Exam Practice 541

Q: Explain one way in which music videos use media language to differ from each other. Refer to one example of contrasting media language in two music videos you have studied to support your answer.




The 2 videos have many differences in how they are put together, for example in sk8ter boi the camerawork is very handheld and moves about a lot, representing the demographics and financial gain of the viewers and characters in the video. Also in the video, the clothing of the characters is of a very rebellious style and shows that they are not rich and have poor living styles. This contrasts the way that Teenage Dirtbag is made, where the camerawork is very smooth and is not held by a person. This would cost a lot of money and shows that this is made to show a richer side of life. The clothing is very normal and middle class compared to the lower class style of Sk8ter Boi, this shows that the characters are meant to appeal more to people of the middle class in Teenage Dirtbag. The location of Sk8ter Boi is in the suburbs of a city, showing that the characters probably don't go to school and rebel against the standard and healthy lifestyle of others. This location also shows that they are probably of lower class and have less money to be where they want, explaining why in the music video there are themes of violence and gang warfare. Whereas in Teenage Dirtbag it shows the character getting bullied and that the location is in a school, this shows the viewer that the people here are educated and care about their future compared to Sk8ter Boi where they have given up on education and their future and seem to just live in the now.