Extreme Close Up Shot - By using this shot consecutively, prior to a Medium shot or Medium-Long shot, the artist can be shown in two different perspectives. For example, one shot can display not only the artist but also the inflatable chair and guitar, whereas the next could simply be the Extreme Close Up of the artists face. This giving the effect of continuity. This shot could also be used to show the artists lips whilst singing, potentially adding significance to the lyrics of the song.
Long Shot - A long shot can be used to show a location or scene in full. In this case no specific details will be focused upon and the artist will simply be seen to compliment his surroundings.
Over The Shoulder Shot - This shot could be used to show the perspective or view of the artist himself. An example of such, is when the artist is observing a location himself, or walking.
Medium Shot - This shot enables the artist to be shown in full body, however the surrounding environment is not featured much. This could be used so that the audience can still read the lips of the artist as he is singing the lyrics however they can also see his body language and other relevant objects or parts of the location.
Thursday 17 November 2011
Production Shots 1.
The below shot will potentially be used for a photoshoot that will provide images that can be used in the ancillary texts.
The shot below will be a location for filming, as it is easily accessible and posesses connotations related to the stereotype of the artist.
Storyboard - Rough Draft.
Here is a rough storyboard. At this stage, it has not yet been annotated with camera shots, timings or any other relevant information. It does however give an idea of the theme and predicted layout of our music video.
Lyrics Analysis.
The first few lines of the lyrics set the theme of the song from the start. "So when the waves swallow us, when words are just not enough, when the salt water fills our lungs, i'll be there to drown with you". The audience or listener can imeditately tell that it is about the topic of loss, and love of an object or being. The song is actually about climate change and its negative effects upon the earth which surrounds us. By the artist saying; "i'll be there to drown with you" this indicates to us that he is willing to make the ultimate sacrafice to show his love towards the earth. This will hopefully be represented within the music video with a variety of shots and images related to the subject. During the chorus, the artist refers to the sea. "And I’ve been waiting for a silence a silence to break, In the water, in the waves" In order to make links between the two different platforms of media, video and song, we could possibly use shots of the sea, or the artist playing his guitar in this location. "When the waves come, They’ll wash away our sins tonight" These two lines almost seem as if the artist wants to enter the sea. This is something which needs to be highly considered when planning the video.
Lyrics.
Here are the lyrics of the song that we shall be using for our music video.
The Aquatic Escape - Gryphen Ford
The Aquatic Escape - Gryphen Ford
So when the waves swallow us,
When words are just not enough,
When the salt water fills our lungs,
When the salt water fills our lungs,
I’ll be there to drown with you
So when this town crumbles and falls,
On my knees I’ll be watching the walls,
And we won’t regret anything at all
And I’ve been waiting for a silence a silence to break,
In the water, in the waves
And I’ve been waiting for a silence to break,
So we can carry out the aquatic escape
So when the tide is coming in strong,
And I never want to do you wrong,
Our ship is sure to sink, but we can swim swim swim
‘cos it took me a long time to find you x 4
Oh when the waves come,
When the waves come
They’ll wash away our sins tonight
They will wash away the sins that we can’t hide
Thursday 10 November 2011
Star Image Task - 50 Cent.
I shall be using the artist 50 cent for this aspect of my coursework. 50 Cent or Curtis Jackson, is a rapper from the United States. A star-image has been created which reflects his personality to be one of a cruel and almost ‘gangster’ like nature. This has been achieved through the design of album artwork, production of songs and music videos and other such marketing techniques and campaigns. One example of this is his music video for the track ‘Many men’. In which various aspects of mise en scene contribute to create such a star image. Below is a screenshot from the video which shows the artist wearing what appears to be body armour. This indicates that he is a man of high importance.
This Screen shot also shows us the artist wearing a rather large necklace. The amount of jewellery and diamonds shown throughout this video could lead the audience to associate the artist with a factor of wealth. Moving on from this particular video, and onto 50 Cents acting career; ‘Get Rich or Die Trying’ was released in 2005, and is supposedly an account of 50 Cents life. However, on the 8th of november 2005, during a chat-show on American television, the artist said that the film was "about 75 % accurate". This demonstrates that the producers and directors of the film probably worked with the artists record label and management to portray a false and desired image. Therefore also contributing to the overall 'star-image' of the artist.
The next screenshot, shows the audience a ‘police type’ scenario. Which shows newspaper pictures and articles of 50 cent and his gang pinned onto a board. This leads onto giving the audience the idea that 50 cent is involved with criminality, and the police feel the need to investigate him as a criminal and gang member. This combined with such factors as the mise en scene and the way he has been conveyed within the film; Get Rich or Die Trying, all produce a ‘Star Image’ of the artist. The audience of such a product may choose to further their association of 50 Cent and 'Gangster' life style after seeing such a shot.
Progress Update.
Our project is progressing very well at this moment in time. Filming is almost complete and we have began to edit the footage collected so far. Whilst attempting to film the opening scene, we stumbled across a problem that meant we could not use the footage gained. This was because the lighting of the environment was considerably darker than the rest of the footage being used. Therefore we have chosen not to use this shot as it may compromise the videos continuity. Other than this, all of the footage collected is of a seemingly high standard, and as a group we are very happy with the progress made.
Monday 17 October 2011
Risk Assessment.
Hazard:
What could cause harm? Crossing roads or using roads whilst filming.
What is the likelihood of this happening? Very unlikely.
Who or what would be harmed? The person being filmed or film crew.
How much harm? Possibly severe harm.
Applying the following priorities, how will this risk be managed?
Hazard:
What could cause harm? When filming in locations the pose risk, such as the coast or seaside.
What is the likelihood of this happening? Unlikely.
Who or what would be harmed? The person being filmed.
How much harm? Not a lot.
Applying the following priorities, how will this risk be managed?
Hazard:
What could cause harm? When filming near a source of water, such as a river. If the artist falls into it, they could potentially drown.
What is the likelihood of this happening? Very Unlikely.
Who or what would be harmed? The Artist/Actor.
How much harm? Severe.
Applying the following priorities, how will this risk be managed?
Costume.
This is a picture showing what clothing our artist/actor shall be wearing for the music video. We have chosen these items of clothing as we believe that they are true to the style of a stereotypical teenager.
Friday 14 October 2011
Production Schedule.
| Date: | Location: | Shots: | Props needed: |
| September 30 | Chantry park | Middle of song, chorus shots – passers by walking/biking | Guitar, plectrum, chair |
| October 2 | Graffiti wall/skate park | Chorus - | Guitar, plectrum, chair |
| October 5 | Bridge/river | Wildlife shots (ducks/swans), water, playing on bridge – people passing | Guitar, plectrum, chair |
| October 7 | Westerfield train station | Train-shots | Guitar, plectrum, chair |
| October 12 | Felixstowe - beach | Outro shots – build up at end of song | Guitar, plectrum, chair |
| October 19 | UCS + surrounding area | Lift shots (beginning and end) and bus station intro | Guitar, plectrum, chair |
Monday 3 October 2011
Audience Feedback.
Upon presenting our pitch to an appropriate audience consisting of a mixture of 17-18 years olds, we recieved very positive feedback. This feedback occured after posing a number of questions, including:
1) What kind of atmosphere does this idea create?
When asked this question, the audience responded with; “Querky”, “Peaceful”, “Fluid” and one audience member added: “It would be empathetic with the character, and people will be able to relate”.
1) What kind of atmosphere does this idea create?
When asked this question, the audience responded with; “Querky”, “Peaceful”, “Fluid” and one audience member added: “It would be empathetic with the character, and people will be able to relate”.
2) We are aiming to make our video both simple and effective. Do you think that it could be more technical? If so, how?
When asked this question, all of our audience responded with the answer of ‘no’. As a collective, they decided that the proposed idea already consists of enough technicality to suffice.
3) Do you think that the video will be successful?
Once again , the audience decided on a group answer; “Yes”.
When asked this question, all of our audience responded with the answer of ‘no’. As a collective, they decided that the proposed idea already consists of enough technicality to suffice.
3) Do you think that the video will be successful?
Once again , the audience decided on a group answer; “Yes”.
4) Do you think that the video should be more of a narrative, or remain as an interpretative piece?
In response to the question, the feedback suggested that the audience was happy with the fact that video can be interpreted in different ways by everyone. One audience member said, “Keep the idea, it already has a possible narrative and because it could tell a story to different people.”
In response to the question, the feedback suggested that the audience was happy with the fact that video can be interpreted in different ways by everyone. One audience member said, “Keep the idea, it already has a possible narrative and because it could tell a story to different people.”
5) If you could change one thing, what would it be?
We received some quite detailed feedback for this question, which was, “Maybe introduce a second narrative to compliment first one, for example another character could be introduced who could inflate the chair.” However, most of the audience said they wouldn’t change it at all.
We received some quite detailed feedback for this question, which was, “Maybe introduce a second narrative to compliment first one, for example another character could be introduced who could inflate the chair.” However, most of the audience said they wouldn’t change it at all.
6: Do you think more characters should be involved?
The majority of the audience agreed that the notion of just having one character was a good idea, and a small portion said that we could possibly introduce more characters to hold the audiences interest.
The majority of the audience agreed that the notion of just having one character was a good idea, and a small portion said that we could possibly introduce more characters to hold the audiences interest.
We have decided to take all this audience feedback into account and revise our original ideas and planning to suit the audiences preferences, for example we may introduce another character and additional narrative to crossover with the original idea. However, the original basis of the idea and main focus points of the video will remain.
Research Task - Music Video Analysis 4.
The video begins with a close up of a females face. The focus then changes due to a cut. A masked scarecrow is then revealed. This in itself is very unique and abstract. The female then goes on to follow the abstract scarecrow type figure through a number of back-alleys. This is very fitting to the songs title of ‘Follow’, and could almost be seen as narrative. Throughout all of the scenes, the technique of stop-motion is used. Along this set path, a number of other abstract objects and people are introduced. Including an elderly man, having tea. Facial features such as lip colour often change as a result of stop motion on the females face. This technique is also used in order to change the colour of the elderly mans socks, as well as various items of clothing on the scarecrow type figure. An additional elderly man is then shown dancing whilst both his shorts and sunglasses change colour due to the stop motion effect.
There are very few narrative elements to this video, however the content strictly follows the song title of ‘follow’. I believe that the video lacks in narrative due to the nature of the song itself. The video challenges various forms and conventions, due to its unique and mysterious content. I.e. the elderly man drinking tea and a masked scarecrow. The relationship between sound and image is pretty simple. The up beat tempo and pace of the song matches the pace and tempo of the video.
During this video it is clear that the director has intended to use many different techniques of editing. An Eye-Line Matching shot is used at 0.40. By incorporating this into the video, the audience see the scarecrow from the artists point of view.
Continuity editing also features heavily in this music video and gives the video a sense of time. Moving onto the mise-en scene featured, there are loads of different costumes and props being used in order to create this video. The use of colour being one of the most obvious features of mise-en scene within the video. Vibrant and constantly changing colours are used in the video as a result of the stop-motion effect. The effects of artificial lighting can be seen at 2.01. Due to the lighting, only the actors mouths can be seen along with the actor in the middles chest. I believe that this focuses on the particular actor and draw attention to the clothes he is wearing. This particular actor is also a musician in Crystal Fighters. Therefore I believe this is why the focus has be directed upon him.
It is possible that the two elderly men featured in this video are features of Iconography. I believe that this could be case as they both evoke a feeling or atmosphere of difference between the two individuals. One man appears to be conforming to the stereotype of an elderly person by drinking tea whilst reading a book. On the other hand, the other elderly man is exercising whilst wearing sunglasses.
Camera movement does not feature much at all within this video, instead the camera appears to be mounted still at all times. In contrast are the variety of camera shots used. Extreme close ups enable the focus to be directed upon the artist. An example of this can be seen at 1.32.
Thursday 29 September 2011
Research Task - Music Video Analysis 3.
Mikill Pane – The Return of Mister Pane.
The video opens with an extreme close up shot of the artist’s shoes, following by some of his tattoos on his forearm. This focus on the artist, and star image are both forms and conventions of hip-hop music videos. However, the lyrics to the song are very different, and somewhat humble compared to the nature of the video, thus far. Extreme close up shots are used throughout the video to show many different props. These include the pay-phone that the artist appears to speak into for a period of time at the start of the video. This is quite ironic, because in a lot of hip-hop videos the artists show-off expensive gadgets such as mobile phones.
The video opens with an extreme close up shot of the artist’s shoes, following by some of his tattoos on his forearm. This focus on the artist, and star image are both forms and conventions of hip-hop music videos. However, the lyrics to the song are very different, and somewhat humble compared to the nature of the video, thus far. Extreme close up shots are used throughout the video to show many different props. These include the pay-phone that the artist appears to speak into for a period of time at the start of the video. This is quite ironic, because in a lot of hip-hop videos the artists show-off expensive gadgets such as mobile phones.
Alcohol is quite often used in many commercial hip-hop music videos. However usually the artist chooses to use Champagne, expensive spirits or another such beverage. In this video however, Pane has chosen to use a beer. This is once again going against the forms and conventions of hip-hop music videos. The location chosen to film this video is also rather peculiar. For the majority of the video Pane appears to be standing outside a Taxi/Cab office. Hip-Hop artists often choose to use luxury vehicles in their videos.
During the video, a huge variety of camera shots and camera-angles are shown. A dolly-shot is used when the artist is walking, this shot is taken from behind the artist. An example of this shot can be seen at; 1.14. A Tilt-Shot is used at 1.20 on a skeleton wearing sunglasses and a woman within the video. This enables the director to show the females clothes in full. Attractive women often feature in Hip-Hop music videos, not wearing many clothes. Instead in this video, the woman appears to be well dressed.
Returning to the use of vehicles within the video, Pane is shown riding a moped, with learner plates attached. This is in complete and utter contrast to the previously mentioned luxury cars often shown in other hip-hop music videos. I believe that it is a statement from the artist, that he is proud not to be associated with that kind of culture. Various editing techniques are shown throughout, including obvious and clear cuts between different shots of Pane, whilst he is performing his song on the street. It is also clear that the director has ensured the continuity of the video, this is sometimes known as analytical editing.
Research Task - Music Video Analysis 2.
50 Cent - Candy Shop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRcnnId15BA
This music video uses a vast amount of iconography related to the wealth of the rapper, 50 Cent. It is very clear that this was intended, as the opening scene, or establishing shot, features the artist arriving in a luxury sports car. The artists wealth is represented through a number of materialistic goods in the video, such as jewellery. A number of different shots and camerawork are also used. One example is the use of Low angle shots, which focus on 50 Cent. This then creates an image of him being powerful and a man of high importance. Other shots used include extreme close ups and various types of panning. These two techniques are both used on women, and draw attention to specific body parts throughout the video. In some ways, it could be said that these women are seen as an object of sex through use of such camerawork.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRcnnId15BA
This music video uses a vast amount of iconography related to the wealth of the rapper, 50 Cent. It is very clear that this was intended, as the opening scene, or establishing shot, features the artist arriving in a luxury sports car. The artists wealth is represented through a number of materialistic goods in the video, such as jewellery. A number of different shots and camerawork are also used. One example is the use of Low angle shots, which focus on 50 Cent. This then creates an image of him being powerful and a man of high importance. Other shots used include extreme close ups and various types of panning. These two techniques are both used on women, and draw attention to specific body parts throughout the video. In some ways, it could be said that these women are seen as an object of sex through use of such camerawork.
The concept of the ‘Male Gaze’ is often used in this video. The audience are attracted to follow the gaze of the rapper, as he looks upon the women that are surrounding him. The previously mentioned Extreme Close Up shot, focuses our attention on the artist before intensifying the star-image and the connotations of power and importance that are associated with the rapper himself. The end of the video is very different to what is likely to be expected. 50 Cent wakes up after a ‘dream’. This is a contradiction to the rest of the video. It is also noticeable that the artist is wearing many different clothes throughout the scenes, once again contributing to the image and idea of 50 Cents wealth. Many of the colours used in this video are associated with different feelings and atmospheres. One example of this are the red clothes worn by 3 of the women towards the end of the video. The colour red holds connotations of Passion and Heat.
There are possibly some intertextual references within the video. The house and general concept of the video seem to relate to the famous ‘playboy mansion’. There does not seem to be any kind of solid narrative to the video, instead the visuals seem to illustrate and amplify the lyrics and their content. In conclusion, this music video is very typical of the music’s genre, and in many ways fits the forms and conventions of such videos. Such forms and conventions are met through the use of voyeurism, which is created by focusing on the females within the video. Also, the use of iconography and the star-image are both contributing factors.
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Research Task - Music Video Analysis 1.
NWA - Express Yourself.
This video begins with a narrative tone. The opening and arguably establishing shot shows us footage of the slave trade, and how black people were punished for not working ‘hard enough’. The video then shows the slaves running away, and cuts to a medium shot of the artists. The song is based around people expressing their feelings towards such matters through the use of music. This is reflected as at 00.56 a sign with the words; “No Rapping” is shown. I believe that there is a clear target audience for this music video/product. The video is aimed at young people who are from areas of poverty, who perhaps have an interest within the genre of hip-hop.
This video begins with a narrative tone. The opening and arguably establishing shot shows us footage of the slave trade, and how black people were punished for not working ‘hard enough’. The video then shows the slaves running away, and cuts to a medium shot of the artists. The song is based around people expressing their feelings towards such matters through the use of music. This is reflected as at 00.56 a sign with the words; “No Rapping” is shown. I believe that there is a clear target audience for this music video/product. The video is aimed at young people who are from areas of poverty, who perhaps have an interest within the genre of hip-hop.
There is focus point of the video, which is the police and authority. The video aims to show how people can rebel against authority or dictatorship. There is a link used between the opening scene of the slave trade and the police, which is horses. The slave masters used them in the opening scene and so do the police that are featured throughout the video. The horses represent the police with the negative connotations that the slave trade brings to the video. I believe the director of the video has chosen to use this, because in the 1980’s when this track was released, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the police.
The technical operations used vary throughout the video. For example, Panning shots are used when the prison cells are shown. A high angle shot is also used during the prison cell scene, in order to show the prisoner in a vulnerbale light. Extreme close ups are also used at various points throughout the video. One example of this shot is at 1.44. I believe that this shot has been used at this point to put an emphasis on the artists sunglasses. This in some ways in conforming to the forms and conventions of Hip-Hop music videos. Low angle shots are also used, usually when the police are in the frame. This gives an effect that shows the individual police officer in a powerful light. Examples of this shot can be seen at 1:03 – 1:05.
The tone of the video could be seen as humorous, during certain scenes. From1:53, the video appears to be mocking the government, as the ‘White House’ is changed to the ‘Black House’. The props and iconography in this scene are particularly humorous, such as the jewellery which looks very out place in such a building. There are many different editing techniques shown throughout the video. These include an eye-line matching shot. This is also used in the ‘Black House’ scene of the video, and allows a sense of continuity. The artist is looking at the press, and interviewers, before a cut and we are shown the subject at hand, as if we ourselves are the artist.
The Treatment.
The scene opens with a view of the lift, inside is the artist who is sitting on anj inflatable chair whilst playing a guitar. The inflatable chair is the main focas point of the video, and will feature throughout. During the video, a range a locations will be used. The inflatable chair will be used in all of these locations. A theme of isolation is created with the use of the chair, as the artist remains seated by himself, looking humble. The artist ventures on a both physical and metaphorical journey, through the many locations, as passers by continue their business with no regard for the character/artist. A naturalistic tone is created due to the natural locations featured in the video. We intend for the audience of late teenagers and students to relate to the video, and feel empathetic towards the artist. The closing scene, will once again be a shot of a lift. However this time, it will show the chair deflating without the artist being present. I feel as if this will be an effective and dramatic ending to the video.
Friday 16 September 2011
Potential Locations.
Here is a list of potential locations, that we could assign for particular lyrics in the video.
Graveyard
Bus station
Felixstowe ammusements/arcades
Supermarket
Beach/sea
In the street/near a busker
Shopping centre
Hospital
Forest
Roof
Next to river
Bridge
On a boat
Field of cows
Old closed down main road
Bowling alley - Solar bowl
Football pitch
Library
police station
Zebra crossing
Golf course
Drive-through
Cinema
Warehouse
Garage
Stage
Horse-Races
Shower/bath
Bank
In a lift
On TV
Filmed on a phone
Filmed on a phone
Garden
Shed
Shed
Pier
Skate-park
Farm
Fairground
Waterfall
Swimming pool
Church
Temple
Pub
In a car
Docks
Garden cnetre
Bingo hall
Conveyor belt
Under the covers/in bed
Orchard
Carpark
Tip/dump
Zoo
Bouncy castle
Castle
Building site
Fitting rooms
Gym
Centre of town
Party
Airfield
Barbers' shop
Trailer
ice cream van
Near fire/Candles in a field
Wedding shop
Tattoo shop
In a lab
Escalator
Ball pool
In a tent
In a tree/treehouse
Boot of a car
Initial Ideas.
After creating various mind-maps and gathering together a number of ideas, i have shortlisted a few of the ideas that i believe have the most potential. One of theses ideas involves the use of many different locations, that would be used depending on the mood of the lyrics. The focal point of the video will be an inflatable chair that the artist will sit on, throughout these changes of location. During group disscussion, it was also put forawrd that the opening/establishing shot could be the artist sitting on the chair in a Lift. Then the last shot could the same shot, however without the artist, and the chair would be deflated. As a group we shall continue to gather ideas.
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