from online content is crucial in the foundation and output of media institution.
Differences between Web 1.0 and 2.0:
Content (Producer)
Web 1: Scarce, expensive to produce.
Web 2: Abundant, cheap and easy to produce.
Distribution (Aggregator)
Web 1: Scarce, Closed highly controlled channels.
Web 2: Abundant, open, limitless.
Attention (Consumer)
Web 1: Abundant, the need for more choice.
Web 2: Saturated, the need to filter choice
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How can I ultilise Web 2.0?
-Through my interaction with my audience through social media.
-Comments on my blog posts.
-Comments on my presentations, YouTube videos and more.
While David Gauntlett argues the differences between Web 1 and Web 2, fellow theorist Andy Ruddock challenges Gauntlett's ideas and states that it would be premature and ill founded to dispose of a conventional one sided audience straight away. In addition to this he argues that "it is more strategy than creed"
In addition to this Andy Medhurst from Suusex university was not so eloquent in his critique of Gauntlett and claims that Gauntlett is egotistical with the statement of " 'Isn't it odd that whenever someone purportedly identifies a new paradigm, they see themselves as already a leading practitioner of it?'"
Monday 22 February 2016
Sunspots- Fourth Draft
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In this cut, I have re-done all of my performance based shots as well as extended the track to include a synthesizer based middle eighth section with a female role. In addition to this I've added faster paced editing and cross cuts to reflect the quicker pace of the song towards the end. As well as cross cutting, I've included a quickly reversed section of the song during the climax of the song (pre-middle eighth). Moreover, I have experimented with the reversal theme further with the shot of Kristian walking back and forth out of the tunnel.
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In this cut, I have re-done all of my performance based shots as well as extended the track to include a synthesizer based middle eighth section with a female role. In addition to this I've added faster paced editing and cross cuts to reflect the quicker pace of the song towards the end. As well as cross cutting, I've included a quickly reversed section of the song during the climax of the song (pre-middle eighth). Moreover, I have experimented with the reversal theme further with the shot of Kristian walking back and forth out of the tunnel.
Thursday 18 February 2016
Male and Female/ Synthesizer (middle eighth) shot by shot list.
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Shot number
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Shot type
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On screen action
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Lip Synching?
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Lyrics
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Timing
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#1
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Medium close up
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Drum fill
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N/A
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N/A
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2:24 – 2:28
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#2
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Low angle medium close up
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Female protagonist looks to the floor in a melancholic manner.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:28 – 2:31
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#3
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Medium close up
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Protagonist looks over his shoulder to the woman before looking back.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:31 – 2:35
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#4
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Two shot
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Female protagonist walks towards male protagonist from behind with
male back faced.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:35 – 2:40
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#5
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Close up
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Protagonist holds eyes closed in pained manner.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:40 – 2:44
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#6
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Two shot
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Female protagonist holds male on the arms from behind and rests her
head on his shoulders.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:44 – 2:47
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#7
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Long shot
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The male protagonist turns around startled and there is no one there.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:47 – 2:50
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#8
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Medium long shot
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The male protagonist collapses to the floor
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N/A
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N/A
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2:50 – 2:55
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#9
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Extreme close up
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The protagonist’s tear filled eyes.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:55- 2:58
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#10
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Low angle medium-close up.
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The protagonist lies on the grass looking to the camera with the
female figure above him looking to the camera.
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N/A
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N/A
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2:58 – 3:00
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19.02.16
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