MIGRAIN: Reading an image

1) Analyse this RBK 50 Cent advert using the key media language you learned today: denotation, connotation, colour, pose, framing, composition, size, type of shot, subject matter, setting, lighting.

RBK 50 Cent advert

This advert was made to advertise the G-unit Reebok collection designed by 50 cent. Within the frame, a medium shot of 50 Cent on the left half of the advert can be denoted as the mise-en-scene. He is the main subject of the advert and he appears to have a serious expression on his face. I believe that this was intentionally done by Reebok in order to attract fans of 50 Cent and advertise this collection. A quote from 50 Cent is also present on the advert. This is a very inspiring quote that would grab the audience's attention and encourage them to not take each day for granted. This is probably a quote that 50 Cent fans are already aware of, meaning that they identify with it and, therefore, are likely to identify with this new collection by Reebok.

There is a range of typography used in this advert. The quote from 50 cent has been typed in a modern, urban looking font which links with 50 Cent's background and original roots. The way he is dressed- urban clothing, a hat, a chain- also links to this point and illustrates how 50 Cent is staying true to his upbringing despite the fame and fortune he is now consumed by. There is another more prominent phrase -'I am what I am'- placed in the middle of the advert. This phrase is bigger than the quote which shows that the creators wanted to draw the audience's attention to it. This single phrase, despite being so short, inspires the audience even more as it encourages the audience to be themselves. 50 Cent appears to be doing this with the way he is dressed in the advert so the audience are emboldened to do the same. The right half of the advert consists of a secondary subject of fingerprints. This also links with how 50 Cent encourages everyone to stick to what is in their blood and who they truly are.

The colour scheme used in this advert is very monochromatic, consisting only of black, white and many shades of grey. The photograph of 50 Cent was also taken at low lighting to match this colour scheme. The use of these colours highlights the serious tone Reebok and 50 Cent are trying to convey.

Overall, I believe that this advert is aimed at a target audience of teenagers aged 12-18 years old. This is due to the sportswear being advertised which is very popular among this age range. Furthermore, 50 Cent has a similar target audience.

2) Next, analyse a print advert of your choice using the same key words.

Nike advert

In this frame, the mise-en-scene denotes Portuguese professional footballer Ronaldo as the main subject. The audience can see how serious and dedicated he is to football in the wide shot. He has been deliberately placed in the middle of the advert and as the only person in the advert in order to draw the consumer's attention to him and the fact that he is wearing Nike clothing. Ronaldo is a very successful football player so the fact that he is wearing Nike's clothing here would encourage audience's to purchase this clothing as they would believe that it would help them reach the success of Ronaldo. 

The secondary image is that of a football stadium. The background is very dark and the only visible feature are the bright stadium lights that shine on Ronaldo. Once again, this helps to focus the attention on him. Furthermore, the advert has been edited in a way that makes it appear that Ronaldo is running so fast that he has burned the ground he has touched with his 'explosive speed'. This single phrase on the left hand side of the advert links with the fiery colours created due to Ronaldo's running. The consumers are lead to believe that Nike's products are incredibly high quality and allow you to reach your highest potential when performing in sports.

Overall, I believe that this advert has a wide target audience, perhaps from 12-40 years old. This is because Nike produce sportswear for all ages- children, teenagers and adults- and because the passion of football can be associated with many ages (even over 40 years old).