I have found a copyright free song that I would like to use for the production of my music video. I will show some screen shots of me asking for permission to use the artist a song, which in this case the artist I will be contacting is Paigey Cakey. I have decided to message the artist on Facebook this is because I couldn't find an email address of the artist.
Facebook Icon
Facebook is an social networking site which people interacts by messaging each other. I have used this to get in contact with the artist.
I have made sure that this message is written formally this is because I have to make sure that the audience understand me. I haven't written the message in slang this is because this is unprofessional as I am not talking to my friends. I have written to the artist why I need to use her song and what I think about this. This is shown in the screen shot on the left hand side. I have also introduced who I am and what course I am doing to give the artist an insite on why I need to use her song.
I will be discussing the purpose and style of music videos, I am doing this in order to get an understanding of different music videos which artists make. This will give me ideas on what kind of music video that I will like to produce.
There are different codes and conventions of music videos I will list these which are:
Famous people or protagonist character
Costumes and make-up
Narrative
Background
Camera angles such as the main ones e.g. Close up shot and Wide shot
Mise-en-scene
Movement such as dancing which is commonly in music video this is to entertain audiences making them want to get involved
Lighting
Music such as the beat, rhythm
What is the purpose of a music video?
This is more of an marketing tool to enhance the image of artist used for a promotional tool for people to buy or watch their music videos e.g. YouTube and buy CD'S. Secondly to entertain their targeted audience.
There are different types of music video I will list them below.
Performance video
What is it?
This video is to capture a live performance this is to entertain also shows excitement to the audience, the reason for doing a performance video is to make the audience feel involved with the music video. this type of music video is when a performer performs in front of the camera for most of the video. this type of music video rely on the audience paying attention souly on the artist performing. Below is an example of what I mean.
Narrative Video
What is it?
This video tells a story with a beginning, middle and end. This video uses actors rather than showing the band or artist themselves, this type of video is also used if the song is used in a film and therefore is a range of sense from the movie also cut into the music video. Below is an example of what I mean.
Conceptual video
What is it?
This video is neither performance or narrative the visual are appropriate (representing an idea) this type of video shows creativity and keeps the audience guessing. Below is an example of what I mean.
Interpretative video
What is it?
This shows the lyrics of the song to match the images shown, this makes sure the audience gets a better understanding of the music video. Below is an example of what I mean.
Animation Video
What is it?
This type of music video realise on either hands on drawing or CGI. This type of music video made will save time on the production of a music video, secondly this appeals to young children. Below is an example of what I mean.
Surreal Video
This type of music video is an abstract music against reality. Below is an example of what I mean.
This is shown through the codes and
conventionin the
Mise-en-scene (everything you see
in the scene)
Camera work this is a variety of
shots depending of the style there are a lot of close up especially in
performance music videos, editing and sound. One way of defining genre is a set
of expectations.
What
are codes and conventions?
Codes are system
of signs, which create meaning. These may include either technical codes or
symbolic codes. An example of code in a music video is girls in shorts dancing
around in and RnB video.
Technical
codes-
This is all the ways in which equipment is used to tell a story.
Symbolic
codes –
This shows what is beneath the surface of what we see for e.g. a characters
action can show you how they are feeling and their emotions.
Conventions are
the widely recognized way of doing something which is to do with content form
and style. There are two types of conventions which consist of:
Technical
convention-
These conventions apply to majority music videos e.g. the video being the same
length as the song and fast cuts.
Genre
conventions-
this is where conventions are associated with a particular genre. E.g. is a pop
music video where dance routines are performed and bands performing songs. What are music videos? "A music video or song video is a short film integration song and imagery, produced for promotional or artists purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings."
The different types of genres
Genre A dominant important category it should be restively obvious and easy to define 0r spot on Sub genre This is specific categories that allows audiences to identify them specifically Hybrid genre This is a combination of major genres that sometimes creates another type of film
Conventions
of a music video
·The
video is the same length as the song (somewhere around 4 minutes)
·They
present the band/artist, who look as they are singing
·They
have lots of fast editing What will the audience expect from music videos
Performance
Singing
Dancing
Artist dressed in different outfits (at time)
Different location
Different camera shots
Transitions
Animation
Gunther
is a leading theorist in the study of the exploration of multimedia with its impact
on communication in increasing judgement and individual world.
He
believed that genres change and new genres are developed when situations begin
to occurs, Kress believes
that you cannot have specific codes and convention for genre, every genre
places the person and audience into a belief system where you and they assume
situations.
This can be applied to the music
industry RnB singers.
I will give example on what I
mean.
Rude Boy by Rihanna
What is RnB?
RnB lyrics sometimes
focused on segregation and racial issues, like other musical genres associated
with African American musicians. In general, this style of music includes
steady rhythms and numerous instruments to create multiple layers of sound. The
music is often meant to inspire dancing or to at least provide sound that is catchy
and fascinating. Lyrics can cover subjects such as relationships and love.
What we will expect? In the first (00:08)
different transitions with is a code and convention that
the audience will probably see in an RnB music video, Within the (00:17) we see
the artist for insistence in this content Rihanna wearing glasses, big hoop ear
rings and a short shorts and a top and which is also what is typically in music
videos. Another code and convention in music
videos is dancing we see this within the duration of (01:13) to (01:30) her
dancing flirtatiously acting like eye candle to the men. This conforms to Kress
theory this is because we as an audience often see successful women singers
portraying their self like that making the younger generation think it is ok
watching these music videos making them copy it.
Neighbours know my name by Trey Songz
What we probably will
expect in male RnB music video which is woman dancing, the artist dancing,
flash cars, more than one costume, flashing lights and location such as dancing
in a street or a house party.
In this video is another
example of what people expect from music videos especially in Rnb Videos within
the first (00:00) to (00:36) we see the artist getting interment with a woman
which is a code and convention of music
videos. Close up shot of the artist face
is a code and convention. Woman dressed inappropriately, bass music. In this music video there is a lot of passion within the two as the red lighting in the beginning signifies romance, love, passion and desire.
"Richard dyer star theory is that the idea that icons and celebrities are manufactured by institutions for finical gain, stars are manufactured to make money out of there audiences who respond to various elements of a stars personality and dress code, they do this by buying records and becoming fans of these celebrities." Rihanna is one of them.
Stars as constructions
In society celebrity stars are seem as having a different kind of personality. This is called a constructed star as these stars are shaped into being something they are not. These stars are constructed by shows such as
X-factor
American idol
Pop idol
The voice
We see these stars constructed in being something a super star which will appeal to audiences around the world, there whole image and personality is changed to suit there public eye. These stars are constructed to make audiences be influence on what you are suppose to act and dress. This signifies that the public is easily lead by celebrities. These stars are managed an presented in a way that will appeal to generations.
As an example Cher Lloyd she got her fame from X Factor.
Stars as products
Stars are made for money purposes alone. This increases the brand identity benefits the institutions as they become household name increasing sales in all of the media platforms they are in. This theory conforms to the celebrities such as
Nicki Minaj
This celebrity is a young Hip Hop rapper began writing her own lyrics, this lead the connection to Lil Wayne, who collaborates with a series of mix tapes. now she has an huge fan base. she has now several manufacturing companies and endorsed a number of products during her career
- Perfumes
- Tops
- Wrist bands
- Water bottles
Rihanna
This celebrity is a young and female singer she is another example of Richard Dyers star theory. She is know by her singing voice and music videos over the years, record label J ROC nation transformed her into a pop star after her album "good girl gone bad" making people reconised her for not just her music but image.
She is successful with merchandises such as
- Perfumes
- Tops
-Lip balms
Stars as embodiment of ideologies
and
cultures
Stars represent shared cultural values and attitudes, and promote a certain ideology. audiences interest in these values enhances their 'star quality' and it is through conveying beliefs, ideas and opinions outside music that performs help create their star persona. A star may intend a fashion trend. Beyonce is a star because she has embodied R&B music videos seen as being a diva. Beyonce started a whole new culture on the way she dresses and acts in the media. her strong and powerful singing voice e.g the song "Run the world." signifies she is an independent woman making young girl look up to her. She is seen as being an very dominating young woman. Her R&B videos such as "single ladies" which appeals to woman around the world, her lyrics in the video tell woman to stay strong. Beyonce ideology of fashion is seen y young teenager as the may look up to her, her sense of colour, and keen understanding of what flatters her figure.
Stars as personalities
"This theory connects to the audience on a personal level it is an idea that the audience relates to the star because they have a feature they share or admire with the star. some fans may attempt to replicate the star in their behavior, what they do"audiences interest in these values enhances their 'star quality'a star may star a fashion trend with masses of fans copying their hairstyle and clothing. This theory conforms to Lady GAGA. Lady Gaga is a start as personality because of the way she is portrayed in the public eye the fact that she dress dramatically and the way she is portrays in the interviews she does means that she is a very likeable person.
What is a music video? This is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as marketing device intended to promote the all of music recordings. I have devised music video that has inspired me over these past years, I will also explain why.
SINGLE LADIES
By Beyonce
This music video has inspired me because it is an anti feminist anthem for woman around the world who are single. The strong lyrics in the music video is sending a message to those single woman as it is dedicated to those who are not in a relationship making them feel special.
This song is expiring because it is an up beat track inspiring woman that it is OK to be single. This music for this video belongs to the R&B genre with a little Hip Hop edge to it.
Why does her music video inspire me?
- This song has inspired me because it is about female empowerment and ability to move from a man who wont commit. This music video sends a message to those woman who are single telling them that they are amazing. This song celebrates the recapturing life after a break up and enjoying the attention of new potential dates.
- This inspires me because Beyonce dances throughout the whole song. The reason why I like this because it shows Beyonce physical abilities. This video focuses purely on the 3 woman performing a dance with a white background behind them focusing just on them the reason why I like it is because there is not too much going on in the music video.
- This video has a variety of basic camera shots which has given me ideas to put in
such as
- Close up shot
- Wide shot
- Extreme close up
I like the use of these to include in my music video production when I do one this is because it is simple and there is not too much going on.
- The lyrics The artist Beyonce is inspiring because she is an independent young woman as most her song goes out to woman making them feel strong as if the songs are about them such as the song "run the world". secondly she works hard and puts on a half heated performance such as in this video. Thirdly she is fierce and is confident in herself.
LIKE A BOY By Ciara
In this music video this the plot is portrayed through mise-en-scene of clothing the use of baggy trousers and vests dressing like a stereotypical man and soundtrack. This is because of the lyrics "wish i could be a boy" correspond with the way the artist is dressed. This tells a story line to the audience through her music video. The music video is targeted at females which is why it inspires me, the audience is targeted to 15-20 year old making them sympathize or empathize with the artist. The music video has many ideologies of girls and young woman have been hurt through out their life.
why does it inspire me?
- This inspires me because the lyrics inspires other to be strong.
- The story line oft he young lady, the protagonist character (main character) is acting like a boy to mock the mankind as I think it quite cleaver to do so.
- The dancing in the video of all the ladies dressed up like men and dancing manly in the music video almost give the audience and me something different to look at, it is entertaining and brings a twist in music video as we don't normally see this music videos this conforms to the repetition and difference theory.
- The non digetic sound of music in the background makes me want to get up and dance to the music video, it almost persuades me to join in with the dancers.
The artist Ciara is inspiring because of the lyrics in her songs which inspire woman all over the world such as in this video. This video sends a message to young girls that boys are not whether your time the mockery in this video shows that she has been hurt by someone she love making her get pay back.
LET ME HOLD YOU
By Bow Wow FT Omarion
In this music video is this conforms to the male gaze theory (women seen as sexual objects) in the start of this music video we see woman dressed in a bra and a mini skirt for the male eye to see. This music video is targeted to 17-25 year old that go to parties a lot they can understand what is going on in this video ad relate to as the music video. This song is dedicated to this one girl as the title say it all "let me hold you" the title signifies relationship the two are having at he start before they go to an house party. This song is about a boy who take a young girl to a party but at this point he has other priorities to just go and woo other woman, she becomes left to the side as the fact that he brought her there but he is not paying her attention but the video appears to be unresolved cliffhanger but a "to be continue" title is shown at the end.
why does his music video inspire me?
- This inspires me because of the editing of credits this is something you doesn't always see in music videos which is why i would like to do something similar my music video this gives the audience a brief idea of who is starring in the music video.
- The location is set in a house making young people relate to this as most people go to house parties
- The mise-en-scene of expensive cars, jewellery nice clothes emphasis the genre of music videos, shows his wealth and love for materialistic things one the codes and conventions I would like to included in my music video.
THE BOYS
By Nicki Minaj FT Cassie
This video is seen as having very dramatic and colorful scenes to entertain the audience, the music video opens with a pink water fountain which in my eyes is quite wild as we normally see water fountain gushing clear water out. This video is colorful thought out the scene which is why I like it as its quite different to existing video as there video consist in scene nor,ally in a club or house or normally using green screen to make them look like they are in a desert such as in Shakira music video "where ever when ever".
Why does her music video inspire me?
- The use of colorful scene throughout the scene
- The props such as the wigs and big lips as chair which is a bit outrage
- fast pace scene from one scene to another
- the transition of Cassie at (01:01) and the love heart shape with an image of an man in it shows that the artist is singing maybe thinking about him this happens at (01:31)
The artist Nicki Minaj is inspiring because of her crazy music videos and dress sense the fact that they are outrage shows the fact that she don't care what people think of her which I respect.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
Whitney Houston
This woman is inspiring even thought she is older is an absolute legend when it comes to the when she singing in this video it shows exactly that the song is about her endless love for a man. She is a very strong headed and successful woman even after she has passed. This will always be inspiring to me as her acting in this is remarkable in this makes me feel like to cry too as I can tell she is in pain. This artist got me through some emotional times as the song and lyrics says it all " i will always love you" the strong repetition in this is shown that she really means it making me sympathies with her.
To conclude I have devised music video that has inspired and why the artists them self has inspired me as well, the reason why I have done this it to get an idea on what I would like to include in my music video. The clear similarities of the videos I have used is that they are all R&B this is the fact that I have been brought up around watching these types of music videos and listen to these types of artist since growing up.
Going into year 12 was a very scary time having to manage to learn new key terms and phrases within an whole year for the start of our new task that we was set to do with a group which we would then chose for our final development of a thriller film and then doing an exam at the end of the year which was really important to me.
The things that went well?
Within the year of year 12 I had many amazing lesson getting to know the people as well as what the lesson in-tells, learning about what media studies is and how many people actually have a big part of the it. I also think the most important things I learnt is having to pick people who will make you achieve your goals instead of those who are your friends or people who don't want you to achieve is the biggest things I've actually learnt within this year. To add to this I've released that I have learnt from listening to other colleagues in my class, such as there feedback further for the exam or for the thriller film we have just produced because whether you get criticised or help they will always make sure stronger and achieve the greased that I have got.
How creative were you?
In the start of year 12 I had no idea what so ever about what media Studies actually only thing was it just had a fair amount to do with films and production (making of the film). getting within the first few months of the lesson I learnt about Mise-en-scene which is everything in the scene such as costumes, lighting props make up etc, camera work, editing, sound, the dynamics on how directors and producers entertain the audience. Last year was a fun and productive year.
I was assigned to do a 'Thriller Film' with a group of people. Which should last 2 minutes which I thought was impossible to do. I think last year I actually shocked myself in what I could actually do, the fact that I got stuck in within the production making sure that editing was spot on. I had the ability to formulate my own ideas, get on with others, get on with work set, research codes and conventions, put all my work together. The skills I took away from the first year is making sure that my work was proof read as I understand that when you don't you could lose marks, secondly skills I have taken from year 12 is that i have to patient with other peers that it is my group when producing a piece of work because I am a very impatient person. Thirdly my mind has been expanded my mind as it have taken the skill of analysis specific pieces of films also has also a habit when I am as home for example when I am as home watching Eastenders I have a good understand on why the director used a specific camera angle for e.g low angle on a business man makes him look powerful.
In terms of course work wise of the skills I make my work colorful and a lot of pictures to illustrate a point I am tying to make, making sure that my work makes sense even if I have to re draft it a second time. I have also incorporated the key words for example conventions, iconography, conforms, subverts to put in my work, this is because my work will sound more sophisticated to the examiner showing them that I have learnt, also showing off that I have a understanding on what the key terms are and why directors use these in there production.
What digital technology did you use?
Last Yeast we used a set of technologies, such as tripod this was used to support the camera when my group and I wanted to make sure that the camera was not shaky or the seen wasn't when we shot out thriller film. A camera was used to film the scene that we need also the camera shots and angles we need to make sure that the audience gets a good scene of what we are trying to get across such as close up, medium, low angle, high angle, extreme close up, over the shoulder shot, birds eye view,long shot etc. Finally Final cut pro which was the biggest struggle for me in year 12 because I didn't know how to use it at all. I hardest thing was dragging the transitions of the edits to the duration that I wanted to put it in, this was was because the transitions didn't want to go on the part that I placed it onto which was really frustrating.
What research and planning did you do last year in order to be successful?
The research I done was about the codes and convention of thriller films also I had help within the past lesson when I learnt about Alfred Hitchcock was a master of suspense in his films which I researched in the lesson as he used a lot of suspense in his films so that the audience will feel on edge as they don't know what is going to happen next. secondly the research I did was look at other thriller films that is out no for example paranormal activity, purge,insidious gave me an idea on what codes and convention I wanted to put in my thriller film such as blood scary in addition to this digetic sound of screaming.
What conventions did you apply to your course work?
The codes and conventions which I have put in my course wok was fake blood this was for the victims that get killed, knifes which was a prop that was used in the making, it was carefully used form the protagonist (main character), candles signifies the dead spirits, a location of a park. This helped me get the audience to feel scared, I was able to include all of these in my thriller title sequence.
