Our task for this unit is to research a number of music videos from different genres, as planning towards our own music videos.
Our task for this unit of work is to research music videos of several different genres (rock, pop etc) we have to take this research and create our own music video. This video will be about 3 minutes in length and will be planned, filmed and edited in groups of 4-5 people. The song chosen must be by a british artist and cannot already have its own, using these guidelines we will be able to create a profesional quality music video.
Friday, 23 September 2011
Analysing Music Videos from Chosen Genre
James Morrison- You Make It Real To Me
This video is set in various places throughout Los Angeles, and we can tell this as on the motorway we see the sign for the 110 freeway, whilst james is in a taxi. We also see him in the video by a pool, arriving at a hotel, and then him singing on stage. The video also has shots of Morrison in a bar and coffee-shop. The video ends with him walking alone. These shots are quite similar to each other as they range from a small variety of long, medium and close up shots, however with imaginative and compositions within them, by revealing settings, locations and facial components and expressions.
Our first impressions to this video is that it's quite low and sad due to the body language he is showing us, by looking down, away from the camera, singing with his eyes closed at times and having quite a frumpy posture. On the other hand this shows he's in deep thought and very emotional about something, and by this reflection he is proving to be a very good performer as he can put across the image and atmosphere that he wants. Furthermore he is always alone, except for in the studio however nobody talks to him. This could emphasise his lonliness and the meaning of the song, of maybe that he lost someone and grieving or suffering.
This video is set in various places throughout Los Angeles, and we can tell this as on the motorway we see the sign for the 110 freeway, whilst james is in a taxi. We also see him in the video by a pool, arriving at a hotel, and then him singing on stage. The video also has shots of Morrison in a bar and coffee-shop. The video ends with him walking alone. These shots are quite similar to each other as they range from a small variety of long, medium and close up shots, however with imaginative and compositions within them, by revealing settings, locations and facial components and expressions.
Our first impressions to this video is that it's quite low and sad due to the body language he is showing us, by looking down, away from the camera, singing with his eyes closed at times and having quite a frumpy posture. On the other hand this shows he's in deep thought and very emotional about something, and by this reflection he is proving to be a very good performer as he can put across the image and atmosphere that he wants. Furthermore he is always alone, except for in the studio however nobody talks to him. This could emphasise his lonliness and the meaning of the song, of maybe that he lost someone and grieving or suffering.
Record Labels
Atlantic Records
History Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz.Over its first 20 years of operation Atlantic earned a reputation as one of the most important American independent recording labels, specializing in jazz, R&B and soul recordings by African-American artists, a position greatly enhanced by its distribution deal with Stax Records.
In 1967 Atlantic became a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, now the Warner Music Group, and expanded into rock and pop music, signing Cream,Led Zeppelin, Yes and Foreigner. In 2004 Atlantic Records and its sister label Elektra Records merged into Atlantic Records Group.
Artists
Atlantic is a huge company and have worked/ is working with artists such as Trey Songs, Kid Rock, James Blunt, Wiz Khalifa, Sean Paul, Flo Rida, Missy Elliot, Jason Mraz, Estelle and Tracy Chapman. Those are just a few of the artists who they have contracts with etc.
History Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz.Over its first 20 years of operation Atlantic earned a reputation as one of the most important American independent recording labels, specializing in jazz, R&B and soul recordings by African-American artists, a position greatly enhanced by its distribution deal with Stax Records.
In 1967 Atlantic became a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, now the Warner Music Group, and expanded into rock and pop music, signing Cream,Led Zeppelin, Yes and Foreigner. In 2004 Atlantic Records and its sister label Elektra Records merged into Atlantic Records Group.
Artists
Atlantic is a huge company and have worked/ is working with artists such as Trey Songs, Kid Rock, James Blunt, Wiz Khalifa, Sean Paul, Flo Rida, Missy Elliot, Jason Mraz, Estelle and Tracy Chapman. Those are just a few of the artists who they have contracts with etc.
Monday, 19 September 2011
Conventions of Pop Music Videos
-Artists are involved in the video.
-Women artists are always powerful and independent.
-Bright Lighting.
-Colourful
-Upbeat
-Dance Routines.
-Number of Costumes changes.
-Aimed at teenagers.
-Narrative.
-Close ups are mainly used to show emotions.
Analysis of Music Video From Chosen Genre
Ed Sheeran - A Team
Ed Sheeran fits into the genre of Pop, however this music video doesn't contain all the typical conventions of a Pop video. The whole video is in black and white, which creates a very dark mood. However, it fits with the meaning and lyrics of the song well. There is a range of interesting camera shots used within this video, including close-ups, long shots, and over the shoulder shots. This adds to the suspense and exitement of the video and gives different points of view of the frame to the audience. There is also very good effects used in the video, especially when the girl is sat on the floor and everything around her is moving fast. This gives the viewers an understanding of what her life is like and how she feels, which helps to generate sympathy for the character. Costume is also another aspect which makes this video succesfull as it shows the viewers exactly what this character is like and what the video is about.
Ed Sheeran fits into the genre of Pop, however this music video doesn't contain all the typical conventions of a Pop video. The whole video is in black and white, which creates a very dark mood. However, it fits with the meaning and lyrics of the song well. There is a range of interesting camera shots used within this video, including close-ups, long shots, and over the shoulder shots. This adds to the suspense and exitement of the video and gives different points of view of the frame to the audience. There is also very good effects used in the video, especially when the girl is sat on the floor and everything around her is moving fast. This gives the viewers an understanding of what her life is like and how she feels, which helps to generate sympathy for the character. Costume is also another aspect which makes this video succesfull as it shows the viewers exactly what this character is like and what the video is about.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
SJA Assessment (SUMMER WORK) 18/09
WWW:
- Very pleasing to see a much more organised and up-to-date blog from the last time I assessed you Becca- I hope this approach continues!
- You have clearly taken some time to complete all Summer Work posts and care has been taken to compose good contact sheets.
- All but one of your posts are visual - because of your use of contact sheets and YouTube uploads.
- Some good reference to conventions / techniques, and you show an understanding of the features of a successful music video.
EBI:
- Some suggestions to help you improve the work - I hope you create some time to make some improvements. The contact sheets are good Becca, and it's good to see each post (except Post 8) is visual, but try to show a more varied use of media to create visual posts. Screen grabs, contact sheets and whole 3 minute music videos uploaded from You Tube just won't be enough to earn you higher marks for the blog. Two really important criteria for this are: 1. Creative use of the Media to compose posts 2. Skill in the creative use of ICT. It just gets a little bit dull and repetitive seeing yet another contact sheet... and yet another whole 3 minute music video (which no one assessing your work will ever bother to view in full) for your analytical posts.
- I'd suggest that you try to take short extracts (5 - 10 second clips) from some of the music videos you have anaylsed instead of relying on contact sheets for all posts. This would boost marks for 'creativity' and 'skill in the use of media and ICT'. Try creating a 'voice over commentary' parhaps for your analysis of the low budget videos to talk through the ideas you liked and the approaches (lighting / shots) that you felt were successful. Yes, all of this takes extra time, but if you made the effort to do it for one or two of your Research posts, the poverall grade for your blog would improve.
- Check that your analytical posts to make sure you are using as much media language as possible (mise-en-scene, etc).
- Your comments in the written analysis for some posts are a bit vague, and do not really show your grasp of media terminology. For example, when you write about Beyonce's video, you say it used "a wide range of shot types and angles...". Too vague, be specific. What types of shots / angles - exactly? Show the specific screen grabs to demonstrate your points and your observations. You could refer more to 'mise-en-scene' in your analysis of Katy Perry's video. Your analysis of the Saturday's video is very brief (only 7 lines) and needs to be more developed I think Becca. You should be referring specifically to mise en scene, cinematography, editing. In your analysis of the Arctic Monkey's video, you comment on the editing used - but simply uploading the whole video from you Tube doesn't show anyone assessing your work what you are referring to. Again, if you take the time to do a voice over commentary of the Arctic Monkey's video, or take a short 5 second extract only to really deomonstrate your point, this would be a much more meaningful post overall.
- Post 8 - 'Conventions of a Music Video' - needs more development - and VISUALS!
Effort for Summer Work: Some Improvement Needed - can very easily move right up in effort grades if you pick up on some of the suggestions I have given you in the EBI's.
- Very pleasing to see a much more organised and up-to-date blog from the last time I assessed you Becca- I hope this approach continues!
- You have clearly taken some time to complete all Summer Work posts and care has been taken to compose good contact sheets.
- All but one of your posts are visual - because of your use of contact sheets and YouTube uploads.
- Some good reference to conventions / techniques, and you show an understanding of the features of a successful music video.
EBI:
- Some suggestions to help you improve the work - I hope you create some time to make some improvements. The contact sheets are good Becca, and it's good to see each post (except Post 8) is visual, but try to show a more varied use of media to create visual posts. Screen grabs, contact sheets and whole 3 minute music videos uploaded from You Tube just won't be enough to earn you higher marks for the blog. Two really important criteria for this are: 1. Creative use of the Media to compose posts 2. Skill in the creative use of ICT. It just gets a little bit dull and repetitive seeing yet another contact sheet... and yet another whole 3 minute music video (which no one assessing your work will ever bother to view in full) for your analytical posts.
- I'd suggest that you try to take short extracts (5 - 10 second clips) from some of the music videos you have anaylsed instead of relying on contact sheets for all posts. This would boost marks for 'creativity' and 'skill in the use of media and ICT'. Try creating a 'voice over commentary' parhaps for your analysis of the low budget videos to talk through the ideas you liked and the approaches (lighting / shots) that you felt were successful. Yes, all of this takes extra time, but if you made the effort to do it for one or two of your Research posts, the poverall grade for your blog would improve.
- Check that your analytical posts to make sure you are using as much media language as possible (mise-en-scene, etc).
- Your comments in the written analysis for some posts are a bit vague, and do not really show your grasp of media terminology. For example, when you write about Beyonce's video, you say it used "a wide range of shot types and angles...". Too vague, be specific. What types of shots / angles - exactly? Show the specific screen grabs to demonstrate your points and your observations. You could refer more to 'mise-en-scene' in your analysis of Katy Perry's video. Your analysis of the Saturday's video is very brief (only 7 lines) and needs to be more developed I think Becca. You should be referring specifically to mise en scene, cinematography, editing. In your analysis of the Arctic Monkey's video, you comment on the editing used - but simply uploading the whole video from you Tube doesn't show anyone assessing your work what you are referring to. Again, if you take the time to do a voice over commentary of the Arctic Monkey's video, or take a short 5 second extract only to really deomonstrate your point, this would be a much more meaningful post overall.
- Post 8 - 'Conventions of a Music Video' - needs more development - and VISUALS!
Effort for Summer Work: Some Improvement Needed - can very easily move right up in effort grades if you pick up on some of the suggestions I have given you in the EBI's.
Friday, 16 September 2011
Record Labels
Syco Records
Syco is a London based entertainment company established in 2002 by Simon Cowell. It's parent company is Sony Music Entertainment and accounts for 70% of profit at Sony Music.
The company rarely scouts for new artists, as they are usually developed through the TV talent formats. Generally, the company has a strong focus on promoting its artists through television. Syco Music is run by Managing Director Sonny Takhar and Head of Syco TV is Siobhan Greene. Syco works with a number of US record labels to release albums in the states and China.
Examples of Syco's artists include:
-Leona Lewis
-Alexandra Burke
-Olly Murs
-One Direction
-Cher Lloyd
-Matt Cardle
-Labrinth
-II Divo
Syco is a London based entertainment company established in 2002 by Simon Cowell. It's parent company is Sony Music Entertainment and accounts for 70% of profit at Sony Music.
The company rarely scouts for new artists, as they are usually developed through the TV talent formats. Generally, the company has a strong focus on promoting its artists through television. Syco Music is run by Managing Director Sonny Takhar and Head of Syco TV is Siobhan Greene. Syco works with a number of US record labels to release albums in the states and China.
Examples of Syco's artists include:
-Leona Lewis
-Alexandra Burke
-Olly Murs
-One Direction
-Cher Lloyd
-Matt Cardle
-Labrinth
-II Divo
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
In The Sun
WWW: In my opinoin, our version of 'In The Sun' is succesfull as the costumes, choreography, and camera shots/angles are the same as the original video. As well, the edits and cuts were good and contributed the good continuity editing throughout the video. Finally, I believe that the lip syncing in this video was extremley good.
EBI: To improve this video, I think some shots should be re-filmed as some aren't quite as steady as they could be. However, I think this is due to the lack of equipment when we were filming, for instance a tracker.
Reflecting On Music Video Challenge
For the 'In The Sun' Music video challenge, I had two roles, one was to organise costumes, and the other was to be a dancer in the video. As a costume co-ordinator, my role entailed watching the official video and recognising the different characters and what they were wearing. I then had to allocate the characters to my class mates involved and tell them individually what they were wearing. It was then my responsibility to find any parts to peoples costumes they may not have themselves. This job was quite challenging when finding costumes, as sometimes no-one had what was required, however it was also enjoyable.
As already stated, my second job was a dancer. This meant I had to learn the different dance routines from the music video and learn them, in preperation for the real performance. This again was challenging as we had to learn the dances in a short amount of time, and we had to make sure that all the dancers were avaliable for rehearsals to ensure we could perform to the best of our ability.
WWW: 1. Planned my time well. (met deadlines)
2. All the costumes were correct.
3. Rehearsed dances in my own time.
EBI: 1. Knew dances abit better.
2. Took more of a filming role.
My Progress From Year 12 to Year 13
Analysing all the tasks I completed in Year 12 and to what I have begun in Year 13, I can see that I have improved in a number of areas. To begin with, I have dramatically improved my knowledge and understanding of how to use media equipment, including cameras, macs and software. However, more recently, since completing the lip syncing task and the 'In The Sun' video, I have realised other ways in which I have improved. These include being able to manage my time more effectively. For instance, in Year 12, me and my group didnt always stick to our plan, which meant our filming schedule was behind, which then led to less editing time. Therefore, when coming to the Year 13 task, I followed a schedule and kept to deadlines, which meant my work was much more structured.
Another aspect in which I feel I have improved is being in front of the camera. In Year 12 I didnt want to be filmed as I felt incredibly shy, however through being a dancer in the Year 13 task, I now feel a lot more confident to be in front of the camera, and won't mind being filmed for any other tasks from now on. Furthermore, I now feel comfortable andconfident enough to be able to work within a group of people who I dont necessarily know very well, which is something I wouldn't have been able to do in Year 12. Overall, I think my experiences in Year 12 will help to improve my performance and work in Year 13, allowing me to be more creative and experienced in Year 13.
Another aspect in which I feel I have improved is being in front of the camera. In Year 12 I didnt want to be filmed as I felt incredibly shy, however through being a dancer in the Year 13 task, I now feel a lot more confident to be in front of the camera, and won't mind being filmed for any other tasks from now on. Furthermore, I now feel comfortable andconfident enough to be able to work within a group of people who I dont necessarily know very well, which is something I wouldn't have been able to do in Year 12. Overall, I think my experiences in Year 12 will help to improve my performance and work in Year 13, allowing me to be more creative and experienced in Year 13.
Lip Syncing Task
One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
WWW: In my opinoin, I think there were a few factors that helped make this video succesfull. Firstly, we all took on individual characters and lip synced in time with the music. Aswell, I feel we were all confident in front of the camera, which made the video look more fun and enthusiastic.
EBI: I think this video could be improved if we used a wider range of camera shots and angles to make it more interesting to watch. I also think it would have been better if we chose a better location , props and added more effects.
WWW: In my opinoin, I think there were a few factors that helped make this video succesfull. Firstly, we all took on individual characters and lip synced in time with the music. Aswell, I feel we were all confident in front of the camera, which made the video look more fun and enthusiastic.
EBI: I think this video could be improved if we used a wider range of camera shots and angles to make it more interesting to watch. I also think it would have been better if we chose a better location , props and added more effects.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Low Budget Music Video
The Vixens - Voodoo Child
This video is not as high a quality as some of the other low budget videos, however it does match some of the conventions of a girl band pop video. For instance, the four girls all have their own individual screen time, which is something you find in most pop videos, as well as their costume changes. Furthermore, there is a range of coloured lighting throughout the video, however all of it is high-key, showing the light-hearted and cheery mood of the video. The costumes all represent the different personalities of the band mates, and some have a slight cutting-edge look about them, matching the usual sex-appeal to a girl band video. Finally, similarly to most pop videos there is a narrative to the video to match the song.
Low Budget Music Video
The Fix - Just Got Paid
This music video is very succesfull considering it is a low budget video. The Fix have used the typical conventions of a pop music video and the typical traits of a boy band. For example, the band involved have a costume change within the music video, as well as having a dance routine. The dance routine and costume change are both something that you find in boy band videos today, such as JLS. Within this video, there is a lot of dark lighting used, however it is different to something from a rock band video. It is actually an effective use of lighting as it adds to the mystery of the band when you can't see who they are through the bright lights. The camera shots and angles used are also very succesfull. There is a range of different shots included in the video and their use of cuts ensures that there is a continual flow from shot to shot.
This music video is very succesfull considering it is a low budget video. The Fix have used the typical conventions of a pop music video and the typical traits of a boy band. For example, the band involved have a costume change within the music video, as well as having a dance routine. The dance routine and costume change are both something that you find in boy band videos today, such as JLS. Within this video, there is a lot of dark lighting used, however it is different to something from a rock band video. It is actually an effective use of lighting as it adds to the mystery of the band when you can't see who they are through the bright lights. The camera shots and angles used are also very succesfull. There is a range of different shots included in the video and their use of cuts ensures that there is a continual flow from shot to shot.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Analysis of a Rock Music Video
Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent
This music video by Arctic Monkeys is both stereotypical and different. For example, the narrative to the video doesn't neccessarily have anything to do with the song and the video is quite unusual, which is something that you can find with most rock videos. However, it also fights the stereotypical view of a rock video by using bright colours. The location is set outside on a light day out, and the costumes consist of bright clown outfits, something that doesnt fit in with the convention of a rock video. The editing of this video is very fast and snappy with a lot of quick changes, this is effective as it makes the video more interesting to watch. This could add to the videos success as it could intice more fans, as it is different to the usual rock music video.
This music video by Arctic Monkeys is both stereotypical and different. For example, the narrative to the video doesn't neccessarily have anything to do with the song and the video is quite unusual, which is something that you can find with most rock videos. However, it also fights the stereotypical view of a rock video by using bright colours. The location is set outside on a light day out, and the costumes consist of bright clown outfits, something that doesnt fit in with the convention of a rock video. The editing of this video is very fast and snappy with a lot of quick changes, this is effective as it makes the video more interesting to watch. This could add to the videos success as it could intice more fans, as it is different to the usual rock music video.
Analysis of Rock Videos
Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire
This video meets all the basic criteria of a rock video. Similarly to other music videos from the Kings of Leon, the whole video is set with very dark and low key lighting, as well as the costumes consisting of mainly black tops and dark jeans, these both equally help to set a dark mood. Also, with camera angles, this video mainly uses close ups. This is a typical convention of a rock music video as it helps to show the audience the emotions and moods being portrayed from the artists. This music video from the Kings of Leon doesnt really have a narrative to support the song, theres mainly just fast paced shots of the band to keep with the up-beat tune of the song.
This video meets all the basic criteria of a rock video. Similarly to other music videos from the Kings of Leon, the whole video is set with very dark and low key lighting, as well as the costumes consisting of mainly black tops and dark jeans, these both equally help to set a dark mood. Also, with camera angles, this video mainly uses close ups. This is a typical convention of a rock music video as it helps to show the audience the emotions and moods being portrayed from the artists. This music video from the Kings of Leon doesnt really have a narrative to support the song, theres mainly just fast paced shots of the band to keep with the up-beat tune of the song.
Conventions of a Music Video
Camera Shots
Music videos tend to include long shots, close ups and mid shots. This is to create emphasis on the artist, locations and emotions. Also, close ups are not only used to show emotions but to reflect the words of the song with the lip sync.
Mise-en-scene
This refers to the arrangement of performers and props on stage. This puts importance on the representation of something, for example the mood and emotions can be shown through colour and costumes.
Conventions of Indie/Rock:
-black and white
-dark locations
-fast paces
-special effects
Conventions of Hip hop:
-locations include party/clubs
-expensive cars and clothes
-attractive characters
Conventions of Pop:
-bright and colourful
-aimed at teenagers
-upbeat
Monday, 5 September 2011
Analysis of a Pop Video
The Saturdays - Notorious
This video is a typical pop music video, like all of The Saturdays past videos. It is split into two halves, with the first half consisting of a white colour scheme, set in an office block, which shows a mature and pure side to the band. It then changes in the second half to the band in a night club, with darker shades of colour. This hits all the typical criteria of a pop video, and due to being a girl band, the choice of outfits worn, would be a big promotion to certain styles of clothes. Like most of the videos, there is a vast choice of camera angles and shots as it shows every aspect of the setting and costume choice.
This video is a typical pop music video, like all of The Saturdays past videos. It is split into two halves, with the first half consisting of a white colour scheme, set in an office block, which shows a mature and pure side to the band. It then changes in the second half to the band in a night club, with darker shades of colour. This hits all the typical criteria of a pop video, and due to being a girl band, the choice of outfits worn, would be a big promotion to certain styles of clothes. Like most of the videos, there is a vast choice of camera angles and shots as it shows every aspect of the setting and costume choice.
Analysis of a Pop Video
Katy Perry - Last Friday Night
This video is different from most usual pop videos, however is very typical of Katy Perry, as her music videos are usually quite quirky. This video has a 90's Americal High School theme to it, and consists of extremly bright colours. There are a number of different characters within this video, which all show an American Stereotype, for example, geeks, popular girls and jocks. This video has an extra edge to it as it includes other famous people, such as Darren Criss, Rebecca Black, Kevin Mchale and Kenny G. This could help to promote Katy Perrys video as fans of the other celebrities could watch and purchase the song to see them, which would help Perry in the long run. Again, characters in the video are seen playing the Nintendo Wii, which would also help to promote their games. This video also includes a variety of camera shots ans angles to show the many different costumes, and locations which helps set the scene.
Anaylsis of a Pop Video 1
Beyonce - Best Thing I Never Had
Although this video is different from the usual style Beyonce creates, it includes the typical conventions of a pop video. Beyonce's videos usually contain various up-beat dances and have a sex appeal about them. This video does have a slight sex appeal, although it has a more classy and elegant theme to it. The colour scheme used throughout the video consists of white/beige and very neutral colours, this is used to show Beoynce's purity and lady-like elements. There is also a very wide range of camera shots and angles used in this music video, mainly to show the different scenerys and costumes included, because these show the themes of love and positivity through the colours and performance from Beyonce. This video fits in with the styles and conventions of a pop video by using pure and expensive costumes, in large, high lighted scenes. In my opinoin, this music video is very good and succesfully hits all the conventions of a pop music video.
Although this video is different from the usual style Beyonce creates, it includes the typical conventions of a pop video. Beyonce's videos usually contain various up-beat dances and have a sex appeal about them. This video does have a slight sex appeal, although it has a more classy and elegant theme to it. The colour scheme used throughout the video consists of white/beige and very neutral colours, this is used to show Beoynce's purity and lady-like elements. There is also a very wide range of camera shots and angles used in this music video, mainly to show the different scenerys and costumes included, because these show the themes of love and positivity through the colours and performance from Beyonce. This video fits in with the styles and conventions of a pop video by using pure and expensive costumes, in large, high lighted scenes. In my opinoin, this music video is very good and succesfully hits all the conventions of a pop music video.
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