Introduction to music videos
A music video is a combination of film and music. The combination of previously separate media industries is referred to as convergence. However, most importantly, a music video is an advert for a song. It is therefore not a media [product in its own right and it cannot exist separately to the music industry.
A music video is a combination of film and music. It takes two previously separate industries and combines them. This process is called media convergence. By combining music and video it allows producers to target new audiences.
Let’s revise media language!
Shot types - the distance between the camera and the subject
Close up - eg the face of the subject. Can construct an emotional response
Long shot - eg the whole of the subject and the setting
Mid shot - eg the head and torso of the subject
Two shot - two characters in frame, typically used for dialogue
Continuity editing - where editing creates a smooth and continuous experience for the audience
High angle- camera looks down on subject, making them look small, submissive, vulnerable
Low angle - makes someone look bigger and more dominant
Editing - the assemblage of footage to create meaning
Narrative - the way in which a story is told
Montage - the process of putting together shots to create meaning. For example a montage cutting from a low angle shot of one person to a high angle shot of another will construct the meaning that one is significantly more powerful than the other.
Codes and conventions - the things that make up a genre. For example, conventions of the rap video genre include breaking the fourth wall, a gang backing up the main rapper, a gritty urban setting, low angle shots, tracksuits, caps, chains etc.
POV shots - where the shot is apparently from the point of view of a character
Camera movement - how the camera is moved
Handheld cinematography - the camera is held in hands, which can look rough and amateurish
Panning - where the camera moves on a fixed axis
Lighting - how the subject is lit
High key lighting - the subject is lit with a single bright light
Low key lighting - where an even and more natural light set up is used
Dolly shot - where the camera is placed on a dolly - used for smooth tracking shots
Tracking shot - where the camera follows the subject
Master shot - the main performance element of a music video that the editor keeps cutting back to
How do music videos use media language to create meaning?
Yung Gravy, ARTAN - She's A 10 But...(Remix)
Genre - rap/UK rap/lo fi hiphop/trap
High angle shots of women on sofa constructs a submissive and sexualised representation of women. It constructs an enjoyable and amusing mode of address for the target audience. This is reinforced through the CU of the MES of the smiling model, and further anchored through the tongue in cheek setting of the rough and battered sofa that clearly functions as a parody of 90’s hip hop conventions.
The intense oversaturated orange colour scheme of the music video constructs a psychedelic atmosphere that clearly makes reference to taking drugs. By making symbolic reference to drugs, this stylish ideo is able to be hosted on Youtube with no legal implications
The MES of the artist’s leopard print trousers constructs a childish and immature mode of address. These attention seeking trousers clearly connote the larger than life personality of the artist. It constructs him as a glamorous celebrity
To what extent is the video to Fluorescent Adolescent by Arctic Monkeys conventional of the indie rock genre?
The music video is highly unconventional for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the imagery of the video has absolutely nothing to do with the lyrics of the song to create a fun and confusing mode of address. The music video instead makes it intertextual to an obscure poem. The video focuses exclusively on narrative but completely avoids any traditional performance. However, there is some lip syncing to the song.
An element of chaotic and confusion is constructed through the fact paced editing. The editing is cut to the beat and matches the tempo of the song
During the bridge of the song, the video makes use of flashback imagery. This is constructed through an old fashioned filter, the continuity of seeing a child actor dressed in the same way, and the quick dip to white. All these elements explicitly communicate to the audience that a flashback is occurring. However, a flashback as a narrative device is more conventional of a film, and therefore the video is making intertextual reference to cinema.
Another cinematic element used is the use of subtitles, which constructs a cinematic mode of address.
The video uses many conventions of the action genre, including the MES of fighting and the location of the abandoned warehouse. Additionally, the brown colour scheme and the grain added to the footage is reminiscent of a 70’s British action cinema. Finally, the 4:3 aspect ratio is reminiscent of old TV movies, and the pillar boxing emphasises this
Extensive use of match on action expertly frames the audience’s attention despite the chaotic nature of this video
Radiohead - just
A combination of narrative and performance where both elements are almost completely separate. The narrative of the music video is communicated explicitly through subtitles. The narrative elements to this music video heavily resemble a film. These elements include the well defined city setting, the mES of suits, the variety of characters, and the vaguely American city that makes intertextual reference to a variety of films.
The colour grading of the narrative elements is more greyscale, muted and punchy, which not only forms a binary opposition with the overexposed performance shots, but constructs a bleak and desolate atmosphere. This is further anchored through the sparse and empty mES of the setting, which features no cars and empty wide streets.
The performance of the band is passionate, emotive and professional. The band’s exaggerated facial expressions and movements create an exciting and over the top mode of address for the target audience
Performance video - the band play their song
Narrative video - a story is told which may or may not be related to the lyrics
Abstract video - a series of images with no traditional narrative
Combination video - a combination of narrative and performance
You Made Me Realise - My Bloody Valentine
Fast paced, messy, choppy editing fits the feel of the song
Rough visuals and MES with fuzzy, grainy textures mirrors the rough nature of the song
MES of performance and in particular guitars, basses and drums connotes indie genre sensibilities
Kendrick Lamar - Count Me Out
The use of black and white mes constructs a gentle, laid back mode of address. This well considered and low contrast black and white creates a mild and calming experience for the audience , and constructs a highly unconventional video.
The video uses a highly unconventional technique where the image is split into three which constructs a definite binary opposition between Lamar and his psychiatrist. Additionally, a more complex narrative is displayed in the centre, which emphasises the importance of the events of his life
The use of fast paced montage editing for the centre image demonstrates the life events and the highs and lows that he’s experienced. This positions the audience in a voyeuristic mode of address that allows them to experience his own personal hardship.
The red of Lamar's costume contracts a binary opposition to the white of those carrying him, drawing the audience's attention to him, and emphasising his status as a figure of importance. The MES of his outstretched arms is symbolic of Jesus, and presents a challenging and somewhat religious ideology to the target audience. This is further anchored through the MES of the costumes of his followers. Presented in a bird’s eye view shot, the composition of this image presents the performer in a state of almost religious status