The artist is holding a crown and a septre, which could connote being royal or being above or better than others. She also appears to be sat on a throne of sorts, again connoting the Queen image.
Friday, 9 December 2011
Examples of artist featured in a magazine advertisement:
The artist is holding a crown and a septre, which could connote being royal or being above or better than others. She also appears to be sat on a throne of sorts, again connoting the Queen image.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Filming on the 06/12/11
I was unable to film on this day due to the fact that I couldn't film in the dark which happened because my main artist was late. On my next filming session I plan to send a reminder to the artist herself and also plan to film earlier as I'll have more time.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Analysis of existing album covers in preperation for the ancillary texts:
This is the album cover for my chosen song 'Jar of hearts' by Christina Perri. The shot used in this text is a medium shot with the artist in the middle as the main focus point drawing attention to her without having to have huge text depicting who it is. The white background connotes innocence and purity and again makes the artist stand out, especially as she has dark hair which is a polar opposite. The pure background would not conventionally be used with this artist as she has tattoos and is not the stereotypical 'popstar'.
As the song is called 'jar of hearts' the artist is pictured holding a jar full of red liquid with empty jars around her. This links to the music video itself as the antagonist in the narrative goes around stealing people's hearts from a jar inside their chest. The red liquid could connote the heart itself, passion or anger.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v_4O44sfjM&ob=av3e
A close up shot is used again on a sort of collage or comic strip background which again promotes the artist as he's the main focus point with the picture itself shown as a drawing/painting, again connoting art. Street art is commonly associated with 'the hood' or 'the streets' which could be used to show the artist's origins.
The title FAME itself has a connection with the film 'fame' itself which is about dancing and singing and becoming famous.
The black and white effect is applied to this shot with the artist wearing bright red lipstick which immeaditly draws your eye to her face. The artist herself looks wild and has an unconventional image which is well suited with the 'Born this way' title.
The red lipstick used connotes passion, love and even anger, and the beauty spot used suggests that even though she is different, she is still beautiful.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Monday, 14 November 2011
shooting script.
Shooting script:
Shot 1:Music video begins with an establishing shot (in this case, a long shot) which shows the artist and the park location. The camera then slowly zooms into the artist until reaching a medium close up shot. Artist is wearing quite individual clothes but clothes that are easily recognisable as today’s fashions.
Shot 2:
Next shot contains the artist in a low angled, close – up shot as the artist begins singing.
‘No I can’t take one more step, towards you’
Tilt upwards and cut to next shot.
Next shot contains the artist in a low angled, close – up shot as the artist begins singing.
‘No I can’t take one more step, towards you’
Tilt upwards and cut to next shot.
Shot 3:
After tilt upwards, shot cuts to artist in different location this time being the empty street. Artist then begins to walk down the street in the middle of the road.
‘coz all that’s waiting is regret’
After tilt upwards, shot cuts to artist in different location this time being the empty street. Artist then begins to walk down the street in the middle of the road.
‘coz all that’s waiting is regret’
Shot 4:Tilt downwards as artist’s head (in close up) does the same.
Shot 5:
Shot carries on tilting downwards to hands clasped together.
‘not your ghost anymore’
Shot carries on tilting downwards to hands clasped together.
‘not your ghost anymore’
Shot 6:Close up of petals falling from hands.
‘you lost the love I loved the most’
‘you lost the love I loved the most’
Shot 7:
Cut to long shot of artist in street.
‘learned to live, half alive’
Cut to long shot of artist in street.
‘learned to live, half alive’
Shot 8:
Zoom to medium shot of artist in the same location, tracking shot as artist begins to walk down the street.
‘and now you want me one more time’
Zoom to medium shot of artist in the same location, tracking shot as artist begins to walk down the street.
‘and now you want me one more time’
Shot 9:
Cut/fade to close up of artist’s shoes as she walks.
Cut/fade to close up of artist’s shoes as she walks.
Shot 10:
Tilt upwards towards artists body.
‘who do you think you are’’
Tilt upwards towards artists body.
‘who do you think you are’’
Shot 11:
After tilt has finished tracking shot is then used as empty street is then busy.
‘runnin’ round leaving scars’
After tilt has finished tracking shot is then used as empty street is then busy.
‘runnin’ round leaving scars’
Shot 12:
Cut to close up of ‘jar of hearts’ dropping into a jar.
‘collecting your jar of hearts’
Cut to close up of ‘jar of hearts’ dropping into a jar.
‘collecting your jar of hearts’
Shot 13:
Cut to close up of artist’s face as she’s singing. Artist portraying anger.
‘tearing love apart’
Cut to close up of artist’s face as she’s singing. Artist portraying anger.
‘tearing love apart’
Shot 14:
Cut to artist with arms open in the empty park. Medium shot is used. As artist sings ‘gunna catch a cold’ she then folds her arms across her chest.
Cut to artist with arms open in the empty park. Medium shot is used. As artist sings ‘gunna catch a cold’ she then folds her arms across her chest.
Shot 15:
Cut to tracking shot of artist walking down the street; medium shot used.
‘don’t come back for me, don’t come back at all’
Cut to tracking shot of artist walking down the street; medium shot used.
‘don’t come back for me, don’t come back at all’
Shot 16:
Cut to close up of artist’s face, appears to be lying down on the floor.
‘here you’re asking all around’
Cut to close up of artist’s face, appears to be lying down on the floor.
‘here you’re asking all around’
Shot 17:
Zoom out to medium – long shot, artist laying on the floor with petals around her.
Zoom out to medium – long shot, artist laying on the floor with petals around her.
Shot 18:
Cut to medium shot as artist opens arms wide singing.
‘if I’m anywhere to be found’
Cut to medium shot as artist opens arms wide singing.
‘if I’m anywhere to be found’
Shot 19:
Pan to back of artist, medium close up.
Pan to back of artist, medium close up.
Shot 20:
Medium close up of artist opening arms. Still at the back of the artist herself.
‘to ever fall back in your arms’
Medium close up of artist opening arms. Still at the back of the artist herself.
‘to ever fall back in your arms’
Shot 21:
Cut to close up of petals in artist’s hands.
Cut to close up of petals in artist’s hands.
Shot 22:
Close up shot then tilts as petals are thrown in the air.
Close up shot then tilts as petals are thrown in the air.
Shot 23:
Cut to petals falling around artist who is laid on the grass in the park again. Use of medium long shot.
Cut to petals falling around artist who is laid on the grass in the park again. Use of medium long shot.
Shot 24:
shot, ‘who do you think you are’ points at the camera ( addresses audience)
shot, ‘who do you think you are’ points at the camera ( addresses audience)
Shot 25:
Cut to medium shot, can see artist holding something in the empty street. Zoom to next shot.
Cut to medium shot, can see artist holding something in the empty street. Zoom to next shot.
Shot 26:
After zoom, long shot is used. Artist holding hearts or jar of hearts. ‘collecting your jar of hearts’
After zoom, long shot is used. Artist holding hearts or jar of hearts. ‘collecting your jar of hearts’
Shot 27:
Medium shot again. Artist holds heart over her head and rips it.
Medium shot again. Artist holds heart over her head and rips it.
Shot 28:
Cut to another medium shot artist with arms open wide. Location: empty park.
‘… catch a cold’
Cut to another medium shot artist with arms open wide. Location: empty park.
‘… catch a cold’
Shot 29:
Same camera shot but with artist holding her arms near her heart.
‘..ice inside your soul’
Same camera shot but with artist holding her arms near her heart.
‘..ice inside your soul’
Shot 30:
Medium shot, artist pointing first at herself.
‘don’t come back for me’
Medium shot, artist pointing first at herself.
‘don’t come back for me’
Shot 31:
Medium long shot. After artist has finished singing, tilt upwards as artist looks up.
Medium long shot. After artist has finished singing, tilt upwards as artist looks up.
Shot 32:Instrumental - artist walks gracefully ( one step). Long shot.
Shot 33:
Artist turns, still long shot, instrumental.
Artist turns, still long shot, instrumental.
Shot 34:
Cut to close up of artist. Fast cut to next shot.
‘it’
Cut to close up of artist. Fast cut to next shot.
‘it’
Shot 35:
Close up of jar beginning to fall. Shot taken in black and white and in slow motion.
‘took so long’
Close up of jar beginning to fall. Shot taken in black and white and in slow motion.
‘took so long’
Shot 36:
Fast cut to close up of artist. Back to colour.
‘just to feel’
Fast cut to close up of artist. Back to colour.
‘just to feel’
Shot 37:
Fast cut to jar falling further. Slow motion and back to black and white.
‘alright’
Fast cut to jar falling further. Slow motion and back to black and white.
‘alright’
Shot 38:
Fast cut to close up of artist singing. Back to colour.
Fast cut to close up of artist singing. Back to colour.
Shot 39:
Close up of jar nearly on the floor. Black and white, slow motion.
Close up of jar nearly on the floor. Black and white, slow motion.
Shot 40:
Close up of artist singing.
Close up of artist singing.
Shot 41:
Zoom out to medium close up. Still singing.
Zoom out to medium close up. Still singing.
Shot 42:
Jar broken on the floor, close up/ medium shot. Black and white?
Jar broken on the floor, close up/ medium shot. Black and white?
Shot 43:
Cut to medium shot of artist.
Cut to medium shot of artist.
Shot 44:
Medium shot used, artist points downwards angrily.
‘and now you’re back’
Medium shot used, artist points downwards angrily.
‘and now you’re back’
Shot 45:
Zoom out to long shot, artist shakes her head.
‘you don’t get to get me’
Zoom out to long shot, artist shakes her head.
‘you don’t get to get me’
Shot 46:
Artist with arms wide open, long shot.
‘baaaaaaccckk’
Artist with arms wide open, long shot.
‘baaaaaaccckk’
Shot 47:
Cut to long shot of artist throwing petals.
Cut to long shot of artist throwing petals.
Shot 48:
Cut to medium shot of ‘jar of hearts’
Cut to medium shot of ‘jar of hearts’
Shot 49:
Cut to medium shot of artist with head turned on a side with head bowed.
Cut to medium shot of artist with head turned on a side with head bowed.
Shot 50:
Medium shot, petals fall whilst artist is singing.
Medium shot, petals fall whilst artist is singing.
Shot 51:
Medium shot again, artist’s arms wide open.
Medium shot again, artist’s arms wide open.
Shot 52:
Cut to close up of artist’s arm, maybe a heart that appears.
Cut to close up of artist’s arm, maybe a heart that appears.
Shot 53:
Zoom out gradually, tracking shot as arm moves towards body.
Zoom out gradually, tracking shot as arm moves towards body.
Shot 54:
Ended zoom, medium shot of artist angry, wrenching movements with hands.
Ended zoom, medium shot of artist angry, wrenching movements with hands.
Shot 55:
Artist wrapped arms around herself.
‘gunna catch a cold’
Artist wrapped arms around herself.
‘gunna catch a cold’
Shot 56:
Medium shot, artist holds her heart.
‘ice inside your soul’
Medium shot, artist holds her heart.
‘ice inside your soul’
Shot 57:
Zoom out to long shot whilst artist is signalling for the love to be over.(hand movements)
Zoom out to long shot whilst artist is signalling for the love to be over.(hand movements)
Shot 58:
Tracking shot as artist moves forward.
Tracking shot as artist moves forward.
Shot 59:
Cut to close up of arm with scar again.
Cut to close up of arm with scar again.
Shot 60:
Long shot,artist with arms down.
‘who do you think you are’
Long shot,artist with arms down.
‘who do you think you are’
Shot 61:
Zoom to medium shot of artist in same position.
Zoom to medium shot of artist in same position.
Shot 62:
Zoom to close up artist looking confused.
‘who do you think you are’
Zoom to close up artist looking confused.
‘who do you think you are’
THE END.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
location and cast list:
Location and cast list:
Location:
· Empty street – preferably shots with cars and then without them.
· Park or woodland area – Fields, trees etc.
· White background or wall.
Cast list:
Main vocalist/ artist – Rachel Nicholls
Director – Kelly Nicholls
Producer – Kelly Nicholls.
shooting schedule
Shooting schedule:
Date | Location | Shot/s |
22nd November | Empty park. | 1, 2, 5, 6,13,14,16,17,18,19,20,23,29,30, ,47,48,52,53,59,60,42,47,48,52,53,59,60,61. |
29th November | A street. | 3,4,7, 8,9,10,11,12,15,21,22,24,25,26,27,28,31,32,37,39,41,44,45,46,50,51,54,55,62. |
29th November | Plain background, wall? | 33,34,35, 36,38, 40,43,49,56,57,58, 63. |
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Extra background information on my chosen song.
Total views: 43,550,716
| Ratings: 233060 | Comments: 89,157 | Favourites: 251,076 | ||||||
|
Significant discovery events
More
Less
Audiences
This video is most popular with:| Gender | Age |
| Female | 13-17 |
| Female | 18-24 |
| Female | 35-44 |
Monday, 31 October 2011
Chosen genre conventions:
Identify the conventions of your chosen genre.
Genre is a critical tool that helps us study texts and audience responses by dividing them into categories based on common elements as well as recognised codes and conventions. All genres have sub-genres, these are divided up into specific categories. For my music video, my chosen song (Christina Perri’s Jar of hearts) is the Pop/ Piano rock genre and I will be discussing it’s conventions.
The term Pop music is used as an abbreviation for Popular music; songs that are recorded and produced commercially and are aimed towards a mainstream, youth audience. This is believed to have cultural origins in both the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1950’s and has achieved a mainstream audience ever since. Songs are usually short and simple and are influenced by other existing genres such as R’N’B and is considered as an alternative to rock ‘n’ roll. When recording Pop songs, typical instruments that are used are:
Conventionally, the Pop music genre focuses on appealing to the general audience rather than a particular ideology. It also places emphasis on the creation of the song or video, rather than the performer’s artistic qualities. The use of dance or techno beats are used to influence dancing, which also promotes the technology or the track itself rather than the live performance of the song. Pop music conventionally tends to reflect current trends in the industry rather than seeking innovation and most songs are structured in the same way; a verse-chorus , 3-5 minute long song with a hook line that is easily repeated and remembered. The lyrics of modern Pop songs are usually simple and have basic themes such as love or romantic relationships which again the youth audience are more likely to relate to. There is also an emphasis of the single rather than the album.
The music video itself usually takes the form of performance or narrative, with many of the shots being close up to promote the artist. According to Sven Carlsson (1999) music videos fall into two rough groups, conceptual clips and performance clips. As the Pop genre usually favours technology and production over live performance, the artist would take part in a filmed performance, which could take place in a recording studio etc. The video would conventionally include a dance sequence, with the artist in the middle as the main focus point. This can be seen in such videos as Cheryl Cole’s ‘Fight for this love’ and Michael Jackson’s ’Thriller’. Additionally, artist’s are also shown wearing mainstream clothing which reflects the culture of the youth audience who stereotypically care about the latest fashions and who then imitate them.
Unlike Indie artists who may cater to niche audiences, mainstream popular music is usually heard and made popular through radio stations and then through other institutions such as MTV.
Piano rock is another form of popular music that uses either the piano or keyboards. Made popular in the 1950’s by Jerry Lee Lewis and the more recent artist Elton John, a convention of Piano rock can be seen by either the artist playing the keys sporadically and frantically stood up, but also when the rock sounding electric guitar is then softened by the sound of the piano.
Similar to a Pop video, close ups and medium shots are used when filming a Piano rock music video, signifying their importance and if they are playing the piano themselves - showing their artistic qualities. Another similarity to the Pop genre is the fast cuts and transitions from each shot, the shots themselves usually only lasting a few seconds each before switching to one of the numerous locations used in the video. As in the song ‘Jar of hearts’ by Christina Perri, the video will conventionally be in the form of narrative, conveying the meaning of the lyrics making them easier for the audience to understand and relate to them. This may also include a dance sequence, usually in a contemporary style. Costume-wise, as this is more of a rockier genre compared to Pop music, the artist would perhaps be in clothing that would connote a rock star; dark jeans, dark hair jewellery etc.
The term Pop music is used as an abbreviation for Popular music; songs that are recorded and produced commercially and are aimed towards a mainstream, youth audience. This is believed to have cultural origins in both the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1950’s and has achieved a mainstream audience ever since. Songs are usually short and simple and are influenced by other existing genres such as R’N’B and is considered as an alternative to rock ‘n’ roll. When recording Pop songs, typical instruments that are used are:
- Vocals
- Electric guitar
- Drum machine
- Piano
- Synthesizer
Conventionally, the Pop music genre focuses on appealing to the general audience rather than a particular ideology. It also places emphasis on the creation of the song or video, rather than the performer’s artistic qualities. The use of dance or techno beats are used to influence dancing, which also promotes the technology or the track itself rather than the live performance of the song. Pop music conventionally tends to reflect current trends in the industry rather than seeking innovation and most songs are structured in the same way; a verse-chorus , 3-5 minute long song with a hook line that is easily repeated and remembered. The lyrics of modern Pop songs are usually simple and have basic themes such as love or romantic relationships which again the youth audience are more likely to relate to. There is also an emphasis of the single rather than the album.
The music video itself usually takes the form of performance or narrative, with many of the shots being close up to promote the artist. According to Sven Carlsson (1999) music videos fall into two rough groups, conceptual clips and performance clips. As the Pop genre usually favours technology and production over live performance, the artist would take part in a filmed performance, which could take place in a recording studio etc. The video would conventionally include a dance sequence, with the artist in the middle as the main focus point. This can be seen in such videos as Cheryl Cole’s ‘Fight for this love’ and Michael Jackson’s ’Thriller’. Additionally, artist’s are also shown wearing mainstream clothing which reflects the culture of the youth audience who stereotypically care about the latest fashions and who then imitate them.
Unlike Indie artists who may cater to niche audiences, mainstream popular music is usually heard and made popular through radio stations and then through other institutions such as MTV.
Piano rock is another form of popular music that uses either the piano or keyboards. Made popular in the 1950’s by Jerry Lee Lewis and the more recent artist Elton John, a convention of Piano rock can be seen by either the artist playing the keys sporadically and frantically stood up, but also when the rock sounding electric guitar is then softened by the sound of the piano.
Similar to a Pop video, close ups and medium shots are used when filming a Piano rock music video, signifying their importance and if they are playing the piano themselves - showing their artistic qualities. Another similarity to the Pop genre is the fast cuts and transitions from each shot, the shots themselves usually only lasting a few seconds each before switching to one of the numerous locations used in the video. As in the song ‘Jar of hearts’ by Christina Perri, the video will conventionally be in the form of narrative, conveying the meaning of the lyrics making them easier for the audience to understand and relate to them. This may also include a dance sequence, usually in a contemporary style. Costume-wise, as this is more of a rockier genre compared to Pop music, the artist would perhaps be in clothing that would connote a rock star; dark jeans, dark hair jewellery etc.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Audience demographic
My demographic audience would be 15-24 year olds, which would more than likely be students. Students have the most time and disposable income and are more more willing to spend time at concerts etc, and therefore would follow my artist.
drawing from maslow's 'heirachy of needs' they would also be part of the social group.
1 a) Describe how you developed your skills in the use of digital technology for media production and evaluate how these skills contributed to your creative decision making. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to show how these skills developed over time.
For AS Media Studies I created a music magazine, and used the site ‘Blogger’ to display all of my work. Firstly, pre-production of my music magazine text consisted of planning and research, in which I used the search engine ‘Google’ to research existing magazines so I could get a better idea of the conventions I would need to include so that my magazine would be a theoretical success. An example of these conventions would be the masthead, banner and contents page. I then made several posts on my blog, which helped me pinpoint exactly what I needed to do and what materials I needed to use. I think using ‘Blogger’ is an easier way of showing coursework as you can skip to a specific date and get what you need. During this process I also researched artists of my particular genre on the music streaming website ‘YouTube’ which helped when deciding what my artist should wear and who they would appeal to. I looked at such artists as Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.
Next, I made a few drafts of what my music magazine might look like, using the programme ‘Photoshop’ and images that I had saved on my computer. I found this difficult to use and couldn’t get the right look that I wanted; the designs wouldn’t translate onto the actual piece. I believe that my knowledge of ‘Photoshop’ has improved greatly through practice as I now know how to do such things as crop pictures and change the colours, although when constructing my double page spread I would use perhaps Microsoft Publisher as it looks more professional.
Using a friend’s camera, I took a few pictures of a person that was to be my artist in my magazine. In hindsight I probably would have taken more original images as the ones I took were not the clear and did not have the right camera angle and shot that I wanted. Also, the effects I applied to the images made them look unprofessional and did not coincide with the text or colour scheme. I then used ‘Photoshop’ again to arrange my images, cropping them and changing the colour to black and white. I also added text such as a headline, trying to keep to the same colour scheme throughout.
Using LIIAR, I then evaluated my work using Microsoft word, using spell check and word count in the process. I discovered that although I had improved when using ‘Photoshop’ for my preliminary task, my creations still needed some work and I definitely needed more practice.
Using a friend’s camera, I took a few pictures of a person that was to be my artist in my magazine. In hindsight I probably would have taken more original images as the ones I took were not the clear and did not have the right camera angle and shot that I wanted. Also, the effects I applied to the images made them look unprofessional and did not coincide with the text or colour scheme. I then used ‘Photoshop’ again to arrange my images, cropping them and changing the colour to black and white. I also added text such as a headline, trying to keep to the same colour scheme throughout.
Using LIIAR, I then evaluated my work using Microsoft word, using spell check and word count in the process. I discovered that although I had improved when using ‘Photoshop’ for my preliminary task, my creations still needed some work and I definitely needed more practice.
Friday, 7 October 2011
Lyric timing
0.00 - 0.06 No, I can't take one more step towards you
0.06 - 0.11 ‘Cause all that's waiting is regret
0.11 - 0.19 Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
0.19 - 0.25 You lost the love I loved the most
0.25 - 0.32 I learned to live, half alive
0.32 - 0.38 And now you want me one more time
[Chorus]
0.40 - 0.42 And who do you think you are?
0.43 - 0.45 Runnin' 'round leaving scars
0.46 - 0.49 Collecting your jar of hearts
0.49 - 0.52 And tearing love apart
0.53 - 0.55 You're gonna catch a cold
0.56 - 0.58 From the ice inside your soul
0.59 - 1.02 so don't come back for me
1.02 - 1.05 who do you think you are
1.08 - 1.12 I hear you're asking all around
1.15 - 1.19 If I am anywhere to be found
1.21 - 1.25 But I have grown too strong
1.27 - 1.32 To ever fall back in your arms
1.33 - 1.39 I've learned to live, half alive
1.39 - 1.47 And now you want me one more time
[Chorus]
1.47 - 1.50 And who do you think you are?
1.51 - 1.53 Runnin' 'round leaving scars
1.53 - 1.56 Collecting your jar of hearts
1.56 - 1.59 And tearing love apart
2.00 - 2.02 You're gonna catch a cold
2.02 - 2.05 From the ice inside your soul
2.06 - 2.09 so don't come back for me
2.10 - 2.13 who do you think you are
2.15 - 2.20 It took so long just to feel alright
2.21 - 2.27 Remember how to put back the light in my eyes
2.27 - 2.33 I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed
2.34 - 2.39 ‘Cause you broke all your promises
2.40 - 2.42 And now you're back
2.42 - 2.47 You don't get to get me back
2.48 - 2.50 Who do you think you are?
2.51 - 2.53 Runnin' 'round leaving scars
2.54 - 2.57 Collecting your jar of hearts
2.57 - 3.00 And tearing love apart
3.01 - 3.03 You're gonna catch a cold
3.03 - 3.06 From the ice inside your soul
3.06 - 3.10 Don't come back for me
3.10 - 3.13 Don't come back at all
3.13 - 3.16 And who do you think you are?
3.17 - 3.19 Runnin' 'round leaving scars
3.19 - 3.22 Collecting your jar of hearts
3.22- 3.26 And tearing love apart
3.26 - 3.29 You're gonna catch a cold
3.29 - 3.33 From the ice inside your soul
3.33 - 3.36 Don't come back for me
3.36 - 3.40 Don't come back at all
3.41 - 3.45 Who do you think you are?
3.47 - 3.52 Who do you think you are?
3.53 - 3.58 Who do you think you are?
Annotation of lyrics.
Overall I believe that this song is about splitting up with someone who isn't any good for you and even though it's hard you get over it and say no when they want you back.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Analysis of three existing music videos
The first music video I have chosen to analyse is Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' which is a spoof or parody of a horror film. 'Thriller' uses the codes and conventions of the the horror genre, such as it being set when it's dark, fog being used and also the use of zombies in some scenes. The form of this text is both performance and narrative. The video is 14 minutes long which is unusual for a music video, and is made out to be more of a short feature film. The video is also shot in the style of a typical 50/60's horror film, and we can see this through the mis-en-scene used. An example of this would be the costumes used to dress the zombies, but also the use of the graveyard. Although this video is a spoof, it uses dance sequences which is a typical music video feature.
The narrative of this video is mainly based upon two intercutting storylines, one being the boy who turns into a werewolf in front of his steady girlfriend and proceeds to chase her, which then turns out to be a film that the boy and girl are watching. The boyfriend then turns into a zombie and performs a dance for the terrified girl. The girl in 'Thriller' is stereotypically portrayed as being the damsel in distress of some sorts, and is a binary opposite of the evil that keeps chasing her.
Micheal is dressed in red throughout the song, which could connotate danger, and we also see the events through what appears to be a point of view shot when Michael is dancing. From my own knowledge I know that this video was broadcasted on MTV and was made for that reason, so focusing on the artist would promote not only the song but Michael himself, and by not making the main character the protagonist like other music videos, the music video would be easily remembered.
The next video I chose to analyse is REM's 'Losing my religion'. The ideology of this video is men becoming false gods and therefore people losing faith in their religion. This can be seen in the scene in which men make angel wings, destroying god's divinity, and also when the old aged angel has his wig taken off; it ruins the illusion and destroys people's beliefs.
The narrative is based around the lyrics and is a projection of desires from the audience to the people on the screen, which is conventional of a music video, and takes the form of a post modern, narrative text.
The video begins with a long shot of two members of the band, and includes diegetic sound of water dripping. There are then numerous pans to the other members of the band, and the sound of the roof shaking. Throughout this piece medium close-ups are used to promote the artist/s, and the editing cuts to the beat, using fast transitions. The cuts used are also based on the narrative, such as cutting to scenes of men, gods and angels. The mise-en-scene is very bleak, using an abandoned house that perhaps connotes abandoning religion itself, and the rain and the beginning could be a form of pathetic fallacy, reflecting the mood of the characters. Additionally, the background used for the scenes in which the men are building the angel wings is red, which connotes danger, evil and possibly hell. This is a binary opposite to the parts in which the Gods are shown, which are vibrant and have lots of gold and silver colours, which connote good and heaven.
Lastly, I am going to analyse Madonna's video 'Vogue', shown below that has mostly dance genre characteristics. Madonna is an American singer/songwriter and entrepenuer. Her debut album was in 1983. The ideology of this video is portraying the famous faces of Hollywood, (shown in the mention or reference to famous old Hollywood stars) and also about being beautiful and enjoying fashion which is also portrayed by using the word 'Vogue' itself, a successful magazine that is on the forefront of fashion. The text is in black and white which reflects the classic Hollywood theme but also an element of art-deco, and is in performance form, which then gives pleasure to the audience.
The hand gestures used during the chorus are also used to seperate the frame and the white character on the black background seperates the artist, and is binary opposite.
From the beginning the audience are shown pieces of art and both men and women dressed glamorously which is typical of the classic Hollywood genre and connotes class, this is then followed by fast cuts which are on time with the song to the artist and numerous close ups. Throughout the years Madonna has changed her image many times so using the music video is a good tool to promote her, and using close ups is a good way of making the audience focus on the artist more.
This text includes dance sequences which is a convention of music videos but also brought a new dance style to mainstream exposure called 'Voguing'.
Lastly, I am going to analyse Madonna's video 'Vogue', shown below that has mostly dance genre characteristics. Madonna is an American singer/songwriter and entrepenuer. Her debut album was in 1983. The ideology of this video is portraying the famous faces of Hollywood, (shown in the mention or reference to famous old Hollywood stars) and also about being beautiful and enjoying fashion which is also portrayed by using the word 'Vogue' itself, a successful magazine that is on the forefront of fashion. The text is in black and white which reflects the classic Hollywood theme but also an element of art-deco, and is in performance form, which then gives pleasure to the audience.
The hand gestures used during the chorus are also used to seperate the frame and the white character on the black background seperates the artist, and is binary opposite.
From the beginning the audience are shown pieces of art and both men and women dressed glamorously which is typical of the classic Hollywood genre and connotes class, this is then followed by fast cuts which are on time with the song to the artist and numerous close ups. Throughout the years Madonna has changed her image many times so using the music video is a good tool to promote her, and using close ups is a good way of making the audience focus on the artist more.
This text includes dance sequences which is a convention of music videos but also brought a new dance style to mainstream exposure called 'Voguing'.
Friday, 30 September 2011
Initial ideas for my 'jar of hearts' music video.
To begin with, I had the idea of having my artist sat in a busy street, as if asking for money like a hobo or something. The audience would not see the people walking past my artist, only the legs as the pass through the shot. I would use a low angle medium shot, then zoom towards my artist as she starts singing. Instead of collecting money, I would also have a jar ( reference to jar of hearts) in the mise-en-scene, with people placing little hearts inside it. I believe this would connote how easily people give their hearts away, as if it were nothing.
Another initial idea is having my artist walking down a street filled with people whilst singing. I would then speed up the people passing her to look as if life is passing her by.
I also plan to use at least three locations; the street at the beginning, the additional street and also perhaps a theatre of some kind.
Lyrics for my chosen song, Christina Perry - Jar of hearts.
"Jar Of Hearts"
No, I can't take one more step towards you
‘Cause all that's waiting is regret
Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
You lost the love I loved the most
I learned to live, half alive
And now you want me one more time
[Chorus:]
And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are?
I hear you're asking all around
If I am anywhere to be found
But I have grown too strong
To ever fall back in your arms
I've learned to live, half alive
And now you want me one more time
[Chorus]
It took so long just to feel alright
Remember how to put back the light in my eyes
I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed
‘Cause you broke all your promises
And now you're back
You don't get to get me back
Who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all
And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
No, I can't take one more step towards you
‘Cause all that's waiting is regret
Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
You lost the love I loved the most
I learned to live, half alive
And now you want me one more time
[Chorus:]
And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are?
I hear you're asking all around
If I am anywhere to be found
But I have grown too strong
To ever fall back in your arms
I've learned to live, half alive
And now you want me one more time
[Chorus]
It took so long just to feel alright
Remember how to put back the light in my eyes
I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed
‘Cause you broke all your promises
And now you're back
You don't get to get me back
Who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all
And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
*I will later add an annotated version of these lyrics to help plan my music video
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
History of the music video.
History of the music video.
Kelly Nicholls.
Music videos represent a crucial part of the music industry and its history. Most or all artists owe their careers to music videos as they are being given the chance of impressing the public with not just their vocal talent, but also with their looks or dance moves. A music video is a short film clip that uses both song and imagery as a promotional tool for the artist. Modern day music videos use a range of techniques such as animation and can often take the form of documentaries, such as The Beatles in their mock documentary ‘A hard day’s night’ in 1964. Before music videos, feature films were used to view the artist and to see them perform, and The Beatles are considered the first to use this technique. During this time, the band had reached a status that no other group had reached before and were a worldwide phenomenon, and were one of the few artists such as Bob Dylan that actually wrote their own music. It was not possible for them to perform for the masses of people that came to their concerts, so they used the feature films to perform the songs instead. An anti-realist narrative was used throughout the documentary and was segmented with music clips. This style was then the base for many of the future music videos and inspired the American TV series ‘The Monkees’ which aired 1966- 1968. After the success of ‘A hard day’s night’, (filmed in black and white and consisting of hardly any editing or cinematography) followed their 1965 film ‘Help!’ that was filmed in colour and shot in numerous London and international locations. Even in the short space of time between the feature films, it’s easy to see that the technique had been developed and the feature film had grown in importance.
The modern day music video is considered to have been born in 1975 with Queen’s ‘Bohemian rhapsody’ that was made to be aired on Top of the pops and cost £4000, which is a miniscule amount compared to the hundreds of thousands or even millions that are spent on current day videos. Two of the videos that are most famous for being two of the three most expensive music videos of all time are Michael and Janet Jackson's "Scream" which cost $7 million to produce, and Madonna's "Bedtime Story" which cost $5 million. "Scream" is still the most expensive video ever made. In 1981, the American video channel MTV was launched and thus began the age of 24-hour music television. They launched the channel with the video, "Video Killed the Radio Star." From then on videos became an important part in marketing an artist, with singers such as Madonna using them to not only promote her song, but to promote her ever-changing image. From 1992, MTV began listing it’s producers and directors of music videos and song credits, reflecting the fact that music videos had increasingly become an auteur's medium. Directors such as Spike Jonze and Hype Williams all got their start around this time; all brought a unique vision and style to the videos they directed. Some of these directors, including, Gondry, Jonze and F. Gary Gray, went on to direct feature films. This continued a trend that had begun earlier with directors such as Lasse Hallström and David Fincher.
Through the years, music videos have changed from being mainly an artist performing to focusing on the song or narrative used. For example, David Bowie’s ‘Space oddity’ in 1972 consists mainly of the artist on a guitar, with few special effects used. The video is repetitive and used the same dissolves in every sequence to show the mixing board, which is supposed to be new technology which in turn relates to the song. This contrasts with the recent Fatboy Slim single ‘Right here right now’ that has no appearance of the artist whatsoever, and focuses on the narrative of evolution and the song itself. The Fatboy Slim video therefore goes against the conventions of the music video form as there are no close ups of the artist and therefore not promoting the person.
After the development of Napster, ( a music sharing service – peer to peer), 2005 saw the launch of the website YouTube, which made the viewing of online video faster and easier; Google Videos, Yahoo! Video, Facebook and MySpace's video functionality, which uses similar technology. Websites like theses had a profound effect on the artist’s popularity, and most realised that in order to be successful, they must have a successful music video. This is still used to market and distribute those who cannot afford the promotional material that most major labels can, such as bands or artists that are signed to indie labels, and gives niche audiences the chance to see music videos that they would not normally see on mainstream music television. The band OK Go may exemplify this trend, having achieved fame through the videos for two of their songs, "A Million Ways" in 2005 and "Here It Goes Again" in 2006, both of which first became well-known online. (OK Go repeated the trick with another high-concept video in 2010, for their song "This Too Shall Pass".) Artists like Soulja Boy Tell 'Em and Marié Digby also achieved some level of fame initially through videos released only online. The success of the music video on the internet can also be seen in Lady GaGa’s video ‘Bad romance’ on Youtube which became the most viewed video on the music streaming site, receiving a colossal 130 million views. This was later beaten by Justin Beiber’s ‘Baby’.
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