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.
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