A narrative video allows the audience more varied access to the performer than a stage performance can. The close-up, allowing eye contact and close observation of facial gestures, and role-play, within a narrative framework, present the artist in a number of ways not possible in a live concert. The mise en scene, in particular can be used. - my coursework relates to this side of the narrative. Although my music video doesn't tell a story, there will be use of close-ups of faces, and lip-syncing that will add to the video which I think is the heart of a music video. For scenes where I introduce narrative, I will be using the lead singer Beth as the focal point to emphasise her role in the band, and also offer the viewer the chance to see their favourite band memeber, whilst still offering plenty of opportunity to see performance. As Steve Archer puts it: "the lip-synch close-up and the miming of playing instruments remain at the heart of music videos, as if to assure us that the band can really kick it". However, my music video is mostly performance based which I decided will work best as I am focusing on not just one, but 5 artists in the band.
An example of a very famous narrative music video would be "Take On Me" by Aha (1984):
Other than these aspects of narrative I have just discussed, my video will be mostly performance based, and this has stemed from my knowledge of others of The Saturdays music videos. My intention is for the girls in the band to be the focal point of the music video, rather than it telling a story. Although the theory that the most memorable music videos have a strong narrative perspective, I however feel that the performance based music video I am going to produce will encourage the viewer to want to see the video more than once.
Friday, 9 December 2011
Storyboard
This is my Storyboard I have created, in order to making the filming much more efficient and organised. I am hoping that this will really help me when it comes to filming. I have described each scene - who is singing what, and what type of shot it will be filmed in.
Shooting Schedule
This is my shooting schedule. I have created this plan in order to help me prepare for the making of my music video. I have set myself reminders of what to bring with me on the day, and who will be there on what day etc.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Locations for Filming
I went to the field next to my house today, to get some inspiration for my music video. There is so much potential for this music video to be successful. I'm particularly keen on shooting in areas like these:
For the chorus, I am fixated on this particular hill in the field, which I think will look really effective when filming all 5 of them singing the chorus. I have taken a picture from the low angle I plan on shooting in. The images of trees are specifically for solo's in the track where I can film them individually. Other images of the space around the field can be filmed from all sorts of angles, aimed at the girls at random.
For the chorus, I am fixated on this particular hill in the field, which I think will look really effective when filming all 5 of them singing the chorus. I have taken a picture from the low angle I plan on shooting in. The images of trees are specifically for solo's in the track where I can film them individually. Other images of the space around the field can be filmed from all sorts of angles, aimed at the girls at random.Treatment Sheet
Propsed Title/Song: The Saturdays - Died in your Eyes
Synopsis of the Song lyrics: The lyrics are about a relationship that has failed. The lyrics repeatly say 'died in your eyes' emphasising that a partner has lost sight of who the other person used to be. It focuses in a past relationship, reminising on how things used to be.
Proposed storyline and characters: In some ways, the music video will reflect the lyrics of the song. The 5 girls will be set in a field, focusing more on each individual, rather than them all together. All will sing their own bits, reflecting on how they all have their own opinion and take on the lyrics. Most scenes will be shot in lonely, alienated areas of the field, all will be looking away from the camera. However towards the end of the music video, we will see the girls all together - not only singing but images of them looking into the camera close-up. This is purely to create a heartbroken feel, which many people can relate to.
Setting: The video will be set in a recognisable location - an open field. We will see many scenes of the girls in wooded areas, as well as open spaces.
Length: There will be no narrative in this music video, therefore the video should last around 3-4 minutes approx.
Format: Digital and edited on Final Cut proX.
Style - Genre, Mood etc: The genre is pop music and the video will have a light hearted feel. Elements of it will be quite depressing as it has sad lyrics, however towards the end we see that the girls are strong and better off on their own.
Camerawork/Type of shots: A variety of long shots to show each of the band members walking, amongst the open space of the field. Close-ups of each individual during their part in the song that they each sing. Mid-shots of the all together, as well as long shots and close-ups.
Length of shots/editing: The video will features many long takes in the beginning of the song, however towards the end there will be many short scenes as the song speads up.
Movement and action: Each of the girls will often be seen walking towards/away from the camera.
Visial qualities: The video will be shot in colour. Each of the girls will be wearing very different outfits according to the type of person they are, which can encourage the audience as to who they aspire to be like. No props will be used as it is set purely outside.
Handling of narrative: No narrative will take place during the music video. Purely performanced based so the audience don't get confused with a storyline as there are 5 girls in the video.
Target audience: The target audience are mainstreamers who take comfort in media products that are not particularly challenging. They are aged between 14-30, mainly female. The video may be popular for the slightly older audience as the lyrics reveal a description of a past relationship.
Production methods: to act as the Director, focusing on lighting, cameras, and general organisation for the production of the music video.
Equipment: 1 camera, a tripod, and editing equipment.
Locations/studio: Outside locations (fields) around the local area.
People: Beth Miller, Grainne McIntyre, Rosie McIntyre, Ellen Sutherland and Sophie Jordan.
Time: Little of rehersal, then performance at the location over a course of 3-4 sessions to film.
Budget: £0.00
Rationale: This video will open up The Saturdays fan base, in the hope of interesting people of all ages. The audience get to see the girl group outside which is an unusual location compare to most of their videos. This is a easy-watch, lighthearted video, focusing on the girls friendship between one another.
Synopsis of the Song lyrics: The lyrics are about a relationship that has failed. The lyrics repeatly say 'died in your eyes' emphasising that a partner has lost sight of who the other person used to be. It focuses in a past relationship, reminising on how things used to be.
Proposed storyline and characters: In some ways, the music video will reflect the lyrics of the song. The 5 girls will be set in a field, focusing more on each individual, rather than them all together. All will sing their own bits, reflecting on how they all have their own opinion and take on the lyrics. Most scenes will be shot in lonely, alienated areas of the field, all will be looking away from the camera. However towards the end of the music video, we will see the girls all together - not only singing but images of them looking into the camera close-up. This is purely to create a heartbroken feel, which many people can relate to.
Setting: The video will be set in a recognisable location - an open field. We will see many scenes of the girls in wooded areas, as well as open spaces.
Length: There will be no narrative in this music video, therefore the video should last around 3-4 minutes approx.
Format: Digital and edited on Final Cut proX.
Style - Genre, Mood etc: The genre is pop music and the video will have a light hearted feel. Elements of it will be quite depressing as it has sad lyrics, however towards the end we see that the girls are strong and better off on their own.
Camerawork/Type of shots: A variety of long shots to show each of the band members walking, amongst the open space of the field. Close-ups of each individual during their part in the song that they each sing. Mid-shots of the all together, as well as long shots and close-ups.
Length of shots/editing: The video will features many long takes in the beginning of the song, however towards the end there will be many short scenes as the song speads up.
Movement and action: Each of the girls will often be seen walking towards/away from the camera.
Visial qualities: The video will be shot in colour. Each of the girls will be wearing very different outfits according to the type of person they are, which can encourage the audience as to who they aspire to be like. No props will be used as it is set purely outside.
Handling of narrative: No narrative will take place during the music video. Purely performanced based so the audience don't get confused with a storyline as there are 5 girls in the video.
Target audience: The target audience are mainstreamers who take comfort in media products that are not particularly challenging. They are aged between 14-30, mainly female. The video may be popular for the slightly older audience as the lyrics reveal a description of a past relationship.
Production methods: to act as the Director, focusing on lighting, cameras, and general organisation for the production of the music video.
Equipment: 1 camera, a tripod, and editing equipment.
Locations/studio: Outside locations (fields) around the local area.
People: Beth Miller, Grainne McIntyre, Rosie McIntyre, Ellen Sutherland and Sophie Jordan.
Time: Little of rehersal, then performance at the location over a course of 3-4 sessions to film.
Budget: £0.00
Rationale: This video will open up The Saturdays fan base, in the hope of interesting people of all ages. The audience get to see the girl group outside which is an unusual location compare to most of their videos. This is a easy-watch, lighthearted video, focusing on the girls friendship between one another.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Beat Sheet
Here I have created a 'Beat Sheet' of the song to help me prepare and get organised when it comes to filming. I have drawn out a time scale of the 3:51 minutes of the track, and slotted in at various points what lyrics and who sing it come into the track. Here is the diagram I have drawn to express this:
This diagram will also help me when it comes to editing, and hopefully make the editing process much quicker as I will know what clips of my filming go where.
Lyrics Notes
I have made notes onto the lyrics sheet which will make it easier when it comes to filming. This will make me much more organised with regards to who will be singing what parts of the song. Here are my notes:
Now that I have sorted out who will be singing what parts of the song, in the Christmas holidays I plan to meet up with the 5 girls to discuss their roles and the lyrics. I have already informed them of the song I am using so by now they should know (off by heart) this track.
Friday, 2 December 2011
Song's YouTube Video & Lyrics
LYRICS:
i i, just died in your eyes eyes.
just died in your eyes eyes.
just died in your eyes.
there's a silence in the air tonight,
there's a secret we can't hide behind no more.
there's a distance we don't dare to go.
and the meaning of things i don't wanna know.
your hands start undressing me.
your lips wont stop kissing me,
i hear you say you love me..
but baby your lying lying.
i see the truth your hiding, hiding.
i look at you and, i, i, just died in your eyes eyes.
before i start crying, crying.
give me a reason for trying trying.
the one thing that keeps me alive-live.
i, i, just died in your eyes eyes,
just died in your eyes eyes.
from the window i've been looking through.
i have seen the end of me and you.
(uh woaaah)
and it's not about who's right or wrong.
when you wake up in the morning,
i'll be gone.
your hands start undressing me.
your lips wont stop kissing me,
i hear you say you love me..
but baby your lying lying.
i see the truth your hiding, hiding.
i look at you and, i, i, just died in your eyes, eyes.
before i start crying, crying.
give me a reason for trying trying.
the one thing that keeps me alive-live.
just died in your eyes eyes,
my hopes, my dreams,
all i believe.
just died died, just died in your eyes eyes.
baby and all i know is what matters most.
just died died, just died in your eyes eyes.
just died in your eyes eyes.
there's a silence in the air tonight,
there's a secret we cant hide behind no more.
but baby your lying lying.
i see the truth your hiding hiding.
i look at you and, i, i, just died in your eyes eyes.
before i start crying, crying.
give me a reason for trying, trying.
the one thing that keeps me alive-live.
just died in your eyes, eyes.
just died in your eyes, eyes.
(just died in your eyes eyes)
x 15
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Cast Members
My official cast members, which will be singing as The Saturdays are:
Grainne McIntyre will be Rochelle Wiseman
Sophie Jordan will be Una Healy
Ellen Sutherland will be Mollie King
Rosie McIntyre will be Francesca Sandford
I have chosen to compared Grainne to Rochelle because I feel that their personalities are quite similar - they're both shy, yet when they are in on camera thats their comfort zone. I know this because of last years Media Coursework at AS, I used Grainne as my actress and she surprised me with her acting skills, therefore I think when it comes to filming this years project, she'll work really well with the other girls.
I have chosen to compare Sophie to Una because I think that Sophie could look like a younger version of her. Also, as Una is the oldest of the band, I think that'll make a big impact on Sophie as she is the most mature out of the girls. At times I think Sophie can be quite nervous of the camera, so that is why I'm going to give her a small part in the music video, the same way Una only has small contributions in their music videos.
I have chosen to compare Beth to Vanessa (the lead singer) because although they may look quite different, this is a perfect role for Beth as she is quite a loud character. She will be featured on the camera the most which I think will be a great outcome for the final video as she is an attractive girl and will work to the best of her abilities as the lead singer. Beth also studies media at a different school, so I think this will be useful to me and we can both share ideas.
I have chosen to compare Ellen to Mollie as they're both very attractive girls who know how to 'work' the camera. As you can see by Ellen's picture, she currently attends regular photoshoots as her desire is to be an actress - this picture is one of her headshots. Ellen loves the camera, so I think she'd be good in scenes that feature her on her own.
I have chosen to compare Rosie with Frankie because they are both deffinately the skinniest of the group, and whilst Frankie is known for her figure, Rosie too is also known for it in our group of friends. I think Frankie's image will shine through as they are both very attractive girls. Rosie too also studies media at AS, so I hope to teach her some good techniques for her project that she will be working on the following week after my filming.
Grainne McIntyre will be Rochelle Wiseman
Sophie Jordan will be Una Healy
Beth Miller will be Vanessa White
Rosie McIntyre will be Francesca Sandford
I have chosen to compare Sophie to Una because I think that Sophie could look like a younger version of her. Also, as Una is the oldest of the band, I think that'll make a big impact on Sophie as she is the most mature out of the girls. At times I think Sophie can be quite nervous of the camera, so that is why I'm going to give her a small part in the music video, the same way Una only has small contributions in their music videos.
I have chosen to compare Beth to Vanessa (the lead singer) because although they may look quite different, this is a perfect role for Beth as she is quite a loud character. She will be featured on the camera the most which I think will be a great outcome for the final video as she is an attractive girl and will work to the best of her abilities as the lead singer. Beth also studies media at a different school, so I think this will be useful to me and we can both share ideas.
I have chosen to compare Ellen to Mollie as they're both very attractive girls who know how to 'work' the camera. As you can see by Ellen's picture, she currently attends regular photoshoots as her desire is to be an actress - this picture is one of her headshots. Ellen loves the camera, so I think she'd be good in scenes that feature her on her own.
I have chosen to compare Rosie with Frankie because they are both deffinately the skinniest of the group, and whilst Frankie is known for her figure, Rosie too is also known for it in our group of friends. I think Frankie's image will shine through as they are both very attractive girls. Rosie too also studies media at AS, so I hope to teach her some good techniques for her project that she will be working on the following week after my filming.
Audience Theory
The theories about audiences are generally divided into two areas: the first area is often reffered to as the 'hypodermic syringe model' in which the media 'injects' us. This is a simple but very well known communication model, illustrating that the media is more powerful than the audience. This offers no chance for the audience to offer feedback and assumes that all media are communicated with the purpose of gaining a responce. An alternative viewpoint comes from the uses and gratifications theory which focuses on the idea that media audiences make active use of what the media offer. This contrasts the 'hypodermic syrige model' as the audience are more powerful than the media in this theory. The audience has a set of needs which the media in one form or another meet. The 3 different catories that relate to my music video will be:
Diversion: a form of escaping from the pressures of every day. - the song I will be using is about a broken relationship which they are trying to escape from. I will be filming this is a field which is an open space, illustrating the concept of freedom from every day life.
Personal Relationships: where the viewer gains companionship, either with the television characters, or through conversations with others about televisions. - as the band I am focusing on is a girl group, I think this 'need' is very suitable as their songs and their image are aimed at girls, therefore girls can relate to them. Also, they're young girls singing about things that happen in every day life, which anyone can relate to. One may here a new song of theirs and spread the word to their friends, which will most likely lead to one youtubing their songs/downloading them. This is all done through word of mouth.
Personal Identity: where the viewer is able to compare their life with the lives of the characters and situations on television, to explore, re-affirm or question their personal identity - this category is a mixture of the two above. Girls may desire to be like the characters in the band which will ultimately lead them to watch them, research them, talk about them etc, creating a sense of personal identity.
However, the message in my music video may be interpretted differently by the audience, so this is why I have to be very careful and clear in the message I am trying to portray. As this is aimed at mainstreamers (younger audiences mainly), I must not offend them as the cencership may suffer. Many contempory music videos which feature adult material, when shown on mainstream music video channels or during peak time, have to be careful which shots they reveal to obscure adult content.
Concerns have focused on the effect ,music videos and lyrics of some songs will have on a young, impressionable audience and these concerns have led to some music videos to be banned or to be re-cut to meet the publics approval. Particularly video's such as:
Tatu - All the things she said. - this music video portrays voyeristic pleasure as the singers were represented as under age, in school uniform and endulging in lesbian kisses, whilst everyone watches them. Not only is this an iconic male fantasy, but it is encouraging us to look at them in a sexual way. It has been said that it is deliberate controversy as they are playing on the singers innocence.
The Prodigy - Smack my bitch up - the title itself emphasising that this is a women hating music track. It features drugs, violence, drink driving, vomiting, anti-social behaviour, visiting strip clubs and eventually taking home a prostitute. It has been said that this could be perceived as slightly humorous due to the sound effects and how over the top the music video is. Yet dispite that it became the most talked about video and the most controversy, and probably still is to this day.
Diversion: a form of escaping from the pressures of every day. - the song I will be using is about a broken relationship which they are trying to escape from. I will be filming this is a field which is an open space, illustrating the concept of freedom from every day life.
Personal Relationships: where the viewer gains companionship, either with the television characters, or through conversations with others about televisions. - as the band I am focusing on is a girl group, I think this 'need' is very suitable as their songs and their image are aimed at girls, therefore girls can relate to them. Also, they're young girls singing about things that happen in every day life, which anyone can relate to. One may here a new song of theirs and spread the word to their friends, which will most likely lead to one youtubing their songs/downloading them. This is all done through word of mouth.
Personal Identity: where the viewer is able to compare their life with the lives of the characters and situations on television, to explore, re-affirm or question their personal identity - this category is a mixture of the two above. Girls may desire to be like the characters in the band which will ultimately lead them to watch them, research them, talk about them etc, creating a sense of personal identity.
However, the message in my music video may be interpretted differently by the audience, so this is why I have to be very careful and clear in the message I am trying to portray. As this is aimed at mainstreamers (younger audiences mainly), I must not offend them as the cencership may suffer. Many contempory music videos which feature adult material, when shown on mainstream music video channels or during peak time, have to be careful which shots they reveal to obscure adult content.
Concerns have focused on the effect ,music videos and lyrics of some songs will have on a young, impressionable audience and these concerns have led to some music videos to be banned or to be re-cut to meet the publics approval. Particularly video's such as:
Tatu - All the things she said. - this music video portrays voyeristic pleasure as the singers were represented as under age, in school uniform and endulging in lesbian kisses, whilst everyone watches them. Not only is this an iconic male fantasy, but it is encouraging us to look at them in a sexual way. It has been said that it is deliberate controversy as they are playing on the singers innocence.
The Prodigy - Smack my bitch up - the title itself emphasising that this is a women hating music track. It features drugs, violence, drink driving, vomiting, anti-social behaviour, visiting strip clubs and eventually taking home a prostitute. It has been said that this could be perceived as slightly humorous due to the sound effects and how over the top the music video is. Yet dispite that it became the most talked about video and the most controversy, and probably still is to this day.
Questionnaire - Audience Research
This is the questionnaire I have created in order to received feedback with regards to the media audience:
I have asked 20 people to fill in this questionnaire, and this is the following feedback I received:
From this feedback, I am going to aim to produce a music video that the majority will like and relate to. From these results, I have decided that I won't be using a dance routine as the majority said that they don't like dance routines in a pop video. Also, my music video will be purely performance based due to the feedback I have recieved, and also because I have 5 girls which would be harder to create a narrative based music video as the song is centred on a relationship. I will be harder to create a sense of sex appeal in this video as I will be filming outside in the cold. However, there is no doubt that these girls will look stunning in their warm coats!Fortunately for me, the outcome of the results were just as I hoped. I don't have any worries about going forward with the ideas I have in mind to create - hopefully - a successful music video.
1. Age?
2. Gender?
Female Male
3. Do you watch music videos?
Often Sometimes Never
4. If so, how often?
Everyday Once a week Once a month Other (please specify)
5. Where do you watch them?
TV iPod laptops/PC
6. What would you expect to see in a pop video?
7. Would you expect a storyline or just performance?
8. Who is your favourite girl band?
9. What do you like about their music videos?
10. Do you like a dance routine in a music video?
I have asked 20 people to fill in this questionnaire, and this is the following feedback I received:
| Age | |
| 13-15 | 4 |
| 16-18 | 14 |
| 19-21 | 2 |
| Gender | |
| Male | 8 |
| Female | 12 |
| Do you watch music videos? | |
| Often | 7 |
| Sometimes | 13 |
| Never | |
| If so, how often? | |
| Everyday | 8 |
| Once a week | 8 |
| Once a month | 4 |
| Where do you watch them? | |
| TV | 9 |
| iPod | 3 |
| Laptops/PC | 8 |
| What would you expect to see in a pop video? | |
| Dancing | 8 |
| Good looking girls | 5 |
| Limited Clothing | 3 |
| Colours | 1 |
| Flashing lights | 1 |
| Fancy outfits | 2 |
| Would you expect a storyline or just performance? | |
| Storyline | 6 |
| Performance | 14 |
| Who is your favourite Girl band? | |
| The Saturdays | 9 |
| Girls Aloud | 6 |
| Spice Girls | 3 |
| Sugarbabes | 2 |
| What do you like about their music video? | |
| Sex Appeal | 7 |
| Dance Routines | 3 |
| Emotional Storylines | 6 |
| Crying | 3 |
| Hair Styles | 1 |
| Do you like a dance routine in a music video? | |
| Yes | 7 |
| No | 13 |
From this feedback, I am going to aim to produce a music video that the majority will like and relate to. From these results, I have decided that I won't be using a dance routine as the majority said that they don't like dance routines in a pop video. Also, my music video will be purely performance based due to the feedback I have recieved, and also because I have 5 girls which would be harder to create a narrative based music video as the song is centred on a relationship. I will be harder to create a sense of sex appeal in this video as I will be filming outside in the cold. However, there is no doubt that these girls will look stunning in their warm coats!Fortunately for me, the outcome of the results were just as I hoped. I don't have any worries about going forward with the ideas I have in mind to create - hopefully - a successful music video.
Target Audience
When making a music video, you must have a target audience in mind. Therefore I am going to create a Questionnaire on Facebook, and on paper which my friends can answer. Here are some of the questions I am going to ask:
1. Age?
2. Gender?
3. Do you watch music videos?
4. How often?
5. Where do you watch them? (tv/ipods/laptops)
6. What would you expect to see in a pop video?
7. Would you expect a storyline or just performance?
8. Who is your favourite girl band?
9. What do you like about their music videos?
10. Do you like a dance routine in a music video?
My target audience is aimed at Mainstreamers (people who like popular tv, films and music/nothing too offensive/want security and like routine). The music video will appeal to young girls mainly, as it is a girl band and the ycan relate to the lyrics in the song. However, boyfriends of girls may be enticed into listening to their music. The age range would be roughly 10-20 years of age.
1. Age?
2. Gender?
3. Do you watch music videos?
4. How often?
5. Where do you watch them? (tv/ipods/laptops)
6. What would you expect to see in a pop video?
7. Would you expect a storyline or just performance?
8. Who is your favourite girl band?
9. What do you like about their music videos?
10. Do you like a dance routine in a music video?
My target audience is aimed at Mainstreamers (people who like popular tv, films and music/nothing too offensive/want security and like routine). The music video will appeal to young girls mainly, as it is a girl band and the ycan relate to the lyrics in the song. However, boyfriends of girls may be enticed into listening to their music. The age range would be roughly 10-20 years of age.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Decision made!
I have finally decided that i'll be using The Saturdays - 'Died in your Eyes' song for my music video. The Saturdays were are my first choice, and I took a chance by emailing their management, and within an hour they got back to me so i'm really happy about that. I've texted Sunday Girl (she is a family friend of mine) also, as she will be my 'back-up' artist. I have also emailed her management too, and i'm currently waiting on a reply from them.
My plan is:
During the Christmas holidays I will arrange a date for me and 5 friends (who will be in the girl band) to meet up and discuss outfits, locations, best conditions to film etc. The 5 girls I will be using (hopefully) are:
My plan is:
During the Christmas holidays I will arrange a date for me and 5 friends (who will be in the girl band) to meet up and discuss outfits, locations, best conditions to film etc. The 5 girls I will be using (hopefully) are:
- Grainne McIntyre (who helped me previously last year at AS as my actress)
- Rosie McIntyre (Grainne's younger sister)
- Ellen Sutherland (my cousin)
- Sophie Jordan
- Beth Miller
Contacting Jade Williams (Sunday Girl)
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Undecisive Artists!
I'm really struggling to think of new ideas for my coursework. I really want to do something different and I know I could do it if I were to be really strict with myself and get organised, however I don't know what artist I would focus on. Realistically, chosing an english artist is the way forward as you're more likely to get a response from someone who isn't so 'huge' in terms of the music industry. I have in mind Sunday Girl, as it would be very convinent for me to get in contact with as she is a family friend, however I'm afraid it would be the easy way out, yet I know that I have the perfect girl to play her in the music video. I'm also very keen on people like Adele, Pixie Lott and Ellie Goulding.
So, I've decided to get in contact with each of these artist's managers, and see what responses I get, then make my mind up.
So, I've decided to get in contact with each of these artist's managers, and see what responses I get, then make my mind up.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Textual Analysis
Throughout this music video, the lyrics are illustrated by use of the visuals we see. This becomes evident when we first see her in the wheel chair paralysed, the lyrics say “I’m your biggest fan I’ll follow you until you love me”, then we see 4 women and 4 men crowd around her as if they worship her. Also when she says numerously, “I won’t stop until that boy is mine”, we see her struggling to move on her crutches as if she is eager to get this “boy”. This part of the song is again emphasised towards the end of the video when she drugs her boyfriend’s drink, and the lyrics repeat “Promise I’ll be kind, but I won’t stop until that boy is mine”, conveying how she is seeking revenge on him; she doesn’t really want him. After she kills him, we see her being harassed by the paparazzi and again the same lyrics are repeated, and we see visuals of the newspaper about how Lady Gaga is ‘back’ in the spotlight and has regained her fame. We see lots of still images of women lying dead in different locations as she talks about how she’ll be “your girl backstage at your show”, and “you’re my rock star”, talking in terms of idolisation over someone she admires, and what fame is doing to young girls. She also illustrates this by making the sign of a gun with her hands, and with her hands around her neck as if she is being strangled. We see images of eyes when she says, “The tear drops I cry” yet it is a contradiction as there are no tear drops in the eye. When she talks of how the paparazzi “snap snap” their cameras, the lighting in the video shows the flashing lights.
The record company are looking to sell this track simply through word of mouth – clearly something like this hasn’t been done before. The music video itself is so shocking, and the fact that its 7 minutes long shows that this is very typical of Gaga. It focuses on the artist and the star images we see throughout the video, typically when there are various close-ups of her in different outfits, playing different roles. Lady Gaga is offering an unusual look which will make the audience want to watch more because you are drawn to her strange image, and what she’ll do next. Many close-up shots are focused on her face, and different parts of her body, emphasising how she is perceived as a sexual and sensual person. I think if Lady Gaga wasn’t the eccentric and dramatic person that she is, she wouldn’t be as successful; however, there is no denying that she can produce an amazing performance vocally. Her music video’s clearly show that she has the most unusual and rare ideas, as they are all completely different, yet in the same way all link together. For instance, the video for “Telephone” with Beyoncé, is a continuation of the "Paparazzi" music video, and is a short film as well, which motifs are similar as the concept of poison and drugs are incorporated into that music video too. The video picks up right where "Paparazzi" left off; starting with Gaga in prison. “Paparazzi” is also very similar to another one of her music video’s “Bad Romance” where it features the same actor (who plays her boyfriend in ‘Paparazzi’) Alexander Skarsgård, and the same dogs appear in both video’s as well as her “Poker Face” video.
Lady Gaga is portrayed to be on display in a sexual manner, not only in this particular video but in every one she has done so far. This is conveyed through her various unconventional and bizarre costumes and through dance. She is often seen in outfits like metallic leotards, underwear, fishnets, tape, leather etc., which draws our attention to her body and how she is putting herself on sexual display at all times. Especially in this video, we see her touching her body and her face, even kissing other women and touching them. The effect of this is to not only fulfil the male fantasies, but make Gaga be recognised as sexual ‘feature’ which we are all engaged in. She often looks into the camera lens touching her face, and putting a finger in her mouth in a seductive way.
However, the end of the video where Gaga lies at the ground in her own blood as the photographers continue take pictures of her bloody body and tabloid headlines proclaim that her career is over, shows intertextual reference to Alfred Hitchcock's film Vertigo. Also Gaga’s metallic outfit is a reference to the film Metropolis. When Gaga wears a yellow jumpsuit with circular glasses and shoulder pads, it is said to show that she is trying to be Minnie Mouse.
The music video is a combination of performance, narrative and concept based. Performance – she performs for half of the video, illustrating different dance routines, as well as singing to the camera throughout. Narrative – as Gaga said, this music video is like “a short film” as the video shows a story of a young girl balancing her success and love. Concept – Gaga is extremely artistic as she designs and directs her own videos. Particularly for “Paparazzi”, the story line was Gaga’s original idea.
Overall, this particular video of Lady Gaga’s shows her experiences on her way to fame. It is based on slightly languorous synch textures and incorporates percussion to convey the emotions. Emotions lying in the composition range from sexual desire, dread, and resigned acknowledgment to an insistence to have fun. The lyrics of "Paparazzi" deal with stalking and the trappings of fame.
Sources:
- Wikipedia - Paparazzi (Lady Gaga song)
Friday, 18 November 2011
100 Greatest Music Videos
We looked at a few of the top 100 greatest music videos and made some notes on how they were made, what they featured, who the director was etc. Here are some of the notes I made, starting from number 77 in the list:
77. Mc Hammer - Can't touch this
Features: dancing, haream pants (made his dance moves better), colours.
76. Beatles - Strawberry Field
Features: many close-up shots of aspects of their faces e.g. eyes, lips etc.
75. Duran Duran - Rio
Often filmed their music videos on beaches, portraying holiday scenes. Focused on the lifestyle - bright coloured suits, mean on yachts, women in bikini's. Very 80's music video.
74. Wu-tan Clag - Gravel Pit
Features: Dinosaurs, women in bikini's in the desert. Many special effects
73. Basement Jaxx - Where's your head at?
Features: monkeys - replaced the band. Monkeys are the inventers of music
72. Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love
Black and White theme
71. Bjork - All is Love
Features: abstract visuals, surreal objects, portrays a sense of suffering.
Director: Chris Cunningham
70. The Police - Every Breath You Take
Black and White theme
Close-ups of lead singer Sting
69. Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Two Tribes
Features: boxing in suits (presidents), creates energy, portrays how boxing has replaced war.
68. Madonna - Ray of Light
Director: Jonas Akerlund (also directed The Prodigy - Smack my bitch up & Lady Gaga - Paperazzi)
Time lapse photography
Filmed in Sweden, New York and LA
67. The Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Mockery of the Police
Director: Spike Jonze (also directed Weapon of Choice/Praise You)
These are only some of the greatest music video's, however I feel they are slightly outdated for a girl of my age, therefore I have noted my top 5 favourite music videos. Here they are as follows:
1. Michael Jackon - Thriller
Director: John Landis
This music video has been voted the best music video of all time. It is by far my favourite as it is almost like a short film at an outstanding 14 minute long music video. It's scary how suddently Michael Jackson turns into a zombie and the other zombie's around him break into an elaborate song and dance number, followed by the main chorus of "Thriller".
2. The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony
Director: Walter A Stern
This is my second favourite music video mainly because this is one of my favourite songs of all time. I love how the video focuses on the lead singer walking down a busy London pavement, refusing to change his direction throughout, completely oblivious to what is going on around him, repeatly bumping into passers-by. I also find it very interesting how the video lighting is very dull and gray, making the lead singer look very miserable.
3. Fat Boy Slim - Praise You
Director: Spike Jonze
This is my 3rd favourite music video because it never fails to make me laugh! It is based on a dance group who look like they are making up the dance on the spot, however it fits to the music. I love how there are many onlookers observing their 'moves', with straight faces. It looks as if this music video costed close to nothing as it is all filmed on a handheld camera.
4. Lady GaGa - Paperazzi
Director: Jonas Akerlund
This is my 4th favourite music video as I think this is the best video Gaga has ever produced. All of her music videos are great as they portray a narrative storyline to each one, however this one really interests me as its very dark and disturbing. I love how she plays so many different roles and has so many different outfits. She is portrayed as a murderer at the end as she kills her boyfriend after what he has done to her, yet the 'paperazzi' love it and the Fame is back. I love the dancing, the close-up shots of her face and the locations of which each scene is filmed in.
5. Coldplay - Fix You
Director: Sophie Muller
This is my 5th most favourite music video partly because I love the song, and everytime the electric gutair kicks in towards the end of the song, it gives me goosebumps everytime! I love how the lead singer, Christ Martin, is seen walking through various streets in London, and we see where about he is walking. Then, as soon as the electric guitar kicks in, his walk turns into a run as he darts through streets until finally reaching the Reebok Stadium, where he joins the rest of the band for the song's finale. Here the audience can be clearly heard singing along, and at the end of the video Martin thanks them for their support and wishes them goodnight.
77. Mc Hammer - Can't touch this
Features: dancing, haream pants (made his dance moves better), colours.
76. Beatles - Strawberry Field
Features: many close-up shots of aspects of their faces e.g. eyes, lips etc.
75. Duran Duran - Rio
Often filmed their music videos on beaches, portraying holiday scenes. Focused on the lifestyle - bright coloured suits, mean on yachts, women in bikini's. Very 80's music video.
74. Wu-tan Clag - Gravel Pit
Features: Dinosaurs, women in bikini's in the desert. Many special effects
73. Basement Jaxx - Where's your head at?
Features: monkeys - replaced the band. Monkeys are the inventers of music
72. Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love
Black and White theme
71. Bjork - All is Love
Features: abstract visuals, surreal objects, portrays a sense of suffering.
Director: Chris Cunningham
70. The Police - Every Breath You Take
Black and White theme
Close-ups of lead singer Sting
69. Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Two Tribes
Features: boxing in suits (presidents), creates energy, portrays how boxing has replaced war.
68. Madonna - Ray of Light
Director: Jonas Akerlund (also directed The Prodigy - Smack my bitch up & Lady Gaga - Paperazzi)
Time lapse photography
Filmed in Sweden, New York and LA
67. The Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Mockery of the Police
Director: Spike Jonze (also directed Weapon of Choice/Praise You)
These are only some of the greatest music video's, however I feel they are slightly outdated for a girl of my age, therefore I have noted my top 5 favourite music videos. Here they are as follows:
1. Michael Jackon - Thriller
Director: John Landis
This music video has been voted the best music video of all time. It is by far my favourite as it is almost like a short film at an outstanding 14 minute long music video. It's scary how suddently Michael Jackson turns into a zombie and the other zombie's around him break into an elaborate song and dance number, followed by the main chorus of "Thriller".
2. The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony
Director: Walter A Stern
This is my second favourite music video mainly because this is one of my favourite songs of all time. I love how the video focuses on the lead singer walking down a busy London pavement, refusing to change his direction throughout, completely oblivious to what is going on around him, repeatly bumping into passers-by. I also find it very interesting how the video lighting is very dull and gray, making the lead singer look very miserable.
3. Fat Boy Slim - Praise You
Director: Spike Jonze
This is my 3rd favourite music video because it never fails to make me laugh! It is based on a dance group who look like they are making up the dance on the spot, however it fits to the music. I love how there are many onlookers observing their 'moves', with straight faces. It looks as if this music video costed close to nothing as it is all filmed on a handheld camera.
4. Lady GaGa - Paperazzi
Director: Jonas Akerlund
This is my 4th favourite music video as I think this is the best video Gaga has ever produced. All of her music videos are great as they portray a narrative storyline to each one, however this one really interests me as its very dark and disturbing. I love how she plays so many different roles and has so many different outfits. She is portrayed as a murderer at the end as she kills her boyfriend after what he has done to her, yet the 'paperazzi' love it and the Fame is back. I love the dancing, the close-up shots of her face and the locations of which each scene is filmed in.
5. Coldplay - Fix You
Director: Sophie Muller
This is my 5th most favourite music video partly because I love the song, and everytime the electric gutair kicks in towards the end of the song, it gives me goosebumps everytime! I love how the lead singer, Christ Martin, is seen walking through various streets in London, and we see where about he is walking. Then, as soon as the electric guitar kicks in, his walk turns into a run as he darts through streets until finally reaching the Reebok Stadium, where he joins the rest of the band for the song's finale. Here the audience can be clearly heard singing along, and at the end of the video Martin thanks them for their support and wishes them goodnight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)