12/02/13- Beyoncé

How do media producers use intertextuality to attract audiences to media products by broadening the possible Uses & Gratifications?

Beyoncé's video 'Countdown' shows all the elements of Uses & Gratifications but, they are not all easy to point out. The obvious Uses & Grats noticed by looking at the video would be, Personal identity because, her fans/people who watch the video would become amused by what she is wearing and it would encourage them to buy the same clothes as Beyoncé, what she wears in the video. Another element that is noticed in this video is Entertainment. This is because, audiences would have loved Beyoncé's songs and would definitely want to watch the videos to them to see what she is like in them. Lastly, Social also comes into this because, most groups of friends/people, would try and copy what she wears, how she dances and would try and be like her while others may think she is too rude the way she dresses or maybe, they are not into her kind of music as it might be a little too 'jumpy' for them. 

Beyoncé has in fact, copies the choreography from a film with Belgium dancers. She has taken this, so that the fans of those dance moves would definitely watch Beyoncé's dance moves and she would get a larger audience. Also, people would compare the two videos to see who danced better and to recognize Beyoncé. 
Beyoncé did not just 'steal' dance moves but she also stole the clothes and the colors from someone called Audrey Hepburn. As you watch the video, you can notice very bright summery colors which meant that the fashion at the time was bright colors due to the time of month when this video was out. This brings back the 50's/60's and it is recognized by many. 

An Information element has been recognized but, it was not that easy to point it out. This is because, when Beyoncé sings in the video, at one point when she sings 'I'm tryna make us 3 from that 2' and she turns halfway and shows off her baby bump which informs us that she is pregnant, but she is very clever in this way. 

The setting is also similar to the one in the film Step- Up, with the windows and the atmosphere seems really old. Beyoncé has used all the elements in different ways in her music video which brings back the 50's/60's as its tradition.