Post 6 - Concept

This Prezi shows the various locations that we have come up with when we first thought about the idea and concept behind our Rock music video. It also contains some cutaway's that we are planning on adding in throughout the video to give the piece a more clearer concept and storyline.

The  first initial idea plan for our locations that will be featured in our music video.

 

 

These are some of the ideas for our music video that our has group come up with. We have gone along with the concept that a girl and boy have had a bad break up and she is almost forcing him out the house . The way that we will get this idea across is by having the girl chuck out the guys things into boxes and out of the window. After this we have decided that he will go to a park with all of his boxes in hand and the girl will reappear there. We will then produce a slow motion shot of the guy being pushed into the some water by the girl. His band member friend will appear and help him out. He will later on walk with his friend to join the rest of his band. Here he will play the final section of the song and he will also get sympathy from the band members. This will link in with the lyrics as when we analyzed them this is the concept that we felt the lyrics represented. Throughout all the shots, the guy will always have his boxes on him as a visual element to the piece. It can also be used to connote with how the guy will be carrying the weight of the relationship.

Post 5 - Image Annotation

Post 4 - Lyrics Annotations

Annotated Lyrics

For our music video lyric analysis we tried to grab the concept towards the song and interpret into our own way. By doing this, we have put our own personal spin onto the piece and come up with an original idea. Now that we have a good concept to go with the lyrics, we can begin to come up with the ideas that will feature in our final project.

Post 2 - Roles

Roles situated for each group member: 

Sophie Andrews

Director - My group felt that I would be a good director as I keep well organised, have good time keeping skills and aim high for my group.

Cameraman - I will be sharing this role with Liam as the rest of the group feel that we will be best for this role as we have had experience in using cameras.

Performer - I will be be performing in the music video as the role of the girl who kicks out Andrew from his house. I will only be featured in the beginning as this is the only time that my character comes into play.

Kieran Scannella

Lighting -Kieran will be in charge of lighting because we as a group feel that he is the most useful in this role as he has a good understanding on what looks best when dealing with this genre.

Drummer- As a whole we felt that Kieran would be good for this role as he has had experience in this role. When we did a class music video practice before hand, he took on his role well and effectively.

Andrew Ducasse    

Vocalist/Performer - Andrew will be the vocalist because he performs well whilst lip syncing and puts in a lot of effort whilst doing so.
                                                                                Sound -Andrew will be in charge of sound because we feel he will be good to help check for any errors that have occurred. This will mean he will be in charger of any back up music that is needed.

                                                                                Liam Glencross
                                                                                Cameraman - Liam and I will be sharing this role as we work well together and have some background knowledge into cameras.
                                                                                Bass guitarist - Liam will be on bass as our group felt it was a good role for him as we know he will put a lot of effort into this role. It is also quite hard as he doesn't originally play bass guitar so he will have to make sure he is hitting the drums at the same time to the beat.  



Mise en scene -Everybody will be in charge of their own costumes and make sure they have the correct props to go along with their character.

Editing - Everyone will be in charge of editing as we can all get  a chance to edit and gain experiences through the different types of software that we will use.

Post 1 - Initial Ideas

 Initial Ideas:

Some of our initial ideas include performing live on a stage with multiple lighting  to make it look professional. This would bring the idea across that we are authentic and care all about the music. We have also come up with the idea of having a narrative throughout the song which involves a girl.

Initial Locations:

 -  Performing live on a stage with shots of each band member performing individually and as a group.

- A studio with creative lighting or dark lighting with only dim lights to help the camera see the artists. ( fairy lights ) 

 -  Camera shots within a isolated location which is where the girl could possibly come into the picture. They would be meeting on their own or as a whole band.

Post 17 - Audience Research 2

When we carried out our questionnaires the first question we asked was the persons age. This is so that we can get an idea on what our target audience for our music video should be. The majority of the people that  answered, stated that they were between 16-20. This could also be biased because for the most part, the questionnaires were carried out within a school environment. Most of the people that we asked were from a white British ethnicity. This means that at the moment, our target audience would be between 16-20 and would be White British.

For the question about their favourite genre of music, there were a range of different answers. The most popular answers included Rock and Pop. It was quite helpful that the questionnaires bought up that Rock was quite popular around our new found target audience. We also asked if they like the Rock genre of music and over half agreed that they did. To narrow down our results, we also asked if they listen to British Rock artists. The results were very relevant as on the most part, they said that they do. This means that when we come to make our music video we know that our chosen genre is popular.

We then asked them to list some of the British Rock artists that they know. This question was very helpful as it gave us an insight into what sort of bands were most popular. It also helped us to narrow down some of the bands that we could look into when choosing an appropriate song for our music video.

When asking about what costumes they would expect the Rock genre to wear, we were very glad with some of the answers. It provided vital information in fitting in with the conventions that people expect to see within this genre. The most common items that came up were leather, skinny jeans and piercing. We will take this into consideration when coming up with our costume ideas. Another thing that we will take into consideration is the area in which to film the Rock music video. Our most popular results included being seen live on a stage and in isolated, dark, abandoned areas. This helps us a lot as it gives us choices into what would look best and go with our music video and also the costumes that we use. The fact that they expect the video to have a dark feeling to it is handy because it also helps us to know what kind of things we should use to help build up this atmosphere.

Some props that we will really consider is the guitar, the use of lipsynching to seem as if we are singing live and some drums. These will help give our music video a more authentic feel as it will portray the live feeling.

Post 16 - Audience Research 1

Post 11 - Genre Research 2

The Stone Roses - Ten Storey Love Song

At the beginning of this music video the first thing I noticed was the use of montage editing. The beginning is made up of lots of different clips all edited together to create one bigger project. This has a good effect on the audience because it lets us see a lot of different clips at once, some more controversial and confusing to others. Within this part of the music video, we also see clips of the artists introduced. This makes it so that the audience can get a feel for the song and is also introduced to the artists at the beginning to make sure they know it is authentic.

The majority of the clips are close ups of the artists face. The shots are quite detailed and we can see that the mans face is quite sweaty and it makes the audience wonder why. Whilst we see the first shots of the artist, the camera is doing a 360º birds eye spin. This adds a bit more edge on this simple camera angle and gives the video that little bit more. It also means we get to see more of the artists surroundings and a hint towards his costume. The rock genre are typically known for doing little things that people will remember months after watching the videos from the artists.

Muse - Uprising

From the offset, this video is quite edgy and different but does abide to the stereotypical conventions from this genre. Just 15 seconds into the video we are introduced to the artists whilst they are playing their music live on the back of a truck. We can tellstraight away that the band are all about their music as they are quick to show the audience the live style that they follow. We are then shown a couple of close ups and a birds eye view of the band members on their instruments so that we can see that the band are legit and not fake. 

The setting is very stereotypical as it has low key lighting as it is quite dingy and dark which makes the audience think more about why they have decided to use this setting. There is only a few main lights throughout the song which helps build up the atmosphere. The lighting that is used is mainly from the use of fire which seems to become iconic throughout this video. We see the fire right from the start and it fits in well with the surrounding settings. Throughout the music video, the band are seen to be playing live in many different settings. This is very stereotypical of a music video in general, which helps this music video stick to the majority. 

Bullet For My Valentine - Tears Don't Fall

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At the beginning of this video, we are straight away introduced to a clip of the band playing their instruments live. This shows us that even from the beginning all they care about is their music and nothing else. We can also see that it is quite a dingy atmosphere and we can see snow surrounding them as they play. This makes the atmosphere feel more smokey and foggy but yet contrasts with what moods we usually associate with snow. To add to this, people usually see snow as a pretty, delicate time where as this rock music video is going against this and making it more edgy.

The editing is quite fast and we shift in between clips in matter of seconds. This is stereotypical of the rock music genre as they like to get the blood pumping around their audeince's body.  By making the clips flash from picture to picture it creates this effect. Also, the clips cut to the beat of the music which also helps build the atmosphere to the piece.

All of these music video's fit the typical conventions when it comes to music and costumes. The songs all start of slow but then build up as they get into them. They also all use live instruments and you can hear each individual member seperately they all come back together. The costumes are all dark and individual with the bands own iconography sneaking in here and there. The costumes also all match the type of band and whats typical to their individual tastes. This helps the audience distinguish between each of them and get to know them more as a whole. All of these points help build all three of these rock videos authenticity.

Post 12 - Genre Research 3

Post 15 - Advertisement Research

Post 13 - CD Cover Research

Rock CD cover research analysis;

Post 14 - Record Label Research

Domino Recording Company

Domino recording company is an independent record label based in London in 1993 by Laurence Bell and Jacqui Rice. They also have smaller offices in Brooklyn, NY, Germany and France.The record label specializes in indie music, only truly focusing on the rock and pop genre.

Two artists that they have released music from the genre that we have been looking at is The Arctic Monkeys and  Franz Ferdinand. Domino Recording Company have also released music from smaller, more indie rock bands that are not as famous in comparison to The Arctic Monkeys. The company celebrated their first UK hit single in 2005 with Franz Ferdinand. A month later they had another UK single with the Artic Monkeys. These two bands were the start of the development and increase in popularity within the company.

Bronze Records

Bronze records is another independent company that was founded in 1971 by Gerry Bron and was based in Chalk Farm, London. They were recently renewed in 2003 and then  re launched.  In the past Bronze Records has been helped in manufacturing and distribution by  island records, EMI  and Polydor Records.  This record label has helped many artists reach their dream and helped them distribute their music too. These smaller artists include; The Real Kids, The Damned, Girlschool and many others.

EMI

EMI is a big, international music producing and publishing company that has helped produce thousands of artists throughout its time. It also runs smaller companies which are based on producing more independent indie records. These companies would be similar to ours and could be a good record company to use.

	Terra Firma Capital Partners (August 2007 to February 2011) Citigroup (February 2011 to September 2012)

Post 9 - Theories 3

Illustration:

• The music always cuts on the beat in time with the editing.
• The images illustrate the literal meaning of the lyrics. This is often shown just with the band singing and dancing throughout the music video.
• The band would be singing, dancing, playing instruments in their own area within the video. They would also be dressed expectantly according to their genre, often dressed in a similar fashion to the other members of the band. 

Amplification: 

• The film cuts on the beat but also off as well to emphasis the features within the music video.
• The images are used to amplify the lyrics, a specific narrative may be used that would not necessarily be picked up from reading the lyrics alone.
• The band take on fictional role within the narrative. 

Disjuncture:

• The film cuts off the beat, sometimes, but not always, this is a sign of a badly made music video.
• Images which do not relate to the lyrics are used, sometimes used by the bands who are already very well established but can afford to take the risk within their music video.
• The band can take on an image that is nothing like them or completely the opposite of their expected image. E.G, The lead singer of Texas dresses up as Elvis Presley within one video. 

Post 8 - Theories 2

Carol Vernallis - The Kindest Cut



Throughout her work, Carol Vernallis analysed editing in music videos and Hollywood films. Throughout this time she identified distinct approaches to each. Within these approaches she came up with the following identifications and approaches:

Music Video:

• Within a music video she identified that there would be a multiplicity of incomplete sometimes obscure paths within the story.
• The order of shots would be unconventional, there would be no typical order and they would shift more freely in between each different shot.
• Pop videos draw us away from the narrative by foregrounding other structures and elements by using discontinuity.
• There will be visual hooks to create continuity. This is where non continuous shots are linked together by a single feature, I.E. A shape or colour.
• The time, space, character and narrative are revealed in completely not like they would be revealed within a film. 

Hollywood Film:

• Within a Hollywood film there would be single clear paths throughout the story.
• There would be an order within the shots making them conventional to the piece.
• A unity of time and space would be shown throughout the film.
• Throughout a Hollywood film, the continuity would be thorough throughout meaning that the narrative would draw the audience in more. 

Phantasmagorical body - A body that becomes made up in our mind of the shots of body parts that we see in a certain point in the music video. 

Rock Mood Board

For my groups mood board we based it on the genre; rock. This is because we believe that doing a rock video would be a good, fun idea but it is also manageable to meet all the conventions at the same time. Within the board we decided to add the stereotypical costumes, hand signs and items that you would usually see within this genre. Skulls and the colour black are common things that I came across whilst looking at Rock. Also the use of eyeliner within the makeup and longer, darker hair. We also found out the instruments that are stereotypical and we would need within our music video to help stick to the conventions correctly.

Post 7 - Low Budget Ideas

Low Budget Idea Videos

For some low budget ideas for my own music video I will be analyzing another A2 music video which received high marks. I will be analyzing it to get some inspiration for some quick, helpful and easy ideas for my music video.

 A-ha! Imogen Heap



Right at the beginning, the first long shot is quite powerful in itself. It is very effective as the head coming up is in sync with the music. The circle of light that is surrounding the girl draws us directly to her which then leads us on to looking at the shadows. The shadowing from the leaves and vines in front of the girl is highly effective and can easily be replicated by old pieces of twigs and branches. The lighting plays a major role in this low budget idea as it helps build up the eerie atmosphere to the music video as a whole.

Another low budget idea that I think looks really effective is the use of fast paced editing. Going from one clip to another really quickly helps build up the atmosphere and tension to the video. Doing it in time with the music also helps as it all runs in together and you feel like you are part of the piece of work. Also, because the clips have a shaky feel to them it makes the audience feel more on edge and it makes them almost mesmerized by the piece.







I also think that because the whole music video has been edited to become quite dark it continues to carry the eerie vibe along the way. Within the video we only really see low key lighting shots with the occasional bright lighting. We only see certain dashes of colour at certain points when the viewer needs it. I believe the use of red on the fingernails and lips were a good choice as red portrays anger, violence and also sometimes love. This then connects in with the meaning and lyrics to the music.


One low budget idea that I have been inspired by because I had never really thought about doing it, is the idea of over layering clips. I feel that it is an effective way of almost disorientating the audience and it fits into the genre of this piece really well. The way they have kept with the idea of everything being dark and eeerie makes the over layering of the images/clips fit in nicely.


The Fix - Just Got Paid

Another Video that I looked at for some low budget ideas was an A2 version of The Fix 'Just Got Paid'. This video is highly successful in sticking with the conventions and connecting with the audience.

Throughout the video they have stuck to the stereotypical conventions of their music videos genre. At the beginning we get little clips of each of the members of the boy band. This helps the audience identify themselves with each member so that they know who the artists of the video are. The way they are sorting themselves out in the mirror is a low budget idea but it is very effective as it just looks like they are doing their own thing but we are almost invading upon that. We then get a shot of all of the boy band together which looks professional as this is a stereotypical convention of boy bands.

Another low budget idea that I feel is effective is the use of lighting. The way they have the bright lights in between them at the beginning gives the video a professional element. It also silhouettes the boys giving the beginning a more mysterious feel.  The lights then continue to get used throughout the video especially when the boy band are performing. When they are dancing, the use of the lighting makes it seem as if the band are in a studio of some sort which follows the stereotypical conventions.

Also adding to this point, the way the boys have made up their own dance fits in with the conventions nicely as this is what you would expect to see from this genre of music. This is an easy idea to do but the effects are much greater. By doing this you can also tell the effort that they have put into the video is of a higher quality.



One other thing that this A2 group has done which i felt fitted in well with the conventions is the fact that each band member had a character which gives them a personality to portray. They all had a part in the video and no one was left out. When they lip synched to the music each person had a certain voice from the song itself which made the continuity better. This also helped link in with the whole boy band feel to the piece.

Post 6 - Conventions Of A Music Video

Post 5 - Rock Music Video 2

For my second rock music video I decided to do Guns N' Roses' 'Paradise City'. I chose to analysis this music video as I felt it fell right into all the stereotypical conventions that a music video should follow from this genre.

One of the main conventions that this music video follows is the band plays live on a stage. This shows the audience that the band are all in it for the music and that their music is real. Throughout the parts where they are on the stage, we get close ups of the band members playing their instruments. We are introduced to the artists right at the beginning which helps the audience identify each person. 

The camera work throughout this video is very basic like the video has been filmed with the cameras from the people within the audience. This helps give the video a more fan friendly vibe as it is shot from a lower camera angle. This then helps get across the idea that the band is all about their music and connect to the fans well. Also, this makes us think of the main artist as a more powerful person as we are made to look up at him. 

The music is very typical of the genre because you can hear each musical instrument and the main singer individually.  It has the loud drum beats that go on pretty much throughout the whole piece. Its also stereotypical because the pace of the song is very fast throughout. Connecting back to camera work, we occasionally see shots of the band members playing their instruments at the same time that we can hear them. This gives the music video continuity and helps get across the real feel to the piece.

One thing that was not very conventional in this video is the editing. The editing is not cut in time to the music which means that the editing is quite jumpy which connects in with the vibe from the audience. By doing this, it makes the music video more realistic and not so product-like. The editing of the clips are quite slow paced which is quite nice as its a contrast to the rest of the video. 

Post 4 - Rock Music Video 1

For my first rock music video analysis, I decided to look at Marilyn Manson's 'The Beautiful People'. I felt that it fitted in well with the stereotypical conventions of the rock genre.






Performance pictures GIF:

Post 3 - Pop Music Video 2

                     


For my second pop music video analysis I decided to take a look at Justin Timberlake's 'Mirrors'. I chose this music video because I felt it didn't portray all the stereotypical conventions that a pop music video should. This video follows a narrative rather than having the artist perform live. At the beginning of the video we do not get introduced to the main artist and instead we follow the stories of some other characters which are not familiar to the audience. In fact, we do not get introduced to the artist until we are 5 minutes and 45 seconds in. When we are introduced to him, we get a stereotypical performance as he dances around what seems to be a set of mirrors. From previous looks at Justin Timberlake's videos, I can see a pattern as he dances in the majority if not all of them.

Up until this point because we have not seen the artist, the video hasn't been able to stick to the stereotypical convention that the artist will lip synch. Just after we have seen the long shot of the artist performing a dance for us, we get an over the shoulder mid shot of him lip synching into one of the many mirrors. At one point he makes contact with the audience by looking directly into the camera. 

By performing in front of a mirror, it makes it almost look like there is two different people within the shot. This is a simple but clever effect that doesn't cause for any high end editing software. This is an idea that I could see as being effective enough to use within my own music video. 

Going back to the beginning of the video, some more conventions are met.  As it is following more than one story within the video the characters are seen in more than one location. At one point however, both stories are intertwined together as a lady gives the younger couple a picture booth photo strip of the older couple who we keep going back too. This gives us another hint as to what is going on within the story.

The different locations that are seen within this video: