Media advert analysis

Band: Them crooked Vultures


Camera work

The shot used for this advert is a medium shot as it shows the character from the waist up, this makes the character seem large and imposing, as if the audience is viewing it from a distance.

It is an eye level shot, which gives the impression that it is staring right at the viewer, making the image seem more frightening. This also means that the character connects with the audience, making it seem more personal.

Editing

This advert is entirely animated, the main focus is a cartoon, which although makes it seem less real, it still provides an unsettling concept because the audience would be unsure of what it is, and what is symbolizes. This leaves much to be considered by the imagination about the band, and what they stand for, as very little information is given.

The image itself is of a human body with a vulture's head, a shocking and unfamiliar image, perhaps relating to the band also as shocking and unfamiliar. Using this kind of image would get the band noticed, and draw attention to themselves, this gives the impression that the band are not well known, so they have to take significant action to be noticed.

In the bottom right corner a reference to play.com is made, making it clear that this is where the CD can be found. This shows that the band are not extremely popular, as no other shop names are given, so to find this CD, a buyer would have to be a dedicated fan, and not just pick it up lightly.

In the bottom right corner there is also a website given for the band, so that more information can be retrieved if necessary. Again, this shows the advert providing ways for the viewer to go out of their way to find information on the band, rather than having it placed right in front of them. This could show that the band are not mainstream, they do not give a lot of information on a first glance, they expect fans to go to them, and remain loyal when they do. Having a website also indicates that there are a band that is serious about their music. That they do have a purpose, and that they are not just putting up posters that mean very little. Having a website creates an idea of professionalism.

The release date for the CD is given as a clear indicator for when the CD comes out, a key factor that all music adverts should contain, this particular advert contains only the extremely vital information needed, all other information is left out to be researched by the fans.

Mise en scene

The key background colour is blood red, again providing fearful connotations, such as danger, warning and blood. These connotations would link to the particular music genre of the band i.e. rock, as the kind of music found in this genre is powerful and portrays a strong opinion or message. This would mean that the audience would be limited to those who share the same opinions as the band.

The picture in the middle is black and white, making it stand out on the red background, providing a direct contrast between the two colour schemes. This could be a way of portraying the band as controversial, and unpredictable.

The body language of the figure in the centre of the advert is hunched over and slightly menacing, this gives a powerful message, that the band are strong minded and not to be 'messed with'. This kind of figure makes viewers think twice about the band, that they should be taken seriously and that they would not be liked by all, their image may cause controversy.

The name of the band 'them crooked vultures' seems slightly rebellious in the sense that the grammar is incorrect, but of course this does not bother them. This gives the impression that the band have more to focus on than whether their name is grammatically correct, this once again means that they expect to be taken seriously and that they have a point to prove and that they answer to no one.

This particular advert is very mysterious, as no image of the band is given at all, so a lot is left to the imagination. However, the image that is given is quite powerful and shocking, meaning that the band is one that would not be taken to lightly, and could be known to offend certain social groups perhaps, on the basis of this particular advert.