Task Two: Understand the styles, conventions and techniques of music videos

Task Two 
Understand the styles, conventions and techniques of music videos

Music genres


Pop

Pop music is a genre of music that has an upbeat feel to it. It is music that makes people feel good and happy. The typical conventions of pop music videos are that they are colourful and fun. the artist or actors in the video usually wear colourful outfits and often wear more than one outfit. Their outfits reflect different moods in the song. pop music videos generally include love stories, parties and typical teenage issues. Most pop videos tell stories, whether its a love story or a struggle someone is going through. The props used in most pop music videos are instruments, lights and ornaments. The lighting in pop music videos is very bright and focuses on the artist and the setting. Pop videos are usually are filmed in locations such as homes, parks, castles, schools and sometimes sets.The pace of pop videos are medium as they are not too fast and not too slow, they maintain a casual beat. pop music was developed in the 1950's, it was known as a softer version of rock and roll. pop music usually tents to associate with a young audience. Pop music has a big audience and its name came from the word 'popular'.

RnB

RnB music is very popular in the modern day society. It is music made by people who portray themselves as rich and very successful. The genre of RnB music is usually associated as high budget music videos as the motto of the video is if you have the money why not flaunt it.Many people argue that RnB music is a genre of music which sexually exploits women and portrays women to be inferior to men. Artists such as Kanye West, Jay Z and Mariah Carey have made RnB a very popular and successful genre of music. RnB videos are all about reputation and artists showing of their talents. Sometimes there some RnB music videos which tell a story. RnB videos are located usually on the streets, at clubs, at parties or at recording studios. RnB music videos like to have a realistic and relatable feel to them. RnB artists generally wear hoodies, informal clothing, heavy jewelry and most of all designer clothing. RnB music videos have a range of props which range from cars to furniture and lighting. The general colour scheme for RnB music videos is grey and black, most of the videos are dull and dark to portray themselves as rough. The body language used in these videos are that the artists are rough and tough, the men are portrayed as alpha males. There are symbols shown in the videos and these are hand gestures shown by the artists.

Dance 

Dance music is a genre of music that is all about having a good time. Sometimes they include storyline for example a love story. Dance music associates with partying and concerts. Dance music videos usually are very simple and are all about the music. They have very little lyrics and highly focus on the music. Dance music videos are generally located at clubs, concerts and houses. They usually include dance routines and people dancing around showing that they are having a good time. The costumes worn are party outfits, clothes that are glittery and sparkly. The atmosphere of dance music videos are dark such as a concert atmosphere. the props included are DJ sets, instruments and colourful lights for example laser beams.

Rock 

Rock is a very popular genre.Rock music is mostly associated with bands and it has been influenced by successful artists such as the Beatles, rolling stones, linkin park and oasis. Rock has many sub genres such as emo, pop rock and heavy rock. Rock music is all about the music and about the artists showing of their talents. some rock songs have meaningful lyrics and the music video highly focuses on the lyrics. Rock music videos are filmed in locations such as stages, studios, outdoors and famous landscapes. Rock videos are not that expensive as they do not focus on making a fancy video, they focus on the music and message being portrayed. Rock artists dress very casual in their music videos, the clothing they wear is very much like everyday wear with a hint of rock fashion. The main props used are instruments which are usually drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, microphone and keyboard. rock artists have a rough body language, they like to portray themselves as superior people who have a lot of attitude. Rock music videos are very theatrical and show a lot of drama. The colour scheme is dark and dull which gives a very mysterious look.

Classical 

Classical music is a genre that is all about the voice, it focuses on the artists talent which is usually their powerful voice. Classical music also includes opera singing, this is a very common form of classical music. The voice is magnified over the music as that is where the focus is. Classical music videos include dancers, the dancing is usually ballet or contemporary. classical music videos are usually filmed on stage, outdoors, sets, anywhere which has a elegant look to it. Classical artists usually wear formal clothing, women wear gowns and men wear suits. The colour scheme for classical music videos are usually pastel colours very calm and tranquil. the artists portray an elegant and powerful body language.  

Animation video
daft punk - One more time

Daft Punk one more time is an example of an animation music video. However, we would assume that most animated videos are targeted at children. In this case, Daft Punk's one more time music video is aimed at an adults audience as it contains elements of adult culture for example the women are presented with low cut tops on. Also, the setting of the music video is at a concert or club, these are adult locations. The audience seen in the crowd in the video are all adults. The genre of this music video is dance, as the song focuses on the music rather than the lyrics. The props used in this video are instruments as the main characters are presented as doing a performance on stage. Another prop used towards the end is a spaceship; this is when the aliens come to attack. The four main characters in the video are three males and one female, they are the band performing. The video is colourful and this is something we expect when we see animated videos. The music video consists mainly of close up shots; the shots show what the characters are doing.

In concert/live music video
Linkin Park and Jay Z - Numb/Encore

Linkin Park and Jay-Z's Numb/Encore music video is an example of in concert/live music video. The characters of this music video are Jay-Z and the band Linkin Park. The music video has been filmed at a concert where the artists are performing on stage. The props used are instruments and technical devices such as lighting and mixing, these are typical props needed for most live performances. The video is aimed at adults and teenagers as the artists use strong language in the lyrics. Also, the audience in the crowd mainly consist of adults and older teenagers. The audience are people who are a fan of one or both artists. The costumes worn by the artists are very casual for example baggy trousers and casual t-shirts, the clothes worn associate with the genre of music which is rnb and rock combined. The body languages portrayed by the artists are that they are very confident in what they do and the body language show that they love performing.

Homage music video
2 Pac - Ghetto gospel 

  

2 Pac's ghetto gospel is an example of a homage music video as it focuses on beauty and vulnerability of 2 Pac and how his life was taken away from him unexpectedly. The song is about social justice and the songs meaning is 2 Pac's vision of a better world. The main character is a young adult male, other characters involved are his partner, child, friends and his and his partners family. the music video is aimed at older teenagers and adults but primarily his fans. The videos purpose is to tell a story about how good people can be taken away from this world unexpectedly. the costumes worn are street wear, casual clothing such as hoodies, jeans and baggy t-shirts. The body language presented by the main character is that he is a loving guy, loves his partner and kids. He is trying to have a good time, confident and enjoying life. However, he is killed unexpectedly for no reason and didn't deserve to die.

Parody music video

Gotye Parody music video - Study i used to know

The Gotye parody called study that i used to know is an example of a parody music video as is a mockery of Gotye's music video called somebody that i used to know. The purpose of the music video is to try and copy the original music video but add their own spin to it to make it funny. the props used is the background as they are trying to copy the background from the original video. the music video has been filmed on a set and the set is used throughout the music video. The character in the music video are a male and female taking on the role of the real characters from the original music video. The characters don't wear any costumes but instead have paint all over there body to resemble the original music video. The body language of the characters are that they are trying to stay serious as they are taking on the role of the original characters, however, it makes them look funny as the lyrics in the song are funny.

Influence music video
Kanye West - Gold digger 

Kanye West's Gold digger is an example of an influence video as it is a video describing women as gold diggers. Women are being victimised in this music video as gold diggers and are seen as sex symbols by the way they are inappropriately dressed. The characters in this music video are Kanye West, Jamie Fox and random women. The video is aimed at adults and older adults as the audience as strong language is used. also, the women are inappropriately dressed and this will appeal to an older audience and males specifically. Kanye and Jamie wear costumes which are dressed up and look like they have made an effort and are looking their best. The music video is filmed on a set throughout and not many props are used. Kanye and Jamie have very powerful body language and are presented as confident men.

Pastiche music video
Christina Aguilera - Candy Man

Pastiche is when someone imitates an artist or time period. this is by copying key styles and conventions associated with that person or time period. When creating a pastiche video you would have to choose locations and costumes which relate to the artist or time period. An example of a pastiche music video is Christina Aguilera's 'Candy Man'. The music video is based in the time period of the 1940's, it has the world war 2 theme. The video includes dance routines which style are the jive. The men in the video are the royal navy. There are three versions of Christina with three different hair colours, red, brown and blond. It was a tribute to the 'Andrew Sisters'.


Lyrical Interpretation

Taylor Swift - We are never getting back together

"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

I remember when we broke up the first time - (Taylor swift is reminiscing on her relationship)
Saying, "This is it, I've had enough," 'cause like - (Remembers what he said to her)
We hadn't seen each other in a month
When you said you needed space. (What?) - (She’s confused about why he wants space when they haven’t seen each other in a long time)

Then you come around again and say
"Baby, I miss you and I swear I'm gonna change, trust me."
Remember how that lasted for a day?
I say, "I hate you," we break up, you call me, "I love you." - (He’s messing about with her feelings. She regrets falling for his games.)


Oooh we called it off again last night
But oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you - (She really means it.)

We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together - (Main lyrics of the song. She doesn’t want to get back with him.)
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together- (Emphasis on ‘ever’. She is determined that she isn’t going to get back with him.)

Like, ever...- (How teenagers speak. Maybe a teenager?)

I'm really gonna miss you picking fights - (Causing problems on purpose)

And me, falling for it screaming that I'm right
And you, would hide away and find your peace of mind
With some indie record that's much cooler than mine - (She believes he’s a lot cooler than her and that she’s lucky to have him.)

Oooh, you called me up again tonight
But oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me (talk to me)
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

Oooh yeah, oooh yeah, oooh yeah
Oh oh oh

I used to think that we were forever ever
And I used to say, "Never say never..." - (Had belief in the relationship)

Uggg, so he calls me up and he's like, "I still love you,"
And I'm like... "I just... I mean this is exhausting, you know, like,
We are never getting back together. Like, ever"  - (Built up courage maybe? Or maybe emotional)


No!

We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

We, ohhh, getting back together,ohhh,
We, ohhh, getting back together

You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me (talk to me)
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

The lyrics tell a story about a girls relationship with her ex-boyfriend. She expresses mixed emotions as she loved him a lot however, he messed with her feeling and played games. she feels that she shouldn't give him another chance as he has hurt and she will never take him back.

From the interpretation of the lyrics, I think the music video will be narrative based. It will tell a story about the main characters heartbreak. The vocabulary used in the lyrics relate to teenagers sociolect, for example phrases such as 'like ever' and 'you know' present attitude and anger. The video's main focus will be the relationship. The music video will consist of mainly close ups showing the range of emotions of the main character, for example tears, anger and upset. The setting of the video would be dark and dull, as the character is not happy. There may be flashbacks, showing past events of the relationship. She may be wearing plain clothes and looking very casual.

The actual music video is very different to the way it has been interpreted in the lyrics. The music video is narrative based and tells the story from the main characters perspective. The music video is colouful and the locations used are very vibrant. The main character presented her self and independent and that she doesn't need him anymore. She makes a mockery of him in the video by using hand gestures, facial expressions and changes in her tone of voice. The videos main focus is to show how ridiculous he is and how much she doesn't need him. The costumes she wears are brightly coloured and she looks like shes made an effort to dress up. She is seen dancing around and throws a party to celebrate that she is finally free of him. There are not many close ups of her as she only shows one emotion in the video and that is happiness.

Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend 

"Girlfriend"  - girlfriends perspective maybe? or about someones girlfriend?

[Chorus]
Hey! Hey! You! You! - pointed at someone. trying to get that persons attention
I don’t like your girlfriend! - don't like the persons girlfriend.
No way! No way!
I think you need a new one - personal judgement
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I could be your girlfriend - likes him? thinks he can do better. she wants to be with him
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me - she thinks he has feelings for her too
No way! No way!
I know it's not a secret - no point hiding it. they both know they want each other
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend - wants him a lot

[Verse 1]
You’re so fine
I want you mine - wants him
You’re so delicious
I think about you all the time
You’re so addictive
Don’t you know what I could do to make you feel alright (alright, alright, alright)?
Don’t pretend I think you know I’m damn precious -  she knows she means something to him
And Hell Yeah
I’m the motherfucking princess
I can tell you like me too and you know I’m right - shes determined that they should be together

[Bridge:]
She’s like so whatever - he should forget his girlfriend
You could do so much better - shes better than his girlfriend
I think we should get together now - it should be him and her
And that’s what everyone’s talking about!

[Chorus:]
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I don’t like your girlfriend!
No way! No way!
I think you need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I could be your girlfriend
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me
No way! No way!
You know it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend

[Verse 2]
I can see the way, I see the way you look at me
And even when you look away I know you think of me - she knows that he wants her
I know you talk about me all the time again and again (again, again, again)
So come over here, tell me what I want to hear
Better yet make your girlfriend disappear - he don't need his girlfriend
I don’t want to hear you say her name ever again (and again, and again, and again!)

[Bridge]

[Chorus]
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I don’t like your girlfriend!
No way! No way!
I think you need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I could be your girlfriend
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me
No way! No way!
You know it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend

In a second you’ll be wrapped around my finger - she'll have control over him.
'cause I can, 'cause I can do it better - she can be a better girlfriend than his current girlfriend.
There’s no other
So when's it gonna sink in?
She’s so stupid
What the hell were you thinking?! - why did he choose her?
[repeat]

[Chorus x2]
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I don’t like your girlfriend!
No way! No way!
I think you need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I could be your girlfriend
No way! No way!
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me
No way! No way!
You know it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend
No way! No way!

Hey! Hey!

The lyrics tell a story about a girl who really fancies a guy. however, he already has a girlfriend. This doesn't bother her as she feels that they were meant for each other and that she can get rid of his girlfriend. She comes across very confident and knows that she can get him easily.

From looking at the lyrics, I think the video will be very upbeat because of the chorus 'hey, hey, you, you!'. the music video will be narrative based. The video will include teenagers. the video will focus on a girl who fancies a guy. however, he already has a girlfriend. the main character wont mind that he already has a girlfriend as she is very confident and will do anything to get him. The video will be colourful and the video may be set in locations such as a school, a park and a theme park.

The music video is very much like how i predicted it to be like. It is about a teenage girl who has a crush on a guy. however, the guy has a girlfriend. Every time she sees them both together, she does anything to ruin their moment, for example when him and his girlfriend are playing golf, she decides to hit a golf ball at her head and knocks her out. She knows that he likes her and the only thing in her way is his girlfriend. She distracts him staring at him or trying to have a conversation with him. By his face expressions, you can see that he likes her back and wants her too. By the end of the video he realises that he can have her and forgets about his girlfriend and goes off with her. The music video is set at a restaurant and at a golf course. The video is colourful and has a theme of the colour pink. The costumes worn are casual and are clothes associated with rock music.

Techniques

Camera Angles

When watching movies, the angle at which a character is shot in the film can affect how we perceive that character. Film directors often choose to shoot characters using different angles in order to present the importance of that person in the film.

Camera Angles:

Bird’s-Eye View – the camera is placed above the character. This angle is usually used to make a comment on the character or a scene.

High Angle – the camera is looking downwards. Used to draw attention to the environment or setting of the scene.

Eye-Level – a very common angle used in videos. The camera shot is roughly at the same level an observer would see the scene. They help a story to develop.

Low angles – the camera is looking upwards, it focuses on the size and important of the character. The shot also focuses on the power and authority of the main characters.

Oblique angle – is a shot by tilting the camera. The shot suggests a sense of anxiety and playfulness.

Camera Movements

Cameras are moved for a number of reasons and in many ways. Movements can alter the audience’s sense of time, speed and space, follow action of characters, reveal information that was previously off-screen, concentrate the audience’s attention on specific details and emphasise a point of view shot.

Movement of the Camera on a Tripod:

Pan – turning the camera left to right, focusing attention on an object or character being followed.

Tilt  - pivots the camera upwards or downwards. The shot mimics the sight of the character in point of view shots.

Zoom – the camera doesn’t move at all. Zoom focuses on a particular detail.

Movement of the Camera, Camera Fittings and Operator

Tracking - the camera moves to the left or right, often on a pre-laid track or on a specially designed truck. It is used to follow movements across a frame

Dolly - movement of the camera towards or from an object or subject. Dollies are often used in point of view shots to give the audience the impression of approaching someone or something with the character.

Crane and helicopter - shots the camera and mounting are free from the ground and can be manoeuvred quite precisely. Crane shots have traditionally been used at the start of  films to move into the action, drawing the audience with it, and at the end of films to draw the audience out of intimate relationships with characters, returning them to their wider environment.

Handheld - the camera is carried by the operator, often creating an uneven movement. These shots allows the operator to follow action very closely, creating a greater sense of immediacy for the audience, and may mimic the movement of a character in point of view shots.

Steadicam - is a camera is placed in a harness worn by the camera operator which “suspends” the camera in such a way as to remove the jerkiness of handheld shots as the operator moves across the ground.

Effects

Effects are used alot in music videos. They are used to create places and locations that do not exist in real life. They give music videos a creative edge and enable a music video to stand out. Technology is improving day by day and so are effects in music videos. Music videos now include effects such as explosions, special powers and things related to out of space. There are many softwares that are used to add special effects to videos. 

This is Katy Perry's music video for her song 'E.T'. The video includes a range of computer effects such as aliens, the location which is in space and spaceships. These are all elements that make the advert so successful, however,  these would not be able to be included without computer softwares and editing programmes.

Miming and Lip Sync

Miming and lip sync in music videos is when an artist moves their lips in sync with recorded music or speech. It gives an appearance of a live performance. Lip syncing is also known as miming. Lip syncing can make actors look as if they have musical talent. Many artists lip sync during live performances and music videos to enable them to perform live dance numbers.

This is an example of miming which is used overtly in Nickelback's music video 'Rockstar'. The video includes a wide range of people miming to the lyrics of the song. Nickelback's voice is playing on top, however,  the people included in the video are miming to the lyrics while presenting their own characteristics.

Cutting to the beat

Cutting to the beat is used in music videos. It is when a scene cuts to another on a certain beat or lyric. When looking at lyrics you are able to break it into pieces and see when a scene cuts to another on which lyrics. Cutting to the beat is evident in most music videos, it makes a music video interesting and entertaining. 

The music video i have chosen as an example of 'cutting to the beat' is Nicola Roberts - Beat of my drum. Nicola does hand gestures and dance moves to go with the beat and lyics of the song. In the image she is spelling out 'love' in her own creative way, she uses hand gestures as a visual element combined with the music.

Chroma Key

Chroma key is an technique used in music videos. It is a technique for layering two images or video streams together. This technique is used to replace a coloured background with a different setting. Chroma key can be done in post production or real time. The most common colours used in chroma keys are blue and green, because they are least likely to effect the shot as the actors in the video are less likely to wear clothing those colours. Chroma key is processed through an editing software. The editor tells the software which colour to make transparent and sets a new background image.