Final Major Project, applying context essay to my project

To evaluate the creative media aspects that I will be applying to the creation of the YouTube channel, I will also be looking at the most popular YouTube videos of different genres. First of all, I will have to take into account the Mis-En-Scene of the different types of video I will be creating. For gaming videos, the screen largely consists of the monitor display of the video game, so there is no mis-en-scene to change here, although in many gaming videos, text is used to either highlight something, or to act as subtitles, usually for comedic effect. Other added effects on top of the gaming videos include webcams, pop-ups, green screen effects and sound alerts. I will have to think about the Mis-En-Scene for these extras, especially the placement on the screen, as well as the overlays fitting with the brand of the YouTube channel, or matching with the content or video type, such as overlays that match gaming channels. Use of symmetry, rule of thirds and equal scales can be used to fit everything onto the screen so that it isn’t overpowering and make sure it is aesthetically pleasing. The narrative structure of the gaming videos must also remain integral to the recording of the video. This is 1.) To make the editing afterwards slightly easier, and 2.) To remain focused on what the video is going to be about. YouTube gaming videos are roughly 10-15 minutes long, so keeping in mind that the video will be this long, will allow me to stay on track and get as much content done within this time frame, so when editing, it is only the best and most enjoyable parts. This leads it onto editing, of which for gaming videos is very important. Let’s plays and walkthroughs don’t often have much editing, apart from intros, outros and sometimes cuts between scenes. Compilation videos, highlights and many other styles use editing such as subtitles, funny edits and other visual effects applied to the footage for comedic effect. The edits all depend on the genre of gaming video you are creating, the target audience and the overall content of the channel. Other video types that I might be creating include documentaries, comedy skit videos and challenge videos.

For documentary, the main focus will be on keeping a consistent visual style for the video, as well as making the footage as professional as possible. The cinematography for documentaries range from b-roll to narrative written scenes to contextual scenes, where the audience has more of a say as to what is happening. A wide range of shot types such as close ups, mid shots and long shots can be used for documentary. Simple use of editing for documentaries is often used, without use of complex and flashy effects, to make sure that nothing is taken away from the cinematic elements, as well as making sure the effects match the genre of documentary being made. Sound is also very important in creating documentaries. In YouTube documentaries, such as Sugar Pine 7’s productions, as well as IdubbzTV documentaries, there is a mix of voice over’s, as well as in person interviews and audio, so making sure I use the right amount of both to fit in with the genre is very important.

For challenge videos, again, symmetry will be an important feature, as well as making sure the props used are placed correctly, as well as the location of the video being relevant to the content. Editing is an essential category for challenge videos, with animated interludes, flashy transitions, 3D pop-ups and text all being used to make the video for interesting and aesthetically pleasing. Some of the YouTube challenge videos, such as the videos on Smosh and the Sidemen being very popular and relatively high budget. Videos in this category are similar to industry standard game shows, due to the high competition in this kind of video, only the best videos will be watched, and on a regular basis. I will have to deeply consider editing techniques, and make some animated assets to make these videos interesting. Like documentaries, the cinematography and narrative are also very important in challenge videos. These videos can range from 12-20 minutes, and can be based around all different types of content and genres, from IRL sports content, to inside mystery dares. The narrative has to be straight to the point, and rehearsed to a stage where the cast knows what they are doing, but the reactions have to be realistic and genuine. Having well set up cameras at different angles can improve video quality massively, as well as perhaps using a moving handheld camera. Finally, audio for these videos can be quite tricky, with different distances being used, as well as multiple crew members being involved. The best bet is to use the Rode extended mic, as well as lavalier mics clipped onto t-shirts.

For comedy skit videos, the Mis-En-Scene is very important, because every single aspect of the scene has to be implemented for a reason, as comedy is arguably the hardest genre of video to create. These videos can be treated like short movies, as the narrative has to be created to a high standard, as well as the cinematography. Smosh create great skit videos, as well as Corridor Digital, who create high end skits videos. Sugar Pine 7’s videos are a mix of narrative vlogs and skit videos, and it is more this style of video I will take inspiration from. Finally, like the challenge videos, I will likely be making interludes between the individual skits, so the editing will be very important as well.

To conclude the context essay, I will be aiming to create my own YouTube channel, as well as creating different videos, to showcase the type of media I will be creating for this channel, and showcasing my skills within the genres of film. I will be creating a short documentary, a challenge video, a gaming video and finally a short skit video. I will be focusing on creative narrative for all video genres I will make, as well as establishing a re-occurring style for my videos, for continuity throughout my channel and creations, so that once people watch a particular type of video, they can relate it to my media, and my channel.