Music Videos- One Direction: History

Industry

1) How were One Direction formed and how is this reflected in the music video for History?

One Direction were formed through the hit show X-Factor this is reflected in the music vidoe through featuring footage of X Factor, behind the scenes at tours, anecdotes and videos of all the members.

2) What is vertical integration?

Vertical integration is when one conglomerate owns different companies in the same chain of production.

3) What is horizontal integration?

Horizontal integration is when one company buys other companies at the same level of distribution.

4) How has technological convergence changed the way audiences consume music videos?

Technological convergence has allowed audiences to consume music videos through platforms like Youtube and allow the members of the band gain a huge following online. 

5) As a manufactured band, what influence do Simon Cowell and the record company Syco (part of Sony) have over the content and release strategy of One Direction music videos?

According to One Direction, they as a band believe they don't owe Simon Cowell anything and that they have been distancing themselves from him which has annoyed Cowell. After the split of the band, none of the members have remained on the record company Syco Records for their solo work. 

Audience

1) What is the One Direction target audience - demographics and psychographics?

One Direction's target audience is usually teenage girls due to them being teenage boys which some teenage girls may find attractive however Strugglers may look at their success and try to seek this as well as with Aspirers may appreciate their friendship circle, successful band, luxurious cars, champagne (disposable income)

2) What audience pleasures are offered by the music video for History?

• Diversion- feeling of nostalgia
• Personal relationships: Fans were used to contribute to the single’s chorus. 
• Personal identity- with the band members (following through Twitter etc.)  
• Surveillance – insight into behind the scenes.
• Intertextuality- of previous tours and footage 

3) Pick out three particular shots, scenes or moments in the video that would particularly appeal to One Direction fans. Why did you choose those moments? 

Shots of the fans- Shows One Direction fans that the band is grateful for them/appreciated.

Shots of One Direction messing around/bloopers- Shows how close their friendship has been over the years, makes fans value their friendship and how far they've come along. 

Shots of One Direction at X-Factor audition- shows fans how far along they've come, creates a sense of nostalgia for fans. 

4) What is nostalgia and why is it a key audience pleasure for the History music video?

Nostalgia- Audience pleasure where audiences feel a sentimental connection to the past. Nostalgia is a key audience pleasure for the History music video as it marks a "period of closure" and looks back on the history of the band+ moving on towards the future. Including flashbacks to show all the band's good memories. 

5) How are fans positioned to respond to the video? What do the producers want One Direction fans to take from the video?

Fans are made to be joyful and laugh along with the funny memories of the band as they are shown messing around and having a fun time however towards the end it shows clips of their last concert, them saying goodbye to signify that the music video is directed to their loyal fans and their commitment to their supporting fans. In addition, One Direction is saying this isn't fully the end like in their lyrics "we can live forever" signify that the fans can keep this band still alive.