Main task - location Recce

                                       Location Recce

For the main task, are group decided to got on a location recce to photograph possible locations that we can use for the video. We included a wide range of different locations, which gives us a variety of locations to choose from. We decided to separate into singles, that way we could cover a large amount of distance, and get a large variety of shots between all four of us. 

The abandoned high rise building, is a great representation of poverty and really helps portray the conventions of the rap genre. This can be a symbolic of poverty in are rap video, and also contains an interior, that we could use given that we are granted permission to do so. Abandoned buildings are also typically empty, which is how Kendrick feels in the song role models, as he is lost without one. This represents the emotions portrayed in the lyrics.

This forgotten garage lot, creates a general image of poverty, and crime. The rust on the garage doors allows the spectators to visual the misuse and treatment of the property as well as the overgrown shrubs and grass amongst the location. This makes it look very much like a post apocalyptic world, this could immerse the viewers into the video even more, as some spectators use escapism for gratification. This links to Blumler and Katz uses and gratification theory, where they talk about the reasons behind people consuming media texts. This consists of Learning, Escapism, Personal relationships and entertainment.

These images are located around riverside park, which provides us with some unique locations to film at. The church is an iconic symbol of religion and culture, which is a vital element and convention in rap, as rappers are proud of their culture and where they come from. They also contain urban life, with the tower shot, which again is featured heavily in rap. The bridge will also be a vantage point, to take some high angle shots of the area down below.

These locations are located around the city centre, which is great for showing urban life. They contain high rise apartment blocks, which could show luxury, and the contrast with the themes of poverty. This shows the progression of rappers, and how they have become a success story from nothing. This could also be appropriately used in are video, as kendrick Lemar says "No role models and I'm here right now" This suggests how he has become successful without the guidance of a role model, therefore a high rise apartment building can represent this.

What locations would I accept and decline

In choosing are final locations, I have to take into account what themes the locations offer us, and if they meet the genre conventions of rap. Both of the high-rise buildings are definitely suitable for the rap genre. They show the contrast between wealth and poverty, and could be used to create juxtaposition, as both buildings are close together meaning we could capture them both through one shot. This matches genre conventions, as rappers such as Drake and The Game talk about their suffering past and luxurious present. Also, and abandoned building can be symbolic to the artists emotions, as it represents an empty shell without a soul (the people living inside). This can be applied to the artists intentions, as he feels "empty" without a role model.

I will also be taking forward the garage lot location. The atmosphere of the location creates a stereotypical "ghetto" vibe mainly due to the vandalisation of the area as these types of places are commonly associated with anti social behaviour.