Before
producing our media prelim promo video, we had to attain inspiration or what
image my group were trying to portray:
We came up
with the following key points/ideas we wanted to portray within our pop promo
video:
Sophisticated
look.
Dark Background
- making the individual artists stand out, while focusing all attention
towards them. In hoping to make our pop promo video look more professional.
Big focus on
the instruments and performance rather than focusing on narrative.
Clothing
being very sophisticated (suits and smart clothing) representing
professional essence.
Frequent
usage of close-ups representing artist/groups emotions along with
close-up on the instruments used within in the piece.
Actors:
Kingston - Main singer
Henry - Guitarist
Seth - Playing the Drums
Alice - On keyboard Filming - Myself and Hannah.
*Music Starts*
Close up on the drums being played by Seth, focused on the foot part, to show our preciseness on timing for the non lyrical start to the piece. Music plays before lyrics start.
Close up on Kingston singing
Mid shot of Alice on the keyboard
Close up of Kingston singing from the right angle (right side)
Extreme close up of Kingston facing him directly onwards.
Close up of Seth playing drums (back on angle on feet, representing the drums heard within the music trying to show precise timing)
Mid shot of Seth (from the right) playing the drums
Mid shot of Kingston and Alice over the shoulder shot of her situated in the background.
Close up of Kingston from the left side.
Close up focusing on Henry's fingers on his guitar.
Establishing shot of Henry, Seth and Kingston all in shot, showing the background also for the first time within the video.
Henry and Kingston both jump up and down on the beat of the music.
Mid shot of Henry playing the guitar
Close up of Henry and Seth close together singing.
Close up of Alice's fingers on the keyboard.
Extreme close up of Alice's fingers playing a tune.
Pan shot of Henry moving from head to toe.
Extreme close up of Henry's fingers on guitar.
Extreme close up of Kingston singing.
Close up of camera zooming out and away from Kingston singing.
Zoom in on Seth playing the drums (focusing on his fingers and timing on the drums sync to the music)
Mid shot of Henry on the guitar.
Extreme close up of Kingston's face whilst singing.
(Adele- Someone like you) Representation of lyrics: love genre/lack of romance. Portrayed as a 'conventional love story' Mise-en-scene; black/white theme and colour scheme-signifier of the past and representing flash backs in time showing drama/action that has already taken place. Mise-en-scene: location set at a pub. This is an conventional place where people will go to meet other people. Dark lighting used to hide peoples emotions/feelings, audience isn't let in as much as other normal every day settings. Final Shot shows artists face, matching eye line to the audience enabling us to feel her emotions. This is linked to the only other person in the music video a blurred image of a man in the background. This could represent he is haunting her, and that he is always with her, she always thinks of him and he never leaves her thoughts. (Rock Music promo videos, classifying them together) Mise-en-scene consists of the band located somewhere,
stereotypically in clubs/on stage performing in front of crowds. This
therefore, acts as an advertising tool promoting the band/artists. Interaction with the crowds, allow us as an audience to
feel as if we are there as well, which plays on the verisimilitude aspect of it,
that this could be an everyday situation that we could be involved with.
Characters move around with great energy and passion,
showing they are dedicated to the job they do, which makes us as an audience
possibly change our perspective of them, and start to like them.
(Shot
composition)
Camera
shots used arecanted angle shot which is used to show distortion
within the piece, possibly confusing the audience. High
angledlong shot represents the narrative within the piece,
giving the audience insight and increased knowledge into where the scene is
set, what relevance it has to the piece etc. Establishing
shot also focuses on the location, along with mise-en-scene focusing
on the characters presence along with their costumes etc.
The piece,
gives a real sense of foreshadowing the future, and moving towards further
than the current time.
The camera
is never place in one certain position; it is always neutral giving
interest to the piece.
A heart that's full up like a landfill A job that slowly kills you Bruises that won't heal You look so tired-unhappy Bring down the government They don't, they don't speak for us I'll take a quiet life A handshake of carbon monoxide
With no alarms and no surprises No alarms and no surprises No alarms and no surprises Silent, silent
This is my final fit My final bellyache
With no alarms and no surprises No alarms and no surprises No alarms and no surprises please
Such a pretty house And such a pretty garden
No alarms and no surprises No alarms and no surprises No alarms and no surprises please
Firstly, the first variation of shots at the beginning, they
are all particularly similar, due to the black background contrasted with the
small outburst of light appearing upon the screen. This emphasises on the randomness
of the whole pop promo video how one scene is completely juxtaposed to another
with no real relevance.
The next shot we come across is one that does not change, for the duration of the pop promo video. This is a shot of a member of the group, who is singing the lyrics. The lyrics are shown to come across the screen backwards, as if the artist is supposed to be reading them while singing. Therefore, this could just be a promotional gimmic or there could actually be a deaper meaning towards this idea that producers have created.
The
next shot we come across is one that does not change, for the duration of the
pop promo video. This is a shot of a member of the group, who is singing the
lyrics. The lyrics are shown to come across the screen backwards, as if the
artist is supposed to be reading them while singing. Therefore, this could just
be a promotional gimmick or there could actually be a deeper meaning towards
this idea that producers have created.
The editing effects used, are of the lines shown cutting across the screen. This could have been used to cause a disjunction between the lyrics and the non-existent storyline to add a little mystery or extra randomness to the pop promo video.
Another editing effect
used is of the white lighting that is situated upon the screen shown to the
left. However, this could be an effect producers have used to create more
assumption and wonder towards the piece. However, it could also be kept in to
represent the verisimilitude of the piece, being the fact the producers have
not taken it out, as the artist is portray to be in a glass cube. Therefore,
there would be shadowing and lighting shown on the other side of the cube
opposite the artist.
Another editing effect used, which is not actually used but portrayed to be used, is when the artist holds his breath for fifty six seconds under water. The water fills up the cube, and the artists is left looking emotionless in the eyes, and distant, while we hear a background noise, for what seems like minutes and minutes. After that duration of time, the artist is then seem to be gasping for air, which makes the audience believe the effect actually happened, and was not just portrayed to have happened.
The last shot we see is the first bit of emotion, us an audience see is coming from the artists eyes. It is important to get a connection with the audience therefore, the artists eye's matching the same eye level of the audience, allows us to endure into their emotions and feelings.
This is a big must when an artist wants to connect with
their potential audience and establish themselves as an artist.
AMPLIFICATION:
'The operation of anamplifier, a natural or artificial device intended to make a signal stronger.'
When she was just a girl she expected the world But it flew away from her reach So she ran away in her sleep and dreamed of Para-para-paradise, para-para-paradise, para-para-paradise Every time she closed her eyes
When she was just a girl she expected the world But it flew away from her reach and the bullets catch in her teeth Life goes on, it gets so heavy The wheel breaks the butterfly every tear a waterfall In the night the stormy night she'll close her eyes In the night the stormy night away she'd fly
And dream of para-para-paradise Para-para-paradise Para-para-paradise
(Oh oh oh oh oh, oh-oh-oh)
She'd dream of para-para-paradise Para-para-paradise Para-para-paradise
(Oh oh oh oh oh, oh-oh-oh-oh)
La-la-la-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la And so lying underneath those stormy skies She'd say, "Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh I know the sun must set to rise"
This could be para-para-paradise Para-para-paradise
This could be para-para-paradise Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
This could be para-para-paradise Para-para-paradise
This could be para-para-paradise Oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh, oh
This could be para-para-paradise Para-para-paradise
This could be para-para-paradise Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
The first shot used is emphasised on the editing techniques used. There is
subtitles used for the first section to acknowledge the producers/directors
etc, which is the only one of the three videos that i have chosen to analyse,
that does this.
The variation and combination of colours used shown within the mise-en-scene
of this shot blend together effectively to create a stereotypical assumption
for a positive storyline from the start and duration of the video.
The next shot seen is a long shot or
possibly arguable a establishing shot of wild animals and the
background they are situated in, being the mise-en-scene set
for the scene. This is a reflecting shot, as the shadows show animals moving
around freely and not in captivity. This is what the overall aim of the main
character in the storyline wants to attain.
The next shot seen is of the main character behind metal bars. This connotes he has done a crime and is trouble. However, the other obvious explanation is that he is in captivity and cannot escape his fate.
The following image shows the character in a jokey formation to the audience, due to the fact he has supposedly been drawing images on the wall. This obviously emphasises on the fact if he was an actual animal, he would not be able to do this.
The next shot of an actual animal in their actual captivity, doing what is stereotypical expected on them emphasises on the fact the character within this music video is mimicking and pretending to the animal they are trying to portray. The lowangled shot looking up on the animal represents there supposed importance and level on hierarchy over who is meant to be watching them, being us the audience.
This establishing shot gives a sense of humour to the music video. This is due to the character pretending to be the animal, who is aiming to escape from captivity, is being chased by police officers. This would not stereotypically happen in every day society therefore, the seriousness of it makes the audience giggle and reason with the character within the piece. This is due to them making us as an audience feel an emotion towards them.
The next three images make the audience aware of where the video has been set. This is due to the audience's stereotypical assumptions of where we as an audience expect these items should be placed e.g. London underground sign is location in central London. Another example would be as shot of the escalators on the underground which are located in Kings Cross train station.
The shot of the red phone box with the character riding past, refers back to the tourist attractions in London, where tourists will have their photo taken with a red phone box due to its relations back to London. Therefore, for this to be included, it immediatly links to London, and what is expected in that city. The fact the character has ran away to London signifies the city is where you can run away to, to find yourself, to find your dreams. Therefore, this acts as an advertising tool at the same time.
The next shot is a mid-shot of
the main character holding up a sign with the lyrics of the song on. This
therefore, emphasises the character wants to be in paradise, and the minimal link
that the lyrics have to the storyline within the piece.
This establishing shot shows a stereotypical urban setting, which in theory has some connotations of pop art. This is due to the random piece's of art situated in the mise-en-scene which would not stereotypically be placed together in this known context.
This next establishing shot shows the not so attractive side of freedom. This is due to the harsh reality of world outside captivity. Therefore, this could make the main character ponder on the thought of if he/she was so much worse of where he/she was before.
An editing effect used here is fast paced. This is used to speed time up, which is shown through the fast moving clouds that are dramatically moving forward, to shows the progression of the sun set dissolving into the horizon. Which in theory this could represent the world being at peace, which could link back to the main character being at peace. Due to the fact he has escaped from captivity.
The last shot we see is a performance/gig taking place where the artists are performing. However, this then makes us question is there an actual performance taking place, or is it actually a diegetic audience?
LYRICAL:
'The term lyrical may mean: lyrics, or words in songs'
Firstly, a vast amount of close-up shots and extreme close-up shots are used to focus and highlight the characters feelings and emotions towards the audience. This concept is also used to highlight to the audience, that this video is lyrical promo music video. Including it is centrally focused completely on the lyrics within the song, along with promoting the artist and aiming to create a brand image for that individual.
Close up camera shots, are a captivating way of endearing into the artists emotions they are trying to portray, parallel to the vibe within the lyrics of the song, to see if they are successful in doing so. There is a personal connection made between audience and artist due to the fact there eye level line is always parallel to those of the audience. Therefore, we feel compassion towards the audience and a bond between ourselves and the artist on a personal level. Therefore, this allows the audience to feel the emotions of the artist/artists.
The props used within the mise-en-scene of the promo video are of instruments used within the piece of music. Therefore, this emphasises that this is a performance piece, based solely on the lyrics and instruments used to get the overall performance needed to suit the lyrics of the song.
The mise-en-scene of the promo video is of an empty room situated with minimal objects. Therefore, this moves the attention away from the narrative and storyline within the piece. Therefore moving the audience’s attention to the artist and the lyrics of the song and promoting the individual as a brand image and promoting her new single. The lighting within the music promo video is of dark shades, the lighting is dimmed, possibly to emphasise on the mood trying to be portrayed by the artist due to the lyrics of the song. Therefore, this fits in with the negative lyrics of the song showing regret, remorse etc e.g. 'We were always meant to say goodbye'. This example shows how the artist thinks the relationship could have possible been doomed from the begging.
Editing effects used within the piece are of dissolves and zooms into focus on certain objects e.g. the artists themselves. This therefore, attempts to make the audience focus completely on the artist and the song she is singing. Followed after by a fade out shot, which moves between one shot to another, which allows the audience to see one emotion the artist is portraying compared to the next shot.
Dissolves/fades are very common in all music videos.
Kelly Clarkson's music video promo shows great reference to sexual aspects, such as the provocative clothing and the way her body language is portrayed. Therefore, this contradicts to the meaning of the lyrics she is singing. However, due to her negative upsetting lyrics, she could be trying to portray the message of getting her own back on the man who has upset her so dearly e.g. 'So I'm already gone'. This could suggest she is trying to portray the image that she has moved on, and has dealt with the situation that had happened.
Although it is seen as shun upon in the music industry for music promo videos being over sexual, it is very common in the music industry for there to be great relevance of this within numerous music promo videos.
There are vast amount of mid shots used also representing the body language of the artist/s. An example of this is the image above it is showing the artist to be frustrated and emotionally drained which is also portrayed by the lyrics within the song e.g.
CAMERA SHOTS:
Firstly, camera works used within music videos are of a few essential shots. These are needed to portray the artist, which would show them off to their best ability in a form of advertising them to the audience. Also camera shots used show the artists feelings and emotions, along with background location of where the video is being shot, to give the audience a more in depth insight into the narrative. These shots used are long shots, or establishing shots to showcase the location.
Within Professor Green's music video they are establishing shots showing the location the scene is being filmed at, which is an inner London club and the other location being a house party. An establishing shot used shows the club Professor Green and his friends are located at. It is clear to see that he is the DJ at the club therefore; this is a form of advertising and showcasing the talents of the artist. Due to the fact everyone is aware of his skills as a DJ. Therefore, this emphasises on his versatility and multi-talented personality and creates a brand image for that artist.
Close up and mid shots are used frequently to show the body language of the artist and to emphasise on correctly placing the music to match the artists lip movement to keep these in sync to create the best possible standard of video quality and make the scene believable. Mid shots shown within this video are of Professor Green and his friends walking the interaction between them states the kind of joke mannerism relationship they have. As well as the distance in which they are walking between each other is to a minimal which suggests to the audience they have a close bond/friendship. In one shot, Professor Green kisses a lady on the check in a cheeky sense, suggesting he has kissed her because he is happy which therefore, sets a vibe for the duration on the pop promo.
Camera movement is also essential as the camera needs to be placed in the right position on set to have access to track and pan the artist or band around the set while using other shots such as crane and tilts to get the overall best look for the scene.
MISE-EN-SCENE:
The mise-en-scene of a pop promo video refers to the layout of the scene contrasted to the position of artist/artists contrasted with other props located in within the scene, mixed with how they overall, fit in to the scenario portrayed. Firstly, this could be due to clothing worn within the pop promo video contrasted to whether it is believable forms of clothing for the scene trying to be portrayed. In Professor Green's video all the background characters are dressed down to casual, but urban glamour clothing which would be expected at a house party.
The clothing Professor Green wears is similar to the background characters involved however, he has the justifiable edge on anyone else within the scene, due to the fact he is trying to advertise and promote himself as a successfulartist. This therefore, leads to maximize his record companies’ sales and to establish himself as branded and well known artist.
Professor Greens tattoo situated on his neck distinct's himself from any other artist. This therefore, is used within his pop promo video to emphasise on his brand image he has already created for himself. The silver chain situated around the front of his neck, puts the artist into another league than any other character within the scene, placing the attention back on himself and promoting his new single.
The colour clothing of all other background characters are mainly of dark brown or black shades mixed with brighter colour shades representing the more outgoing characters at the party. Colours tend to set the mood within a song by creating an atmosphere.Stereotypically, bright colours are used within pop promo videos. The props used at the party are a mixture of alcohol, fun and joke props such as masks, spray foam etc that would all typically be used at a party.
The lighting within Professor Green's pop promo video is of a dark colour shade representing the time of day and sticking to trying to make the scene believable, due to the fact this could be a real life situation.
The lighting used within any music video is dependent on the time of day the pop promo video is supposed to be set it, contrasted with the mood of the characters trying to be portrayed. Also mixed with the effects trying to be used, due to the fact natural lighting can cause problems for some typesof effects.
.
EDITING:
Typically used in pop promo videos are jump cuts, this is due to the fact it allows a sudden jump from one scene to another, showing two different types of action taking place.
Within Professor Green's video jump cuts are used to jump from himself and his friends walking, to the party he ends up attending which therefore, shows the contrast in scenes and drama taking place.
Fade and dissolves are also commonly used within pop promo videos.
SOUND:
Sound used within pop promo videos is mainly the vocals of the track. Sound is very important within a pop promo video it is essential that the lip sync of the artist/artists is exactly in time with the recorded backing track. This is an essential must for any music video.
NARRATIVE:
The narrative within Professor Green's video is of himself, and his group of friends going to a party, which is a stereotypical destination for any pop promo video, that alongside with a club scene, which is the second destination in this video. This added to the events that happen at the party with other background characters.Moving on to the club at which he himself is performing at, this advertises him as a brand within the narrative of his video.
PERFORMANCE:
The performance side of Professor Green’s video is the lyrical side of it, being the actual sound track itself. It is important to get the right mixture of performance and narrative within any pop promo video to not create one and not focus on the other. This is due to if the right mixture is captured this creates a perfect performance with a captivating storyline to focus on while focusing on the lyric side of the video also.
GENRE:
After establishing all the connotations used within this video it is clear to see that this is an RnB Pop promo video. The lighting, camera shots, clothing, mise-en-scene and representation of all these main factors which are ever so clear to the viewer, making it impossible to mistake this for any other genre.
