Classwork: Stardom

Here is a summary of a theory we learnt at class today with our Media Studies teacher (Mr Nick).

It’s about the Theory of Stardom by Richard Dyer which helped us build our star’s image for our music video project. This blogpost is summarized by Rara and Audrey, however some of the celebrity research was done by Kalista and Chelsea as well.

Richard Dyer’s theory suggests that celebrities are constructed by media institutions to attract their target audience and promote their product. The celebrities are portrayed as a mix of relatable qualities (to appear ordinary) and unique traits (to appeal to fans). It focuses on how the image of the star is vital to the marketing to build both commercial success and a deep emotional connection with fans.

Celebrities are appealing due to 5 main reasons: 

1. Love: We are fascinated with the love lives of the stars, can also feel a romantic affiliation with them

2. Ordinariness: We like to see them doing routine things, living normal lives just like our own

3. Success: We like the idea of overnight success, and failure before success. This appeals to our

4. sense of fair play. (Why we like reality TV so much)

5. Consumption: We are fascinated by the huge material wealth brought by media success. Not just

6. luxury homes and cars, but also strict dietary regimes set by expensive nutritionists, holidays etc.

7. Dream turned sour (downfall): fascination with the exploitation of their misery

Self Reflection: This theory lesson allowed me to delve deep onto what I want my artists persona to be as Each star's identity was purposefully designed to appeal to and drive audience engagement by creating a recognizable brand with which viewers may emotionally identify with. This will then allow me to effectively promote my artist towards the target audience were aiming for. Overall me and my teammate enjoyed doing this classwork as we admire the chosen celebrity and believe that her work is admirable as she is one of the most famous kpop idols to exist. Through this classwork it will be easier to find our stars persona because I want to make sure that our star has a strong public image and confidence so that she stands out and can be easily recognisable towards any audience.