As a group, we drove around surrounding areas to ask for permission to film in different venues.
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Group Meeting - Filming
Due to the unforeseen circumstances, we are now trying to find a new location with film the narrative section of our music video.
Sunday, 26 October 2014
Filming Cancelled
After planning on filming part of our narrative at one of our social events, we had to cancel last minute.
After contacting the venue and asking permission to film at our event, the owner agreed. Once we arrive on the due date, the staff that were currently working at the premises decided last minute that they were not satisfied with letting us film.
We are now discussing locations and possible locations to film in the next week.
Friday, 24 October 2014
Character Analysis
Our main character portrays two images due to the contrasting lifestyles that she lives. As the audience, we experience the luxurious con artist as do we see the formal and professional business woman.
The Luxurious Con Artist
Although she is doing wrong, we cannot help but love her purely because we are intrigued as to what she is going to do next. She portrays herself as a posh and glamorous woman. Her clothing is always classy, her hair and make up is always done to the highest possible standard.
Due to the nature of her actions, we assume that she is doing it for the wealth that she gains in doing so, but as the video progresses we see that she is actually doing it for self pleasure, she is doing it for hedonism. The idea of conning all these men for the valuables, entices her to strive for more self-satisfaction and self-indulgence.
The Professional business woman
Although we only see the character getting ready for her days work, we establish that she is a very formal and upper class woman just from her choice of clothing when getting ready. Her two lifestyles are lived separately and do not overlap in any way therefore she is seen as a very intelligent and cunning woman due to being able to stop two very extravagant lifestyles from crossing.
The woman is as wealthy in her job then she is in her nightly antics. She is experienced and talented in both cases and she knows it. The audience see her as a very confident, self-important person that struts around with all the power in the room.
The Luxurious Con Artist
Although she is doing wrong, we cannot help but love her purely because we are intrigued as to what she is going to do next. She portrays herself as a posh and glamorous woman. Her clothing is always classy, her hair and make up is always done to the highest possible standard.
Due to the nature of her actions, we assume that she is doing it for the wealth that she gains in doing so, but as the video progresses we see that she is actually doing it for self pleasure, she is doing it for hedonism. The idea of conning all these men for the valuables, entices her to strive for more self-satisfaction and self-indulgence.
The Professional business woman
Although we only see the character getting ready for her days work, we establish that she is a very formal and upper class woman just from her choice of clothing when getting ready. Her two lifestyles are lived separately and do not overlap in any way therefore she is seen as a very intelligent and cunning woman due to being able to stop two very extravagant lifestyles from crossing.
The woman is as wealthy in her job then she is in her nightly antics. She is experienced and talented in both cases and she knows it. The audience see her as a very confident, self-important person that struts around with all the power in the room.
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Risk Assessment - Filming Location
As we are filming inside a venue the weather will not affect our filming and our ability to transport our equipment.
The only risk that we could encounter is that obviously the event itself is a social, in which there will be over 100 teenagers present. This also means that due to their being a large percentage of over 18s at the venue, there will be alcohol and therefore inebriated adolescents that obviously can be quite loud and cause problems. This could effect our task as they could:
The only risk that we could encounter is that obviously the event itself is a social, in which there will be over 100 teenagers present. This also means that due to their being a large percentage of over 18s at the venue, there will be alcohol and therefore inebriated adolescents that obviously can be quite loud and cause problems. This could effect our task as they could:
- Drunkly interfere with our filming
- They could tamper with the equipment
- They could damage our equipment
- Cause problems and attract unwanted audience
- Their actions could result in us not being able to complete our filming or being restricted due to their behaviour.
Filming Location - Planning
The narrative for our music video takes part in a nigh club and other events taking place throughout the night. To begin our filming we decided that a section of our music video can be filmed at one of our social events that takes place typically on a Friday night in a venue with all our sixth form students.
I contacted the venue and asked the owner whether we were able to film in their venue whilst our event was taking place. We ensured them that it was educational purposes and that we would not cause the business itself any problems and that we are completely flexible with accepting whatever restrictions and/or rules that they may want to reinforce. After this being agreed upon, we decided which scene would be filmed here and what shots were needed - (Narrative scene in which the main character is approached by a gentleman and then guided of to a separate room).
Our occasion would be taking part in a cafe and bar in Bishops Storford and filming will be taking place between 7pm - 10pm.
The Venue:
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
External Links - Planning
When planning our main task we had a discussion with how certain shots will be seen , hence the group meeting video found below. We also produced a mock panning shot for the poker game scene in which the link is still found below.
Mock Photos - Mirror Shots
Producing mock photos will help us decide what angles we could use for our music video as well as giving us the insight in how each one looks and which would fit better.
Although the shots were in a full body mirror and were also in a bathroom instead of being in front of a dressing table, we can still establish what the different angles look like.
Costume - Planning
Therefore, for this scene and section of our music video, we have decided that the female character will wear a long black ball gown as it represents her as being classy and elegant. The dress is very fitting and rather revealing which gives the audience the sex appeal that they want but also keeps her reputation as a upper class and sophisticated woman. This is the following dress we are going to use when filming:
Also being a black tie, and the time in which we are filming our video which is set around Halloween, we thought due to the idea of voyeurism in our video that the main character should wear a mask to hide her identity. This reinforces the idea of her having very contrasting lifestyles and having to hide her identity from the people she is conning so that it does not effect her working life. We continued with a black colour scheme with the mask to make it dark which shows that her antics at night are dark and cunning ans make up on set will be very heavy and dark to reinforce her dangerous and rebellious side.
Main Task - Treatment
We open our music video with the main character's feet returning home after a night out. Ridiculously high heels represent her the party environment she left from. This opening shot along with the following are the prologue therefore we hear her footsteps as she walks in.
We cut to her throwing her bag on the bed and placing her two phones on the bed side table. This shows her relaxed and comfortable in her surroundings and by placing two phones down suggests she is not working due to the no contact. Also, us, as the viewers, automatically question why she has two phones.
We then cut to the female's lower legs removing her skirt and then to her placing a bath robe on from behind. This shows her removing the clothes from the night before. Notice, the character's face has not been seen.
The artist approaches the dressing table and sits opposite the mirror. In this instant we notice her worn out make up. The female then takes her every piece of jewellery one by one starting with her rings before removing her necklace and bracelets. We cut to her taking off her faded make up before leaving to the bathroom to have a shower.
As the character leaves the dressing table, we cut to a flashback. The use of a white flash represents a camera being flashed which suggests it is the past and is a memory. The female character is entering a club in a short cocktail dress. The character seductively walks up to a man stood at the bar who is dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans; she flirts with him and makes a vast amount of eye contact before slowly slipping her hand into his back pocket and subtly stealing his wallet and placing it in her bag. The man is completely besotted by her and she has no problem maintain his full attention. The helpless gentleman is so captivated by her that he does not even notice what she has done.
There is a cross cut to the character back at home returning to the dressing table with a towel wrapped around her as she has just come out of the shower. We see the character remove the towel from her head, and plugging in and turning on the hair dryer. The female makes eye contact with the camera to highlight how emotionless and cold she feels towards her antics from the previous night. By giving no reaction shows that she is pleased with herself, as if she has done no wrong.
Without a care in the world, the woman is now changing into her next outfit in the toilets of the club. As she places all the clothes back into her bag and leaves the toilets, she leaves her bag by the bar before winking at the waiter. He fully acknowledges her, as if he knows her personally and know how she works. She then returns to scourer the club to find her next victim. As she spots a well dressed man sat at a table and smirks as she turns to approach him and begin her cunning plan.
As she slowly sits in the chair next to him and engages him in deep conversation, she begins to run thoughts through her head as to how she would like to lure the male and have him wrapped around her finger. Time goes by and people continue their night out oblivious to who could be in there with them.
The scenes cuts again and we see the female applying make up in the comfort of her own home. The female in the mirror is looking content and satisfied with herself as she applies subtle make up; she is seen as a professional and sophisticated woman who could cause no harm which is the opposite of her nightly antics.
The couple then prepare themselves to leave the club, and the female reinforces her control over the male by pulling him towards her and guiding him out the door as if she was his owner.
The two stumble into the back of a taxi yet she maintains full eye contact with him at all times. He is mesmerised by her and as he closes the car door behind him he has no clue what he has got himself into.
We cut to the protagonist back at her house dressing herself ready for the day ahead. She buttons up with crisp white shirt. A jump cut then shows the female character the night before, putting her top back on, but in someone else's house. She turns to see the guy she had stumbled back with from the club; she can't help but notice the watch on his wrist. She walks over in his direction and stands over him; with a soft caress to ensure his asleep, she takes what she really wanted from him, the watch.
As she struts out the males house with his belongings, she makes a phone call. Hence, she is shortly greeted by a faceless woman who interchanges bags with her.
The protagonist begins to change in the back of the acquaintance's car before placing a mask over her face to hide her identity in these new surroundings.
A male character approaches the female, he greets her with confidence before guiding her towards a dark and ambiguous door. She doesn't seem nervous which implies this is not new to her. As the sophisticated man opens the door, she walks in to a poker game. Surrounded by men, the female sits down and shows no reaction the stares she receives from her opponents.
As the game continues and the males begins to question why they are there, the female remains emotionless whilst she robs them from their money. As she plays her last cards, and summons her male friend to collect her winnings, she cunningly smirks as she turns her back on them to leave.
The female walks towards the exits, fully knowing that every eye is on her, and as the door opens, us as the viewers, see the protagonist back in reality, leaving her own home dressed formally, ready to continue her every day routine in the business world.
We cut to her throwing her bag on the bed and placing her two phones on the bed side table. This shows her relaxed and comfortable in her surroundings and by placing two phones down suggests she is not working due to the no contact. Also, us, as the viewers, automatically question why she has two phones.
We then cut to the female's lower legs removing her skirt and then to her placing a bath robe on from behind. This shows her removing the clothes from the night before. Notice, the character's face has not been seen.
The artist approaches the dressing table and sits opposite the mirror. In this instant we notice her worn out make up. The female then takes her every piece of jewellery one by one starting with her rings before removing her necklace and bracelets. We cut to her taking off her faded make up before leaving to the bathroom to have a shower.
As the character leaves the dressing table, we cut to a flashback. The use of a white flash represents a camera being flashed which suggests it is the past and is a memory. The female character is entering a club in a short cocktail dress. The character seductively walks up to a man stood at the bar who is dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans; she flirts with him and makes a vast amount of eye contact before slowly slipping her hand into his back pocket and subtly stealing his wallet and placing it in her bag. The man is completely besotted by her and she has no problem maintain his full attention. The helpless gentleman is so captivated by her that he does not even notice what she has done.
There is a cross cut to the character back at home returning to the dressing table with a towel wrapped around her as she has just come out of the shower. We see the character remove the towel from her head, and plugging in and turning on the hair dryer. The female makes eye contact with the camera to highlight how emotionless and cold she feels towards her antics from the previous night. By giving no reaction shows that she is pleased with herself, as if she has done no wrong.
Without a care in the world, the woman is now changing into her next outfit in the toilets of the club. As she places all the clothes back into her bag and leaves the toilets, she leaves her bag by the bar before winking at the waiter. He fully acknowledges her, as if he knows her personally and know how she works. She then returns to scourer the club to find her next victim. As she spots a well dressed man sat at a table and smirks as she turns to approach him and begin her cunning plan.
As she slowly sits in the chair next to him and engages him in deep conversation, she begins to run thoughts through her head as to how she would like to lure the male and have him wrapped around her finger. Time goes by and people continue their night out oblivious to who could be in there with them.
The scenes cuts again and we see the female applying make up in the comfort of her own home. The female in the mirror is looking content and satisfied with herself as she applies subtle make up; she is seen as a professional and sophisticated woman who could cause no harm which is the opposite of her nightly antics.
The couple then prepare themselves to leave the club, and the female reinforces her control over the male by pulling him towards her and guiding him out the door as if she was his owner.
The two stumble into the back of a taxi yet she maintains full eye contact with him at all times. He is mesmerised by her and as he closes the car door behind him he has no clue what he has got himself into.
We cut to the protagonist back at her house dressing herself ready for the day ahead. She buttons up with crisp white shirt. A jump cut then shows the female character the night before, putting her top back on, but in someone else's house. She turns to see the guy she had stumbled back with from the club; she can't help but notice the watch on his wrist. She walks over in his direction and stands over him; with a soft caress to ensure his asleep, she takes what she really wanted from him, the watch.
As she struts out the males house with his belongings, she makes a phone call. Hence, she is shortly greeted by a faceless woman who interchanges bags with her.
The protagonist begins to change in the back of the acquaintance's car before placing a mask over her face to hide her identity in these new surroundings.
A male character approaches the female, he greets her with confidence before guiding her towards a dark and ambiguous door. She doesn't seem nervous which implies this is not new to her. As the sophisticated man opens the door, she walks in to a poker game. Surrounded by men, the female sits down and shows no reaction the stares she receives from her opponents.
As the game continues and the males begins to question why they are there, the female remains emotionless whilst she robs them from their money. As she plays her last cards, and summons her male friend to collect her winnings, she cunningly smirks as she turns her back on them to leave.
The female walks towards the exits, fully knowing that every eye is on her, and as the door opens, us as the viewers, see the protagonist back in reality, leaving her own home dressed formally, ready to continue her every day routine in the business world.
Shot list - Main Task
Hours later, we completed a shot list for our main task. Dividing the scenes in stages helped us ensure that we were able to identify all the camera shots that are needed. Due to us having to use various angles on each shots, we were unable to write all of them out but we are aware of the missing angles that may be present in our main task. After various group meetings and production session in the lessons, this are the results.
Main Task - Storyboard
I made a storyboard of the main scenes and shot of our entire music video. They are basic on the drawings but are in more detail on our shot list. Throughout the process we do predict that the order of these scenes and certain shots will most likely change throughout the filming and production process.
Plot Analysis (performance section) - Main Task
First Stage: The protagonist comes in from her night out and removes her shoes. She places her bag and phones down before taking her clothes off and placing her dressing down on.
She sits down at the dressing table and removes her jewellery followed by her make up before leaving to the bathroom.
Cross cut back from the first club scene - stealing the wallet.
Second Stage: She comes out the bathroom after having a shower in a towel and sitting down that the dressing up table - she removes the towel from her head and turns on the hair dryer - she lip synch sections of the chorus.
Cross cut back from the second club scene - she lures another male back to his and then steals his belongings.
Third Stage: The female has completed her hair and is now applying fresh make up. - We see various different actions with different pieces of make up.
Cut back to the club scene - back to the continuation of the second club scene and her back at the males house getting dressed and stealing his watch before leaving and getting changed in the back of a car for her next event.
Fourth Stage: We see the black door of the female character leaving the poker game but cutting as the door opens so that the audience see the formal and sophisticated version of the protagonist.
She sits down at the dressing table and removes her jewellery followed by her make up before leaving to the bathroom.
Cross cut back from the first club scene - stealing the wallet.
Second Stage: She comes out the bathroom after having a shower in a towel and sitting down that the dressing up table - she removes the towel from her head and turns on the hair dryer - she lip synch sections of the chorus.
Cross cut back from the second club scene - she lures another male back to his and then steals his belongings.
Third Stage: The female has completed her hair and is now applying fresh make up. - We see various different actions with different pieces of make up.
Cut back to the club scene - back to the continuation of the second club scene and her back at the males house getting dressed and stealing his watch before leaving and getting changed in the back of a car for her next event.
Fourth Stage: We see the black door of the female character leaving the poker game but cutting as the door opens so that the audience see the formal and sophisticated version of the protagonist.
Sunday, 19 October 2014
Production meetings - Main Task
Over the last few days, we have had several group meetings to produce our Shotlist and storyboard for our music video.
After three meetings we completed the entire storyboard with each camera shot and angles for the three minute song.
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Plot analysis (narrative section) - Main Task
Constantly cross cutting and prologue until mirror shot.
First stage: Is the character taking off her shoes, throwing her bag on the bed, putting her two mobile phones down on the table. Taking her skirt off then her top off and putting on her dressing gown. - Mirror shot.
Second stage: Taking off the jewellery - Rings, necklace, bracelets and taking off make up. Then goes to bathroom going to shower (cut to the narrative)
Third stage: The character in the club approaching a male stealing his wallet out of his back pocket.
Fourth stage: Goes to the bathroom to get changed in to her next outfit.
Fifth Stage: Approaching an older man at the bar and flirting with him - lure them outside towards a taxi.
Sixth Stage: Her at his, she is getting dressed again whilst he sleeps. She then approaches the bedside table looks into his phone, throws it away, looks into the wallet, and slowly slips the expensive watch off his wrist.
Seventh Stage: Shot of the character on the phone leaving the man's house.
Eighth Stage: Swap over of bags - change of clothes. Seen changing in the back of the car.
Ninth Stage: Leaving the car and entering the next nightclub - with a mask - fancy dress (hidden identity)
Tenth Stage: She goes to the bar and has drinks bought for her as she flirts with an older guy. She then is guided into a separate room (Poker room).
Eleventh Stage: Enters a room to find a poker table. Begins to play Poker with various others men around you. - seen smoking, poker face, serious facial expressions.
Twelfth Stage: Seen standing up ready to leave the Poker room. - As she opens the door to leave - smirking due to her winning - the camera is changed to see her walking out in her work clothes from her front door.
First stage: Is the character taking off her shoes, throwing her bag on the bed, putting her two mobile phones down on the table. Taking her skirt off then her top off and putting on her dressing gown. - Mirror shot.
Second stage: Taking off the jewellery - Rings, necklace, bracelets and taking off make up. Then goes to bathroom going to shower (cut to the narrative)
Third stage: The character in the club approaching a male stealing his wallet out of his back pocket.
Fourth stage: Goes to the bathroom to get changed in to her next outfit.
Fifth Stage: Approaching an older man at the bar and flirting with him - lure them outside towards a taxi.
Sixth Stage: Her at his, she is getting dressed again whilst he sleeps. She then approaches the bedside table looks into his phone, throws it away, looks into the wallet, and slowly slips the expensive watch off his wrist.
Seventh Stage: Shot of the character on the phone leaving the man's house.
Eighth Stage: Swap over of bags - change of clothes. Seen changing in the back of the car.
Ninth Stage: Leaving the car and entering the next nightclub - with a mask - fancy dress (hidden identity)
Tenth Stage: She goes to the bar and has drinks bought for her as she flirts with an older guy. She then is guided into a separate room (Poker room).
Eleventh Stage: Enters a room to find a poker table. Begins to play Poker with various others men around you. - seen smoking, poker face, serious facial expressions.
Twelfth Stage: Seen standing up ready to leave the Poker room. - As she opens the door to leave - smirking due to her winning - the camera is changed to see her walking out in her work clothes from her front door.
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Group Meetings - Planning
This week we have various lessons together as a group and other free periods in which we can discuss further progress on our production.
The Storyline is now set, and the two main shots have been chosen. We are not discussing what is going to be in the scenes and in what order the events happen so that we have a basic understanding of what the character is doing in each frame.
We will then produce sample photos of the shots that we intent to use and a similar location so that we can understand and see what the shot will look like on the day of filming.
Hopefully, in a few days time, we are producing detailed storyboards with all timings, angles and camera shots as well as specific MES and events happening in each shot.
The Storyline is now set, and the two main shots have been chosen. We are not discussing what is going to be in the scenes and in what order the events happen so that we have a basic understanding of what the character is doing in each frame.
We will then produce sample photos of the shots that we intent to use and a similar location so that we can understand and see what the shot will look like on the day of filming.
Hopefully, in a few days time, we are producing detailed storyboards with all timings, angles and camera shots as well as specific MES and events happening in each shot.
Thinking ahead - Main Task
Over a few days, I was watching music videos, some in which did not relate to our music genre such as I'm not the only one - Sam Smith. This video stood out for me purely because of the different emotions the actress was made to show throughout the music video. The way she goes from sobbing and heartbroken to putting on a brave face and drowning her sorrows, I thought we could connect the 'poker face' idea; not let our character give any emotion away apart from a few smirks and looks. This will make her mysterious and captivating due to her not revealing anything.
Friday, 10 October 2014
Reasons as to why companies make music videos
I created a prezi to explain the various reasons as to why record companies make music videos as an ancillary to the song itself.
Who we are aimed at - Audience
Pop genre appeals to a mass audience due to the vast amount of marketing it has. Popular music is usually played constantly over various different media platforms such as radio, television, online, etc. Hence why a large amount of people listen to the genre, mainly due to its accessibility.
Solo female artists appeal to both genres; females usually see these artists as their idols and they aspire to be like them and the sex appeal of the artist is what mainly engages the male audience.
We have aimed our music video specifically at young adults between the age of 17 and 25. This is because at this age they are more interested in the artist and the music instead of the fame. Younger the 17 would be more interested in Pop Princes, Boy bands and stereotypical artists that base their career on the fame and the popularity instead of the authentication of the song itself.
Another reason as to why the pop genre appeals to the age demographic of 17-25 is the simple fact that most the songs are played in venues such as clubs and parties in which these people would be attending; therefore they are constantly surrounded by the songs from this genre.
Their interest may revolve around sports, predominately in the male gender, whilst the female gender may be more interested in more artistic activities. They everyday life would be based around a working environment, whether is it sixth form/college/uni or a job. This means that when they do go out they appreciate it more due to their hectic lifestyle which is where the songs are then advertised and recognised.
Solo female artists appeal to both genres; females usually see these artists as their idols and they aspire to be like them and the sex appeal of the artist is what mainly engages the male audience.
We have aimed our music video specifically at young adults between the age of 17 and 25. This is because at this age they are more interested in the artist and the music instead of the fame. Younger the 17 would be more interested in Pop Princes, Boy bands and stereotypical artists that base their career on the fame and the popularity instead of the authentication of the song itself.
Another reason as to why the pop genre appeals to the age demographic of 17-25 is the simple fact that most the songs are played in venues such as clubs and parties in which these people would be attending; therefore they are constantly surrounded by the songs from this genre.
Their interest may revolve around sports, predominately in the male gender, whilst the female gender may be more interested in more artistic activities. They everyday life would be based around a working environment, whether is it sixth form/college/uni or a job. This means that when they do go out they appreciate it more due to their hectic lifestyle which is where the songs are then advertised and recognised.
Audience Research - Youtube Comments
To find out what the current viewers thought of the official music video, I looked through the Youtube comments below this video. The results were very contrasting, with various people finding the video disturbing and unnecessary and other viewers believing it has a very inspirational and meaningful message behind it.
People thought that giving the main artist a drunken and rebellious image was a bad idea because it could influence people in the wrong direction, for example encourage them to take drugs as a way to get away from all the problems that was occur over their lifetime. Another reason would be that it isn't a subject that people should gloat about, as it can have serious consequences. The image the character has in this music video can be interpreted as rough girl who is consuming illegal substances to get over her relationship problems, which is not something the music industry want to portray to the society.
Other viewers, came to the conclusion that the idea of drugs being everywhere, is the society's fault. A girl, who is suffering, from what we assume is a break up or a loss, is out, drowning her sorrows. The presence of alcohol is very obvious here, and the idea of being surrounded by her friends and people distract her from what she is actually feeling.
There are slight references but nothing specific is mentioned and therefore people just assume that 'high' is her being on drugs instead of just being high of the atmosphere and the actual events themselves.
Viewers believe that the video would have meant more if the video was more illustrative instead of metaphorical; but that could be seen as boring and predictable by the music industry and would not have the got the same amount of attention this one did.
Racism and/or Sexism are usually present in Pop music videos due to the topics having such a huge influence on the current generation. The viewers have realised that everyone interprets the video in which every way they want and therefore we should judge what others think or believe. We are a very judgemental society, and the female artist acting very savage and rebellious is not accepted because of what we believe a girl should act like.
Our society is still seen as a very
sexist and rather controversial. The idea of there being two women in the video and not two males, sparks an interest in the homosexuals in our society. The video makes it obvious that there is nothing wrong with it, and that it is acceptable. Gay rights are a big topic of conversation currently and I believe that having this controversy in the music video includes everyone and makes the video itself stand out to the heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual people in this world.
Viewers may connect with the video due to it being related to such a common topic, break up or loss. The only difference is that they are react a different way.
By creating such a vulnerable character, makes the audience pity her and feel attached to her as you either relate to what she has been through or you wish you could help in some way. Therefore it is engaging the viewers on a more personal levels due to the realism in the video.
Most comments by women were actually rather critical towards the artist. This is because of the way she is portrayed and they believe that woman don't or shouldn't act like that when they are out no matter what problems they may be suffering from.
Men, most the time tend to focus on the actual visual aspect, such as the way the character looks, and the humour such as throwing the chips away. Yet some men have looked more in depth and feel for the character. This is due to the stereotypical idea of females getting very hurt easily and being vulnerable. They suggest that events like a loss or a break up have more of an impact of women than men and therefore understand that they will react very differently from them.
People thought that giving the main artist a drunken and rebellious image was a bad idea because it could influence people in the wrong direction, for example encourage them to take drugs as a way to get away from all the problems that was occur over their lifetime. Another reason would be that it isn't a subject that people should gloat about, as it can have serious consequences. The image the character has in this music video can be interpreted as rough girl who is consuming illegal substances to get over her relationship problems, which is not something the music industry want to portray to the society. 
Other viewers, came to the conclusion that the idea of drugs being everywhere, is the society's fault. A girl, who is suffering, from what we assume is a break up or a loss, is out, drowning her sorrows. The presence of alcohol is very obvious here, and the idea of being surrounded by her friends and people distract her from what she is actually feeling.
There are slight references but nothing specific is mentioned and therefore people just assume that 'high' is her being on drugs instead of just being high of the atmosphere and the actual events themselves.
Viewers believe that the video would have meant more if the video was more illustrative instead of metaphorical; but that could be seen as boring and predictable by the music industry and would not have the got the same amount of attention this one did.
Racism and/or Sexism are usually present in Pop music videos due to the topics having such a huge influence on the current generation. The viewers have realised that everyone interprets the video in which every way they want and therefore we should judge what others think or believe. We are a very judgemental society, and the female artist acting very savage and rebellious is not accepted because of what we believe a girl should act like. Our society is still seen as a very
sexist and rather controversial. The idea of there being two women in the video and not two males, sparks an interest in the homosexuals in our society. The video makes it obvious that there is nothing wrong with it, and that it is acceptable. Gay rights are a big topic of conversation currently and I believe that having this controversy in the music video includes everyone and makes the video itself stand out to the heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual people in this world. 
Viewers may connect with the video due to it being related to such a common topic, break up or loss. The only difference is that they are react a different way.
By creating such a vulnerable character, makes the audience pity her and feel attached to her as you either relate to what she has been through or you wish you could help in some way. Therefore it is engaging the viewers on a more personal levels due to the realism in the video.
Most comments by women were actually rather critical towards the artist. This is because of the way she is portrayed and they believe that woman don't or shouldn't act like that when they are out no matter what problems they may be suffering from.
Men, most the time tend to focus on the actual visual aspect, such as the way the character looks, and the humour such as throwing the chips away. Yet some men have looked more in depth and feel for the character. This is due to the stereotypical idea of females getting very hurt easily and being vulnerable. They suggest that events like a loss or a break up have more of an impact of women than men and therefore understand that they will react very differently from them. Questionnaire Analysis
Results from my questionnaire gave me an insights to what the target audience are looking for and what tends to be expected from the music videos/artists.
In question one I established that the mass audience have heard popular music at some point in their lives whether they like it our now. These songs usually have very catchy lyrics and therefore remain in people's heads over large periods of time, this creates word of mouth which increases their advertisement. Although my younger female cousin did not overly listen to pop genre she was aware of songs by artists related to it. This reinforces the fact that pop music is the most marketed genre in our society currently.
The trio showed they were aware of the variety that are present in the genre by answering 'What is your favourite Pop music video?'; thus they all answered with confidence and which different artists. The following question gives us an insight into what each age demographic likes to see in the pop music videos found now a days. The young male teenager refers to the women and their bodies which confirms the simple fact that sexual reference and artist with more sex appeal do attract the opposite gender; this is also shown with the 20 year old who comments on her liking the video because 'the artist is rather good looking'.
The younger females who tend to be stereo typically made to be seen as fan girls for the pop princes in the music industry, the 15 year old female said she liked the video due to its humour and fun. This shows that if the artist is comfortable in the video and makes fun of the situation or herself then the audience feel more engaged as they automatically assume they are connected with them on a personal levels as they are seeing the artist's flaws.
Before continuing to ask them specifically about our song, we questioned them on what they expect from a typical pop genre music video; Relations were the main topic and all three agreed that there would be some sort of connection between people as the main aspect in the music video. The younger male focused more on student life, hence they believe that pop genre consists of young artists. Partying and sexual references is what he say as a common feature throughout the videos, as the females both decided that there would be some emotion in these public relations. Love stories are popular due to the stereotypical view of them and the simple fact that young people are constantly involved with relationships and other connections with people therefore she related the videos back to artists like Taylor Swift. As did the older subject, she also came to the conclusion that it would be based on a strong feeling that could cause a sort of event which leads on to be music video for the song. Therefore, for our video, I gathered that there would have to be a main reason as to why these events are taking place and makes the main character act in that way.
Due to it being a female solo artist singing our chosen song, the females related it to friendship which, according to society, is an aspect that females see as the most importantly thing in their lives. All three listened carefully to the lyrics as they picked up on the drinking references and the going out at night scenes that are described in detail in the song. This makes them assume that there is partying and alcohol, which is an accurate assumption based on the original video. Hence, the audience listen to who is singing before making an assumption about the artist and what their personality traits may be such as, in this instant, a rebellious and naughty female; although that the lyrics are as important as they do interpret them and this is essential if the music video is illustrative. Personally we are producing a video that is amplifying certain lyrics to highlight our message behind the song/video but is also contradicting as the lyrics do not match the video.
It is obvious from the answers that most popular music is usually played in social events and public areas and this is no exception; all three agreed that they would hear this song in clubs and student/teenage influenced venues. The university student, the 20 year old female, confirmed that this specific song is played on a regular basis. They assumed that the main character in the music video would be a female due to the singer actually being female too which related to us as we reinforce that fact in our video. Relationships and friendships were also presumed to be popular themes in the music video but although we contrast this fact, there is main reason as to why the main character acts that way.
In question one I established that the mass audience have heard popular music at some point in their lives whether they like it our now. These songs usually have very catchy lyrics and therefore remain in people's heads over large periods of time, this creates word of mouth which increases their advertisement. Although my younger female cousin did not overly listen to pop genre she was aware of songs by artists related to it. This reinforces the fact that pop music is the most marketed genre in our society currently.
The trio showed they were aware of the variety that are present in the genre by answering 'What is your favourite Pop music video?'; thus they all answered with confidence and which different artists. The following question gives us an insight into what each age demographic likes to see in the pop music videos found now a days. The young male teenager refers to the women and their bodies which confirms the simple fact that sexual reference and artist with more sex appeal do attract the opposite gender; this is also shown with the 20 year old who comments on her liking the video because 'the artist is rather good looking'.
The younger females who tend to be stereo typically made to be seen as fan girls for the pop princes in the music industry, the 15 year old female said she liked the video due to its humour and fun. This shows that if the artist is comfortable in the video and makes fun of the situation or herself then the audience feel more engaged as they automatically assume they are connected with them on a personal levels as they are seeing the artist's flaws.
Before continuing to ask them specifically about our song, we questioned them on what they expect from a typical pop genre music video; Relations were the main topic and all three agreed that there would be some sort of connection between people as the main aspect in the music video. The younger male focused more on student life, hence they believe that pop genre consists of young artists. Partying and sexual references is what he say as a common feature throughout the videos, as the females both decided that there would be some emotion in these public relations. Love stories are popular due to the stereotypical view of them and the simple fact that young people are constantly involved with relationships and other connections with people therefore she related the videos back to artists like Taylor Swift. As did the older subject, she also came to the conclusion that it would be based on a strong feeling that could cause a sort of event which leads on to be music video for the song. Therefore, for our video, I gathered that there would have to be a main reason as to why these events are taking place and makes the main character act in that way.
Due to it being a female solo artist singing our chosen song, the females related it to friendship which, according to society, is an aspect that females see as the most importantly thing in their lives. All three listened carefully to the lyrics as they picked up on the drinking references and the going out at night scenes that are described in detail in the song. This makes them assume that there is partying and alcohol, which is an accurate assumption based on the original video. Hence, the audience listen to who is singing before making an assumption about the artist and what their personality traits may be such as, in this instant, a rebellious and naughty female; although that the lyrics are as important as they do interpret them and this is essential if the music video is illustrative. Personally we are producing a video that is amplifying certain lyrics to highlight our message behind the song/video but is also contradicting as the lyrics do not match the video.
It is obvious from the answers that most popular music is usually played in social events and public areas and this is no exception; all three agreed that they would hear this song in clubs and student/teenage influenced venues. The university student, the 20 year old female, confirmed that this specific song is played on a regular basis. They assumed that the main character in the music video would be a female due to the singer actually being female too which related to us as we reinforce that fact in our video. Relationships and friendships were also presumed to be popular themes in the music video but although we contrast this fact, there is main reason as to why the main character acts that way.
Analysis of Pink / Try for the emotion (Vulnerability and Dominance)
The main feature of the video if the artist performing a choreographed routine with another person. The intense emotions of the song are represented though their movements and their facial expressions.
I analysed this video specifically for the emotion and the body language of the artist, as due to the domestic idea in our video, body language is essential to express her pain.
I analysed this video specifically for the emotion and the body language of the artist, as due to the domestic idea in our video, body language is essential to express her pain.
- The artists tries to hide her feelings by ignoring the other person, who is obviously the main burden for her in the story line. This shows her as a strong minded character that does not want her feelings to be taken advantage of. The male then places his hand on her should/neck before pulling her into his arms; this represents the control he still has over her and how he can manipulate her to go back to him even though it may not be what she wants.
- The abrupt dance movements could be expressing her pain and the dislike she wish she had against him. Them moving together could represent their relationships and for example, the running from wall to wall, could be their representation of her trying to escape the relationship, but he is not letting her go; which is reinforced in the way he is holding on to her.
- The cross cuts to the main artist on her own is showing her away from all the drama and the other people, could be interpreted that she is now free. The bright colours all over her body could be a feature to suggest she is breaking out from routine and doing as she pleases. This contrasts with the choreographed scenes, as they is a very mono-tonal.
- The more intimate and complex the choreograph, the more intense his emotion is on her. Cross cuts to her singing in a desert, this represents her as being a free woman and taking control by singing the lyrics out loud.
- As the chorus begins, the main artist gets throw around at the Sam time as she cutting rhythm increases; shows how he has ultimate control and this is emphasised when the lyrics are about pain and hurt.
- As the songs title is sung, her movements towards the male get more aggressive, as if she was fighting back, shows her as not being vulnerable and trying to get herself out of this situation.
- The two characters begin to become more intimate and they make more subtle movements; this represents them both as needing each other to survive and the end run towards each other expresses their aggression and dominance but yet shows that they are always drawn towards each other.
These features are useless in the production of our music video due to the fact of the contrasting themes represented, for example the dominance and vulnerability of the two character. This will ensure that our artist will represent different emotions through body language and performance.
Thursday, 9 October 2014
Planning - Production Meeting
All four members of our group met up at the end of the day to discuss the storyboard and the new and improved treatment.
We then organised and planned out the timeline for our music video with very brief layouts of each frame and a basic estimate on timings. This will be posted once completed.
Female Solo Artist - Our Actress
The female solo artist, our main character, is the main feature in our music video. We wanted to find a female that could potentially be able to succeed in portraying herself like the two contrasting images that we desires in our storyline.
I was chosen to play this part due to my personality, being an extrovert person meant that I am comfortable with establishing relationships with new people hence I could act and maintain being in character with the people around me. This ensured that my performance would seem realistic and professional.
Also being the only female in the group this resulted in me being targeted automatically before approaching any other female due to my availability and obvious commitment to this task. Being part of the production team meant that would ensure I tried my best and pushed myself to the best of my abilities so that our music video is at the highest standard possible.
I was chosen to play this part due to my personality, being an extrovert person meant that I am comfortable with establishing relationships with new people hence I could act and maintain being in character with the people around me. This ensured that my performance would seem realistic and professional.
Also being the only female in the group this resulted in me being targeted automatically before approaching any other female due to my availability and obvious commitment to this task. Being part of the production team meant that would ensure I tried my best and pushed myself to the best of my abilities so that our music video is at the highest standard possible.
Storyline - Main Task
After much deliberation, we decided that our story line was very similar to the one in the official video and therefore changed the main plot.
Continuing with the idea of the female artist living two very contrasting lifestyles, we had to think of a reason as to why she has two very different lifestyles; we came to the conclusion that during the day she would be a successful business woman, this will be shown by her clothing and MES, and then during the night she is a con artist, that cons men out of their valuables for her own pleasure.
This character would be defined as hedonistic, as she does this at night for her own pleasure. This still ensures that we have very contrasting lifestyles and we will portray that with cross cuts between her preparing herself for work and then her on her night out. This will show her as a powerful and dominant woman during the day and a classy and cunning woman during the night. Setting and MES will be essential to our music video to ensure it looks realistic and authentic.
Wednesday, 8 October 2014
Main Task - Planning
During a lesson with Kieran Goodson, a fellow group member, we discussed the type of camera shots and angles we would use for the introduction to our music video. This led on talking about how we decided to have an intro for our music video that would not have the song playing and only have diegetic sound.
This is because at the beginning of the video, we want the audience to focus their attention on the artist and the event happening in the scene and not the song; hence the song starts when the artist has already have begun the narrative.
Also, in our music video there will be various cross cuts from the main character getting ready to her out clubbing. We though it would be a good feature if we got the main character, in this case the artist, to film herself and her friends directly from her own mobile phone. We would make this very obvious that she is filming her and her friends as part of the narrative instead of being filmed by a another member. This, as it is being filmed in an actual party event, will engage the viewers and make them feel like they are at an actual club. It is effective because it will make our video more authentic and realistic.
This is because at the beginning of the video, we want the audience to focus their attention on the artist and the event happening in the scene and not the song; hence the song starts when the artist has already have begun the narrative.
Also, in our music video there will be various cross cuts from the main character getting ready to her out clubbing. We though it would be a good feature if we got the main character, in this case the artist, to film herself and her friends directly from her own mobile phone. We would make this very obvious that she is filming her and her friends as part of the narrative instead of being filmed by a another member. This, as it is being filmed in an actual party event, will engage the viewers and make them feel like they are at an actual club. It is effective because it will make our video more authentic and realistic.
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Analysis of Jess Glynne / Right Here for the editing
The video mainly focuses around the artist and her performance. There is not clear narrative and it is rather abstract is not coherent.
I analysed this music video purely for the editing due to extreme use of effects and filters.
The cutting rate is important in our music video due to the scenes being of offensive events therefore we wants the audience to be on edge and engaged in what the character is doing. By having an increased cutting rhythm it creates suspense as well as gives the viewers an adrenaline rush because of the ambiguity of the situation. Also, on the contrary, a slow cutting rate may also be effective to ensure that certain events are highlighted or to feature certain props/actors for a specific reason.
I analysed this music video purely for the editing due to extreme use of effects and filters.
- Use of filters of very extreme lighting effects. They have different vibrant coloured streaks such as pink and yellows to make the video more modern and futuristic. Also the song is a dance song that would commonly be heard in a nightclub, therefore the filter used would resemble the lighting in the actual real life location.
- Certain scenes of the music videos are rewound so that the actions occurs once again. This effect is also manipulated so that the video footage stutters and becomes incoherent. Editing techniques such as these are used to make the video different and abstract. This may have been so that the different cuts are disjointed throughout the verse and then cut on the beat for the chorus.
- Jump cuts are used to jump from the artist in one to pose to another. This emphasises the idea of time lapse and increases the pace. Gives the impressions that it is rushed, or that the actions are happening very quickly. This editing technique is effective in party or club like events when the character is directly being affected.
- Slow motion is used the same ways as the jump cuts, to emphasise the time frame of the music video. Could be to capture the character's reactions or so that the audience embrace the action that is occurring in that specific scene or to set the general atmosphere. Also used just prior to the song's climax to create more tension and to have a bigger build up.
- Use of split screens is another way to show two events that are happening at the same time instead of just using match cuts. In this case, its the same scene just mirrored. This could refer to reflecting on the past, or that her actions will reflect on her. This effect is also useful to make it seem quite nostalgic.
- Relating back to the thought of the incoherence of the video and the time lapse of the shots, there are scenes in which the artists clothes fly across the shot; they are filmed in reverse. This could give an element of being futuristic like I mentioned previously but also makes it rather bold and eccentric as well as referring to going back in the past.
- The shots in which the song's lyrics are sung, the camera turns to a mid shot/ close ups of the artist in which there are no effects on the scenes whatsoever. The cutting rate is still very rapid along with the rest of the song due to the pop, dance beat it has; the rhythm continues as the chorus and a large part of the verses is sung to the camera; mainly the song title is emphasised (Right Here).
The cutting rate is important in our music video due to the scenes being of offensive events therefore we wants the audience to be on edge and engaged in what the character is doing. By having an increased cutting rhythm it creates suspense as well as gives the viewers an adrenaline rush because of the ambiguity of the situation. Also, on the contrary, a slow cutting rate may also be effective to ensure that certain events are highlighted or to feature certain props/actors for a specific reason.
Audience Research - Questionnaire
Over the past few days, I have been researching into the genre pop and its demographics; Pop mainly focuses on the sound and the feeling it creates rather than the lyrics.
For example, Katy Perry will appeal late teenaged females, Lady Gaga will appeal to gay men, recent Britney Spears will appeal to women in their mid to late twenties, Rihanna has the largest audience with straight males and females 17 to 25.
Pop music's main demographic are those 17 to 25 - not teenagers 13 to 15; 17 to 25 young adults are the ones who can afford the concert tickets and who, as a demographic, regularly goes to bars and clubs to dance which is where the genre of music is most commonly found.
I asked my cousins the following questions and these were their answers. They didn't want to be recorded therefore I had to note what they said and write it up clearer; (Due to their genders and ages I have colour coded each of them so that we can clearly differentiate them).
For example, Katy Perry will appeal late teenaged females, Lady Gaga will appeal to gay men, recent Britney Spears will appeal to women in their mid to late twenties, Rihanna has the largest audience with straight males and females 17 to 25.
Pop music's main demographic are those 17 to 25 - not teenagers 13 to 15; 17 to 25 young adults are the ones who can afford the concert tickets and who, as a demographic, regularly goes to bars and clubs to dance which is where the genre of music is most commonly found.
I asked my cousins the following questions and these were their answers. They didn't want to be recorded therefore I had to note what they said and write it up clearer; (Due to their genders and ages I have colour coded each of them so that we can clearly differentiate them).
- Blue = A 15 year old boy.
- Purple = A 15 year old girl.
- Red = A 20 year old woman.
Evidence of early planning - Digipaks
We were discussing Digipaks and trying to relate our ideas to the concept and the lyrics of our song. These are print screens of a conversation between Kieran Goodson, a group member and myself on Facebook.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)