Media Video - The Streets

YA MAMA and UNFINISHED SYMPATHY comparisons.

In the video 'Unfinished Sympathy' by Massive Attack, why would you describe the mise-en-scene as naturalistic? Why would you then describe the mise-en-scene in FATBOY Sim's "YA MAMA' as less naturalistic? 


'Unfinished Sympathy' is far more naturalistic than in comparison to 'Ya Mama' for numerous reasons such as in Massive Attacks' music video of Shana Nelson simply walking down Boulevard Street of LA - where their appears to be no obvious plot yet the world and nature of the shops and people walking casually down the street (minding their own business - naturalism) collectively having a logical relation. The mise-en-scene and the characters in the short film mutually define each other. In terms of props, the Pit-bull type of dog is especially used because they are usually assumed to be aggressive. Purposely, the dog looks harmful which enhances the viewers perspective of the people living in the community as coarse and impure. Not only that, there is a native American Indian, conveying the idea that there are several cultures living in the area as well as a varied representative. In addition to props, there is an empty shopping trolley that can reflect the deprived and downgraded street. The dirtiness and litter layered across the path of the road is a vivid and realistic view of streets in LA and contradicts the popular side of it which revolves around the glamour and richness of it all. Nelson's costume consists mainly of a black dress which may be to blend in with the inhabitants of the town, meaning the background should stand out more than the foreground. So, the viewers can focus on the separate events going on in the background such as the females throwing vegetables at a vehicle and the native American Indian. That is further supported by her natural makeup. Therefore, the audience are not soley focusing on her, giving the viewer a true insight into street life and their routines in comparison to an foreigners trip to LA for a holiday. At 2:22 of the music video there are females who are wearing heavier makeup to Nelson, as a result we are more drawn to those two women - showing the contrast of people who are on the street and maybe living in the area. 

In contrast, 'Ya Mama' is certainly less naturalistic because it does not follow the rules of nature and essentially the disruption in the narrative of the cassette breaks the realistic actions in the video. For example, instantly when the song starts to play, the characters' actions become increasingly fast and uncontrollable which is impossible in a day to day life.
Overall, the atmosphere of 'Ya Mama' is more theatrical compared to 'Unfinished Sympathy' as there are unusual elements that are not expected in a 'normal' linear narrative story line.
Furthermore, there are slightly hidden messages within Fatboy Slim's music video. For instance, the reoccurrence of the postcard edited at the first 4 seconds in the music video and then  in the last 4 seconds it reappears. However, at the end - the individual (protagonist) of the video is posing in the picture of the setting instead of no image of a person in the first one. Initially, the postcard picture may foreshadow the ending as it implies he has reached the destination of where he was dreaming to be or could be using as inspiration to paint and finish the remaining of his ornaments. It may confuse the viewer as at the end he is put in prison by the local authorities and then is cut to him in the setting of the image he was looking at initially. Possibly, the entire music video could be viewed as the character day dreaming mean while painting and the music simply adds to the excitement of his activity. My reason for that is because the music video then ends with him continuing to listen to the comedy children's TV programme, 'Tom and Jerry', meanwhile holding and looking at the picture again. Furthermore, there are simple and ungrammatical posters with reference to the profession of some job roles. A clear example of this is 'Problem People' that is positioned in the profession of the police in the Caribbean and they appear to be mainly white people photographs under that label.


In the video 'Ya Mama' by Fatboy Slim why would you describe the narrative as linear? Why would you not describe the narrative in 'Unfinished Sympathy' by Massive Attack as linear?

'Ya Mama' has a linear narrative as it has a clear storyline. That involves the characters' watching 'Tom and Jerry' and carrying out daily life routines. However, there is a knock at the door of which the actor receives a cassette and start to play it. That is what essentially propels the plot and causes the characters listening to the song become chaotic and disorderly. The storyline moves from inside the individuals home to the town market and eventually the individual being arrested. Therefore, they story is presented in a logical manner by illustrating what happens from one point in time to another - without the use of flashbacks/forwards and then returning to the present. 'Ya Mama' includes a plot, characters (eg. the police, local citizens), climax (when the song plays and the people hear it for the first time, dancing as if they were possessed), setting (Carriacou). Finally, a resolution where the protagonist who received the delivery of a cassette is arrested - the viewer is unknown to exactly what the accusations were for. Therefore, it can be interpreted that the images underneath the 'People Problem' headline in the prison office mainly consists of white people, that is further enhanced by racism in Carriacou of when this was filmed, edited and published. 

On the other hand, 'Unfinished Sympathy' would not be described as a linear narrative due to an absence of climax and arguably plot. Massive Attack's music video is filmed as a one-shot video and there is a lack of narrative surrounding the song. It opens with an extreme close up of Chinese stress balls and zooms out to a group of gang members, that then arcs over to boy 'play fighting' with a gun aiming it at camera / (us). From then on, it forwards to Shana Nelson (the singer of Unfinished Sympathy) and remains in front of her walking down the street for the entire music video. It is not explained as a linear narrative because there is no direct, straightforward story of Nelson walking down the street. Although, the individual groups and representatives walking and carrying out with their daily lives behind her is fundamental and each reveal a distinctive account of either the history of LA, the stereo-typical views of 'gangs' or the criticism of the health care in the United States. Despite 'Massive Attack' being presented in a coherent approach, there is no significant event or explanation in order for the viewer to gain a slight understanding of the meaning behind the song. 




At what point in 'Ya Mama' is there a narrative disruption? Explain the event and how this disrupts the initial equilibrium of the scene.

Narrative disruption occurs within 'Ya Mama' when the cassette tape is delivered by the man on the bike and the protagonist listens to the song for the first time, he immediately is changed as a character. Therefore, the first event of him watching 'Tom and Jerry' and painting pottery is interrupted from there onwards and does not follow the natural storyline of what the viewer may have intended from their initial reaction to the music video.
The music video opens as a linear narrative however, in the first minute this linear sequence is abandoned. Throughout the music video, the





In Massive Attacks, 'Unfinished Sympathy' what do you see in the video that implies a world of different stories? 

Throughout the music video of 'Unfinished Sympathy' the foreground itself does more forwards physically however in terms of the narrative their is a lack of storyline behind Nelson walking down the street. Having said that, the stories behind Nelson walking, individually depict a hidden meaning and account of different people's lives. 
Those stories are demonstrated through the small shots of people that each reflect their lifestyle in LA , compared to the typical glamorous side of the city. For instance, the gang at the start reflect the gang culture in 1991 and that the influence they had in society was extremely powerful as portrayed through the low angle at the start of the video. Arcing over to the young boy with the toy gun is extremely significant as it symbolises the child repeating violent actions which he has either seen on TV, video games or sadly witnessed through real life situations. Especially, the use of a toy gun conveys his innocence - upon how it is being slowly corrupted by individuals around him, such as the gang members who are demonstrating a negative role model to the child. Meaning, mise-en-scene is particularly important for the 'Unfinished Sympathy' music video as it is a main feature involved is conveying a story. The boy's story suggests that he has been forced to grow up quickly or has not had the correct parenthood to understand that violent behaviours should not be accepted. Further on in the video, there is a disabled male on a skateboard who looks lost and does not know what to do with his life, this may imply he every day life and reflect the health care service in the USA. In the UK, we have the NHS which support citizens who live here and enables them to access health care services for free, in this instance the man would be liable to a prosthetic leg for free where as in the USA he would have to pay a large amount for that - of which he most likely does not have the money for. Therefore, his story may mirror his past life that would have been extremely different as he may have had a job however may not now since he physically is not capable to move or work the way he could before. Even though there are several stories that all add up to one visual queue, he



gang at start 
boy with the gun 
throwing veg 
walking dog 
history Native American 
health care - guy on skateboard           - all may have individual story and real reasons behind their actions, 
dad and son shopping together
= little point all add up to one - visual queues
sexuality or lack of 
intertextuality 

= viewer imply bad things about la 

Inhabitants - a person who is resident of habitation (citizen)

What representations of the artist are constructed in this music video? How does the use of camera, editing, mise-en-scene help to construct these?

What representations of the artist are constructed in this music video? How does the use of camera, editing, mise-en-scene help to construct these?  

Norman Cook, namely known as the DJ 'Fat Boy Slim' is considered as one of the most familiar faces in the British electronic music scene. His music helped define the 90s and records popularised his profile.
Intertextuality is used in the opening of the music video through slapstick comedy of a child's TV programme. The viewer hears Tom and Jerry - being played on the TV in the background of the actor painting pottery. That image may foreshadow the sillyness of the video that is yet to be discovered and how unrealistic the entire music video of someone's true daily life is. Also, the slapstick actions may reflect those in the music video where their movements are exaggerated and exceeds the boundaries of normal physical comedy. As if the actors are copying what they have watched from the show initially and are influenced by a comedy programme more than human lives itself. These activities hint at the artist himself since his personality is unserious and lives to enjoy the life that surrounds him. Overall, those representations portray Norman Cook's persona as a carefree, friendly individual who enjoys the fun side of life.
In one particular scene, especially the fast paced parts, from a behind the scenes I have discovered that they use a blue poll that is attached to them and are influenced/controlled from where the poll is going.
In terms of representation of the artist himself, during the majority of his music videos - Cook was not present in the making of them. "Ya Mama" is a narrative based video which unreels how immediately as soon as the man living in the house receives a parcel of a cassette and starts to listen to it he starts to loose control of their feelings. It is further emphasised by the camera movements and edit upon how some shots are sped up in order to accentuate the turbulent and deranged atmosphere. Clearly, the music video has purposely been portrayed as Norman Cook as an individual who 'thinks past the normality of life' as the music video is presented almost as a real life cartoon. Everything conveyed from the music video when his song plays is unusual however when its not playing people are living an ordinary life.
Throughout the construction of the music video, there appears to be a constant motif within all Fat Boy Slim's music video's even though he does not direct them and each one produced is created by a different director. Most of his videos include normal dressed people who are overly dancing abnormally to his music. His music almost acts as a if it possesses over them and they turn into another character. Similarly, his other video, "Weapon of choice" a man dressed in a suit (typically thought to have been working) automatically starts dancing in beat to the music; contrasting the location and set of the music video which conveys a formal and posh atmosphere. Since the actors are only dancing when the music of Cook's plays - it presents the ideology that people can only enjoy themselves when listening to his music, else they just live a boring, ordinary life where little happiness.
Furthermore, there is a mid shot of a character wearing a jacket with a peace symbol in the centre. His hair is long for a steretoypical 'man'. We see the peace symbol when he is about to put the tape in the stereo for the first time to listen to the song. The mise-en-scene and the dress of all the actors are purposely created in order to portray a specific meaning. Those who wear these type of clothing are commonly referred to as hippies (or a personality of one) and to use drugs. His hair and beard creates the impression that he is lazy and not taking care of himself - further accentuated by the music when he cannot control his actions.
With reference to the mise-en-scene, a complete town market was built and destroyed; filmed in Carriacou, Grenadines. Thus, the actions in the music video are chaotic, certainly as it is located in a mainstream area where an audience member would not expect an event like that to occur which heightens the dramatic tension, excitement yet suprise of the actors. It is clear that Cook's targeted audience is one of different, daring, anarchy and those of whom break rules against everyone else.
The long shot of the deprived house displays the setting of Carriacou Island and represents the characters as poor. The conventions suggest the artists ideology upon how anyone despite their class can listen to his music and there is no discrimination upon his lyrics. The main message clearly conveys how there is no restrictions in society portraying how despite his character being stereotypically a hippy - the music is unrestricted and he is free to react however he wants.

Media Terminology

Social Realism 
Social realism is a term used by media producers from different institutions in which they focus on giving the audience a true indication of the socio-political conditions of the working class, essentially critcising the power structure behind these conditions.

In reference to the history nature of this term, at the beginning of the 1960s British cinema brought down the old system of class/hierarchy pride, privilege and period dramas.

Social Realist films are usually a depiction of a true-to-life characters and locations and explores the political and social issues within the world. The lighting is normally 'naturalistic', meaning it does not use lenses or soft lighting.

Common themes: 

Social Injustice

Racial Injustice

Economic hardship

Working class as heroes. 

Work produced from artists to writers to filmmakers all have the same aim and try to portray life at the time. Raymond Williams defines 'Social Realism' as an extension by which previously under-represented groups in society become represented. These creative, fictional pieces of work are secular - they revolve around logic and reasons instead of mystical or religious matters.

Post Modernism
Rejects the traditional concept that one media product or text is of any greater value than the other. Everything should be deserved to reach a targeted audience with the correct meaning. 
The distinction between the 'media' and 'reality' has deteriorated and in this period of time, we live in a 'reality' characterised by images and representations - which a lot of the time have been photoshopped. It is the idea that anything can be art and culture 'eats itself' as there is no longer anything new to produce or distribute.
Furthermore, postmodernism could reflect modern society's thoughts of alienation, insecurity and uncertainties concerning identity, history, progress and truth. Celebrity icons such as Madonna and Michael Jackson are clear examples of postmodernism because they have created / re-created different identities for themselves.
A variety of Films and Television Programmes exhibit postmodernism traits, for instance; the theme of 'Spectacle' - where the TV displays spectacle to attract the audience and hook them on a storyline. The Jeremy Kyle Show is a illustration of this as it sets up hapless and uneducated guests to appear on the show in an embarrassing way, wanting to fight each other.


Intertextuality 
The shaping of a text's meaning by another text. It is the process by which the producer/director will create references to any kind of media text via another media text. 

Intertextual figures include: 

allusion, quotation, translation, parody, pastiche etc.

An example in TV is in 'Family Guy' when they edited a version of Star Wars. The whole episode is based solely around intertextuality where an audience member of Family Guy who has never watched an Film of Star Wars will be clueless in reference to the associations of the sci-fi. That episode is classed as a parody of the Star Wars films.

Another, is the celebrity Eminem's Vevo music video, 'Without me' in which his costume is the same as Robins' dress sense in the film of Batman. However, instead of the large lettered 'R' there is an 'E' for Eminem; conveying the idea that the artist believes he is as superhero like Robin off Batman as well as this being a parody.

Narrative 

The media definition for telling a story. The way different elements in a story are organised to create a meaningful story, parts of these elements can be facts used in a documentary or character and action in a drama.
Different media's tell stories in a varied of ways. Narrative is informed by character, action and location.

Diegesis

The telling of a story by a narrator who summarises events in the plot and comments on the conversations and thoughts of the characters, events and things within the main or primary narrative.

In filmmaking this is used where the story is depicted on screen, as opposed to the story in real time that the screen narrative is about. 

Ideology
A collective view from a system of values, attitudes and beliefs which someone holds to be true or important to them or a group; these are shared by a culture or society about how that society should perform. These ideas held by media producers differentiate depending on the media text. 
In a newspaper, the ideology of the editors could influence the way certain stories are represented and most newspapers are politically swayed in terms of right or left wing and can persuade their readers to vote for a certain wing. 
In a documentary about asylum seeker, the representation of their story could be edited and influence how the filmmaker wants it to.


Oppositional reading 
1 of 3 main responses an audience member may have to a media text, where they understand the preferred reading but choses to oppose it. For example, the campaign to stop the winner of The X Factor getting to Christmas number one charts. 
Other 2: 
Preferred reading - When the audience responds to the ideas in the way the media producer wants them to. Seasonal programmes such as The Voice UK / The X Factor - potentially a large scale view member voting and the purchase of the winning singer's single. 
Negotiated reading - When the audience responds by accepting and rejecting specific elements. For instance, voting for the underdog in a talent competition or questioning the programme through social media platforms.

Naturalistic Mise-en-scene
A realistic style of mine-en-scene that appears natural and recognisable to viewers. The world and objects follow the law of nature and society and the elements have a logical relation. Mise-en-scene and the characters mutually define each other.

Linear Narrative
A story that is presented in a logical manner by telling what happens from one point in time to the next, without using flashbacks/forwards and the retuning to the present. The narrative includes a plot, characters, climax, setting and resolution. e.g., YA MAMA 

Narrative Disruption 
Where events are disrupted for example out of chronological order and does not follow the casual pattern of a story line. Where something within the narrative changes the course of the action. 

Bravura
An impressive technical skill that is shown in an artistic performance or work. 

A Moment Too Late - Short Film

Plan B - 'Ill Manors' Analysis

What representations of society are constructed in this music video? How does the use of camera, editing and mise-en-scene help to construct these? 

Immediately, the casual dialect “chav” is now associated with a younger-lower class person perceived as brash and loutish behaviour. In Plan B’s music video, he states that people claim it defines as ‘Council House And Violent’. Automatically, those grouped individuals are seen to have little education and a lack of potential for their future careers – ultimately, they are instantly avoided in the public eye. However, at certain scenes in the cinematic video it displays the talent of young boys who can street dance and are equally if not more talented than any other boy his age who may be from an upper-class family.  

Psychoanalyst Lacan statistically states that audience can relate to texts where they can identify the representations with aspects of themselves in. The location helps to enhance the targeted audience. Those of whom may relate and are directly affected by some of the issues that occur within the video if they too live in London or a similar environment feel a sense of reassurance by someone who may feel the same emotional and physical pain they are suffering with. Having recently watched Plan B’s Tedx Talk on YouTube it has expanded my knowledge on the background information of the creation of the music video and its influence of lyrics. The degrading genre of drugs, rape, murder and underage sex – unfortunately is what ‘typical’ children from a similar background to him are attracted to. He claims he sees himself as a father figure as many of them were parentless, which could have resulted in their bad temperance and values towards society. Although, once the deeper message is understood, the song exposes the harsh reality of someone who is mainly in need of support, to be loved and help. The combination of the media components; use of camera, editing and mise-en-scene reinforces the bitter lifestyle through the dim weather conditions reflecting the children’s consistent worthless attitude. 

Costume is a significant factor in the ‘Ill Manors’ music video as the artists relied heavily on stereotypical costume design of the youth through the presentation of hoodies, tracksuits, caps and masks. As a result, portraying a negative perception of the youth not only in London, but across the United Kingdom. Clearly, the costume of wearing their hood up can be to hide their faces either in disappointment as they are embarrassed and guilty to be involved in a ‘gang’ yet have no alternative solution. Alternatively, it could be a representative and is purposely used as a motif within the music video.  

In addition to motifs, the animated ‘Safari’ truck occurs regularly throughout the video. From an editor's point of view, this could be viewed as a journey not only through the video of affliction and pain. But, reflecting the lack of life journey many young people receive due to many social and environmental factors that cannot aid their needs. The safari is taking the audience to what the artist believes many people are oblivious too and is then cut to another part where we are confronted with another act of violence of intimidation in front of our faces, almost inescapable.  

Prior to the music starting in the video, the opening 5 seconds include the non-diegetic murky sound of diesel. The sound effect allows the viewer to use their imagination as they are forced to face a downgraded area of London – instantly giving the audience a sense of how the music video will play out. Effectively, it portrays a gloomy and dismal atmosphere; emphasised by the establishment shot to further the negative understanding of those who live in council estates.  

In terms of location, the music video is set in London, which is the heart of all political decisions and leaders which appears to be the perfect and ideal place. The focus never changes from this enhanced urban setting, featuring: towers blocks, council estates and car parks. Purposely, it has been filmed on a day where the weather affects the mood of the audience, the bleak and grey landscape emphasise the desolate and exposed nature of the video. Overall, depicting the criticism of modern life and demonstrating how they have no respect for the authority. 

What representations of gender, ethnicity and social class are constructed in this music video? How does the use of camera, editing and mise-en-scene help to construct these? 

The representation of gender and race throughout the music video is constantly referred to as the age demographics range between teenagers and young adults. In terms of gender, there are mostly male and very little females involved in the video and if they are, they are standing in the background and are never at the centre of attention. Despite this, it continues to challenge the convention of gender roles in hip-hop as typically women are seen as trophies of objects to surround the male artist. Instead, one individual female is filming a male who conflicts with another male. They are perceived as bystanders in the music video as they have limited impact on the action and ideology behind it. Thus, portraying women as too weak to be included in the activity of the rivalry or are simply excluded. However, this is not entirely inaccurate as statistics state that 89% of arrested rioters in the 2011 riots were male, clearly displayed in the video.  

CLICK HERE FOR LONDON RIOT STATISTICS 2011

Many of the derogatory language within the video is censored as well as some faces, purely because the song would not make the mainstream video if this was not to happen. 

At the opening of the cinematic video, the basic camera shot of an establishment is purposely used to accentuate the deprived areas of London, displaying pollution and smoke that not only highlight the dirty contribution to the environment from wealthy businesses and their buildings. But society receiving unhuman treatment as if their estate is contaminated and murky that must be quarantined, therefore is betrayed on all levels. Directly after, there is a long shot like the previous angle, with Plan B positioned on the right overlooking the city of London where it is partially bright, reflecting the admiration and idolised version of people’s perception.  

In particular, the lyrics, 

“On second thoughts don’t you don’t wanna get mugged 

Oh Shit too late, that was kinda dumb  

Whose idea was that, stupid”   

were mocked by many as they appeared as ludicrous by the media. Plan B is saying that if you did try to hug an individual wearing a hoodie, the reality is that you would get mugged.  The song sarcastically attacks the media’s perception of working-class children and how they are disdained by much of the upper class.  Prior to being Prime Minister, David Cameron released his “Hug A Hoodie” campaign, as an attempt to appeal to liberal-learning voters.  

The close-up shot of the artist as well as another person who is wearing a mask is intimidating especially as Plan B appears tired and pale yet threatening. It is daunting and alarming for the audience, ultimately effecting the impression of inner-city youth. Alternatively, it could be a warning to the public as without helping those, not necessarily financially – we may be contributing to their health. Thus, portraying ill-looking faces could gain the audiences empathy if it reaches out to a more liberal audience. 

A low angle shot presented below, is explicitly used where an actor spits his gum out onto the ground, however the position of this being filmed designedly portrays this as if the viewer/editor is looked in disgust and is being treated essentially as trash.  

Collectively, these associations are a sarcastic take on the British middle class, stereotyping ‘chavs’ as thuggish and violent – referring to them as mainly males. Dangerously, it can lead to audiences generalising people or places – of which I believe is the main cause of the overly used common term. During Plan B’s Ted talk, he accentuates that the label of the slang word is openly used in the 21st century, with approximately 114 UK newspapers using this name in December only, 2004. The current generation of children will be brought up to assume adverse comments only about people who wear these clothes or speak a certain way. 

Plan B’s approach towards social class within its video, the lyrics “Council kids scum of the Earth” is a recognition of the upper class and how they refer to those below them in the social hierarchy and how they have little respect to others in regard to their wealth. Additionally, Politicians can be viewed as ignorant by their opposition and non-competitive parties as they don’t appear to understand the problems of living in a council estate and negatively just see the people as the irritation. 

What representations of the artist are constructed in this music video? How does the use of camera, editing, mise-en-scene help to construct these?  

‘Plan B’, truly named as Benjamin Paul Balance-Drew has published a music video that is at the heart of his childhood experiences, who was brought up in East London, Forest Gate. He attended a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) as he was excluded from public school at a young age. The artist promoted the PRU as great and the start of his career as those teachers are who encouraged and motivated him to change his life. Plan B certainly did not agree with the mentality of these young children who always fought and involved themselves in illegal substances and rivalry, however he did understand it. That is the power to reach out, to people in the same position as he was, proving that there are still opportunities. Majority of these children had broken, dysfunctional families and were raised to believe they could never make anything of themselves because their parents didn’t. Clearly, this example is represented throughout the entire music video; simply by displaying the success of his song even though he is surrounded and adapted to the environment him and his crew are filming in.  

A personal quote from Plan B in 2006 states, “I always felt like a social outcast” indicating that those within the same categorised background of Plan B may experience discrimination against their lifestyle/upbringing too. His words emulate in scenes of the music video where their voice is understood to be rejected and unwanted for opinion, meaning their last result to be demolishing vehicles and stealing valuable items from social alienation. 

The conventions are fundamental within Plan B’s music video especially as the use of relevant props used in present day such as the Pitbull, baseball bats and cigarettes add to the threatening atmosphere. The representations of the artist are constructed in this music video by mirroring the activities that Plan B may have involved himself in during his childhood. Also, the range of ages identified in this video means that despite whether they are in education or have finished, the acts of violence continues as the declination of the lower class are unlikely to be employed. As a result, Plan B is advocating change and beliefs of a stereotypical environment.  

The idea of selection is clearly conveyed in this music video as the beautiful and rich aspects of London have obviously been ignored and are non-existent to the viewer which illustrates the grimy and realistic ideal. That is simply because the main attraction and focus of the governments as well as other powerful representatives easily forget the serious conditions of the neglected places on the outskirts of the city. For that reason, the music video was filmed in Peckham, possibly because this where was where one of the riots took place. It is in the shadow of the where the Olympic Stadium was being built – ultimately, for publicity and no adequate or moral reasoning. 

From the artist, the lyrics perceive that he believes some of the causes of the riots were closing the community centres associates this with further threats and jokes upon what seems to be us (the viewer). The aggressive baseline in the song is designed to mirror the turmoil and unrest felt by those involved in the riots as arguably it began due to the annoyance of those who felt they were being ignored by the government and was not receiving help.  

A red flare is used by members of gangs, while their face is unseen and the deep colour connotates danger which is seen to be coming our way as the immediate shot after this is of Plan B technically accentuating for the members to come closer to him – suggesting he is not afraid as he is ‘part’ of their culture. This bright and scarce lighting of exposure works effectively in contrast to the dark background throughout the cinematography. The flaming colour may foreshadow the blood of the London riots and the violence that these ‘chavs’ have caused. The construction of the media text is purposely put together with animations and edited versions, including events from the riots of 2011, criticisms of politicians and newspapers too, supported lyric with “I predict a riot”.  

Having said that, from an interview of Plan B, it equally corresponds as he speaks for the youth and explains how the adolescents felt as though they did not belong and listened to rappers to let them guide their steps. One lyric of a song could transform their lives and encourage them to improve their misbehaved ways. As a result, his Ted talk could be to reach out to a different target audience, who are most likely to be criticising those below them. Therefore, determined to change their perception at the end of his speech and encourage the audience to follow on his actions – vastly changing society.