Unit 29: Music Video Production Task 2 - “You’re Beautiful”

A music video is a short film that combines a song with imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Music videos use a wide range of styles, conventions and techniques to make them original and interesting. 

The main purposes of music videos are to:

Promote the artist

Increase a songs popularity and income 

Use the extension of outlets to appeal to a larger audience; through social media, YouTube and music channels.  

Synergy is when a video is used alongside another product. An example of this is in Kick Ass 2 when Union J's music video is actually played in a memorable scene in the film. 

Producers use strategies to change a music videos image in an effective way. 

Styles

Popular music genres pop, rock and rap will all have certain styles of music videos relating to that type of music. A generic rap video will normally consist of the rapper himself and his 'entourage', this can be seen in Dr.Dre's "Still D.R.E.".

This music video contains many of the common traits found in rap videos such as; drugs, cars, women, alcohol, money and blatant expressions of machismo.

A dance/techno music video will at least have one shot in a club/party setting; reflecting the style of the audience. They are set in an exotic location, giving the feeling of a party and summer. This is how they want the audience to feel when listening/watching the track. Basshunter "All I Ever Wanted".

In-concert and ‘as live’ footage is a popular style of music video with bands.  It's obvious Korn's "Right Now" is a live footage music video as we see continuous shots of the members of the band and also the audience.

 It portrays the vibrant atmosphere and really makes the viewer feel as if they are present; showing how much of a great time they have witnessing the band live.

Animation is the use of drawings to illustrate lyrics and meanings. This style is continuously used in music videos; Steven Wilson’s “The Raven That Refused to Sing” is a great example.

This style of music video creates an intense atmosphere with it's imaginative and thought provoking short. It brings the haunting story of the song to life, linking with the lyrics. The simple animation style, based largely on the gentle movements of hand-cut paper models, fits the mood perfectly. Interpretative music videos encourage the audience to create their own interpretation of the meaning behind the song, this music video also does just that. Along with the lyrics,

"(the raven sings in a dream)
Sister I lost you
When you were still a child
But I need you now
And I need our former life
I'm afraid to wake
I'm afraid to love".

I think that the meaning behind the video is about loneliness and loss. The old man is at the end of his life and is waiting to die. The raven who visits him is a image of his older sister, who he lost when he was young. It seems that since then he has isolated himself in the woods and is now ready to be with her again.

Narrative music videos are often fragmented cutting between story and performance. Close up's on screen allows more intimacy than seeing a stage performance, allowing for observation of facial features, singing or simply allowing the audience to see the artist living 'their life'. Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" is a storyline about teenage pregnancy and a girl who wants advice from her Father.

The music video follows a story's 3 act structure. The beginning, shows a time lapse of the main character 'Madonna' growing up with her father as the only parent figure. When she is older she meets a boy and they become lovers. The middle, she finds out she is pregnant and is shunned by her friends, she now faces the issue of telling her father and asking his advice. The end, she reaches a new resolution  as her father doesn't preach and comforts her.

Impressionist music videos focus on the more artistic images and the use of colour. Red Hot Chilli Peppers "Can't Stop" video was inspired by the One-Minute Sculptures of Erwin Wurm.

Surrealism: "a 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature which sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, for example by the irrational juxtaposition of images." Music videos of this style tend to be unconventional and different. 30 Seconds To Mars's "Hurricane" (censored) is a music video that is very unorthodox.

The band have put together a set of different images with some intertwined storylines to create a music video showing the darker corners of their artistic creativity.

Parody music videos imitate the style of a particular genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect. This "Bad Blood" parody by Bart Baker is for entertainment.

This music video is for the simple reason to entertain and make people laugh by imitating Taylor Swift's version. They change the lyrics to add to the comedy. This will result in more views and recognition for them, especially people who dislike Taylor's song version.

Referencing/Homage is a style of music video that can refer to a famous film, character or anything well known for either a short period of the video or the full duration. "Last Cup Of Sorrow" by Faith No More is a perfect example.

 The video references to Alfred Hitchcock's film, Vertigo; from the costume, to some of the most memorable scenes. The opening rooftop scene, the plunge into San Francisco bay and the belltower sequence complete with the famous Hitchcock zoom.

A pastiche music video is a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period. An example is, Robert Palmer's "Addicted To Love" imitated by Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like A Woman". 

The same setting and background, the same makeup and even most of the same shots. I range of master shots and close up's.

Styles of some music videos are influenced by the outside world, such as commercials/advertising. Some may advertise a way of life, for example Fergie's "Glamorous". 

This music video promotes the working-class lifestyle, compared to that of the wealthy.

Unit 29: Music Video Production Task 2

Director - Kane

Director of Photography - Harvey

Assistant Director/Production Designer - Chloe

Production Manager/Script Supervisor - Me

Script Advisor

The Script Supervisor ensures that the finished product makes continuous verbal and visual sense, during pre-production they check the script for any errors and/or inconsistencies and prepare estimated running times.

They develop story synopses and character breakdowns.

They check the shooting schedule to ensure that the required scenes will be shot and covered from all required angles, distances, etc. working as part of the camera department.

During the shoot, they work closely with the Director to anticipate and solve any potential problems.

They liaise closely about continuity with other departments including sound, costume, make-up and hair, props and lighting.

Skills

• Observation
• Attention to detail
• Have stamina to remain alert during shooting
• Able to take precise and detailed notes quickly and efficiently
• Excellent organisational skills and a practical approach to work
• Have good communication skills and show sensitivity when working with crew
• Able to remain friendly and calm in challenging situations
• Able to collaborate and work as part of a team

For Script Advisor I am most looking forward to developing the characters, working closely with the director to solve any potential problems and also working with the other potential departments.

Production Manager

Production Managers are in charge of the 'below-the-line' budget. This covers costs relating to the crew and the practicalities of running a production.

In pre-production, they estimate the materials needed and prepare draft budgets.

Once the overall budget has been agreed, Production Managers help Producers to recruit crew and suppliers.

Production Managers oversee the search for locations.

Skills

• Be dynamic and highly self-motivated
• Able to react calmly under intense pressure
• Have good planning and admin skills
• Highly organised
• Be a good negotiator
• Experienced at creating and managing budgets

For Production Manager I am most looking forward to recruiting crew and beginning to find locations for shooting, getting ready to start filming. I think I'll be good at this job because of my lifestyle. 

Unit 29: Music Video Production Task 1

Today we delivered our individual pitches. I didn't put forward my idea as well as I had hoped/planned. I think this was because I've never experienced a pitch before and my nerves got the best of me. However I am pleased with my notes as I included everything needed and completed the list to the best of my ability. 

My mood board showing consideration of performers style/image

Lyric analysis and length of product

My notes containing the main points I covered

My written proposal covering:

The title of the track and artist

The intended audience

An indication of the style/creative concept to be used

A summary of content

My music video production is for the track 'E.V.O.L' by the artist, Marina and the Diamonds.

The intended audience is girls and women of the age 16+, this will be because Marina's image is one that girls look up to; she is glamorous and wears clothes of a Hollywood star.

My video will loosely follow a narrative based storyline of a relationship 'gone wrong' and have lyric interpretation with most lines.

My creative concept revolves around Marina playing the beautiful pop-indie star in a toxic relationship, however she is continuously singing/preforming and acting flirty to the camera all the way through the video. She knows the camera is always there, but the other characters do not.

My videos first scene location is in a bedroom. The shot used will be birds eye, looking down on Marina and her lover laid in a pool of cut out hearts on a bed. (This shot will be cut into throughout the video.) Marina wearing a leopard print coat and stockings, with smudged pink lipstick and a head of tight curls will sing to the camera (lines 1-5). She then turns to her lover, who has his back to her and is fast asleep and sings the following two lines.

An over the shoulder two shot then shows both main characters getting ready; their reflections can be seen in their individual mirrors. Marina will be wearing a white shirt and applying her red lipstick while her lover perfects his hair. On line 9, they both look at each other and fake smile; pretending everything is fine.

This is then followed by a mid-shot of Marina stood in front of a plain white background, holding a huge cut-out heart. As each letter is said again and again, "L","o","v","e", there will be less than second editing changes as Marina moves across the screen; with the letter on the heart changing, almost spelling out the word on screen. The phrases, "do you love me?" and "love is evil" however, will be close ups of Marina singing directly to the camera.

Next is a wide shot in a Bar, the two main characters are on a date night. Marina can be seen sitting at a table in a glamorous black dress, red heels, red lipstick and holding a wine glass; while singing to the camera. She notices her lover flirting with a blonde girl at the bar and on the lines 19-20 he turns to Marina and they both fake smile, pretending everything is fine again. During the next two lines (while singing) Marina pours a drop of glittery evil potion into her Lover's drink.

Lines 23-24 cut back to the beginning master shot and lines 25-26 cut back to the bar; showing the Lover sipping his poisoned drink in a mid two shot. As the chorus starts again Marina nods towards the blonde at the bar and her Lover starts to get annoyed, he slams his hands on the table.

A long two shot shows Marina standing, walks to her Lover's side and pours her wine over his lap (edited as slow motion). She wipes her hands together and struts off screen, leaving behind her bewildered Lover.

The following shots are back in the plain room but this time Marina is ripping up the hearts and performing solely for the camera's entertainment. There will also be more shots from the first scene with Marina still singing on the bed but this time she pushes her lover off the side of the bed.

On the last two lines a close up of Marina will show her winking and then blowing a kiss to the camera, with a hand full of the glittery evil potion.

My group has been given Kane's idea: 'Daylight' by Boyce Avenue. I can't wait to get started!

Unit 24: Writing for Television and Video Class Task - Sitcom

Undercover: Lines of Justice


"State of mind, high.
 Chance of success, low."


Today my group (Matty, Kane and Taylor) researched the themes of our sitcom idea.

Drug themes

Breaking Bad and Weeds are both TV programmes following drug related storylines, however they only have entertaining characters; the characters and the situations aren’t comedic.

The film’s Jump Street 21 and Jump Street 22 are comedies. There are two main characters that are undercover agents; they portray a funny side to drug abuse.

Undercover Agents

Disguise one’s own identity for the purpose of gaining the trust of an individual or organisation to learn or confirm confidential information, or to gain the trust of targeted individuals in order to gather information or evidence. There are certain risks to being a undercover agent. Some can result in strains in a relationship, the need for secrecy and the inability to share work problems can prove a problem. The unpredictable work schedule along with personality and lifestyle changes can also pose a threat. Stress can be caused by not knowing when the investigation will actually end.

 

Unit 29: Music Video Production Task 1 - Monday 5th October 2015

Today I began my 'Money for nothing' assignment. In my group I was given the task of researching the purpose of extension of outlets for a music video. This included; music channels, DVDs, CDs, websites, downloads and smartphones. I am now going to find some relevant examples and images to illustrate my points. I'm hoping to find; a CD album with music videos on the content, an iPhone with iTunes uploaded automatically, and music channels on a to guide. We have created a joint prezi account for us all to put our information together into a presentation, ready to deliver to aspiring bands.

Unit 24: Writing for Television and Video Class Task - The Unknown

A couple of weeks back I was given the task of beginning and completing a 'What if?' Story structure. The name of my story is, The Unknown. I had to create a synopsis, a brief few lines to give an idea of the story which had to include the main character's name, the setting and key plot points to the story:

The day started off as any other for ordinary, city girl, receptionist Louise, but she has no idea how much can change in a few days... A government conspiracy and a diminishing population; who is left? Or what? 

The profiles for my characters include their dominant impression (outer presence) and their dominant attitude (inner presence).

Main Character 

Dominant impression:

My main character is called Louise and she is in her early 20's. She wears smart casual clothing in and out of work, but always has a pair of black pointed pumps and her laptop bag in hand. Her make up is minimal but continuously on. Louise takes her time moving and her style of speech is very advanced. 

Dominant attitude: 

Louise is very intelligent and has a good general knowledge. She is very driven, passionate and overly caring/emotive. She is also extremely inquisitive which is portrayed in my story as she wants to know what's happening in her workplace. She hardly ever loses her temper because she's always trying too hard to impress others. Louise likes to keep busy and feel as though she's doing all she can, she dislikes not knowing what is going on around her. Her biggest fear is being alone and also doing things wrong. Louise's goal is to leave her "boring" receptionist job and become a world famous writer. She is very self-image driven and makes an effort to be what other people want her to be. She lacks self confidence and has to impress others to feel better about herself. 

Characters 'World': 

Louise's relationship with her collegue Lisa is personal as they are also friends however Louise occasionally gets sick of her friends attitude at work. Louise doesn't have a love interest or any other friends. She is middle class and well educated but she couldn't afford to go to her first choice university, so she accepted a receptionist with a 'top secret' organisation with all expenses paid; this is how she can afford to live in her apartment with a exceptional city view. She was brought up in the 90's by her Grandma as her parents passed away when she was very little. Her Grandma also passed away when she was 16, leaving Louise with no family and taking care of herself. 

Secondary Character 

Lisa is also a receptionist at the same place as Louise. They are friends in and out the workplace and also live two blocks apart. Lisa's goal in life is to actually keep a job for longer than two months and find a man to take care of her. She grew up with her parents and two brothers, they didn't have much money. Her only interest is trying to get a lover who can pay for her ideal lifestyle of parties and not having to work. Lisa changes as she realises she must chance her attitude to actually keep people in her life. 

Unit 24: Writing for Television and Video Class Task - Six word story

At the beginning of every screenwriting session I am given the task to write a six word story following a few words given as the title. This is to think over the words that are being used, to conjure up a story in my mind.

Happiness is - A home full of wonderful memories

Childhood Memories - Happiness, and laughter along the way

When I Grow Up - I'll be happy and filthy rich

The Best Thing About This Week Will Be - My early weekend beginning after Thursday

Romantic Gesture - Her eyes, sparkling pools of emerald

My Future Epitaph - Passionate for what she believed in

The Uninvited Guest - His haunting eyes and despairing demeanour

The Reason You Write - To express my most inner feelings

Some Really Bad Advice - Move out, it's so much fun


A message from someone you haven't seen in years - Bearer of inviting or unwelcome news


They can take my life, but they can never take my - Hopes and dreams for the future


Being a writer is - A time limit full of papercuts


The world today is - Hopeful prayers for a better tomorrow 


The thought of this assignment makes me - Doubt my writing skills and imagination