Givers - Noche Nada (Extended Analysis)

Task Three #1:



This casual music video gives off a fun and light-hearted atmosphere, which has been captured by a small group of friends having fun on camera by dancing, walking, driving, rowing, spinning round and round, playing, laughing and doing every-day activities. The two girls are dressed in casual outfits and have been lightly styled, to give a natural and every-day appearance, which takes the video away from being a performance video, as well as tying in with the beat and feel of the song. Slightly more styled outfits have been used when the wedding location is on show, as this ties in with the narrative, as well as demonstrating natural events, such as dressing up and having fun at a wedding. The male characters in the video however are even more relaxed than the girls, wearing only shorts and t-shirts. This gives the same casual and enjoyable vibe, linking with the song. 

Locations such as the car, streets, a garage, a city, a field, a house, a monument, wedding, market stall, swing, fountain, lake (boats), fairground and concert style venue at the end have been used. The car and walking etc. have been used to show travelling, which makes this video more of a narrative, however since the actions don't have much relevance to the song, it can also be seen as disjunctive, but with a loose narrative technique. I like the method of including the travelling in, as you can look out of the window and jump cut to the different shots of location, to show time passing in a simple way. 

The band is not used in this video, as in The Givers other performance videos I can see that these characters are not part of the band. No singing is done by these characters, and this is something that I will need to incorporate into my video. 

I really love the way the video has been edited, as it cuts to a different frame every time the beat occurs. The beat of the song is uneven, yet runs in a similar pattern throughout the song, apart from the 'middle eight' which has a loose beat to it. During this section the editing is tied to the melody and tune of the song, however there is no structure, and long shots are mixed in with shorter ones, changing when the director feels appropriate. 

When filming, the camera is never still. It is either moving in one direction slightly, following or contrasting the movements of the friends, zooming in quickly whilst filming (or zooming out). A tripod cannot have been used to achieve this effect, as some of the shots are also shaky, like when using a hand-held camera. I like this affect as it feels natural and like you are part of the action, involving the audience and providing non-static camera methods that make the video more interesting to watch. 

To achieve this affect, a large amount of footage will have been taken, however some of it would have been in the same shot, yet edited to look jumpy and disjointed. For example, the scene in the field with the two girls, and then one guy dancing, can have been filmed in one long shot, and then just edited. The camera will have been moving, or taking the same footage from different angles and zooms, as well as doing these things whilst filming continuously. This affect is really good, as it shows the continual journey, yet makes it interesting through the use of editing. 

I really like the idea of the style in Noche Nada, as I can film things in various locations such as on holiday in Austria, Coombe abbey, supermarkets/markets, town centres, cinema etc. However, in this video the same characters are used throughout, and with filming many different things in different locations, this may be difficult to achieve, and still use the same people in the video. I really want to create a video along these lines, and other songs by the Givers will also be good due to their unique and mellow sound. 

Task Four #1:

Why did you choose the text you are analysing? 

It's an unusual video and by one of my favourite bands. I love the song and enjoy the light hearted feeling the video portrays.

In what context did you encounter it?

Before downloading the album I wanted to listen to the songs in full and went on YouTube to find the video in order to listen to the song.

What conventions of the genre do you recognise in the text?

- Dancing
- Stars multiple people
- Outdoor locations
- Costume changes
- Jump Cuts
- Fast paced editing
- Variety of angled shots
- People in the video who aren't the band and don't sing; creating a narrative

What influence do you think this context might have had on your interpretation of the text? 

Because I was listening to the song for the first time, I really had to focus on what I could hear and see, and because I liked the song, my feelings for the video were automatically the same.

To what extent does this stretch the conventions of it's genre?

The fact the band isn't in the video breaks one of the largest used conventions, however the narrative containing people singing is also commonly used. The 'narrative' in this video however doesn't really portray any real story, just shows several events such as a wedding, a trip to a landmark and a party at the end. 

Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of the genre?

The people in the video are not band members, showing every day people such as the audience can have fun, not just celebrities. The actors haven't been lavishly or excessively styled, they don't look glamorous like stereotypical artists and their outfits.  

What sort of audience did you feel that the video was aimed at? 

I'd say it was aimed at the teenage audience, however it does not adhere to the conventions most thought of when thinking about teenagers, like loud music, concerts, half naked girls/guys, big dance numbers. etc

What sort of person does it assume you are?

Fun, light hearted, eventful, silly, likes to have fun and go out with friends to parties or day trips, doesn't care about looking strange; something that goes against the opinion we all care about what we look like and how others see us

What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender and ethnicity? 

We're not extravagantly posh, we're down to earth, middle class due to the style of wedding in the video and the everyday life locations used etc. People around 20 years old/teenagers are known to have fun, does things for no reason, go on day trips etc. Girls in this video are seen as relaxed, happy, look like they're having fun. 
  What relevance does the text actually have for you?

It portrays things done in real life such as messing about with friends, going to weddings and parties, they seem down to earth and like regular people, not just famous celebrities whose lives are so different to ours. It's similar to the days out and messing around that we all experience at some point.

What knowledge does it take for granted?

We like seeing other people do what we do and have fun, it reassures us that we're not the only ones who act differently, it takes the knowledge that we all want to fit in but have a good time. 

To what extent do you resemble the 'ideal reader' that the video seeks to position you as?

I do random things and have fun, singing and dancing is amusing with friends as you can have a laugh. I often have days out like they do in the video so I know how much fun you can have and whilst the video makes me smile, I also recall times that i have spent in similar locations.  

Are there any notable shifts in the videos style?

When the music changes in the Middle Eight the editing style changes as to cut in time to the beat requires longer shots and more irregular editing. The scenery also changes from the day to the night, meaning the lighting and shots are different. 

What responses does the video seem to expect from you?

Smiling, thinking about happy times with friends, relate to the events, teenage lifestyle comparisons.

How open to negotiation is your response (are you invited, instructed or coerced to respond in a particular ways)?

It's hard to watch the video and feel something other than happiness due to the fact the audience is invited into the happiness and enjoyment of the characters

Is there any penalty for not responding in the expected ways?

No, because the band isn't that well known, and society hasn't accepted them as a band 'everyone should like' like bigger bands and stars e.g. One Direction 

To what extent do you find yourself 'reading against the grain' of the text and the genre?

I don't due to the fact the song has no hidden meaning and the video is simple and effective, I am in the intended audience, therefore feel what the producers intended us to. 

How typical do you think this video is of Music Videos? 

It's not very typical due to the fact it looks low budget and ordinary and there are no post-production effects, lighting, large amounts of choreography, glamorous or sexy outfits that most female artists or bands may wear. I've not seen many other music videos along the lines of this one, and that makes it unique and atypical.  

Music Video Introduction // Summer Work

VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR Music Video Introduction 2013.docx

Task One:

What do you think are the major elements of an Album Marketing Campaign (the different ways in which a band or artists identity is mediated to an audience)?

- TV commercials
- Playing small gigs or festivals e.g. Edinburgh Music Festival
- Magazine advertisements (A4 page) in regular magazines or film magazines
- TV appearances e.g. Chat Shows
- Free singles
- Radio plays
- Radio interviews
- Magazine interviews
- Band blogs
- YouTube channel/videos & advertisments
- Features in music magazines
- Twitter account
- Facebook feed
- Instagram
- Films e.g. The films about JLS, One Direction etc
- Documentaries on TV e.g. "McFly on the Wall"
- Supporting more famous artists and bands at their concerts
- A book release

♫

Where have you encountered these elements in your daily life?

- iTunes provide a weekly free single by new and upcoming bands, through this I have found out about some of my favourites 
- I follow several bands on Instagram and Twitter
- When reading magazines I often see CD advertisements or concert posters that advertise the bands gig or album. One issue of NME provided 
- When watching shows such as Alan Carr: Chatty Man, Jonathan Ross and The Graham Norton Show, there are always bands or artists performing near the end, then talking to the host about their new album or single
- There are always TV commercials for albums in between TV shows on channels like ITV2 and E4
- When watching YouTube videos there are often music advertisements beforehand, the latest one I've seen included Mumford and Sons getting ready before a concert
- When in the car or on the bus I've heard interviews on Radio One with band members or artists promoting their concerts or albums

♫

What factors make you like a band or artist, and therefore download their music, buy their albums or attend their concerts? How do you decide which band is 'cool' and which is not?

- If they're stuck up and arrogant, or down to earth and sweet - How they come across in interviews on television 
- If they're funny or have a good dynamic within the band or their style
- If they have a giant fanbase, for example "Directioners" put me off liking One Direction
- Their general personality 
- Whether they have a generic or original sound, I don't really like boybands due to their generic, manufactured look, whereas a mix of sounds e.g. Indie Rock or folk is something different, and sounds different to the generic 'pop' 

♫

Where and when do you watch music videos?

- Music channels when there's nothing else on
- YouTube: because I want to listen to the song, or watch the video, or because the band are included in the advertisement
- When looking at the bands album on iTunes and a video is included in the extended version, I watch the preview to see if it's any good
- When someone posts a link on twitter 


Task Two:

Music Video conventions: 

- The band or artist in the music video performing
- Other characters in the video creating a narrative who don't sing
- Microphones
- Guitars
- Filming of concerts
- A variety of long shots, mid shots and close-ups
- Jump cuts
- Fading transitions
- Close up for lip syncing 
- Black and white is commonly used but many videos are in colour
- Variety of props e.g. instruments or animals or puppets 
- Girls dressing provocatively 
- Slow motion is often used

Moodboard

-Natural Scenes
-Features girls, maybe a male
-Greenery
-Nature e.g. Butterflies, Leaves, Flowers, 
-Car Rides
-Cute sounds like BBC and Givers
-Birds
-Simple style
-Non-performance
-Subtle
-Nostalgic
-Links to some form of Wonderland?

Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness

Great locations and styling. The use of shadows and silhouettes is unique and nice, but maybe too dark for the style of video I want to create.




 

This video is also good, as I like the red light leak lines, as they as a beat to the remix song and also make the framing and scenery in the shot more interesting.

Videos that don't contain the band, yet people still sing along

Friendly Fires - Paris

This video has inspired us to experiment with various camera techniques to create mirrored and kaleidoscope effects to make the video more visually exciting and interesting. 

Bastille - Overjoyed

I like the choice of model in the video, and the forest setting is nice. I like the shots of her hair blowing in the wind etc, however I am unsure about the narrative method used, as I think it's too slow moving and doesn't grab the audiences attention enough. I really like the shot used at 3:32 as it's natural and pretty. 

Calvin Harris - I Need your Love

The idea that the camera is passed from person to person is good, as you can involve lots of different people into the music video, and different actions and things can be seen. 

This could be possible to do, however it could look a bit too unconventional and not like a professional music video. 

Passion Pit - Take a Walk

The idea that the camera is the bouncing ball is different, as the camera angles and transitions are affected by the balls movement. Unusual idea.

The Naked and Famous - Young Blood

Disjuncture / Illustrative video. Shows people having fun, "Young" blood at it's best, illustrates the meaning of the song, in a natural and inventive way. I like the various shots and the idea of sparklers being used in the video. Possible song choice?

Various clips in one video // Mcfly - LA BABY!

Even though it's not a music video, this shows how various different clips, following the narrative method, can be put to music. I like the feel of the video and how it's just the band in their natural state, having fun and doing whatever they want. 

A mixture of clips could be used as an idea when creating a video, and different locations, people and actions can be used, as well as disjunctured things like street performers etc. 

Sea Wolf - The Violet Hour

Possible music song? 

The Honey Trees - To Be with You

I like the use of the setting, and the narrative story behind it. I also like the fact the song title and group are shown using text at the beginning, as it feels professional and it's a kind of statement, showing everyone who they are and what the song is called. 

Static Camera, Different Shots

I like the idea of having the camera in one place, and filming several shots with either different people, dance moves or actions, and then editing them like this, as it's upbeat and you can do lots with it. 

1 - Having the camera in the same place and using straight cuts to show the different footage
2 - Having the camera in the same place and overlapping the images so the actions are happening at the same time, but in different places  

Babel - Mumford and Sons

The way the camera constantly pans round yet the scene changes all the time is amazing. I also like the multiple versions of the same band member on screen at the same time, and this might be achievable with the camera in the same shot, but one person dancing in various places, then the videos overlayed or merged, but I would have to ask someone how to do it properly. 

Additional idea: Camera pointing upwards at the trees, person holding the camera spins round. 

Hands in the wind

Driving, greenery, hands blowing out of the window, several different shots edited together so the hand is in one location...another location...another location, yet remaining in a similar place.

Balloons

Video and Album artwork/Digipak: 

Natural freedom of balloons, light hearted, care free etc. Matches indie, chilled songs. 

Artwork/Digipak: Photos in sunlight like in this photo. Balloons in forests. Slightly in view or in the distance. Up close or flying through the air. Could appear in several different images in the digipak. 

Video: Letting the balloon go, camera panning following the balloon, footage played backwards to finish in the persons hand. Cuts of the balloon at different angles, letting several balloons go at once and doing the same thing as above.   

Candy Style

Writing the band name from candy letters on a white counter, taking a photo and using that as the album cover. 

Little Dragon - Twice

Foals - My number

Possible song for music video?

Daughter - Human

I like the outside shots and when she's in the car, and these are things I want to include in my video. The overall video isn't as lighthearted as I want mine to be, however there are elements that would work well.

Florence and the Machine - What the Water Gave Me

I like the use of the exterior location and the shots of her hair blowing and her hands when she is dancing. The entire video is made up of her in a recording studio, and although I don't have those facilities I can still incorporate clips of people tapping out a drum beat or dancing, as well as singing along in the wind, running through forests etc. Some clips are also slowed down, and I am interested in manipulating them in this way, or playing them backwards. I also like the mirror shot that also features in other videos such as Meantime // The Givers, however I am unsure how I would achieve this, but I want to find out.

Cough Cough - Everything Everything

I like how it's in black and white, and the word 'cough' at the start is quirky and bold. The random objects and scenes within it such as the pertol pump and the smoke lead to the orange lava scene. The mise-en-scene of the band is quite 'street' and the large drums replicate the music in the song, and there is a large amount of lip syncing, which makes this a performance video, however there are clips of narrative due to the fighting on the streets and the police.

Bell X1 - Starlings over Brighton Pier

I love the use of birds in this video, and wish to include small clips of them in mine; however filming them may be tricky as timing is important. The drive and the view of the trees against the sunset is sweet, much like the Paper Kites video.

Small clips of birds that cut to a different time in the video, (as seen in The Givers Noche Nada video) would look good, as well as that effect throughout the car journey, as this is nice, but a little dull.

The Paper Kites - Bloom

I like the forest location and the whole setting of the video is simple and beautiful. The tree as a base location is nice because of the shadow against the sunset, and a cute scene like that would be nice in my video.

Half Moon Run - Full Circle

I like the non-performance clips in this video, as they are similar to other videos I like, and something that I wish to include in my own video. Possible song for music video?

Quesadilia - Walk the Moon

I like the quirky vanish/re-appear editing, it's good fun and you can do a variety of random actions with it. I don't want to do this style of video however, as it's too much of a performance and being a clown in front of the camera.

Bell X1 - Drive-by Summer

Light-hearted mellow song, similar to Noche Nada by The Givers, possible music video song?