Sunday 30 November 2008
Focus Group Evaluation
We held a focus group in order to recieve more feedback and to try and produce more ideas that we can use in our creation of The Script's"talk you down". To do this we used an interactive whiteboard and had a whole room to ourselves so that it would be the main focus of the people viewing it. We made a slideshow so that it looked more proffessional and included the song we were going to be making a video for, and some songs that inspired our thoughts of the video. To make sure that we were contacting our target audience we looked specifically for people that liked this type of music and found this out literally by word of mouth. After discussing the initial track, we gained a few different ideas, and got some back that we had thought of. This is nice to know as it reinforces our original idea and makes us more confident in these ideas. once we had collected some of the information of ideas, we gave them a questionnaire to see what they thought of it. Here, we felt it was important to use open and closed questions. Although closed questions are easier to analyse, open questions includes creativity from the students who would be looking at the video therefore meaning we can encorporate their ideas as well as out own. Most of the results showed that we were on the right track, but a few people led us to look at new scenarios that we could include hopefully making our ideas more unique.
Technical Shot Analysis - Ben Gilchrist
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcY8nX1yzb0
The video that I decided to analyse was “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. This is because it is also of a band, and looks at the way that you can interlink a story (narrative) and a performance in the same video. I was hoping that this would give me some ideas for our own video and may help me get more information of how to edit a video.
The aspect of the video that surprised me most was the amount of shots used. In only 4 minutes, over 300 shots were used, showing how complex the editing process must be. Before watching this, I always assumed that music videos contained only a few shots and were edited to look like more but in fact this was not the case. I believe that the planning of our own video will now be a lot different to what it may have been if I didn’t do this task. For example, I probably wouldn’t have left as much time as I will do now for the editing process.
The performance/narrative aspects of the video backs up my original ideas albeit that this video is very surreal in the narrative. It has also convinced me to use some links between the lyrics and the video. Although if this is done too much I believe this to be cheesy, I feel it is important to establish a relationship between the two.
My overall written analysis can be found in my folder.
The video that I decided to analyse was “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. This is because it is also of a band, and looks at the way that you can interlink a story (narrative) and a performance in the same video. I was hoping that this would give me some ideas for our own video and may help me get more information of how to edit a video.
The aspect of the video that surprised me most was the amount of shots used. In only 4 minutes, over 300 shots were used, showing how complex the editing process must be. Before watching this, I always assumed that music videos contained only a few shots and were edited to look like more but in fact this was not the case. I believe that the planning of our own video will now be a lot different to what it may have been if I didn’t do this task. For example, I probably wouldn’t have left as much time as I will do now for the editing process.
The performance/narrative aspects of the video backs up my original ideas albeit that this video is very surreal in the narrative. It has also convinced me to use some links between the lyrics and the video. Although if this is done too much I believe this to be cheesy, I feel it is important to establish a relationship between the two.
My overall written analysis can be found in my folder.
Inspiring Parts of other music videos
The idea of looking at other videos and using successful ideas that were pulled off well help to make the "recipe for success". By encorporating some of these ideas into our video and using our own ideas to develop them, we are hoping to gain a better understanding of why certain shots are used at certain times.
Parts that have been studied are; the use of black and white, the change of focus, freezeframes, out of video sounds, intertextual references, cartoons and complex editing.
Thursday 27 November 2008
Technical Shot Analysis - John Bone
The track I chose to analysis was 'Breakeven', by the Script, which is the same band that we are making our video for. This would hopefully give me some good ideas to add to when it comes to our video.
What stood out for me most in this video, was the use of some black and white shots and some colour. This was dependant on who is in the shot. We could use this in our video, using black and white shots in the past or in sad times etc. Then using colour shots for the present and happy times.
This video has confirmed my ideas about mixing performance and narrative, as i felt it worked excellently in this video, however we may not be able to get a performance in front of a crowd! But the use of mixing performance and narrative fits well with this genre of music.
The use of past and present in this video is also very successful, which was something we were considering to use anyway. It creates an excellent narrative and produces more of a story to the video, which would fit our song and the lyrics.
What stood out for me most in this video, was the use of some black and white shots and some colour. This was dependant on who is in the shot. We could use this in our video, using black and white shots in the past or in sad times etc. Then using colour shots for the present and happy times.
This video has confirmed my ideas about mixing performance and narrative, as i felt it worked excellently in this video, however we may not be able to get a performance in front of a crowd! But the use of mixing performance and narrative fits well with this genre of music.
The use of past and present in this video is also very successful, which was something we were considering to use anyway. It creates an excellent narrative and produces more of a story to the video, which would fit our song and the lyrics.
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Technical Shot Analysis - Matt Rice-Tucker
The track that I chose to deconstruct was "Wherever You Will Go" - The Calling. The director uses a wide variety of shots in the video. To give the audience a range of views on similar objects or instruments throughout. The video is both performance and narratvie based. It involves lots of images of the band playing and also the story which goes along with the lyrics of the song.
Throughout the lead singer is focused on the most. With a few clips of the guitarists playing and even less of the drummer playing. So when the camera focuses on the band, it is predominantly on the lead singer. With the use of extreme close-ups. close-ups, long shots, low angle and high angle shots.
Throughout the lead singer is focused on the most. With a few clips of the guitarists playing and even less of the drummer playing. So when the camera focuses on the band, it is predominantly on the lead singer. With the use of extreme close-ups. close-ups, long shots, low angle and high angle shots.
Institutional Research
How Music Videos Are Made (Overview)
- Firstly a single is chosen by the artist and producers
- A number of different directors are chosen, and all given a chance to show their ideas.
- Then a director is chosen and budgets are agreed
- Storyboards and locations are developed through a range of ideas
- Sets are built, with personal and locations hired
- Video is shot (usually within a few days)
- Editing begins on the tape, then visual effects are added
- The video finally needs to be certified, so it can be released to TV stations etc...
The Record Company
- Sign up artists and pays them an advance
- This covers certain costs involved in marketing the record
- The record company then employs a commissioner
- They develop a brief for the video, including the budget, deadlines etc...
The Director
- They listen to the track, and outline a proposal for the video (including storyboards)
- If the record company likes the idea then they will hold a meeting with the director, then the next stage is to arrange a budget
- Budget: The producer will come up with a budget which is approved, this is then sent to the client when he can try and negotiate it or keep it the same. Then the production unit is set up.
Mood Board - Matt Rice-Tucker
I produced this mood board on the song 'Talk You Down' by The Script. 
I decided to revolve the images around the lyrics and the theme of relationships. This shows how the music video would be better off focusing on a relationship involving choices and desicions, which is why I have included word such as heart and head. Love and suicide have been included because the song describes how love makes you think about and do stupid and unreasonable things.
I decided to revolve the images around the lyrics and the theme of relationships. This shows how the music video would be better off focusing on a relationship involving choices and desicions, which is why I have included word such as heart and head. Love and suicide have been included because the song describes how love makes you think about and do stupid and unreasonable things.Friday 21 November 2008
Dominant Ideologies - Matt Rice-Tucker
Ethnicity
TI ft. Rihanna - "Live Your Life"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GQiQSaDs9aQ
This video reinforces the typical stereotype as throughout the video we see a number of flash cars, large amounts of money, fancy rings and jewellery. We also see the girl (Rihanna) in the video seen as an object by the stars with the money, as is typical in this type of music. We see a number of close-ups of the main rapper/star with his jewellery and expensive clothes etc... The main star is also pictured with a number of different women, as if he has what he wants when he wants it, the millionaires lifestyle.
Kayne West - "Love Lockdown"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVZX-W3vo9I
This video challenges the typical stereotype as it does not focus on expensive cars, jewelery and fast cars. It involves very plain and basic surroundings, not showing the expensive lifestyle. We also see plenty of the star (Kanye West) however it is not him showing off his wealth. We also clips which are possibly from tribal eras, many years ago not looking at modern technology. Also we do not see a variety of women, they are not shown or used as objects in this video.
Gender
Leona Lewis - "Forgive Me"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TbObeE6s1I8
This video reinforces the typical stereotype as we see the woman take a lead role, using her looks and image to entice a male audience. We also have Leona looking at the camera a lot trying to connect with her audience. She is also seen to have power when she leads the large group of dancers from the front. At one point she is walking with the male looking after her and carrying her umbrella for her, being treated like a 'princess'. She wears 'sexy' and appealing clothes trying to make herself a commodity to the male audience. e.g. Low cut tops etc...
Beyonce - "If I Were A Boy"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BVTyLqkez6A
In this music video Beyonce challenges the typical stereotypes. We see her acting as a male character. Hanging around with large male groups and policemen, not trying to use her sexuality or looks to attract an audience. We see her shooting, a typical scene for men to look 'macho'. Then actually helping out the man in his target shooting, putting him in the opposite role. We still at the end of the video see a role reversal, when the male character becomes the policeman again, and she returns to being herself. Beyonce then sings to the camera, to still appeal to her male audience.
TI ft. Rihanna - "Live Your Life"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GQiQSaDs9aQ
This video reinforces the typical stereotype as throughout the video we see a number of flash cars, large amounts of money, fancy rings and jewellery. We also see the girl (Rihanna) in the video seen as an object by the stars with the money, as is typical in this type of music. We see a number of close-ups of the main rapper/star with his jewellery and expensive clothes etc... The main star is also pictured with a number of different women, as if he has what he wants when he wants it, the millionaires lifestyle.
Kayne West - "Love Lockdown"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVZX-W3vo9I
This video challenges the typical stereotype as it does not focus on expensive cars, jewelery and fast cars. It involves very plain and basic surroundings, not showing the expensive lifestyle. We also see plenty of the star (Kanye West) however it is not him showing off his wealth. We also clips which are possibly from tribal eras, many years ago not looking at modern technology. Also we do not see a variety of women, they are not shown or used as objects in this video.
Gender
Leona Lewis - "Forgive Me"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TbObeE6s1I8
This video reinforces the typical stereotype as we see the woman take a lead role, using her looks and image to entice a male audience. We also have Leona looking at the camera a lot trying to connect with her audience. She is also seen to have power when she leads the large group of dancers from the front. At one point she is walking with the male looking after her and carrying her umbrella for her, being treated like a 'princess'. She wears 'sexy' and appealing clothes trying to make herself a commodity to the male audience. e.g. Low cut tops etc...
Beyonce - "If I Were A Boy"
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BVTyLqkez6A
In this music video Beyonce challenges the typical stereotypes. We see her acting as a male character. Hanging around with large male groups and policemen, not trying to use her sexuality or looks to attract an audience. We see her shooting, a typical scene for men to look 'macho'. Then actually helping out the man in his target shooting, putting him in the opposite role. We still at the end of the video see a role reversal, when the male character becomes the policeman again, and she returns to being herself. Beyonce then sings to the camera, to still appeal to her male audience.
Thursday 20 November 2008
Audience Research
Methodology:
We want to get a select group who are fans of the genre, so that we can talk to them discussing their ideas and opinions of the track and our current ideas. We will set out a few questions and record their feedback. As well as the sheet of questions we could also give them a sheet with the lyrics so that they can give us illustrative ideas that relate to the lyrics. From this we hope to develop our video so that it is accepted by the target audience.
Purpose:
We are doing this in order to receive peoples opinions which will hopefully help us when we design our video. We also believe that by using this information we can develop our video for the better. It is very important that we get feedback from the type of people who watch these videos as they are the ones that will make our video and the track, popular.
Sample Audience:
People who listen to the band and like the songs that they are likely to be playing. It is also important that they have some sort of relationship to the band.
Media Stimulus:
As we are trying to develop our songs video, the main focus will have to be of our song. However, we want to look at several other song videos in order to get inspiration and to see if people like the shots used. It is also important to get views of other successful videos in order to create a recipe for success.
Questions:
It is important to include a variety of questions in order to get a variety of answers.
What ideas did you get from the track?
What characters would you imagine to see?
What type of artist(s) could be seen in the video?
Do you see this as a performance based video?
Where do you see this being shot?
What type of images would you expect to see?
Can you define genre
what are your expectations of this particular?
We want to get a select group who are fans of the genre, so that we can talk to them discussing their ideas and opinions of the track and our current ideas. We will set out a few questions and record their feedback. As well as the sheet of questions we could also give them a sheet with the lyrics so that they can give us illustrative ideas that relate to the lyrics. From this we hope to develop our video so that it is accepted by the target audience.
Purpose:
We are doing this in order to receive peoples opinions which will hopefully help us when we design our video. We also believe that by using this information we can develop our video for the better. It is very important that we get feedback from the type of people who watch these videos as they are the ones that will make our video and the track, popular.
Sample Audience:
People who listen to the band and like the songs that they are likely to be playing. It is also important that they have some sort of relationship to the band.
Media Stimulus:
As we are trying to develop our songs video, the main focus will have to be of our song. However, we want to look at several other song videos in order to get inspiration and to see if people like the shots used. It is also important to get views of other successful videos in order to create a recipe for success.
Questions:
It is important to include a variety of questions in order to get a variety of answers.
What ideas did you get from the track?
What characters would you imagine to see?
What type of artist(s) could be seen in the video?
Do you see this as a performance based video?
Where do you see this being shot?
What type of images would you expect to see?
Can you define genre
what are your expectations of this particular?
Friday 14 November 2008
Dominant Ideologies - John Bone
Are music videos a site for challenging dominant ideologies on ethnicity and gender, or do they simply reingorce simplistic stereotypes.
Ethnicity;
Kanye West - Stronger
This video challenges the stereotypes because the audience do not see lots of money, flash cars and en expensive lifestyle. Instead the video focuses on more of a futuristic theme. The video is more performanced based with a huge amount of screen time for Kanye.
T.I. - Whatever You Like
The main star, T.I. is focused on intently throughout the video. This video reinforces the typical stereotype becasue of the use of money. Throughout the song, the women is given whatever she wants, you see large sums of money, jewerly, expensive cars, private jets, expensive clothes, a millionaires life style. The women shown in the video all want to be with the main star, they enjoy and want the lifestyle. This is the typical stereotype for american black rappers, they have the money, the girls and the lifestyle.
Representation of gender;
Britney Spears - Womanizer
This video both challenges and reinforces the typical stereotype of gender, Britney is seen playing the dominant roll in the video, which challenges the stereotypes. However what reinforces the stereotype is how she dominates the video. It seems the only way she can gain dominace is sexually, commoditising herself to the audience. The clothes she wears are (tight skirt and revealing top) gets the audiences attention, but not for her music, rather her body. Alot of the video is shot wear she is completely naked in a sauna, which reinforces dominance through sexuality.
Ethnicity;
Kanye West - Stronger
This video challenges the stereotypes because the audience do not see lots of money, flash cars and en expensive lifestyle. Instead the video focuses on more of a futuristic theme. The video is more performanced based with a huge amount of screen time for Kanye.
T.I. - Whatever You Like
The main star, T.I. is focused on intently throughout the video. This video reinforces the typical stereotype becasue of the use of money. Throughout the song, the women is given whatever she wants, you see large sums of money, jewerly, expensive cars, private jets, expensive clothes, a millionaires life style. The women shown in the video all want to be with the main star, they enjoy and want the lifestyle. This is the typical stereotype for american black rappers, they have the money, the girls and the lifestyle.
Representation of gender;
Britney Spears - Womanizer
This video both challenges and reinforces the typical stereotype of gender, Britney is seen playing the dominant roll in the video, which challenges the stereotypes. However what reinforces the stereotype is how she dominates the video. It seems the only way she can gain dominace is sexually, commoditising herself to the audience. The clothes she wears are (tight skirt and revealing top) gets the audiences attention, but not for her music, rather her body. Alot of the video is shot wear she is completely naked in a sauna, which reinforces dominance through sexuality.
Dominant Ideologies - Ben Gilchrist
Are music video a site for challenging dominant ideologies on ethnicity and gender, or do they simply reinforce simplistic stereotypes?
Ethnicity:
Videos that are based around African American artists are stereotypically viewed to include lots of "groupies" and friends dancing whilst they can be seen to be the main star, dressed in a lot of baggy expensive looking clothes with chains/medallions to show importance. To reinforce and challenge this i have looked at the videos below.
T-Pain-Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hvEsCUj0xQ
This video is very much based on the main star, T-Pain dancing and signing whilst wearing a lot of expensive baggy looking clothing whilst his friends respect hi, and make sure he has a good time. Also, as we expect, we see him in a club/bar scene where it is dark. This is usually where videos of this type are set. This simply reinforces the simplistic stereotypes.
Bloc Party-Flux
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsIMTwVaGyw
This video challenges the ideologies that we currently see surrounding this type of music. As the music is a different type, the video changes with it. It can be seen to move in time with the music still, but instead of including a night club setting, it can be seen in a city using surreal creatures. This shows the power that the type of song has and not the artist who is involved in creating it.
Representation of Gender:
Jessica Simpson-These Boots are made for Walking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReXt4l9r2pA
As this song was released in time with the film, jessica Simpson is sticking to the character that she was in the film. This may have some sort of impact on the way that she is seen in the video. Soft Porn conventions can definitely be depicted from the first time she is seen to the end. This includes dismemberment and can be seen when she takes control of the males. She is seen to have power over the men when she can be seen starting the fight. Performance is used to create the feeling that she is still representing her character from the film in the video. As we expect to see in a video of this type, a dance routine is the main scene. This is clearly reinforcing the simplistic stereotypes.
The Gossip-Standing in the way of Control:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFExJzaO1c
This challenges the usual stereotypes and focuses on a surreal performance which still however focuses on the female lead. However, no dismemberment is used. The only way that she can be seen to have power over the male characters is because she is seen at the front and seems to have the most important role in the band.
Overall, we can see that music videos are based around the songs and not the type of people that are singing them.
Ethnicity:
Videos that are based around African American artists are stereotypically viewed to include lots of "groupies" and friends dancing whilst they can be seen to be the main star, dressed in a lot of baggy expensive looking clothes with chains/medallions to show importance. To reinforce and challenge this i have looked at the videos below.
T-Pain-Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hvEsCUj0xQ
This video is very much based on the main star, T-Pain dancing and signing whilst wearing a lot of expensive baggy looking clothing whilst his friends respect hi, and make sure he has a good time. Also, as we expect, we see him in a club/bar scene where it is dark. This is usually where videos of this type are set. This simply reinforces the simplistic stereotypes.
Bloc Party-Flux
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsIMTwVaGyw
This video challenges the ideologies that we currently see surrounding this type of music. As the music is a different type, the video changes with it. It can be seen to move in time with the music still, but instead of including a night club setting, it can be seen in a city using surreal creatures. This shows the power that the type of song has and not the artist who is involved in creating it.
Representation of Gender:
Jessica Simpson-These Boots are made for Walking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReXt4l9r2pA
As this song was released in time with the film, jessica Simpson is sticking to the character that she was in the film. This may have some sort of impact on the way that she is seen in the video. Soft Porn conventions can definitely be depicted from the first time she is seen to the end. This includes dismemberment and can be seen when she takes control of the males. She is seen to have power over the men when she can be seen starting the fight. Performance is used to create the feeling that she is still representing her character from the film in the video. As we expect to see in a video of this type, a dance routine is the main scene. This is clearly reinforcing the simplistic stereotypes.
The Gossip-Standing in the way of Control:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFExJzaO1c
This challenges the usual stereotypes and focuses on a surreal performance which still however focuses on the female lead. However, no dismemberment is used. The only way that she can be seen to have power over the male characters is because she is seen at the front and seems to have the most important role in the band.
Overall, we can see that music videos are based around the songs and not the type of people that are singing them.
Goodwin Analysis
The Script – Talk You Down
Genre Characteristics
The script, who formed in 2001 are an alternative rock / pop rock band. Their videos involve both narrative and performance based concepts, which fits into the alternative rock genre. For our video of ‘Talk You Down’ we will involve both of these techniques in order to fit with the genre characteristics. Using the lyrics we will create a narrative, but throughout the video we will show the band performing the song.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals
There will be a major relationship between the lyrics and visuals in our video. The lyrics in ‘Talk You Down’ are very descriptive and story telling-like, so it will be quite simple to link the lyrics to the visuals. This is also keeping in line with previous videos released by The Script, such as ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ released in 2008 which also has a major link with the lyrics to what you see.
Relationship between music and visuals
The relationship between music and visuals will also be very noticeable. With the help of the band performing it will be clear to the audience that there is a link. We can also use the camera movement and techniques to help create the relationship. By the camera moving or cutting in time with the beat, it is clear to the audience that there is a relationship. Close-ups of the lead singer singing the song in time and the band members playing their instruments in time will also help strengthen the link.
Demands of record label, visual style and motifs
The demands of the record label will also be seen in our video, such demands as close-ups of the lead singer and band members playing their instruments. More screen time would be given to the lead singer, as they are most recognisable to the band. However it is just as important to have clear close-ups of the band members playing their instruments as they are also very important in recognising to the band.
Band Representation video based
The band representation in our video will be very consistent with that of other alternative rock band videos. The most obvious videos to keep consistent with would be other Script videos. Throughout their videos there is no comedy involved, they are all serious performances. In our video we will keep to this concept, by using some performance based techniques to keep inline with the genre characteristics.
Analysis in terms of media language;
Mise-en-scene
The performance based part will be shot in one area. This will be used as the base of the video, throughout the song the camera will keep coming back to the performance (as if the band have been performing the song live from that same position). The narrative side to the video will be shot in number of different places. We will use places that are described in the video such as ‘alley ways’, ‘London’ and ‘tiny ledge’. Wherever the narrative needs to be shot.
Lighting
This will mainly be the natural light as the whole video will be shot outside. The performance will be during the day, so we can use the natural sunlight. Most of the narrative will be performed during the day light, however to keep a link between the lyrics and visuals some will have to be shot at night. Whenever this occurs we will film where the is good street lighting.
Camera Techniques
There will be lots of different techniques used in this video. A large number of close-ups and also long shots. The use of high and low angle shots will become very important when we are shooting the scene where the actor is standing on the top of a tiny ledge. We will also involve zooms, mainly on the performance part of the video, both zooming in and out of the band.
Genre Characteristics
The script, who formed in 2001 are an alternative rock / pop rock band. Their videos involve both narrative and performance based concepts, which fits into the alternative rock genre. For our video of ‘Talk You Down’ we will involve both of these techniques in order to fit with the genre characteristics. Using the lyrics we will create a narrative, but throughout the video we will show the band performing the song.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals
There will be a major relationship between the lyrics and visuals in our video. The lyrics in ‘Talk You Down’ are very descriptive and story telling-like, so it will be quite simple to link the lyrics to the visuals. This is also keeping in line with previous videos released by The Script, such as ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ released in 2008 which also has a major link with the lyrics to what you see.
Relationship between music and visuals
The relationship between music and visuals will also be very noticeable. With the help of the band performing it will be clear to the audience that there is a link. We can also use the camera movement and techniques to help create the relationship. By the camera moving or cutting in time with the beat, it is clear to the audience that there is a relationship. Close-ups of the lead singer singing the song in time and the band members playing their instruments in time will also help strengthen the link.
Demands of record label, visual style and motifs
The demands of the record label will also be seen in our video, such demands as close-ups of the lead singer and band members playing their instruments. More screen time would be given to the lead singer, as they are most recognisable to the band. However it is just as important to have clear close-ups of the band members playing their instruments as they are also very important in recognising to the band.
Band Representation video based
The band representation in our video will be very consistent with that of other alternative rock band videos. The most obvious videos to keep consistent with would be other Script videos. Throughout their videos there is no comedy involved, they are all serious performances. In our video we will keep to this concept, by using some performance based techniques to keep inline with the genre characteristics.
Analysis in terms of media language;
Mise-en-scene
The performance based part will be shot in one area. This will be used as the base of the video, throughout the song the camera will keep coming back to the performance (as if the band have been performing the song live from that same position). The narrative side to the video will be shot in number of different places. We will use places that are described in the video such as ‘alley ways’, ‘London’ and ‘tiny ledge’. Wherever the narrative needs to be shot.
Lighting
This will mainly be the natural light as the whole video will be shot outside. The performance will be during the day, so we can use the natural sunlight. Most of the narrative will be performed during the day light, however to keep a link between the lyrics and visuals some will have to be shot at night. Whenever this occurs we will film where the is good street lighting.
Camera Techniques
There will be lots of different techniques used in this video. A large number of close-ups and also long shots. The use of high and low angle shots will become very important when we are shooting the scene where the actor is standing on the top of a tiny ledge. We will also involve zooms, mainly on the performance part of the video, both zooming in and out of the band.
Monday 3 November 2008
Music Video Analysis 2.0- Ben Gilchrist
Kanye West - Touch the Sky (Chris Milk)
Genre characteristics: Kanye West is a renowned rap artist and producer. This song is very similar to others produced by him due to it using a second hand style but "funked up." The video doesn't seem to link to the video and instead sees him and Pamela Anderson as "film stars" starring in a film with the name of the song as the intertwining title. This can easily be spotted by the use of film like conventions, for example, the actor names, and credits given at the beginning. It is also obviously set in a western theme. This can be seen in the mise-en-scene and the way they talk about President Nixon as the current president. The cut to the version of the old song also creates inter textuality.
Relationship between visuals and lyrics: It is possible to tell that there is a relationship between the two. In some shots, Kanye West can be seen singing in time with the song. This, for a rap artist, is pretty much as close to a performance video you're likely to get. However, in the other shots of him and the other "characters" you can see a relationship. Examples include when he raps "the door is closed" as the car door is shut, and when he sings "this must be heaven" and the shot pans into mysterious smoke.
Relationship between visuals and music
Its obvious that these two are linked in the video due to the cutting and editing techniques. For example, in the kiss scene, the music slows down and becomes a bit more concerning. It also stops at one phase when he is talking to another character. His death at the end finally tells us that the "other Kanye" that we have been seeing is actually dead and in heaven. This is explained to us through watching the other clips.
Visual Motifs and Styles: Because Kanye West was not as famous at the time of this release, there was still need for him to tell people who he was, as can be seen at the beginning with the credits. It also lets you know that a star has been used through confirming that the tall blonde is infact Pamela Anderson, and when Lupe Fiasco is introduced into the song, he is also given a introduction scene. Lots of zooms of Kanyes west are included to let us become accustomed to him. Aspects of video such as these are what has made him the global superstar that he is today.
Intertextual references: in the video, Kanye is asked by a journalist if he is concerned about the comments that he made about President Nixon due to the timing that the video is set. However, it is well known that Kanye West on stage once at a charity performance, stopped singing to tell the audience, and people watching on TV how he felt about George Bush's treatment to black people. This could be seen as a slight pun. Also the cut to the old version of this song is included to confirm to viewers that it is infact a different song.
Representation of the Band/Artist: Kanye West in this video is seen as a bit of a ladies man and also a daredevil. They show this by telling a story through the video. In this time he is seen with "his" girl and talking to an ex girlfriend. He is then seen to be shot out on a rocket and is then killed. I believe that this can also relate inter textually as he felt that his album at the time would become a hit-or-miss. He took a chance, as he did in the video, and it worked.
Media Language
Mise-en-scene - It is set probably in the Starsky and Hutch era (70s i think! this is because the song that the baseline is taken form is from this era.), in the middle of the dessert. This is shown in the establishing crane shot. This is confirmed throught the clothing that they are wearng.
Camera Techniques - A lot of close ups are used to help us to relate to the star. Also zooms are used to create emphasis on certain parts of long shots. The low shots make him look bigger, and although we dont know it at the beginning are actually used to indicate the fact that he is in heaven. Lots of pan shots are used to show us what he is seeing.
Special Effects – The only SFX used were when he was seen flying. It was used to ensure his safety as the star. Although they are not very good SFX, i believe that this was for a reason as it was a playful twist on a serious story.
Genre characteristics: Kanye West is a renowned rap artist and producer. This song is very similar to others produced by him due to it using a second hand style but "funked up." The video doesn't seem to link to the video and instead sees him and Pamela Anderson as "film stars" starring in a film with the name of the song as the intertwining title. This can easily be spotted by the use of film like conventions, for example, the actor names, and credits given at the beginning. It is also obviously set in a western theme. This can be seen in the mise-en-scene and the way they talk about President Nixon as the current president. The cut to the version of the old song also creates inter textuality.
Relationship between visuals and lyrics: It is possible to tell that there is a relationship between the two. In some shots, Kanye West can be seen singing in time with the song. This, for a rap artist, is pretty much as close to a performance video you're likely to get. However, in the other shots of him and the other "characters" you can see a relationship. Examples include when he raps "the door is closed" as the car door is shut, and when he sings "this must be heaven" and the shot pans into mysterious smoke.
Relationship between visuals and music
Its obvious that these two are linked in the video due to the cutting and editing techniques. For example, in the kiss scene, the music slows down and becomes a bit more concerning. It also stops at one phase when he is talking to another character. His death at the end finally tells us that the "other Kanye" that we have been seeing is actually dead and in heaven. This is explained to us through watching the other clips.
Visual Motifs and Styles: Because Kanye West was not as famous at the time of this release, there was still need for him to tell people who he was, as can be seen at the beginning with the credits. It also lets you know that a star has been used through confirming that the tall blonde is infact Pamela Anderson, and when Lupe Fiasco is introduced into the song, he is also given a introduction scene. Lots of zooms of Kanyes west are included to let us become accustomed to him. Aspects of video such as these are what has made him the global superstar that he is today.
Intertextual references: in the video, Kanye is asked by a journalist if he is concerned about the comments that he made about President Nixon due to the timing that the video is set. However, it is well known that Kanye West on stage once at a charity performance, stopped singing to tell the audience, and people watching on TV how he felt about George Bush's treatment to black people. This could be seen as a slight pun. Also the cut to the old version of this song is included to confirm to viewers that it is infact a different song.
Representation of the Band/Artist: Kanye West in this video is seen as a bit of a ladies man and also a daredevil. They show this by telling a story through the video. In this time he is seen with "his" girl and talking to an ex girlfriend. He is then seen to be shot out on a rocket and is then killed. I believe that this can also relate inter textually as he felt that his album at the time would become a hit-or-miss. He took a chance, as he did in the video, and it worked.
Media Language
Mise-en-scene - It is set probably in the Starsky and Hutch era (70s i think! this is because the song that the baseline is taken form is from this era.), in the middle of the dessert. This is shown in the establishing crane shot. This is confirmed throught the clothing that they are wearng.
Camera Techniques - A lot of close ups are used to help us to relate to the star. Also zooms are used to create emphasis on certain parts of long shots. The low shots make him look bigger, and although we dont know it at the beginning are actually used to indicate the fact that he is in heaven. Lots of pan shots are used to show us what he is seeing.
Special Effects – The only SFX used were when he was seen flying. It was used to ensure his safety as the star. Although they are not very good SFX, i believe that this was for a reason as it was a playful twist on a serious story.
Music Video Analysis 2.0 - Matt Rice-Tucker
Tenacious D - Wonderboy
Genre characteristics
Tenacious D are known as a rock band, this song is one of their typical rock songs, the video however is a narrative video following a story. It is made out as a film sequence, with the use of certain techniques i.e. the use of credits at the start.
Relationship between visuals and lyrics
The audience can tell that there is a clear link between the visuals and lyrics, due to the fact that the video is based on the song and its lyrics. When listening to the lyrics we are able to take them and quite easily relate them to the the video. This would mean that the songs lyrics was written as a story, and when listening to the song you can tell how it could be seen as a story.
Relationship between visuals and music
Again like the link between the visuals and lyrics there is clear evidence that the visuals and music is linked. All the camera movements and different types of editing used in the music video fit in with the music. This applies to the disolves and fades used between scenes. We also see in the video the band members Jack Black and Kyle Gass, singing so we can again link the visuals and music.
Visual Motifs and Styles
As there are only 2 members to the band, and they are both well known. We see a reasonable amount of close-ups on their faces. However, the video mainly focuses on Jack Black as the lead singer, and also the lead 'actor/character' in the music video. Throughout the video we see a number of close-ups of them, both in and out of focus, but possibly due to their record label they need to be seen and noticed by the audience.
Intertextual references
I can't be 100% certain that this music video has taken it's scene and ideas from a particular movie or another music video. However the video is set in a much early era than ours, they seemed to have used the ice age. Trying to relate the characters to 'cave men' or something similar, giving them certain status when relating it to the lyrics and music. Also apart from Jack and Kyle there are no other actors or members present in the production, so we as the audience can only focus on those two and no one else.
Representation of the Band
Depending on whether the audience has previously seen Tenacious D and their videos would make a huge difference on how they viewed the band. However due to most people knowing them the video would be classed as more comedic than serious, this carrying on their already slighty comedic take both music videos and their style of music.
Media Language
Mise-en-scene - In the video we see lots of ancient clothing, from the ice age. We also see sets in the mountains and in the snow, showing the ice age era. They include different objects which could be classed as weapons, i.e spears etc...
Camera Techniques -
Special Effects –
Genre characteristics
Tenacious D are known as a rock band, this song is one of their typical rock songs, the video however is a narrative video following a story. It is made out as a film sequence, with the use of certain techniques i.e. the use of credits at the start.
Relationship between visuals and lyrics
The audience can tell that there is a clear link between the visuals and lyrics, due to the fact that the video is based on the song and its lyrics. When listening to the lyrics we are able to take them and quite easily relate them to the the video. This would mean that the songs lyrics was written as a story, and when listening to the song you can tell how it could be seen as a story.
Relationship between visuals and music
Again like the link between the visuals and lyrics there is clear evidence that the visuals and music is linked. All the camera movements and different types of editing used in the music video fit in with the music. This applies to the disolves and fades used between scenes. We also see in the video the band members Jack Black and Kyle Gass, singing so we can again link the visuals and music.
Visual Motifs and Styles
As there are only 2 members to the band, and they are both well known. We see a reasonable amount of close-ups on their faces. However, the video mainly focuses on Jack Black as the lead singer, and also the lead 'actor/character' in the music video. Throughout the video we see a number of close-ups of them, both in and out of focus, but possibly due to their record label they need to be seen and noticed by the audience.
Intertextual references
I can't be 100% certain that this music video has taken it's scene and ideas from a particular movie or another music video. However the video is set in a much early era than ours, they seemed to have used the ice age. Trying to relate the characters to 'cave men' or something similar, giving them certain status when relating it to the lyrics and music. Also apart from Jack and Kyle there are no other actors or members present in the production, so we as the audience can only focus on those two and no one else.
Representation of the Band
Depending on whether the audience has previously seen Tenacious D and their videos would make a huge difference on how they viewed the band. However due to most people knowing them the video would be classed as more comedic than serious, this carrying on their already slighty comedic take both music videos and their style of music.
Media Language
Mise-en-scene - In the video we see lots of ancient clothing, from the ice age. We also see sets in the mountains and in the snow, showing the ice age era. They include different objects which could be classed as weapons, i.e spears etc...
Camera Techniques -
Special Effects –
Music Video Analysis 2.0 - John Bone
Feeder - Feeling The Moment
Genre characteristics:
Feeder, formed in 1992, are an alternative rock band. This video ‘Feeling the moment’ is mainly a performance based video. There is no narrative to the video; it is quite random, which fits the alternative rock genre. The use of the white background is quite random and bizarre which are both characteristics of this genre.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals:
There is not a major relationship between the lyrics and visuals, as the video is mainly performance based. There is no narrative to the video, the only shots of the video when it is not performance based, is when the lead singer is walking down the street, which has no relationship with the lyrics.
Relationship between music and visuals:
It is made clear to the audience immediately that there is a link between the music and visuals. This is helped by the fact that this is a predominantly performance based video. From the very beginning of the video, the audience are shown the band performing (without the lead singer), this give the director time to focus and use close-ups to focus on the band playing their instruments. Due to these close-ups, it is clear that the visuals are in time to the music, making it seem that they are playing the music. The camera then focuses on the lead singer, Grant Nicholas, where you can see him singing as well as playing the guitar in time to the music.
Demands of record label, visual style and motifs:
Throughout the video you see all four band members. You see both close-ups and long-shots; the close-ups would be a definite requirement of the record company in order to sell their star status. There are a large number of close-ups of Grant Nicholas and a huge amount of screen time is devoted to him. Close ups of the band playing their instruments are also important for the record label as this is a key element to selling the band.
Band Representation video based:
The band is represented as a serious alternative rock band. Their video is professional with no comedy involved. As their video is predominately performance based, it would appear to the audience that they are and excellent performing band, and may wish to go and see them live. The band (using the performance based technique) show that they have taken alternative rock back to where it started, using the recipe of success. Not using any narrative or story telling, just simply a band performing their song to the cameras.
Analysis in terms of media language:
Mise-en-scene:
The video is shot in two separate areas. The performance based section of the video is set in a car park surrounded by run down building that are bordered up. The building walls are covered in graffiti, which adds to the genre characteristics. The rest of the video (mainly the chorus) is set in a high street with the lead singer walking along the pavement. The buildings are not bordered up, however they do look very run down and bleak which adds to the genre effects.
Lighting:
The video is filmed outside, so it is all natural light. However, the light is sometimes replaced by the background being a wash of white. So the light is at some points irrelevant.
Camera Techniques:
There are lots of different camera techniques used in this video, of course the most common, such as the close-ups of the band members which is vital in any music video. There are three main different techniques used during the video. These three are used at different times during the video; lots of fast cuts, camera always moving and the camera still. The fast cuts are used when the music is at its fastest tempo, when the song really gets going. The shots cut to the beat of the song. Mixed with this technique is when the camera is always moving, if the cutting speed slows down on a high tempo part of the song, then the camera will continuously move. Whether it is the camera zooming in or out or from high angles to low, the camera would never be still. When the camera does move, it will move in time to the music, maybe on a major beat, the cameras will zoom in on the band. The camera is always focused on the band. The last technique is not a very common technique in alternative rock videos, it is when the camera is completely still for a relatively long amount of time. In this video this is used occasionally in the chorus, when the tempo of the song slows and it becomes much calmer. The camera stays still, and the lead singer walks down the street moving through the camera shot. The speed of the shot is also slowed down, so it appears that the lead singer is walking in slow motion.
Special Effects:
Throughout the video, the background is submersed in a white (paint like) effect. Covering walls in patters and moving in time to the lead singer’s movements. At the start of the video, the lead singer (who plays the main role in the video) is put in rewind, so the audience see him walking backwards, whilst the public walking around him are in normal time. Under-cranking is used when the camera is focused on the lead singer, as he walks down the effect. This fits with the sound of the music, because it is at a time when the song slows down and is not so loud.
Genre characteristics:
Feeder, formed in 1992, are an alternative rock band. This video ‘Feeling the moment’ is mainly a performance based video. There is no narrative to the video; it is quite random, which fits the alternative rock genre. The use of the white background is quite random and bizarre which are both characteristics of this genre.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals:
There is not a major relationship between the lyrics and visuals, as the video is mainly performance based. There is no narrative to the video, the only shots of the video when it is not performance based, is when the lead singer is walking down the street, which has no relationship with the lyrics.
Relationship between music and visuals:
It is made clear to the audience immediately that there is a link between the music and visuals. This is helped by the fact that this is a predominantly performance based video. From the very beginning of the video, the audience are shown the band performing (without the lead singer), this give the director time to focus and use close-ups to focus on the band playing their instruments. Due to these close-ups, it is clear that the visuals are in time to the music, making it seem that they are playing the music. The camera then focuses on the lead singer, Grant Nicholas, where you can see him singing as well as playing the guitar in time to the music.
Demands of record label, visual style and motifs:
Throughout the video you see all four band members. You see both close-ups and long-shots; the close-ups would be a definite requirement of the record company in order to sell their star status. There are a large number of close-ups of Grant Nicholas and a huge amount of screen time is devoted to him. Close ups of the band playing their instruments are also important for the record label as this is a key element to selling the band.
Band Representation video based:
The band is represented as a serious alternative rock band. Their video is professional with no comedy involved. As their video is predominately performance based, it would appear to the audience that they are and excellent performing band, and may wish to go and see them live. The band (using the performance based technique) show that they have taken alternative rock back to where it started, using the recipe of success. Not using any narrative or story telling, just simply a band performing their song to the cameras.
Analysis in terms of media language:
Mise-en-scene:
The video is shot in two separate areas. The performance based section of the video is set in a car park surrounded by run down building that are bordered up. The building walls are covered in graffiti, which adds to the genre characteristics. The rest of the video (mainly the chorus) is set in a high street with the lead singer walking along the pavement. The buildings are not bordered up, however they do look very run down and bleak which adds to the genre effects.
Lighting:
The video is filmed outside, so it is all natural light. However, the light is sometimes replaced by the background being a wash of white. So the light is at some points irrelevant.
Camera Techniques:
There are lots of different camera techniques used in this video, of course the most common, such as the close-ups of the band members which is vital in any music video. There are three main different techniques used during the video. These three are used at different times during the video; lots of fast cuts, camera always moving and the camera still. The fast cuts are used when the music is at its fastest tempo, when the song really gets going. The shots cut to the beat of the song. Mixed with this technique is when the camera is always moving, if the cutting speed slows down on a high tempo part of the song, then the camera will continuously move. Whether it is the camera zooming in or out or from high angles to low, the camera would never be still. When the camera does move, it will move in time to the music, maybe on a major beat, the cameras will zoom in on the band. The camera is always focused on the band. The last technique is not a very common technique in alternative rock videos, it is when the camera is completely still for a relatively long amount of time. In this video this is used occasionally in the chorus, when the tempo of the song slows and it becomes much calmer. The camera stays still, and the lead singer walks down the street moving through the camera shot. The speed of the shot is also slowed down, so it appears that the lead singer is walking in slow motion.
Special Effects:
Throughout the video, the background is submersed in a white (paint like) effect. Covering walls in patters and moving in time to the lead singer’s movements. At the start of the video, the lead singer (who plays the main role in the video) is put in rewind, so the audience see him walking backwards, whilst the public walking around him are in normal time. Under-cranking is used when the camera is focused on the lead singer, as he walks down the effect. This fits with the sound of the music, because it is at a time when the song slows down and is not so loud.
Chris Milk Research - Ben Gilchrist
Chris Milk is an American music video director. He has directed videos for Kanye West, U2, Green Day and Gnarls Barkley. He also has numerous TV commercials to his credit. Milk is signed to @radical/music in the United States. In 2008, he was awarded the Music Video Production Association Award for the Music Director of the Year.
A selection of his music videos include Gnarls Barkley - "Who's Gonna Save My Soul", Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco - "Touch the Sky", Gnarls Barkley - "Gone Daddy Gone" , U2 & Green Day - "The Saints Are Coming", Natasha Bedingfield - "These Words", Kanye West feat. Syleena Johnson - "All Falls Down", Kanye West - "Jesus Walks" (Version 2 - Chain Gang/KKK Burning Cross), The Chemical Brothers feat. The Flaming Lips - "The Golden Path", and his Television commercials include Nike "Monument", "Practice", "Grundy", "Leaving", "Passion", "Nicknames"
Spike Jonze Research - Matt Rice-Tucker
Spike Jonze (born Adam Spiegel October 22, 1969) is an American director of music videos and commercials, and an Academy Award-nominated director and producer in film and television, most notably the 1999 film Being John Malkovich and the 2002 film Adaptation., both written by Charlie Kaufman. He is also credited as a co-creator of MTV's Jackass.
Below is a few of the films that he has directed:
Below is a few of the films that he has directed:
- Being John Malkovich (1999)
- Jackass: The Movie (producer, featured) (2002)
- Jackass: Number Two (producer, featured) (2006)
- He was also the creator and executive producer of the Jackass television series.
Below is a list of a few Music Videos that he has directed/produced:
- "Weapon of Choice" by Fatboy Slim (2000)
- "Da Funk" by Daft Punk (1997)
- "Electrolite" by R.E.M. (1997)
- "Wonderboy" by Tenacious D (2000)
- "Island in the Sun" (Version 2) by Weezer (2002)
- "It's in Our Hands" by Björk (2002)
- "Big Brat" by Phantom Planet (2003)
- "Get Back" by Ludacris (2004)
Jonas Odell Research - John Bone
Jonas Odell is a Swedish music video and film director and founder of Film Tecknarna who was born in Stockholm in 1962. He has directed a number of short films, music videos and commercials. His short film "Never like the first time!" was awarded the golden bear for best short film in the Berlin film festival 2006. Odell specializes in a mix of animation and live action.
Examples of videos that Odell has directed;
"Strict Machine" (2003) video for Goldfrapp
"Take Me Out" (2004) video for Franz Ferdinand
"Feeling A Moment" (2005) video for Fedder
"Shot You Down" (2005) video for Audiobully's
"Ali in the Jungle" (2007) video for The Hours
"Window in the Skies" video for U2
Films directed by Odell
"Exit" (1990) codirected with Stig Bergkvist, Marti Ekstrand & Lars Olsson
"Revolver"(1993) codirected with Stig Bergkvist, Marti Ekstrand & Lars Olsson
"Body Parts"(1994)
"Family & Friends" (2002)
"Never Like The First Time!" (2006)
Examples of videos that Odell has directed;
"Strict Machine" (2003) video for Goldfrapp
"Take Me Out" (2004) video for Franz Ferdinand
"Feeling A Moment" (2005) video for Fedder
"Shot You Down" (2005) video for Audiobully's
"Ali in the Jungle" (2007) video for The Hours
"Window in the Skies" video for U2
Films directed by Odell
"Exit" (1990) codirected with Stig Bergkvist, Marti Ekstrand & Lars Olsson
"Revolver"(1993) codirected with Stig Bergkvist, Marti Ekstrand & Lars Olsson
"Body Parts"(1994)
"Family & Friends" (2002)
"Never Like The First Time!" (2006)
Music Video Research - Ben Gilchrist
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (Chris Milk)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9GR9kdZ3o
Good use of editing. Performance whilst showing a surreal setting. Lots of editing and CGI needed. Interesting use of zoom.
Kanye West - Touch the Sky (Chris Milk)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-uPIgw4SeKY
Creates the feeling that the video is actually a film. Uses a lot of varying shots . Interesting use of editing. Lots of handicam used.
Feeder - Feeling the Moment (Jonas Odell)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjgQLEZ6vjY
Interesting use of backward/forward motion at the same time. Includes a band performance and a lot of CGI.
The Stills - In the beginning (Adam Levite)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BfDxd8wBkw
Effective use of pans. Simple performance video but effective to emphasise parts of the song.
Gnarls Barkley - Gone Daddy Gone (Chris Milk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0HSp3U5XYw
Surreal. Provides a feel of escapism. Makes you feel like your somehwere completely different (on a dogs back) Could create an interesting effect if we could mimic the video without using CGI but instead using a greenscreen and putting two different shots together. (1.36-1.38) Goes quieter n background shot
Fatboy Slim - Weapon Choice (Spike Jonze)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMZwZiU0kKs
Use of "star"; not anything to do with the artist. Really random video, nothing to do with the song or artist. Just focuses on a dancing/flying man. Concept Video
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9GR9kdZ3o
Good use of editing. Performance whilst showing a surreal setting. Lots of editing and CGI needed. Interesting use of zoom.
Kanye West - Touch the Sky (Chris Milk)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-uPIgw4SeKY
Creates the feeling that the video is actually a film. Uses a lot of varying shots . Interesting use of editing. Lots of handicam used.
Feeder - Feeling the Moment (Jonas Odell)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjgQLEZ6vjY
Interesting use of backward/forward motion at the same time. Includes a band performance and a lot of CGI.
The Stills - In the beginning (Adam Levite)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BfDxd8wBkw
Effective use of pans. Simple performance video but effective to emphasise parts of the song.
Gnarls Barkley - Gone Daddy Gone (Chris Milk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0HSp3U5XYw
Surreal. Provides a feel of escapism. Makes you feel like your somehwere completely different (on a dogs back) Could create an interesting effect if we could mimic the video without using CGI but instead using a greenscreen and putting two different shots together. (1.36-1.38) Goes quieter n background shot
Fatboy Slim - Weapon Choice (Spike Jonze)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMZwZiU0kKs
Use of "star"; not anything to do with the artist. Really random video, nothing to do with the song or artist. Just focuses on a dancing/flying man. Concept Video
Music Video Research - Matt Rice-Tucker
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (Chris Milk)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9GR9kdZ3o
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lF314IuIs-w
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bBI4T3uoKUw
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WgCvnGc5Twk&feature=related
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9GR9kdZ3o
- Perormance based, shown on a surreal background
- Use of CGI
- Interesting zooms and pans
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lF314IuIs-w
- Use of moving/rotating floors
- Mostly long shots of one particualr room and Jamiroquai
- Basic camera shots used, one or two close-ups
- Random concepts used, no relation to lyrics
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bBI4T3uoKUw
- Comes across as a short film
- Plenty of close-ups
- Use of fades and dissolves from one scene into another
- Cuts become quicker as song pace increases.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WgCvnGc5Twk&feature=related
- Concept/disjuncture video, has no relation to the song or lyrics
- Mostly pans and whip pans, following him around the house, not cutting scene to scene
- Long shots, few close-ups and zooms
Music Video Research - John Bone
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9GR9kdZ3o
Lots of special effects. Using drawings and images in the background. Close up of band playing instruments. Concept video, visuals have no similarties to music. Lyrics and music are matched though. Music cuts to the beat.
Feeling the Moment - Feeder
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MjgQLEZ6vjY
Use of over and under cranking. Close up of band members. Long shots of band. Zooming in and out. Special effects, white background to street. Public disapear when walking into the white. Use of white lines during chorus surrounding the band. Black/white contrast. Lyrics fit with music. Visuals not so much with music. Use of floating leaves to add effect. Chorus is performance based, but the rest of the song is narrative based.
Just the Way I'm Feeling - Feeder
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xtuctFPHbhQ
Lots of close-up shots of band. Some performance based elements in the video. Use of colours with special effects, blue and reds. Lyrics fit with music. Close up shots of band members and instruments. Video cuts to beat of music.
The Saints Are Coming - U2 & Green Day
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vzkzSX64RdI
Performance based, close ups of band members. Uses TV screen within the video, showing pictures from the news. Video cuts to the beat of the music. Video cuts between performance and narrative, images from the news on the topic their singing about.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x_9GR9kdZ3o
Lots of special effects. Using drawings and images in the background. Close up of band playing instruments. Concept video, visuals have no similarties to music. Lyrics and music are matched though. Music cuts to the beat.
Feeling the Moment - Feeder
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MjgQLEZ6vjY
Use of over and under cranking. Close up of band members. Long shots of band. Zooming in and out. Special effects, white background to street. Public disapear when walking into the white. Use of white lines during chorus surrounding the band. Black/white contrast. Lyrics fit with music. Visuals not so much with music. Use of floating leaves to add effect. Chorus is performance based, but the rest of the song is narrative based.
Just the Way I'm Feeling - Feeder
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xtuctFPHbhQ
Lots of close-up shots of band. Some performance based elements in the video. Use of colours with special effects, blue and reds. Lyrics fit with music. Close up shots of band members and instruments. Video cuts to beat of music.
The Saints Are Coming - U2 & Green Day
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vzkzSX64RdI
Performance based, close ups of band members. Uses TV screen within the video, showing pictures from the news. Video cuts to the beat of the music. Video cuts between performance and narrative, images from the news on the topic their singing about.
Music Video Analysis - Ben Gilchrist
The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now (Uncredited)
Genre characteristics: The music video is mostly based on performance. However the way that it is based on performance is different to most videos i have seen before. Although it is the actual band performing live at a usual type of place that a band of this class would perform, they are not lip syncing and are probably not even playing this song at the time. Instead focus is pushed onto the "main characters" of the band through close ups, and then panned onto the audience.
Relationship between visuals and lyrics: The audience can tell straight away from watching the video that there is no relationship at all with the song and the video. The lyrics also have no input on the focus of it. The Libertines change their focus onto the performance and the fans especially. The video may be classed as disjunctive; however it does not involve random scenes or clips which are completely unrelated to the music. It just holds no relation to the lyrics.
Relationship between visuals and music: The fact there is no relationship can be seen through the effect made by the editing. For example, as the pace of the music picks up, the pace of the editing can also be seen to pick up pace. When the song originally starts it is quite slow, at the same time the video is of a slow pace, keeping in time. Then as the song picks up, so does the pace of the editing. This shows the audience that the song and the video, although not related are actually meant to be played at the same time.
Visual Motifs and Styles: Pete Doherty is the main focus of the videeo throughout through the use of close ups. We can also see this as he is not only up close in most of the shots, but the ones that he is not, he can still mainly be seen. Goodwin stated that this was a stereotypical "art" that could be seen in a conventional rock/indie video. From this, we can see a specific visual style, with lots of camera techniques which show off his face and his expressions clearly to the audience. We can also see a range of close-ups focusing on the side and front of his face, so we become familiar with him as the lead singer.
Inter textual references: Due to the fact that this music video is completely performance based, the chance of inter textual references is quite slim. The only way in which this could however be connected is by looking at the actual video from a viewers perspective. If a fan of the band has seen the band live before, they would then be reminded of the time that they were there and could then re minis in their memories of the day that they had.
Representation of the Band: As well as a performance based video concentrating on the actual band, the audience can also see them use and play their instruments whilst in action. We see a number of close-ups of the guitars and drums, so we can see them display their talents at the same time.
Media Language:
Mise-en-scene - As the video is set inside of a musical venue, which is clearly shown at the start of the video when a zoom is used to show the setting. The clothes worn by the band are very casual, with the lead singer in jeans before taking his shirt off later. This gives the impression that they where not trying to come across as smart or organised, but giving a more relaxed impression. The lighting used plays a very important role, throughout most of the video the light is extremely dim, only showing off the band and their instruments. We see a number of flashes of light from the flashlights at the back of the stage, when in time with the music.
Camera Techniques - Still shots are a main part of this video and appear at lease once on every band member. This helps to establish them not only as a person, but as a member of a band. We can also see several pans, which go from one side of the stage to the other, giving the audience a full view of everyone and everything going on, on the stage.
Special Effects – Due to the main part of the video being based upon a live performance, special effects were not included in this video. However, lots of editing was used after the filming to help the video stand out without looking too basic.
Sunday 2 November 2008
Music Video Analysis - John Bone
The Script – The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
Genre characteristics
This music video fits the genre, alternative rock, by using both performance and narrative based visuals. Throughout the video we see visuals of the band performing the song as well as the video itself based on the lyrics, the ratio is about 50:50. The costumes worn by band members fit the conventions of alternative rock.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals
There is a major relationship between lyrics and visuals, the song is almost telling a story and the visuals help show and describe it. For example, at 1.30, the lead singer makes a reference about a policeman; the nest shot is of a policeman. There is also a reference to time which corresponds in both the lyrics and visuals. When the lyrics mention “I’m not moving” and “waiting for you”, the visuals move into fast forward, showing time quickly passing by. This is helped by visuals of the sun rising and setting and a close up of a watch showing the hands speeding through time. It is clear to the audience that there is a relationship between the two, which helps the audience get involved in a song, to take a fondness to it.
Relationship between music and visuals
There is a constant relation between the music and visuals; the cutting speed of the visuals is fixed to the tempo of the song. The visuals cut (when needed) on a major beat in the song. When the song reaches its climax at 3.10 where Danny O’Donoghue sings at his loudest and lyrics overlap with backing vocals, the visuals adapt to it, cutting at a faster pass showing visuals that had not yet been seen in the video. This shows an illustrative method in the relation between the music and visuals.
Demands of record label, visual style
The lead singer of ‘The Script’, Danny O’Donoghue, is completely focused on throughout the music video. He is given screen time for at least 90%-95% of the video. The longest gap where you don’t see him is less than 3 seconds. Not only is he given a huge amount of screen time, but the shots of him on the majority are of close-ups. This is likely to be because of the demands made by the record label, which is identified by Andrew Goodwin. In the close-ups of Danny, his facial expressions coincide with his feelings expressed in the lyrics. The other two band members are shown in the video, however the shots are more aimed at the instruments their playing than the band members themselves. This allows the audience to identify Danny as the lead member.
Intertextual reference
The most identifiable intertextual reference is seen at 2.46 where Danny is seen ‘Live’ on the ‘Breaking News’, still singing along to the song. He is seen twice on the news, first at 2.46 and then at 2.49, which shows a closer shot of Danny singing. There are no other intertextaul references shown in the music video.
Band Representation video based
The video is primarily narrative-based; the visuals are constantly shot between the band performing and the story based visuals. We see a variety of shots of Danny, the lead singer. Using both close-ups and long-shots, high and low angle shots as well as cameras zooming into him and 180° pans. There are also shots of the rest of the band, during the performance-based element of the video, where the audience see them playing their instruments in time to the music.
Analysis in terms of media language
Mise-en-scene; the music video is set outside, along a street and in a multi-story car park. The band performs in the car-park, and the rest is filmed along a street coinciding with the lyrics. The music video is very much centred on the song and lyrics. The video is filmed as if in real life, as Danny walks down the street, the public walk by just as you would expect. They portray that this is in real life, that he singing about a real life experience. This brings the audience closer to the band members. The costumes for all band members are casual, jeans and jacket, which helps represent the genre of the music, alternative rock.
Lighting; this does not play a vital role in this video. It is used though when the band is performing in the car park, light shines through the window affecting the image seen through the camera. This effect makes the band stand out more, as if they are something special. Light also plays a role in showing time passing by, light moving to dark and the sun rising and setting to show the passing days, as he is waiting on the corner (3.17).
Camera Techniques; there are many different techniques used during this video. The parts of the video shot when Danny is walking down the street are mainly moving shots using a handi-cam. Danny manoeuvres his body to stay front on to the camera. This includes 180 degree pan shots, seen at 2.18 where he turns a full 180 followed by the camera. The techniques include lots of close-ups, mainly of Danny, allowing the audience to recognise who he is. Zoom shots are also used, focusing on something in particular, but also showing the surrounding settings.
Genre characteristics
This music video fits the genre, alternative rock, by using both performance and narrative based visuals. Throughout the video we see visuals of the band performing the song as well as the video itself based on the lyrics, the ratio is about 50:50. The costumes worn by band members fit the conventions of alternative rock.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals
There is a major relationship between lyrics and visuals, the song is almost telling a story and the visuals help show and describe it. For example, at 1.30, the lead singer makes a reference about a policeman; the nest shot is of a policeman. There is also a reference to time which corresponds in both the lyrics and visuals. When the lyrics mention “I’m not moving” and “waiting for you”, the visuals move into fast forward, showing time quickly passing by. This is helped by visuals of the sun rising and setting and a close up of a watch showing the hands speeding through time. It is clear to the audience that there is a relationship between the two, which helps the audience get involved in a song, to take a fondness to it.
Relationship between music and visuals
There is a constant relation between the music and visuals; the cutting speed of the visuals is fixed to the tempo of the song. The visuals cut (when needed) on a major beat in the song. When the song reaches its climax at 3.10 where Danny O’Donoghue sings at his loudest and lyrics overlap with backing vocals, the visuals adapt to it, cutting at a faster pass showing visuals that had not yet been seen in the video. This shows an illustrative method in the relation between the music and visuals.
Demands of record label, visual style
The lead singer of ‘The Script’, Danny O’Donoghue, is completely focused on throughout the music video. He is given screen time for at least 90%-95% of the video. The longest gap where you don’t see him is less than 3 seconds. Not only is he given a huge amount of screen time, but the shots of him on the majority are of close-ups. This is likely to be because of the demands made by the record label, which is identified by Andrew Goodwin. In the close-ups of Danny, his facial expressions coincide with his feelings expressed in the lyrics. The other two band members are shown in the video, however the shots are more aimed at the instruments their playing than the band members themselves. This allows the audience to identify Danny as the lead member.
Intertextual reference
The most identifiable intertextual reference is seen at 2.46 where Danny is seen ‘Live’ on the ‘Breaking News’, still singing along to the song. He is seen twice on the news, first at 2.46 and then at 2.49, which shows a closer shot of Danny singing. There are no other intertextaul references shown in the music video.
Band Representation video based
The video is primarily narrative-based; the visuals are constantly shot between the band performing and the story based visuals. We see a variety of shots of Danny, the lead singer. Using both close-ups and long-shots, high and low angle shots as well as cameras zooming into him and 180° pans. There are also shots of the rest of the band, during the performance-based element of the video, where the audience see them playing their instruments in time to the music.
Analysis in terms of media language
Mise-en-scene; the music video is set outside, along a street and in a multi-story car park. The band performs in the car-park, and the rest is filmed along a street coinciding with the lyrics. The music video is very much centred on the song and lyrics. The video is filmed as if in real life, as Danny walks down the street, the public walk by just as you would expect. They portray that this is in real life, that he singing about a real life experience. This brings the audience closer to the band members. The costumes for all band members are casual, jeans and jacket, which helps represent the genre of the music, alternative rock.
Lighting; this does not play a vital role in this video. It is used though when the band is performing in the car park, light shines through the window affecting the image seen through the camera. This effect makes the band stand out more, as if they are something special. Light also plays a role in showing time passing by, light moving to dark and the sun rising and setting to show the passing days, as he is waiting on the corner (3.17).
Camera Techniques; there are many different techniques used during this video. The parts of the video shot when Danny is walking down the street are mainly moving shots using a handi-cam. Danny manoeuvres his body to stay front on to the camera. This includes 180 degree pan shots, seen at 2.18 where he turns a full 180 followed by the camera. The techniques include lots of close-ups, mainly of Danny, allowing the audience to recognise who he is. Zoom shots are also used, focusing on something in particular, but also showing the surrounding settings.
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