After doing a questionnaire on several people, we collaborated a few answers.
What attracts you to music?
The majority of people said that they were attracted to the rhythm and the beat of the music. Several people, mostly females, said that they were more interested in the lyrics and the meaning of the song, depending on their mood.
Do videos make a difference?
Many people said that they were less interested in the video because the majority of the time when listening to music, you’re not actually watching the video. But out of the people that watch music channels, the majority said that if a song they didn’t like came on, they were more likely to continue watching it simply for the music video.
What do you like about music videos?
A lot of people, mostly males, said that they were more interested in the people in the video than anything else. Another commonly liked attribute is the dancing involved in the video but that varies to the genre of music. A few people also said that they were attracted to the atmosphere being created by the video.
What do you like dislike about music videos?
The majority of people said that they were put off by unoriginality when all music videos follow similar themes. Another thing that people didn’t like was repetitiveness throughout a video.
We have looked at the music video Your Song by Ellie Goulding and taken 9 key shots from the video which we have found inspiration towards the ideas leading up to our final piece.
Top row: The top left is a still of lip syncing. These three pictures are all relatable to the music. The top middle is of somebody playing the piano during the song. We think this is key because it is commonly done within music videos, also it is advantageous to music videos because it enhances the actual song by focusing on it. We are inspired by the lip syncing because we are keen to use lip sync as technique in our video. We are also drawn to the lighting in the first shot as it creates a beautiful image and is well suited to the song.
Middle left: This single shot displays the colour that is continuous throughout her video. There are several shots of random things without Ellie Goulding in the image, such as a train ticket, rooftops which are all shown in a similar lighting effect. We like this because it is sweet and adds to the variety.
Middle: One of the only shots in the video that shows her from head to toe, showing surroudings and her outfit. We feel that this is important because it says a lot about the video in the way that it shows the country location, enhanced by the winter outfit.
Middle right: Good use of colour and clothing. We think that the clothing is very important as it portrays an image of Ellie Goulding. Here, she is dressed in a colouful jumper which we think portrays a very sweet image which is in correlation with the song. We think that we could also relate this to our video.
Bottom left: We think that the use of an animal is a key part in her video. We like it because it goes along with playfulness and creates a light hearted atmosphere. This is continued in the bottom right.
Bottom right:
This is a still shot of her messing around on the train. We also think that this is key because it shows a different location to the other shots, adding more variety. Bottom middle: This is key because it displays the interaction between Ellie Goulding and the camera. We think that this follows the theme throughout her video. We like it because it is not extremely common in music video, which differentiates it from other videos.
The first few shots of this video are extremely random and consists of things like a shot of a plant, a map of the Thames and a shot of a statue of a bird. The shots are simple, either on a white background or with little in behind them, which enhances the simple beat at the start of the music.
Once the singing starts, there is lip syncing with Jessie Ware. It is a simple close up of her in front of a black background. The shot cuts from being closer and further away which is inspiring because it adds a variation to the shot instead of it just being of her singing.
It then cuts to more shots of random images but cuts back to Jessie Ware when she is singing. The simplicity continues and cuts to her with a white background at then cuts back to the black background which adds more variation to the shots.
When Sampha starts singing there is lip syncing with him in a similar way to Jessie Ware with the background cutting between black and white.
The whole video is in black and white which continues to enhance the simplicity of the video; it enables the audience to be more focused on the lyrics to the song and heightens the angelic feel about the song.
Ed Sheeran - A Team
The video starts with a long shot of the main character waking up on a park bench, this sets the scene and tells the audience a lot about her which is continued in the next few shots. There are many tracking shots and close ups of her strolling around the park. The tracking shots enable the audience to see her clothing, which consists of ripped tights and a big overcoat. This shows the audience that she is quite hobo like and spends a lot of time outside with little clothing to change into. The close ups enable the audience to focus on her facial expressions, while not being distracted by the background and surroundings.
This is followed by her crossing the street wrapped in a dirty blanket; the long shot enables the audience to see that she is not being acknowledged by passers-by, this theme is continued as she is selling the big issue. Once someone finally stops and talk’s to her there is a close up of the smile on her face, as if it is something that doesn’t happen very often. Throughout these shots, the audience are getting to know the main character in more detail as she goes about her days. This is inspiring because the audience feel more involved and become connected and sympathetic towards the main character.
The lighting in the next scene is dull apart from the strong light on her. This singles her out on the street and is extremely inspiring because it adds variation and it is contrasting that she is in the spot light.
The entire video is in black and white which enhances the mysterious and dark feel that is displayed in the song.
The main aim of the video is to tell the story which is well done with the simple shots and plain editing because it enables the audience to focus more on the story.
Myself and Emerald sent the following letter below to the production company 'Universal Records' asking for their permission to use the song 'Never Be - I Blame Coco'
We are going to start filming this weekend as we are going home, this enables us to have a change of scene and access to a wider variety of locations/settings etc.
Not all of our filming will take place this weekend. It will only be of props that we can not use in school, e.g. Cars, Alcohol, Motorways etc.
Expectations of the genre ‘Electro’, our audience and the general overall expectations of our video.
A mixture of revealing costumes on both male and female characters. Outrageous outfits etc.
Quick editing, jumping from shot to shot, flashing colourful lighting complimenting the clubbing theme.
The cinematography is normally set with low level lighting, mixtures of blues and purples. Along with a mixture of close ups and focus pulls.
Mise en scene; cities, clubs, cars, lots of extras depending on the setting and scene which is being shot. E.g. Club scene – Lots of extras ranging from dancers, bar tenders and a general atmosphere.
Quirky shots that are distorted by lighting or smoke.
Audience must be enthralled by the combination of the music and its overall ambiance.
Obviously they should relate or be able relate to our found tribe which was ‘Indie Scenester’
The expectation of our video is mainly to grab the attention of the audience by using original yet creative aspects to draw them in.
Warner Music Group (WMG) is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word, as well as Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide. WMG comprises an array of businesses aimed at helping artists achieve long-term creative and financial success while providing consumers with the highest-quality music content available. WMG is engaged in the recorded music business (including artist services) and the music publishing business, and is a leading company in national and international repertoire that operates through numerous international affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. Their primary music publishing business, Warner/Chappell Music, is one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million songs from more than 65,000 songwriters. Examples of WMG Music Videos we have been inspired by...
Channel 4 claims to know their audience, that's what keeps them top of mind when it comes to being seen as trend setting, innovative, controversial (in a good way), creating new programmes that others copy and ground breaking by ABC1 16-44s.
Their research and insight team work hard to reveal the intricacies of our marketplace.
It's their role to answer questions like how do 16-24s see themselves; who likes which programmes ; how can brands maximize their returns from advertising on Channel 4 and how do different platforms affect viewing?
Key researched information points:
Females are significantly more likely to spend money on clothes and socialising whereas males are more likely to spend on gadgets and computer games.
Males are significantly more likely to be engaging with online activity.
BBC1 and E4 are the two most popular channels for 14-19 year olds.
iPlayer and 4oD are the most popular TV services for watching/downloading programs on demand.
Future financial stability and job prospects were a worry for all, even the younger age groups, triggered by the current economic climate.
Cyber bullying and issues of cyber safety were big concerns for girls.
Boys were particularly concerned about personal hygiene.
The above are different ways in which the company have investigated and explored general information about their audiences, taken from the general public.
Certain aspects of their findings we could also use to gain knowledge of our audiences preferences, likes and dislikes. All feedback is positive feedback of which we can gain an all-round picture of what is needed to present a good music video, showing that we have taken our audiences point of view into account.
We used UK Tribes to find out what group our audience member came out as. The group was Indie Scenester. I don’t necessarily know if this completely sums up the audience group we had in mind however, certain traits do come together.
Clothes: The general style is found in smaller more reserved stores that stock trendy exclusive items. Vintage stores are something that is visited regularly. Woolley sweaters, tight jeans, brogues and patterned scarves are must have items for your closet, applying to both boys and girls. High street shops are not something that is shopped in often due to the common clothing. The style is unique and most outfits are that of only individual people.
Hobbies: Interests and hobbies do not involve particular things. Reading classic books as well as analysing them. Enjoying literature as it allows you to fully take in a variety of different views, opinions, times and scenarios. Art & photography would also be of great interest. Following up on fashion trends to keep style up to date. Going to the cinema to watch a brand new movie or just chilling out with some wine at home. Going out and having a good time with friends is something that always surrounds.
Music: Music is vital; it ties in with the fashion & art scene, and is always a great outlet for creative and individual expression. Ones own genre of music ranging from many different genres and artists. Those with a low profile but great talent are extremely appealing. Mainstream music that everyone listens to is not a initial favourite. However there is appreciation for classics such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Oasis. Music is very dependant on the mood, so can also range from more up beat artists such as David Guetta, Benny Benassi etc.
General Attitudes: A very chilled out and relaxed vibe. Generally happy personality, individual and doesn’t follow a crowd. No strict political and religious views making them independent with their beliefs. Open minded towards the rest of society. Mostly just up for chilling with friends and having a good time, whilst enjoying having the necessities in life.
After doing a questionnaire on several people, we collaborated a few answers.
What attracts you to music?
The majority of people said that they were attracted to the rhythm and the beat of the music. Several people, mostly females, said that they were more interested in the lyrics and the meaning of the song, depending on their mood.
Do videos make a difference?
Many people said that they were less interested in the video because the majority of the time when listening to music, you’re not actually watching the video. But out of the people that watch music channels, the majority said that if a song they didn’t like came on, they were more likely to continue watching it simply for the music video.
What do you like about music videos?
A lot of people, mostly males, said that they were more interested in the people in the video than anything else. Another commonly liked attribute is the dancing involved in the video but that varies to the genre of music. A few people also said that they were attracted to the atmosphere being created by the video.
What do you like dislike about music videos?
The majority of people said that they were put off by unoriginality when all music videos follow similar themes. Another thing that people didn’t like was repetitiveness throughout a video.
This is a collage of photographs we have merged together to give an idea of the kinds of things we find inspirational and also to give an idea as to what kind of audience/mood we are aiming towards. The general mood that is being sent out is fun/exciting (adrenaline pump). This is something we would like to bring to our own music video.
We have looked at the music video Just Can't Get Enough - The Black Eyed Peas and taken 9 key shots from the video which we have found inspiration towards the ideas leading up to our final piece.
Top left: We are inspired by this because we appreciate the composition. The concentration is not on Fergie, the main focus is on the city lights behind her that are illuminating the dark room. This is mainly significant due to the fact it is very reserved for an opening scene; where as in most music videos they chose to introduce the main characters. This makes it more exhilarating, as it leaves you guessing as to who the artist could be.
Top centre: This is a close up of Will.I.Am, there is a focus pull so that the background is blurred and full concentration is on the lip syncing. This is relevant to us as we would like to use a similar shot.
Top right: We have chosen this still shot as inspiration due to the creative way of using light in the scene. LED lights have been used to highlight the basic features of the actor. The significance of this key shot is the originality of the idea.
Middle left: This is a key shot due to the change of scene. This is a very different image in comparison to the rest of the video. This shot shows a different personality and mood.
Middle centre: We are inspired by this shot due to the mise en scene. The setting is extremely different and shot at a low level of lighting; only using the neon lights from the props behind to lighten the scene. The singers costume is outrageous yet completed with the stereotypical ‘sunglasses inside’ look.
Middle right: This is a key shot that we have been inspired by as it once again shows Fergie in a different setting and mood. It allows more than one personality to be expressed. We like how a room full of mirrors have been used in this section, portraying different meanings.
Bottom left: This shot doesn’t fully express the feature we are trying to present, however we really liked the concept of blue and purple lighting in the background of the scene. This is a typical characteristic shown in a lot of music videos which is another reason as to why we like it.
Bottom centre: We are inspired by this shot as it shows the atmosphere given by the music. Scenes such as this present the ‘feel good’ feeling which grab the attention of the audience; something we hope to manage in our music video.
Bottom right: The final inspirational key shot – We have chosen this as it captures the main setting whilst using a stereotypical shot of the light billboards in a city. The colour scheme has been kept the same as the rest of the video; blues and purples. A scenic shot sets a location which we feel is extremely important as it allows the audience to feel included.
The first few shots of this video are extremely random and consists of things like a shot of a plant, a map of the Thames and a shot of a statue of a bird. The shots are simple, either on a white background or with little in behind them, which enhances the simple beat at the start of the music.
Once the singing starts, there is lip syncing with Jessie Ware. It is a simple close up of her in front of a black background. The shot cuts from being closer and further away which is inspiring because it adds a variation to the shot instead of it just being of her singing.
It then cuts to more shots of random images but cuts back to Jessie Ware when she is singing. The simplicity continues and cuts to her with a white background at then cuts back to the black background which adds more variation to the shots.
When Sampha starts singing there is lip syncing with him in a similar way to Jessie Ware with the background cutting between black and white.
The whole video is in black and white which continues to enhance the simplicity of the video; it enables the audience to be more focused on the lyrics to the song and heightens the angelic feel about the song.
The video starts with a long shot of the main character waking up on a park bench, this sets the scene and tells the audience a lot about her which is continued in the next few shots. There are many tracking shots and close ups of her strolling around the park. The tracking shots enable the audience to see her clothing, which consists of ripped tights and a big overcoat. This shows the audience that she is quite hobo like and spends a lot of time outside with little clothing to change into. The close ups enable the audience to focus on her facial expressions, while not being distracted by the background and surroundings.
This is followed by her crossing the street wrapped in a dirty blanket; the long shot enables the audience to see that she is not being acknowledged by passers-by, this theme is continued as she is selling the big issue. Once someone finally stops and talk’s to her there is a close up of the smile on her face, as if it is something that doesn’t happen very often. Throughout these shots, the audience are getting to know the main character in more detail as she goes about her days. This is inspiring because the audience feel more involved and become connected and sympathetic towards the main character.
The lighting in the next scene is dull apart from the strong light on her. This singles her out on the street and is extremely inspiring because it adds variation and it is contrasting that she is in the spot light.
The entire video is in black and white which enhances the mysterious and dark feel that is displayed in the song.
The main aim of the video is to tell the story which is well done with the simple shots and plain editing because it enables the audience to focus more on the story.
The track we have chosen to use is Cinema by Benny Benassi featuring Gary Go. The genre of this type of music is commonly known as ‘Electronic Music (Electro)’
Electronic music: Term for compositions that utilize the capacities of electronic media for creating and altering sounds.The style is directly influenced by the use of TR-808 drum machines. These machines use analog synthesis to create its sounds. The common traits of this type of music in videos:
Myself and Emerald McNamara are A2 Media students at Gordonstoun School. This is our blog which we have created to follow the progress and our findings towards our final coursework. We hope you enjoy.
