Video and Intermedia - Response

As I understood, Foster defined intermedia as an object or piece that not only spans multiple types of media, but multiple interpretations and “activations.” One of the first examples that came to mind was fan-made music videos. Some are simply performances or parodies of the original music video, while others set video clips to the music to construct a message or highlight a theme. The latter is exemplified in the video “Happy Kyiv” (link below), where clips of protestors and revolutionaries in Ukraine are set to Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy”.  The original song was made for a movie and the original music video is a pretty literal interpretation of the song, with some elements of commercialism. However, in the Kyiv video, parts mimic the original music video – clips of people dancing in the streets – but it is interspersed with shots of tents and homemade barricades, of police and soldiers in riot gear. Towards the end of the video, a number of people explain their take on the song – what happiness means in such an environment.

This to me is an example of video as intermedia - they use the camera as a device to broadcast their message. It is not impartial; they are only showing their side of the story and using footage that will incite the viewer. However, it does have the desired effect: it activates the viewer by triggering awareness and discussion of what was happening in Ukraine. The reinterpretation of the original intent of the song and music video to have this effect makes this video an example of intermedia.

"Happy Kyiv" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B5AXBFeRLM