- 2 or 3 lights to light an artist
- More lights for a group or band
- Use digital camera graphs to check the exposure of the shot
- All about timing
- Filters can be used
- Keep it simple, use smaller lights
- Outside, use the sun
Saturday 31 August 2013
Top Tips - Director of Photography
Top Tips - Directors
- You have to have a clear vision
- Focus on the set, shot, lighting etc - bring everything together
- Think about what your strengths are
- Pay attention to detail
Top Tips - Choreography
- Work on angles, silhouettes
- Movement shows a story
- People who deliver the performance have to look right with the choreography
- Change something that has been done before
- Film it then watch it back to see if it looks good on the screen, you see what other people see
Top Tips - Make up & Costume
- Be observant
- Dark lighting means stronger make up so the features of the star stand out
- Go for a style e.g. shocking, beautiful, unique
- Have fun with the styling
- Plan time carefully
- Look for references in style e.g. out of magazine
- Research and develop outfits
- Simple idea, executed really well
Saturday 24 August 2013
Top Tips - Art Director
- When making a music video you can either go to a location and change the way it looks using props etc or build a set in a studio and dress it exactly how you want it
- Think how it would look on screen when filming and setting up location
- Have a lot of style references
- Have a clear idea of what you want to film
- Be realistic within time frames
- Cast someone you know will give you a good performance and look good in the video
Thursday 22 August 2013
Afterlight App - Ideas for album covers using the filters and effects
- Simple circle effect
- Effect for if the band had an 'and' in there e.g. Mumford and Sons
- First letter of the band or artists name
Wednesday 14 August 2013
Saturday 10 August 2013
Alt-J - Breezeblocks (Extended Analysis)
Task Three #3:
This video is creative and new, as the whole of it is in reverse, meaning the narrative starts at the end, and finishes at the beginning; something that hasn't truly been explored before in many other well known videos. The videos explores the theme of domestic violence.
The lack of artist or band in the video is common in indie or alternative music, as they prefer to demonstrate an event or story, more than perform their song for a video. The video's narrative has amplified the lyrics 'She may contain the urge to run away, but hold her down with soggy clothes and breezeblocks' as the story shows a man in a struggle with a woman, leading to him killing her using the method from the song.
Various different camera angles are used due to the movement of the video; no-one is ever really standing still. Low lighting has been used to portray the violent and depressing tone that the video aims to show.
Task Four #3:
Why did you choose the text you are analysing?
The video is different and interesting to watch. Every time I watch it I notice things I didn't before and it's also interesting trying to piece it all together, and switch the video round in your mind to work out the reason behind the murder.
In what context did you encounter it?
I liked the song, then watched the video on YouTube not really knowing what to expect
What influence do you think this context might have had on your interpretation of the text?
I watched the video with an open mind, as it was the first time I had seen it; I don't think it really influenced my thoughts, as I decided for myself whether I liked it or not
Which conventions of the genre do you recognize in the text?
-Narrative without an artist singing
-Theme portrayed and explored
-Casual clothing, nothing over the top
-Continuity editing
To what extent does this text stretch the conventions of it's genre?
It's a heavy and serious subject that contrasts with the more light-hearted and fun themes in other music videos, and because the topic portrayed is very real and gritty, it's not so much as an Indie music video, it's deeper than the superficial, manufactured bands in the pop industry.
Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of it's genre?
One of the conventions rarely even thought about is the fact the footage usually plays in the usual start to finish way, yet this video is unique and has reversed all of the shots; bottles that start broken end up whole, and people who begin the video dead, come back to life.
What sort of audience did you feel the video was aimed at (how typical was this of the genre/style of music?)
Because the band weren't that well known when this song was released, they probably wanted to do their own thing, so they could make a name for themselves. The director of this video was Ellis Bahl, and so fans of his work would have checked this video out. I don't really know who the intended audience is, as it's not a stereotypical video and it's unlike others in the genre of music. I'd say the music was aimed at teenagers/early 20's, however it may appeal to other age groups, therefore the video appeals to the people who like the music
What sort of person does it assume you are?
Depending on how you react to the video, it can either mean you enjoy watching violent things or you understand the horrors of violent deaths and domestic abuse.
What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender and ethnicity?
Because the woman can be seen as the victims in this video, assumptions could have been made that females are the weaker gender, but that we should also feel sorry for the women and victims things like this have happened to
What interests does it assume you have?
I can't say it does assume we have interests in anything, as the video is unlike most peoples normal life, and can't really sum up an age group as a whole, or things that define people such as teenagers
What relevance does the text actually have for you?
It doesn't really hold any relevance to me. The clothes used and the setting are similar to every day life and the type of things I wear and have in my house. As a media student I can appreciate the work and effort that it must have taken the producers and camera men, and I think the editing technique is innovative and something I can attempt in my music video
What knowledge does it take for granted?
The video has taken advantage of the need to be eye-catching, introducing an interesting editing technique that makes the viewer think about the action and then stays with them for a while
To what extent do you resemble the ideal reader that the video seeks to position you as?
I'm a fan of the song and a few others of Alt-J, so the fact I like their music makes me the intended audience, however I don't think there is a specific audience for the video, except their fans
Are there any notable shifts in the video's style?
The video is consistent the whole way through, therefore there are no shifts in the style
What responses does the video seem to expect from you?
I think the response that's most common would be shock, due to the fact the music video portrays a murder, however the audience may also be intrigued due to the nature behind the murder, and who is the true victim
How open to negotiation is your response (are you invited, instructed or coerced to respond in particular ways?)
It is thought that the dead woman found out the man she was seeing was married, so in spite she ties the wife up and attacks her lover, causing her to die because of his act of either anger or self defence. This is meant to provoke a shocked reaction from the audience at how cruel and disturbing the male character is. Thinking this is more of an instruction, due to the fact that if you root for the killer who isn't even an anti-hero, and is just a disturbing, cheating character, this makes you a slightly disturbed person yourself, in the eyes of society.
Is there any penalty for not responding in the expected ways?
You might be seen as a horrible or disturbed person, because of the violent nature of the video
To what extent do you find yourself reading against the grain of the text and genre?
I only see the brutality and violence of the video, but I still enjoy watching it for the unusual reverse footage and working out the motives behind the characters; it's almost like a small crime thriller
How typical do you think this video is of Music videos?
Because the lyrics are amplified through the use of visual characters and movements, it's typical of a variety of music videos. However the theme and reversed footage is something different and that not many other people have explored in depth, and the violence of the video makes a change from the parties and light-hearted singers having fun in their own video
This video is creative and new, as the whole of it is in reverse, meaning the narrative starts at the end, and finishes at the beginning; something that hasn't truly been explored before in many other well known videos. The videos explores the theme of domestic violence.
The lack of artist or band in the video is common in indie or alternative music, as they prefer to demonstrate an event or story, more than perform their song for a video. The video's narrative has amplified the lyrics 'She may contain the urge to run away, but hold her down with soggy clothes and breezeblocks' as the story shows a man in a struggle with a woman, leading to him killing her using the method from the song.
Various different camera angles are used due to the movement of the video; no-one is ever really standing still. Low lighting has been used to portray the violent and depressing tone that the video aims to show.
Task Four #3:
Why did you choose the text you are analysing?
The video is different and interesting to watch. Every time I watch it I notice things I didn't before and it's also interesting trying to piece it all together, and switch the video round in your mind to work out the reason behind the murder.
In what context did you encounter it?
I liked the song, then watched the video on YouTube not really knowing what to expect
What influence do you think this context might have had on your interpretation of the text?
I watched the video with an open mind, as it was the first time I had seen it; I don't think it really influenced my thoughts, as I decided for myself whether I liked it or not
Which conventions of the genre do you recognize in the text?
-Narrative without an artist singing
-Theme portrayed and explored
-Casual clothing, nothing over the top
-Continuity editing
To what extent does this text stretch the conventions of it's genre?
It's a heavy and serious subject that contrasts with the more light-hearted and fun themes in other music videos, and because the topic portrayed is very real and gritty, it's not so much as an Indie music video, it's deeper than the superficial, manufactured bands in the pop industry.
Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of it's genre?
One of the conventions rarely even thought about is the fact the footage usually plays in the usual start to finish way, yet this video is unique and has reversed all of the shots; bottles that start broken end up whole, and people who begin the video dead, come back to life.
What sort of audience did you feel the video was aimed at (how typical was this of the genre/style of music?)
Because the band weren't that well known when this song was released, they probably wanted to do their own thing, so they could make a name for themselves. The director of this video was Ellis Bahl, and so fans of his work would have checked this video out. I don't really know who the intended audience is, as it's not a stereotypical video and it's unlike others in the genre of music. I'd say the music was aimed at teenagers/early 20's, however it may appeal to other age groups, therefore the video appeals to the people who like the music
What sort of person does it assume you are?
Depending on how you react to the video, it can either mean you enjoy watching violent things or you understand the horrors of violent deaths and domestic abuse.
What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender and ethnicity?
Because the woman can be seen as the victims in this video, assumptions could have been made that females are the weaker gender, but that we should also feel sorry for the women and victims things like this have happened to
What interests does it assume you have?
I can't say it does assume we have interests in anything, as the video is unlike most peoples normal life, and can't really sum up an age group as a whole, or things that define people such as teenagers
What relevance does the text actually have for you?
It doesn't really hold any relevance to me. The clothes used and the setting are similar to every day life and the type of things I wear and have in my house. As a media student I can appreciate the work and effort that it must have taken the producers and camera men, and I think the editing technique is innovative and something I can attempt in my music video
What knowledge does it take for granted?
The video has taken advantage of the need to be eye-catching, introducing an interesting editing technique that makes the viewer think about the action and then stays with them for a while
To what extent do you resemble the ideal reader that the video seeks to position you as?
I'm a fan of the song and a few others of Alt-J, so the fact I like their music makes me the intended audience, however I don't think there is a specific audience for the video, except their fans
Are there any notable shifts in the video's style?
The video is consistent the whole way through, therefore there are no shifts in the style
What responses does the video seem to expect from you?
I think the response that's most common would be shock, due to the fact the music video portrays a murder, however the audience may also be intrigued due to the nature behind the murder, and who is the true victim
How open to negotiation is your response (are you invited, instructed or coerced to respond in particular ways?)
It is thought that the dead woman found out the man she was seeing was married, so in spite she ties the wife up and attacks her lover, causing her to die because of his act of either anger or self defence. This is meant to provoke a shocked reaction from the audience at how cruel and disturbing the male character is. Thinking this is more of an instruction, due to the fact that if you root for the killer who isn't even an anti-hero, and is just a disturbing, cheating character, this makes you a slightly disturbed person yourself, in the eyes of society.
Is there any penalty for not responding in the expected ways?
You might be seen as a horrible or disturbed person, because of the violent nature of the video
To what extent do you find yourself reading against the grain of the text and genre?
I only see the brutality and violence of the video, but I still enjoy watching it for the unusual reverse footage and working out the motives behind the characters; it's almost like a small crime thriller
How typical do you think this video is of Music videos?
Because the lyrics are amplified through the use of visual characters and movements, it's typical of a variety of music videos. However the theme and reversed footage is something different and that not many other people have explored in depth, and the violence of the video makes a change from the parties and light-hearted singers having fun in their own video
Friday 9 August 2013
Icona Pop - I Love it (Extended Analysis)
Task Three #2:
Before the song even starts, "Icona Pop - I love it" is displayed and a quirky introduction of the singers has been recorded. Upbeat dance songs often have small introductions before the video starts, as it sets the video up and makes it more of a bigger event. Dance songs such as this one and their videos often feature parties and DJ's, as that's the scene the artists aim for, and the target audience that would often be involved in parties. The outfits worn outside are unusual due to the flowing ribbons, however this has been done for effect, not for a fashion purpose. The outfits worn indoors are stereotypical and conventional party outfits, such as black dresses, shorts, t-shirts etc.
The editing of the song ties in with the beat, and this makes for a more "dancey" feel, as people move to the beat of the song naturally. Mirror and tiled effects have been used to create a modern and techno influence, as straight forward editing is too simple and not as exciting as using different techniques. I am interested in using some of the mirror and tiled techniques in my video, as i think it looks effective and innovative. Light dots/leaks are also used and move around the shot in time with the beat.
The video can be classed as an illustrative video, due to the fact the duo are singing along to the song. There are elements of narrative in the video, as various shots are used of them on tour, going into bedrooms and in the streets. Halfway through the video the lyrics flash up on the screen, and this is used as an amplification tool.
Several different camera shots have been used, and when Icona Pop are singing along, close ups and mid shots are used to display the fact they're singing along clearly. Shots are also blurred and hard to distinguish, adding to the feel of the video, and also adapting conventions to create a more modern and enjoyable video.
There are no intertextual references included in the video, as any drinks, food or CD's used have no labels. There are also no other songs or artists mentioned in the video or song, at the end of the video the words 'film by Fredrik Etoall' are shown.
Task Four #2:
Why did you choose the text you are analysing?
The song has recently become very popular, and is universally known. I enjoy the editing styles and think it's quirky and enjoyable to watch, and have taken ideas from it that I can possibly use for my music video.
In what context did you encounter it?
I first saw the video when watching the top 10 video charts on VIVA
What influence do you think this context might have had on your interpretations of the text?
I heard the song around a year ago and liked it ever since, and I think because I liked the song I was expected to like the video, which I did. The fact it was in the top 10 charts for music videos also gives the impression everyone else thinks it's good, causing me also to think it's good.
Which conventions of the genre do you recognise in the text?
-Parties
-Dancing
-DJ's
-Laughing and having fun with your friends
-Swearing
-Low lighting, neon lights
-Conventional outfits
To what extent does this text stretch the conventions of it's genre?
The video and song are very similar to other club songs with this style of beat and lyrics, as it features dance scenes and parties, therefore it doesn't really stretch conventions as a whole. However there are smaller shots that are unusual such as the lyrics flashing up on screen, using a variety of texts and layouts, as this isn't normally done in this way. The outside scenes are different also as outfits and shots like these aren't as common as the party scenes.
Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of the genre?
See answer above. It has developed conventions in this way to entertain the audience and appeal in a way that means the video can be watched many times and not get too boring,
What sort of audience did you feel that the video was aimed at, and how typical was this of the genre/style of music?
I think the song is aimed at teenagers/early 20's as it appeals to the party scene, and these are the ages most known for partying and having fun. It's typical of pop music to assume it's for a party purpose, as most parties play mainstream well known songs so that everyone has something they know to dance along to.
What sort of person does it assume you are?
Fun, likes to party, 'I don't care, I love it'; implies they do what they want etc.
What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender, ethnicity?
After watching this video people will think teenagers only care about having fun and going to parties, which can be true but not in every case. This video seems to portray people of a middle class, as posher, upper class people aren't portrayed as partying all the time and getting drunk, due to being respectable and richer.
What interests does it assume you have?
Partying, drinking, having fun, dancing.
What relevance does the text actually have for you?
I think it's a bit of fun and it's enjoyable to listen to. I don't think it's to be taken literally or seriously, it's just a song created for the party scene, as it's something people can enjoy listening and dancing to.
What knowledge does it take for granted?
People are always spending money on going clubbing or partying, and they know that they need upbeat and fun songs to dance to, which is exactly what this song is - It's appealed to the target audience using pre-conceived conventions and ideas.
To what extent do you resemble the ideal reader that the video seeks to position you as?
When this song comes on I always sing along and dance a little, it's entertaining at parties as everyone knows it and it's easy to dance to.
Are there any notable shifts in the videos style?
There is a contrast between the party scene, the outside dancing/singing, and the narrative involving car journeys, bedroom, writing on walls etc.
What responses does the video seem to expect from you?
It means to make the audience dance and sing along, be happy, enjoy themselves etc.
How open to negotiation is your response (are you invited, instructed, coerced?)
I think the audience is mostly coerced into feeling happy and singing along, due to the fact the song is catchy and upbeat. However, I know of people who don't like the song, so there is a choice not to enjoy it, like there is with all music.
Is there any penalty for not responding in the expected ways?
By not enjoying or dancing to the song, people may think you're not a fun person or don't have a good taste in music etc. If the song comes on at a party and you don't dance, it's almost like passing up an opportunity to have fun, because even if you don't like the song, it's good to dance to and interact with people. Not joining in = missing out.
To what extent do you find yourself reading against the grain of the text and genre?
I think the music video and song are directed at the right audience, and fit in with the genre of pop/dance easily. The lyrics can be seen as enjoyable or just having fun, however it could induce a negative attitude towards things, as the lyrics are 'I don't care' and there are small references to violence. However, I don't think that's really a problem.
How typical do you think this video is of music videos?
Very. Lots of modern chart music includes this type of beat, and appeals to the dance scenes all over the world, and the type of people who listen to chart music. The video includes dancing, the artist singing along, lyrics flashing on screen and random shots of people having fun.
Before the song even starts, "Icona Pop - I love it" is displayed and a quirky introduction of the singers has been recorded. Upbeat dance songs often have small introductions before the video starts, as it sets the video up and makes it more of a bigger event. Dance songs such as this one and their videos often feature parties and DJ's, as that's the scene the artists aim for, and the target audience that would often be involved in parties. The outfits worn outside are unusual due to the flowing ribbons, however this has been done for effect, not for a fashion purpose. The outfits worn indoors are stereotypical and conventional party outfits, such as black dresses, shorts, t-shirts etc.
The editing of the song ties in with the beat, and this makes for a more "dancey" feel, as people move to the beat of the song naturally. Mirror and tiled effects have been used to create a modern and techno influence, as straight forward editing is too simple and not as exciting as using different techniques. I am interested in using some of the mirror and tiled techniques in my video, as i think it looks effective and innovative. Light dots/leaks are also used and move around the shot in time with the beat.
The video can be classed as an illustrative video, due to the fact the duo are singing along to the song. There are elements of narrative in the video, as various shots are used of them on tour, going into bedrooms and in the streets. Halfway through the video the lyrics flash up on the screen, and this is used as an amplification tool.
Several different camera shots have been used, and when Icona Pop are singing along, close ups and mid shots are used to display the fact they're singing along clearly. Shots are also blurred and hard to distinguish, adding to the feel of the video, and also adapting conventions to create a more modern and enjoyable video.
There are no intertextual references included in the video, as any drinks, food or CD's used have no labels. There are also no other songs or artists mentioned in the video or song, at the end of the video the words 'film by Fredrik Etoall' are shown.
Task Four #2:
Why did you choose the text you are analysing?
The song has recently become very popular, and is universally known. I enjoy the editing styles and think it's quirky and enjoyable to watch, and have taken ideas from it that I can possibly use for my music video.
In what context did you encounter it?
I first saw the video when watching the top 10 video charts on VIVA
What influence do you think this context might have had on your interpretations of the text?
I heard the song around a year ago and liked it ever since, and I think because I liked the song I was expected to like the video, which I did. The fact it was in the top 10 charts for music videos also gives the impression everyone else thinks it's good, causing me also to think it's good.
Which conventions of the genre do you recognise in the text?
-Parties
-Dancing
-DJ's
-Laughing and having fun with your friends
-Swearing
-Low lighting, neon lights
-Conventional outfits
To what extent does this text stretch the conventions of it's genre?
The video and song are very similar to other club songs with this style of beat and lyrics, as it features dance scenes and parties, therefore it doesn't really stretch conventions as a whole. However there are smaller shots that are unusual such as the lyrics flashing up on screen, using a variety of texts and layouts, as this isn't normally done in this way. The outside scenes are different also as outfits and shots like these aren't as common as the party scenes.
Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of the genre?
See answer above. It has developed conventions in this way to entertain the audience and appeal in a way that means the video can be watched many times and not get too boring,
What sort of audience did you feel that the video was aimed at, and how typical was this of the genre/style of music?
I think the song is aimed at teenagers/early 20's as it appeals to the party scene, and these are the ages most known for partying and having fun. It's typical of pop music to assume it's for a party purpose, as most parties play mainstream well known songs so that everyone has something they know to dance along to.
What sort of person does it assume you are?
Fun, likes to party, 'I don't care, I love it'; implies they do what they want etc.
What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender, ethnicity?
After watching this video people will think teenagers only care about having fun and going to parties, which can be true but not in every case. This video seems to portray people of a middle class, as posher, upper class people aren't portrayed as partying all the time and getting drunk, due to being respectable and richer.
What interests does it assume you have?
Partying, drinking, having fun, dancing.
What relevance does the text actually have for you?
I think it's a bit of fun and it's enjoyable to listen to. I don't think it's to be taken literally or seriously, it's just a song created for the party scene, as it's something people can enjoy listening and dancing to.
What knowledge does it take for granted?
People are always spending money on going clubbing or partying, and they know that they need upbeat and fun songs to dance to, which is exactly what this song is - It's appealed to the target audience using pre-conceived conventions and ideas.
To what extent do you resemble the ideal reader that the video seeks to position you as?
When this song comes on I always sing along and dance a little, it's entertaining at parties as everyone knows it and it's easy to dance to.
Are there any notable shifts in the videos style?
There is a contrast between the party scene, the outside dancing/singing, and the narrative involving car journeys, bedroom, writing on walls etc.
What responses does the video seem to expect from you?
It means to make the audience dance and sing along, be happy, enjoy themselves etc.
How open to negotiation is your response (are you invited, instructed, coerced?)
I think the audience is mostly coerced into feeling happy and singing along, due to the fact the song is catchy and upbeat. However, I know of people who don't like the song, so there is a choice not to enjoy it, like there is with all music.
Is there any penalty for not responding in the expected ways?
By not enjoying or dancing to the song, people may think you're not a fun person or don't have a good taste in music etc. If the song comes on at a party and you don't dance, it's almost like passing up an opportunity to have fun, because even if you don't like the song, it's good to dance to and interact with people. Not joining in = missing out.
To what extent do you find yourself reading against the grain of the text and genre?
I think the music video and song are directed at the right audience, and fit in with the genre of pop/dance easily. The lyrics can be seen as enjoyable or just having fun, however it could induce a negative attitude towards things, as the lyrics are 'I don't care' and there are small references to violence. However, I don't think that's really a problem.
How typical do you think this video is of music videos?
Very. Lots of modern chart music includes this type of beat, and appeals to the dance scenes all over the world, and the type of people who listen to chart music. The video includes dancing, the artist singing along, lyrics flashing on screen and random shots of people having fun.
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