9 Key Shot Grid

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.

Jessie Ware & Sampha - Valentine

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 - The 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.

Genre

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:

· Fast Editing.

· Strobe Lighting.

· Bright colours.
 

· Dancing.

· Outrageous outfits.

· Links to Space.

Letter of Permission

Emerald and I sent this letter to Ultrarecords, seeking the permission to use the copyright song Cinema by Benny Benassi in our music video.

Chosen Song

Introduction

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.