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Monday, 27 September 2010
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Andrew Goodwin's Theory
Andrew Goodwin has this theory that all pop music videos approach narrative from a differnt angle to novls and films. Rather than the traditional narrative structure, he believes that pop videos use a different structure. His thoughts were:
- normaliy-problem-resolution is the traditional narrative structure, but pop videos are mainly built around songs and songs don't often pose the traditional narrative structure.
- the singer is used as the narrator AND as the character in pop videos.
- the singer is directed to look straight at the camera and in this way it involves the viewer with the performance.
He mentions that some videos are seperate from the lyrics and that the video of the song may go beyond the original meaning. Some pop videos are done to promote films and some videos use repetition only to promte the music. So there are 3 main types of relations between songs and videos, and they are the following:
- Illustration - this is where the lyrics are the main part of the music video to tell the story. A dance would express the feeling/moods in the song.
- Amplification - this is when new meanings are introduced and contradicts the lyrics adding layers of meaning.
- Disjuncture - meaning there are few or no connections between the music video and the lyrics or where the video contradicts the lyrics.
Illustration:
Beyonce - If I Were A Boy
I have chosen this music video as Beyonce herself as the main character and the narrator, narrates her life if she was a boy and how she would act. She is shown here playing the male character until the disruption of when she switches back. There is direct link between the lyrics and the video which I think follows Goodwin's theory.
Amplification:
Eminem - Not Affraid
I've chosen this music video as an example of amplification as it adds another laer of meaning to the song through the actions in the video as he comes back stronger. So, if you are not affraid your will become a stronger person and you will be able to face everything impossible. The deeper side of the story is that he encourages us that we should not be affraid of anything as everyone goes through everything and that you are not the only one.
Disjuncture:
Beyonce - Single Ladies
Throughout the whole of this video, Beyonce and two other females are doing a whole dance routine which only has a few connections with the song. The fact that there are 3 females and the repetition of the main dance move of 'you should have put a ring on it' - the waving of the wrist.
Analysing a music video focusing on the 4 key concepts
4 Key Concepts:
The Genre is focusing on the location and settings and what it may represent or convey, also thinking about is it reminiscent of anything else you've seen. The genre can also be presented through the constume and lighting to create the mood, tone and atmosphere.
Media language is analysed by looking at how the editing is used in the video, for example: manipulation of time, repetition of action, creation of perspective, and pace. After establishing how the editing is used, you have to think of what effect it has on the overall video.
Representation is a more broad concept as it consists of many parts - gender, age, ethnicity, place, disability etc. But the main one of focus is gender, as it is one of the most obvious areas of representation in a music video. To analyse this area, you must think about the reaction of men and women, what the video is saying about men and women, who's perspective it is coming from and who the target audience is of the music video.
The music video that I will be analysing will be I Need You by Ndubz.
Narrative - The structure of this video is linear meaning that it plays in chronological order from beginning to end, although there are some cut aways to the band on a roof top singing the song, but the main story plays in sequential order. The disruption to the video is when they find out that their partner has left and they are no where to be found. This creates the 'hype' mood of the band causing them fustration and anger. All members of Ndubz are participants and each one of them are also narrators as they narrate their part of the strory through their lyrics meaning that the lyrics are illustrative.
Genre - This still image from the music video. From looking at this image, I can tell that it can fit into the catergory of hip-hop and r'n'b. Looking at the location and setting, they are sitting in a night club partying and drinking conveying that they are party people, in other words, 'ravers'. Analysing their style in clothes, they have come into the club in the dress code of 'dress to impress' insinuating that they are hoping to find someone they fancy. The shades, era cap and wolly hat and gold long chains the men are wearing and the fancy dress, 'bang bang' heels, hoop earings the girl is wearing represents their style, in other words, 'swagger' which represents the genre of hip-hop and r'n'b as this is the typical costume that would represent the genre. Lastly, the lighting is mainly disco/clubbing lights. There are neon lights on the floor creating the 'blue' mood which has connotations of feeling down and the spot light that is on the band helps them stand out from the rest of the party people in the club.
Media Language - The editing in this music video is a mixture, but in the beginning, there are faded cuts which could possibly be cut to the sound and rhythm of a heartbeat creating that sense of adenaline. There are some repetition of action in the video and some that have just been played back to one second dismembering the action. The cuts and editing is used to match the beat of the track which isn't slow but not very fast. It is quite upbeat. There is also some parts of the video where the editing has minipulated the time by slowing down some action to set the mood. The edit is quite 'choppy'.
Representation - As the band consists of two males and one female, it is obvious that the male's perspective will be more dominant to the womens. But this band has managed to work it out by positioning the female in the middle of the two males. Watching each reaction to them coming back to find that their 'link' has disappeard, i have noticed that the male's reactions are more stronger than the female's reaction as the female feels more emotional whereas the male feels more anger.
- Narrative
- Genre
- Media Language
- Representation
The Genre is focusing on the location and settings and what it may represent or convey, also thinking about is it reminiscent of anything else you've seen. The genre can also be presented through the constume and lighting to create the mood, tone and atmosphere.
Media language is analysed by looking at how the editing is used in the video, for example: manipulation of time, repetition of action, creation of perspective, and pace. After establishing how the editing is used, you have to think of what effect it has on the overall video.
Representation is a more broad concept as it consists of many parts - gender, age, ethnicity, place, disability etc. But the main one of focus is gender, as it is one of the most obvious areas of representation in a music video. To analyse this area, you must think about the reaction of men and women, what the video is saying about men and women, who's perspective it is coming from and who the target audience is of the music video.
The music video that I will be analysing will be I Need You by Ndubz.
Narrative - The structure of this video is linear meaning that it plays in chronological order from beginning to end, although there are some cut aways to the band on a roof top singing the song, but the main story plays in sequential order. The disruption to the video is when they find out that their partner has left and they are no where to be found. This creates the 'hype' mood of the band causing them fustration and anger. All members of Ndubz are participants and each one of them are also narrators as they narrate their part of the strory through their lyrics meaning that the lyrics are illustrative.
Media Language - The editing in this music video is a mixture, but in the beginning, there are faded cuts which could possibly be cut to the sound and rhythm of a heartbeat creating that sense of adenaline. There are some repetition of action in the video and some that have just been played back to one second dismembering the action. The cuts and editing is used to match the beat of the track which isn't slow but not very fast. It is quite upbeat. There is also some parts of the video where the editing has minipulated the time by slowing down some action to set the mood. The edit is quite 'choppy'.
Representation - As the band consists of two males and one female, it is obvious that the male's perspective will be more dominant to the womens. But this band has managed to work it out by positioning the female in the middle of the two males. Watching each reaction to them coming back to find that their 'link' has disappeard, i have noticed that the male's reactions are more stronger than the female's reaction as the female feels more emotional whereas the male feels more anger.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
MUSIC VIDEO ANALYSES
I have chosen to analyse this British music video:
This video is representative of the indie-rock genre which Oasis would be categorized under. The whole video is shot in black and white, which is often seen as very artistic and very classic of the typical indie genre, however,we are shown a single acoustic guitar which is coloured, this only heightens the artistic touch to the video and the meaning of that single guitar.
The clever use of bright lighting means that although the image is kept very bright, it is almost too bright and provides a stark contrast to the dark shadows created by such intense lighting, this makes people feel uncomfortable. Combined with the use of special lenses and close up shots, we are left with the general awkward feelings that are expected when it comes to this genres music videos.
The videos setting consists within what appears to be an empty warehouse, and is then filled with props such as saws, hanging guitars and items which look as though they would be more at home at a circus.
Costumes consist of casual/smart clothes which is also very common of this genre.
The video lacks a clear narrative, and the only consistency is that of the band sitting together. We are shown random images, men using saws as musical instruments, circus performers and close ups of the band, but we can not apply a structure.
We are shown, instruments playing when that instrument is particularly dominant at that part of the video.
While the band are involved in the video, as they sing and play instruments, they are not narrating the story as their isn't one, instead we simply see them singing/playing.
The opportunity to connect with the artist is most definitely there, we see this in his connection with the camera. The use of close ups and consistent eye contact allow us to connect with the artist but not to identify with him, as we are unaware of what we are identifying with.
As is common with music videos, the editing is done to the beat, this creates a smoother more linear piece, which is more appealing to the audience.
With no SFX and only altering the lens of the camera, the video gives of the artistic, introspective nature of not only the song and band but that which is similar to its genre.
Oasis - Wonderwall
This video is representative of the indie-rock genre which Oasis would be categorized under. The whole video is shot in black and white, which is often seen as very artistic and very classic of the typical indie genre, however,we are shown a single acoustic guitar which is coloured, this only heightens the artistic touch to the video and the meaning of that single guitar.
The clever use of bright lighting means that although the image is kept very bright, it is almost too bright and provides a stark contrast to the dark shadows created by such intense lighting, this makes people feel uncomfortable. Combined with the use of special lenses and close up shots, we are left with the general awkward feelings that are expected when it comes to this genres music videos.
The videos setting consists within what appears to be an empty warehouse, and is then filled with props such as saws, hanging guitars and items which look as though they would be more at home at a circus.
Costumes consist of casual/smart clothes which is also very common of this genre.
The video lacks a clear narrative, and the only consistency is that of the band sitting together. We are shown random images, men using saws as musical instruments, circus performers and close ups of the band, but we can not apply a structure.
We are shown, instruments playing when that instrument is particularly dominant at that part of the video.
While the band are involved in the video, as they sing and play instruments, they are not narrating the story as their isn't one, instead we simply see them singing/playing.
The opportunity to connect with the artist is most definitely there, we see this in his connection with the camera. The use of close ups and consistent eye contact allow us to connect with the artist but not to identify with him, as we are unaware of what we are identifying with.
As is common with music videos, the editing is done to the beat, this creates a smoother more linear piece, which is more appealing to the audience.
With no SFX and only altering the lens of the camera, the video gives of the artistic, introspective nature of not only the song and band but that which is similar to its genre.
DISJUNCTURE, ILLUSTRATION AND AMPLIFICATION.
DISJUNCTURE
Disjuncture is when there is little connection between the lyric and the video or where the video contradicts the lyrics.
In this example,
The Killers - Somebody Told Me,
the lyrics have no relevance to the video at all. The video consists of multiple shots of the band performing in a desert, in front of a light display and there is no clear narrative established.
ILLUSTRATION
Illustration occurs when the video tells the story of the lyric.
In this example,
Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me,
the video literally mirrors the lyrics almost word for word. The narrative is very clear (a girl who wants to be with a boy who is already with someone else.)
AMPLIFICATION
Amplification is the term used when the videos introduce new meanings that do not contradict with the lyrics but add layers to the meaning.
In this example,
Brandon Flowers - Crossfire,
the video has a very clear narrative, however, it does not match the narrative of the lyrics exactly. Instead, while the lyrics are suggestive of the secrets and 'crossfire' of love, the video has taken it literally and portrayed people physically in combat with one another. It is similar to that of a James Bond clip.
Disjuncture is when there is little connection between the lyric and the video or where the video contradicts the lyrics.
In this example,
The Killers - Somebody Told Me,
the lyrics have no relevance to the video at all. The video consists of multiple shots of the band performing in a desert, in front of a light display and there is no clear narrative established.
ILLUSTRATION
Illustration occurs when the video tells the story of the lyric.
In this example,
Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me,
the video literally mirrors the lyrics almost word for word. The narrative is very clear (a girl who wants to be with a boy who is already with someone else.)
AMPLIFICATION
Amplification is the term used when the videos introduce new meanings that do not contradict with the lyrics but add layers to the meaning.
In this example,
Brandon Flowers - Crossfire,
the video has a very clear narrative, however, it does not match the narrative of the lyrics exactly. Instead, while the lyrics are suggestive of the secrets and 'crossfire' of love, the video has taken it literally and portrayed people physically in combat with one another. It is similar to that of a James Bond clip.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Lip Synch Tutorial
In our media lesson we had to create a music video focusing mainly on lip syncing. Our groups were all given a song and lyrics to which we had to learn and film a person singing to, the whole way through the song from various different angles, then edit our videos on final cut pro and sync the soundtrack of the song successfully with the video's lip movement.
Throughout this activity, i learned new skills such as how to use markers on final cut pro to get close syncing results. I also found out how to make a pop video with various different shots, as in each shot we did we had to film the whole song the whole way to the end from each different angle/location we were filming from, and then synced from the same point of the begining of each video to the same point on the soundtrack.
The part i found most challenging with this task is getting the markers to be in the same place on every video and sound track, as alot of the time, the lip movement would start just before or just after the soundtrack.
One thing i also learned that is it best to film a music video actualy singing rather than miming as this makes syncing alot easier as the lip movement is more likely to be correctly timed with the music.
Compared to my thriller film, the edting and filming of a music video differs. Firstly, the thriller i made was filmed shot by shot, not the whole scene through, where as the whole music video is filmed with the whole seen through, and the process is repeated again and again. Also, with editing out thrillers, the clips were added one by one in a line next to eachother in the order the events happend, however with the music video, each of the clips is added to the timeline on top of eachother, placed in sync with the soundtrack,and sliced up using the knife tool with deleting segments of the clips in different places.
This is our final video from our lip sync tutorial. The Song is called Hes the greatest dancer by by Sister Sledge.
Here are the photos from our video shoot, which show how we managed to film the music video.
Throughout this activity, i learned new skills such as how to use markers on final cut pro to get close syncing results. I also found out how to make a pop video with various different shots, as in each shot we did we had to film the whole song the whole way to the end from each different angle/location we were filming from, and then synced from the same point of the begining of each video to the same point on the soundtrack.
The part i found most challenging with this task is getting the markers to be in the same place on every video and sound track, as alot of the time, the lip movement would start just before or just after the soundtrack.
One thing i also learned that is it best to film a music video actualy singing rather than miming as this makes syncing alot easier as the lip movement is more likely to be correctly timed with the music.
Compared to my thriller film, the edting and filming of a music video differs. Firstly, the thriller i made was filmed shot by shot, not the whole scene through, where as the whole music video is filmed with the whole seen through, and the process is repeated again and again. Also, with editing out thrillers, the clips were added one by one in a line next to eachother in the order the events happend, however with the music video, each of the clips is added to the timeline on top of eachother, placed in sync with the soundtrack,and sliced up using the knife tool with deleting segments of the clips in different places.
This is our final video from our lip sync tutorial. The Song is called Hes the greatest dancer by by Sister Sledge.
Here are the photos from our video shoot, which show how we managed to film the music video.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Examples showing Amplification, Disjuncture and Illustration (research)
I chose this video Lily Allen - Smile the genre is indie, the location is in Angel Islington in London close to my college. I may use the genre indie as it is much easier to set a location and props with the limited time and no budget.This an example of amplification, the video doesn't narrate the video but doesn't contradict the lyrics, as she sings " When I see you cry it makes me cry" the audience are shown the guy is distressed and the artist smiles. The audience are aware of the relationship which goes along with the lyrics.
Same Girl- Usher Ft. R.Kelly is a good example of illustration as the song, the genre is R'n'B this is easy to figure out as there is champagne, beautiful girls and expensive props and clothing. Both artists are speaking about the "same girl" they describe what they would do with the girl, the video clearly shows the audience what they're talking about. As they have a conversation like what happens in the video.
Imagine - John Lennon the genre being soft rock, which could possible be used in my music video as it shows the simplicity working well. The video shows there is no clear connection between the lyrics and video making it Disjuncture. As John and his wife enter a white house and play the piano.
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