In the image above, we have started to plan/storyboard for our music video. So far we have gone through the song line by line, written down a general idea of what we would like to appear in that scene and the duration of it.
We still need to include more information regarding shot types/cinematography, M-E-S and editing as we have only included this in some of the post-stick notes. After doing that we can start to draw out a accurate example of what each shot would look like so that when filming we can refer to this as a guide.
WWW: We used a range of creative locations which fit in with our genre and the theme of our music video. For example, the field that was used, emphasised how alone she was and isolated from others. The train station subverted the audiences expectations as they would pressure that a train station would be busy, however, she was still all alone. The use of reverse zoom emphasised this. We filmed two variations of the scene where she was on the bridge, this is due to the fact that the first one where the camera was shot from below the bridge was slightly too far away and when we moved this onto the bridge it gave the effect that the audience could truly capture her emotions as we were up close. The initial shot from below the bridge was a creative angle as it was tilted and low. The framing of the shots were creative especially when in the train station location as it would appear that she isn't as alone as she is to the left side of the shot, however, when the camera zooms out it is apparent that she is as she becomes the centre of the framing.
EBI: It would have been better if we had used a wider range of acting, although this was only a practice it would have been useful to see what creative acting and emotions we could incorporate into our video rather than simple lip-syncing. We also need to work on how to make use of the cameras zoom features without it becoming jolty, however, this is something that can be improved in the editing process. We could have planned our costumes more effectively so that they fitted in with the genre more.
The Costumes that we have chosen to use are quite plain but this is typically the convention used in other music videos in this genre. Our audience also provided this feedback that they would think it would be quite plain yet trendy especially as she is a teenage actor. The makeup we chose was also quite natural as we did not want to portray the actress in a bold way as she was to appear invisible and unrecognisable, which is why when she is in public scenarios she is not spotted and no-one appears to take notice of her. This also applied for the male actor as when he is not with her he does not feel himself and he too is feeling isolated. Therefore, his clothing is quite plain and doesn't particularly attract anyone to talk to or notice him.
The locations that we are going to use contrast each other, busy locations such as train stations and shopping centres are being used to contrast how the actor is seen in public, isolated and invisible and the empty locations such as the fields and woods show the actors inner feelings as they are alone. When they are in these isolated locations it allows the audience to be able to get an insight into the actor and their emotions as they are the centre of the frame. The changing of locations also breaks up the music video and makes it more entertaining for the audience as the shots are creative.
The props that we have chosen link to the genre of out video as the song is about love, the flowers, candle and bracelet are all symbols of love and affection and are used in order to emphasise gestures that are being done or were once done previously. As our genre is indie-pop we thought it would be creative to use a payphone in our video to show no answer to a telephone call, the indie genre is quite alternative and therefore it stands out from a traditional phone call being made. On the other hand, a phone call was also used to show a video call between the two actors to to also relate to the current time period that the video was shot in.
In the image above, we have started to plan/storyboard for our music video. So far we have gone through the song line by line, written down a general idea of what we would like to appear in that scene and the duration of it.
We still need to include more information regarding shot types/cinematography, M-E-S and editing as we have only included this in some of the post-stick notes. After doing that we can start to draw out a accurate example of what each shot would look like so that when filming we can refer to this as a guide.
These are our progress boards since making some further improvements, where we have able to track and develop our music video planning. We have chosen to improve and develop our ideas since starting planning for our music video and planning this way has allowed us to change our ideas if they didn't flow with the song that we have chosen. Also, planning this way has allowed us to add any extra ideas and plans that we may want to add, for example, the shot type that we are planning on using, or the use of cinematography. Each time we have sat down to add to the storyboard we have added more and more detail like what kind of colours would be seen in each shot and more information about M-E-S.
This is our planned Record Company label 'NC Records'. We decided to choose this look for the record company as it stands out and is unusal compare to other record companies that we have researched into. This is due to the fact that the colour of the font is neon pink which definitely makes it stand out and it also fits the pop side of our genre (indie pop) as it is girly and fun. The font is similar to that of handwriting which makes the record label seem more personalised. The fact that the first two characters are in lower case gives a less intimidating view and by have 'records' starting with an uppercase gives the audience the impression that it is professional and important.
From creating the Facebook page for the song, we have found what our target audience specifically enjoy about the genre of the song and this has further allowed us to develop what we think that the target audience would expect from the music video and what fits in with the genre. From this we found that there was a specific group who enjoy the song, which is female teenagers, which is also important to consider as they are the target audience. From this, we found that our target audience enjoyed the beat of the song which comes across constantly throughout the song.
The props that can be seen on the Pinterest board are all props that we will be using during our music video. Some props will only appear for a second or two, like the light bulb, however they add to the creativeness of the music video.
This mood board shows various photos which demonstrate the indie pop genre. This includes a number of bands and artists who have produced songs from this genre. Editing effects and locations that are typical of this genre can also be seen. The words that can be seen on the mood board are important lyrics from the song and have inspired some themes on this mood board for example, the woman that is seen pictured, is styling a messy bun which ties in with the theme of dreams and just an overall chilled vibe. Overall this is a creative mood board and it will be useful when looking at ideas for our music video.
Questions from peer feedback: What is the narrative theory?
For our music video the narrative that we are following will be about a romance between a boy and a girl. We chose to follow this narrative as it links within the lyrics and follows the idea of being able to interpret what the audience want. What shot types are you planning on using?
We intend on using a variety of shot types to interest the audience to the music video. For example, when the song becomes more emotional we would use close-ups to allow the audience to relate to the song. We would also consider using mid-shots and establishing shots in scenes where our actor will be in the fields in order to highlight the abnormality of the song. What sort of other locations are you using?
We are planning on using a field and a bedroom as a location for our music video. We have chosen to use a field as it supports the idea of being abnormal and contradicts the idea of 'normal'. As well as this, we have chosen to use a bedroom to complement the lyrics Will you use props?
Yes we will be using props to make the music video more interesting to the target audience. We will use a variety of props in order to meet the audiences expectations. What locations will be used?
We are planning on using a field and a bedroom as a location for our music video. We have chosen to use a field as it supports the idea of being abnormal and contradicts the idea of 'normal'. As well as this, we have chosen to use a bedroom to complement the lyrics: (e.g.)
"What do you see in your dreams at night?
And only you can turn on the light
Come on and show me
How do you feel when it's dark inside?" How will you make sure that the music video fits with the target audience? What props will you be using in your video?
We will use more simplistic props in our music video to contradict the audiences expectations of the music video. We are planning on using flowers in the music video. As members of our target audience How will you use these props in your video? What editing techniques will you use to make the video interesting?
How will your editing compliment the genre?
We have decided to use a range of editing techniques, such as colour isolation, layering of shots and colour saturation to match the genre of indie rock pop. This will benefit us by targeting the audience. Who will play your main actor?
We are planning on using a teenage female as our main actor. This is because we want the music video to be relatable to the target audience. Who specifically is your target audience?
16-20 year olds
I think that the most creative still that we took is the lightbox on the drums with 'Satisfied' and the music note in the frame. I think this because it is unusual positioning in the frame as well as being unseen as the lighting from the box is the only source of light in the frame. However, I also think that the second to last still is the least creative as it is the most basic of the stills that we took.
I think that our music video falls into the rock indie pop genre, as a result of the common themes that come across in other indie rock pop genres, for example, in Oasis, 'Wonderwall', George Ezra's 'Listen to the man', and Kings of Leon, 'Sex of Fire'.
Oasis - Wonderwall
In the music video for the song 'Wonderwall', there is great emphasis on the genre of the music through the use of acoustic guitars, which also is as apparent factor in the indie genre. The rock element enters the song through the gradual introduction of other instruments, for example the drums and other stringed instruments. This is important in highlighting the genre as it allows it to stand out more to the audience what the genre is.
The music video is creative as it attracts the audience in a way that is different to other music videos which may fall in to the other genres (pop or rock). The semiotics show how the music video fits within the combination of pop rock and indie music. For example, the use of guitars is what mostly highlights the genre to the audience.
M-E-S
Throughout the music video, the band is shown as being the typical idea of a 80's band which meets the audiences expectations of the indie rock pop genre. In the music video, the men in the group are always shown in comfy causal clothing, usually shown with a musical instrument of sum sort. However, women are shown as a sexual object. As well as considering this, there is always a presence of musical instruments to relate back to the genre.
Cinematography
In the music video there is a large range of cinematography used to highlight the genre. The use of close ups and mid-shots of the band highlight to the audience the indie and pop element of the song. Similarly to this, the gradual introduction of instruments in the video emphasis the rock image that the band are looking to portray. The amount of times that a guitar also shows up in a shot is important as it is highlighting how the genre is intertwined with sexuality when being compared to the woman in the mid-ground.
Editing
Editing plays an important role in highlighting the genre of the music video, as it is used to the directors advantage. One way that the genre is highlighted is through the use of a black and white filter put on the band throughout the music video. This emphasises the look of the band when considering the indie pop rock look. As well as this, colour isolation on the guitars is important as shows the importance of highlighting the idea of an indie music video the audience. The guitar highlights how the music fits within the genre. As well as this, the use of split screening is useful in explaining the music genre as it highlights the importance of character and music to the genre.
George Ezra's 'Listen to the Man' follows the idea of indie rock pop as it is a common theme in his music to have emphasis on the guitar and his voice. The indie element is concentrated on by having less complex instruments for the music video. The use of the guitar and the lack of other instruments on the set sign the idea of the song fitting in with the rock indie pop genre. This is highly significant as it develops the indie pop look as well as the narrative theory of binary opposites. Binary opposites are shown through the combination of old and young which seem to be a common theme throughout the song.
M-E-S
In the music video there are few props as the semiotics are suggesting that the song is a narrative set at a train station. In the video there are a few more extravagant props, including the drink in the coconut that Ian McKellen receives. Similarly, Ezra brings out a guitar which coincides with genre. Both characters are dressed casually, which more fits with the idea of the music video being a narrative rather that (e.g.) a image performance.
Cinematography
In the music video, the director has chosen to look at the use of bright lighting to emphasise the actors. This is because it relates more to the pop genre but has an element of indie in it as well. The use of close ups and mid shots show the audience the genre of the music video. As well as considering this, the vast amount of two shots that are used show the audience the relation to the pop genre.
'Sex on Fire' looks at mainly the rock genre with the base undertone and the drums. however there is also an element of indie and pop in the music which is used to attract a range of audiences, ultimately benefitting the band. There is also a great amount of singing in the music video, in relation to the instruments that are in the music.
M-E-S
In the music video the band are dressed in generally the same way. This is with dark coloured clothing through out the music video, which further relates with the lyrics of the song. As well as this, the main artist in the music video wears the Cross as religious symbolism, relating further to the idea of rock and indie music. This is highly significant as it develops the indie rock look as well as the narrative theory of binary opposites as well as the narrative theory. This is because it looks at the idea of light against dark, good against bad as well as following the idea of a story line, being that actions result in a specific consequence.
Cinematography
In the music video, the Kings of Leon look use low key lighting to emphasise the rock element of the music video. Similarly, the use of close ups are significant as it points out the most important elements of the song (the cross as religious symbolism, the guitar to the genre of music, the simplistic meaning of black birds, the connotations of shadows.)
This all points towards the idea of the indie element with the dark lighting highlighting the mysterious element of the music video.
Light seems to be a common theme in the music video as it looks at the contrast between good and bad, along side with the lyrics it compares the idea of sex being both good and bad (which is shown through the use of bright and dark.)
Editing
For editing, the music video uses lots and lots of short takes of the band and the artist. This symbolises the quick nature of the music video and what the song represents. As well as this, the director has chosen to use shots of the band and panning around the band which creates the sense of movement within the song.
