MUSIC VIDEO TECHNIQUES / MEDIA LANGUAGE ANALYSIS

THE STROKES – REPTILLA

CAMERA MOVEMENT:

Close- up shots are used at the beginning of the video in order to set the mood and the purpose of the clip, empathizing the use of instruments and the band itself. Besides, from that this is effective as it doesn’t allow to the view fully reveal the characters, meaning the focus is based around the music itself. This creates quite strong introduction to the clip, making the audience more thought-provoking about what they’re going to see next.

Medium close up is used to introduce the audience to the lead singer. The performance is empathised even further using mise-en-scene. The microphone is used to demonstrate the artist performing to the non- diegetic sound. Besides, from that it’s starting to create introduction to the fragmented narrative as the clip does not follow the beginning, middle or the end (linear narrative). Furthermore, the close up of the singer is quite important, due to the direct eye contact with the camera which makes the audience feel more engaged within the video. This might encourage them to find the clip more interactive or personal.

Another set of facial close-ups are focused around the other members of the band. There seem s to be less directing of their action to the audience as they are not looking directly into the camera cadre. Their focus is clear as it’s based around their instruments. This is continuously repeated throughout the video, where the close ups of instruments and artists are changing using cuts.

EDITING TECHNIQUES:

Throughout the music video a variety of quite quick cuts have been used to empathize the high speed of non- diegetic sound, as well as to make the video more energetic. This worked really well as it make the clip more interesting and interactive for the audience. Besides, from that the cuts allowed to capture the spirit of indie-rock music which is full of dynamic and vibrant sounds. The interference of close-ups straight one after another empathized this really well.

The use of split screen twice throughout the clip made it more effective as it allowed to present a part of each character within the band. The first split screen was divided into two where the audience was able to see two guitarists at once in a close up, again empathises the speed of the instrumental vocal. Whereas the second split screen was divided into four – three guitarists and a singer. This empathized and reinforced the importance of both, instrumental as well as the vocal involvement particularly within the genre of rock. This can be seen as one of the codes and conventions used within rock music videos.

Jump cuts have been used throughout the entire clip as I have mentioned above in order to empathize the speed of the non-diegetic sound as well as to capture the spirit and dynamic of rock music genre.

The motivated cut at the end of the video could significantly make the audience confused about the narrative of the clip. The cut has been made in a sudden and unclear moment, as it makes you think there is still something to watch. However, at the same time this can be really effective as it builds up tension and curiosity within the audience. This might encourage them to follow the band as it could make them want to see more.

MISE-EN-SCENE:

Costumes and props are specifically used to present the rock genre within the music video. The instruments in this case are used as props. This is very essential within this kind of music genre as it helps to reflect the dynamic and energetic rhythms of rock. The cinematography contributed to this significantly as shots such as close ups were focused around instruments including guitars and percussion. This involves also the microphone which underlines the act of the singer and his role.

The costumes found within the band included; black jeans, leather jacket and converses. All these costumes are very characteristic for the rock music genre. This makes the video even more effective as it follows the codes and conventions, allowing the clip to be more noticeable and distinguishing.

The music video is clearly set in the studio. We can distinguish that from the background but also the set of the instruments. Besides, from that the video is mostly focused on the close up shots of instruments and artists and not necessarily the setting unlike in the previous music video ‘Coming Home’. This shows that the importance of the setting depends on what impact you want to achieve upon your audience. Besides, from that I think that the genre of music plays big role in terms of this element, as well as the paste of the song, the narrative or the concept.

SOUND:

Non-diegetic sound (sound track) is used throughout the entire music video as it is the sound that is first recorded and then applied to the clip. This is successful as the sound has much more advanced quality. The fact that the sound from the environment is not used influenced this as well, allowing the sound to be clear, accurate and expressive reinforcing the genre of the rock music even further.

Parallel Sound is used accurately with the speed of the video frame, meaning it reflects the mood of the song. This is very essential within music videos it makes it more engaging for the audience, meaning they will carry on watching the video clip. Besides, from that it’s important for the parallel sound to be accurate to the genre of music you are trying to promote. In this case the rock dynamic and energetic sound is strongly demonstrated through the cuts and close ups of artists playing on the instruments.

MUSIC VIDEOS TECHNIQUES / MEDIA LANGUAGE ANALYSIS

KAISER CHIEFS - COMING HOME

CAMERA MOVEMENT:

Tracking shot is the main camera movement within the music video. This is very essential as the continuity of movement empathizes the concept of the video which is ‘coming home’ as suggested within the title of the clip. Besides, from that this makes the audience more engaged and focused on the conceptual part of the video. This is partly achieved through the mise-en-scene, particularly props which create precise stories with a strong link to the concept of coming home and various experiences faced on the way. For example; a wide shot representing the main character and few others, drinking from the glasses around the piano. This idea of celebration is quite symbolic due to the props such as alcohol glasses or even colorful balloons. The colour of the balloons can be also quite symbolic as there are contrasting colors. The yellow can be considered as a symbol of happiness, in this case it might symbolise the joy of coming home. In contrast to blue and green tones which could signify negative experiences or emotions as they are considered to be cool colours.  This creates an idea around the symbolic concept as the colours and props are used to provoke thoughts about the journey and possible interpretations of the characters the performer meets on his way.

Medium close-up already at the beginning of the clip brings attention to the facial expressions of the character. This brings audience’s thoughtfulness already at the beginning of the video, as the make-up stylisation of a wounded man is quite empathetic building up tension and focus towards the next scenes. This is also empathized due to the white background, as his facial features significantly stand out. The direct eye contact makes the audience even more engaged as they might feel as if the artist was directing the song to them.

A wide shot is used almost throughout the entire music video. At the same time it is combined with the tracking camera movement which is strongly zoomed out allowing to demonstrate the wide frame throughout various parts of the clip.  The open fields within the background strongly emphasis the conceptual idea of the character going home, showing that there is nothing around expect emptiness. The pathway in which he is walking on is significantly the focus as this is where the story is told. However, the fields itself could be considered as a link to the artists’ regional identity, as it might potentially suggests the area he is originally from. This can be supported by the fact that he is walking away from the fields. The interpretation of this element can be quite open and analysed in many different ways. The idea of the pathway and journey can be strongly suggested through the performance itself, in which the artist is continuously singing. The combination of the performance and narrative is creating a hybrid, making the music video even more successful as it makes the audience feel more engaged into the conceptual story found within the clip.

EDITING TECHNIQUES:

The music video doesn’t include any cuts which is quite unusual. This can be considered as challenging the codes and conventions, allowing the video to be even more unique comparing to other clips available on the market.  This is significantly effective as it presents the conceptual story of the video in a continuous prose using tracking camera. This allows the clip to be seen as more creative and imaginative. Towards the end the freeze-frame is used creating an appearance of a still image. This is effective as it underlines the fact that the band is reunited. This shows a clear link to the title and the idea of ‘home’ which is often associated with positive relationships with family members and friends but also the idea of being re-united at some point, no matter how far you are from home. Besides, from that the freeze frame is empathizing the ending of the clip, giving the audience an opportunity to reflect on the setting and the conceptual purpose of the video.

Furthermore, the freeze frame at the end of the clip suggests there is a linear narrative of a beginning, middle and end. The freeze frame itself is used to present the ending, however the clip beginning is based around entering into a new world through a door placed in an empty field, whereas the middle of the clip is focused around the journey and the gathered experiences that allow the audience to interpret the story. The linear narrative allows the video to be seen as more reflective and thoughtful as it builds up thoughts and curiosity through the beginning, middle and end.

MISE-EN-SCENE:

Already at the beginning of the music video a prop is used to set up the scene and engage the audience. The door strongly empathizes the narrative within the clip as it begins to tell a story using fantasy. This is because the prop is set alone within the empty space. This might engage the viewer’s even more as they might be interested in the story he is about to tell. As it’s clearly less realistic it might be seen as more thought-provoking.  At the same time the door are used to signify him leaving a particular place and starting his journey back home.

The set of costumes found within the video were very essential to show the conceptual idea. Throughout the path the artist walked next to character’s dressed as hotel workers including a vacuum cleaner as well as a waiter with a phone. This strongly empathizes the idea of the character being away from home as it creates a visualisation of a hotel.  Another set of props and costumes is focused around the piano surrounded with balloons and various characters. This again empathized the idea of celebration and happiness suggesting that he is achieving his goal but also empathizing the journeys and people he met on his way.  This positive representation is then contrasted with two cowboy characters firing guns against each other. The gun might be considered as a phallic symbol, which is then used to signify danger and aggression. Towards the end of the video two knights are also fighting empathising the negative representation even further. Besides, from that this might create an idea of a war, battle or a conflict. This can be supported through the artist’s costume and stylisation as my first interpretation of the character was that he is a soldier or an army character.  This can be seen as impressionistic thought as it’s based on my personal feelings and ideas.

At the end of the video the sunbeds are used to empathize the ending of the journey. This is very effective as it’s supported through a wide shot which demonstrates the entire band facing towards the horizon, creating a peaceful and positive atmosphere. The ending also allows it to bring the entire band together as throughout the music video the main focus was based around the singer. Besides, from that the setting empathizes the view as well as the length of the journey, creating a sense of accomplishment, simply reinforcing the purpose of the journey, which might be based around re-uniting with friends or a family.

SOUND:

The non-diegetic sound (the sound track) is used throughout the entire music video .This is successful as the sound has much more advanced quality. The fact that the sound from the environment is not used influenced this as well, allowing the sound to be clear, accurate and expressive reinforcing the genre of the rock music even further. The use of non-diegetic sound influences the visuals as well as it allows to reinforce the visual images within the clip, creating a bigger impact around the audience.

Parallel Sound is used accurately with the speed of the video frame, meaning it reflects the mood of the song. This is very essential within music videos it makes it more engaging for the audience, meaning they want to carry on watching the video clip. Besides, from that it’s important for the parallel sound to be accurate to the genre of music you are trying to promote. In this case the mix of indie rock, power pop, Britpop and post-punk is shown through the energetic movement of the performer as well as the rhythm of the song and expressiveness of the instruments.

At some point in the clip the artist stops miming the track however, the non-diegetic sound of him singing is still on. This doesn’t creates a massive change as throughout most of the video the artist is performing to the music, however it creates tension that something else might happen. This might engage the audience to watch it even further.

LIP-SYNCING OUTCOME

 

This is a final outcome of our lip-syncing task. Once we have recorded the videos we constructed it using Adobe Premier. This process was quite essential as the lip syncing had to be extremely accurate with the soundtrack. I think we have managed to create quite accurate response to the task, although we should have practised the actual / original lip-syncing of the Coldplay vocal as for our lip-syncing character English is a second language. This would significantly allow our outcome to be more realistic and expressive.

 

Furthermore, we have experimented with the editing techniques. We have used cuts throughout the clip to empathize the speed of the soundtrack as well as to make the visual more engaging and appealing for the audience. We have recorded few nature shots around the area which we have mostly included at the beginning and at the end of the clip. This was effective as it allowed us to make the construction more interesting. However, I think we could have included more interfering cuts during lip-syncing to make the clip seen more imaginative.

 

Besides, from that we have been manipulating the colour as well as the contrast and brightness of the shots. The black and white filter allowed us to obtain more melancholic and calm mood. This was quite contrasting comparing to the original music video of Coldplay song although we were open to different interpretations. We played around with contrast and brightness to make certain elements more expressive, particularly the shots of the character in order to reinforce the lip-syncing as this was the main focus of the task.

 

In conclusion, I am quite happy with the final outcome of this task. However, I think we could have been more experimental and used more wide shots to portray the entire character rather than only a close up. This would be more effective with the interference of cuts and it's something I would want to experiment before we start the main task. In order to make the clip more interesting we could have added more editing techniques such as fade or zoom as we have included only one fade out towards the end.

 

 

EXPLORING LIPSYNC - PREPARATION FOR MUSIC VIDEOS
 

During today's lesson we have been placed in groups in order to construct lip-sync. I think it's essential to practice one of these conventions before the final construction as it's important to get it right. This lesson we have recorded few cuts and the lips-sync whereas next lesson we are going to be applying non-diegetic sound track to these videos and putting them together in order to create a short practise piece. As part of research I have looked at some tips for lip-syncing. This includes:

Lip sync / Body language
You need to have the person who is lip syncing to have rehearsed to the song and the ability to playback the song over speakers or headphones so they can hear. You might add a metronome/click to the song to help with timings. It's also best to direct the person to sing out loud, as it looks a great deal more realistic due to breathing, chest and shoulder movements.

Script and shooting location
Locations are determined by the script and concept of the video. More specialised locations can be found via location services online, scouted by location scouts, or just used for their practicality and cost. I believe the location needs to reflect the mood of the song or it needs to allow to tell a story but still making it interesting.

 

I am looking towards next lesson when we are going to edit the recorded lip-syncing. Within the video we have focused around the close up shot for on the facial features, particularly mouth but we also have recorded some cuts which we thought would suit the song 'Sky full of stars' by Coldplay. Our aim is to put it all together accurately and effectively. I am also looking towards to explore some editing skills such as manipulating tools e.g. ; brightness, exposure, colour and more.

-> CLICK HERE to listen to 'COLDPLAY- Sky full of Stars'
 

DISCOVERING FILMING AND EDITING TECHNIQUES / 180 DEGREE RULE

DISCOVERING FILMING AND EDITING TECHNIQUES

Within this post I will be explaining the filming and editing techniques which I have learnt from this task. I found it extremely useful to explore the cinematography in practice, similarly to the editing tools which I have not used before. This task definitely will help me in the future, during construction of my music video.

The video is focused around the theme of Western shootout movies. I have followed the codes and conventions of it. This includes types of shots used as well as idea of death, violence and the environment. Starting from the beginning of the video I have used establishing shot. During the editing process I have noticed that I should have used a pan to demonstrate the setting as it would be more interesting and eye catching for the audience. This is something I should re- think during construction of my music video. Another shots I have used were close- up, medium shot, tracking, wide shot and point of view. This was essential for me to try directing the camera movement and then learn from my mistakes.

Besides, from that during the editing process I have created various cuts in order to make the story more consistent and interesting. This worked quite well as I had to cut only some parts of the videos from the whole set, in order to make them fit more accurately. One of the problems which I found during editing process was the point of view shot. The video was filmed from a wrong side as we did not follow the 180 degree rule when you have to film the shot from the same side, almost as if there was an invisible line connecting two characters that is then separated using transition of cuts. However, this wasn't very visible due to different backgrounds, but this is a certain mistake which I will definitely improve next time I am going to be filming. 

Furthermore, during the editing process I have explored the use of effects. I particularly focused around coloring and the exposure. This certainly allowed me to improve the setting visualisation into more Western atmosphere. However, it affected the color scheme of the characters which I was not really happy about. This is another element which I will want to explore during construction. 

In conclusion, I found this practice task quite useful as it gave me an introduction to filming and editing techniques. I explored filming different shots in practice and edit parts of videos to make a whole. I am willing to learn even more from other practice tasks as this is a good way to prepare and gain new skills for construction of my final music video. 

INTRODUCTION TO A2 MEDIA STUDIES

 

This is my A2 blog in which I will be focusing on developing a music video as a final product. I will be posting different posts focused around various elements including research, planning and editing. Frequent posting with allow me to demonstrate a consistent journey of the course.

 

Besides, from my personal work ( Magdalena Zygmunt, Candidate number: 1504). I will be also posting group work which includes following candidates: Dawid Tomczuk (Candidate number: 1494) and Ernest Staszak (Candidate number: 1036).