Six Stills

By doing this task it got me thinking about the music videos within the industry presently and to see whether there was/is anything we would like to replicate in our video.

Of Monsters and Men – Small Talk   (2012)

I really like this video in general as it is so different to all the other generic videos that are being played but still fits to the genre of music.

I also like the way that the animation is simplistic and resembles that of Chinese puppetry also the colours are dull bar one spark that gives the audience something to focus on as well as the music. However in contrast to the epic story line again gives the viewer something to follow and puts the band members into the super hero category implying they can manage in situation.

From this I found that not following the norm can make a refreshing change and thus engages the audience into the video.

Beyoncé- I Was Here   (2012)

I chose this still as the epic graphics projection really puts the whole meaning of the song into context. Due to the positioning of Beyoncé in the bottom right hand corner and the extreme long shot it demonstrates to the viewer that despite her huge status in the music industry and being a house hold name in the scheme of things she is miniscule and her singing career will not make a difference in the world current crisis’.

In addition due to the use of the graphics being so spectacular this allows the audience to engage with the video especially to her fan’s as this is so out of the mould of what she normally does, which is simplistic songs about breakups and boys thus making the audience more aware of the serious meanings and messages within the song.

From this video I have found that if the song lyrics that have a strong, hard hitting meanings then the video should enhance it and match then rather than distracting the viewer from it.

Rita Ora- How We Do  (2012)

This shot of Rita Ora is during the chorus of her new song, ‘How We Do’, in which her and friends are partying and making the most of their youth. I chose this particular shot as Rita is looking directly into the shot and thus making the viewer feel involved in the scene. As she is, also, surrounded by friends this makes the scene more lively and highlighting the partying atmosphere she is trying to create.

What I have learnt from this music video is to use mise en scene to elevate the message/story that is trying to be pursued within the video and that using eye contact, by looking directly at the camera, creates a connection between the artist and audience thus making the video more appealing.

Ben Howard- Keep Your Head Up   (2012)

This music video with Ben Howard is very organic with no special effects and the camera work being natural and trying to replicate how and where someone would look if they had been there, thus making the viewer feel involved in the fun and happy atmosphere with he is also trying to create within the lyrics of the song. In addition the lighting is shot at dusk adding to the natural and organic feel but also creates a romantic concept appealing to his female audience in a subtle, discrete manor.

What I have learnt from this video is that they style and atmosphere should correspond with the genre of the music to prevent the viewer from getting mixed signals and to try to appeal to specific audience in way that is not obvious.

B.o.B (ft Taylor Swift)- Both of Us    (2012)

I really like this still from B.o.B’s song Both of Us as the song is about being strong and keeping those we love above danger and instead of him conforming to the cliché that most of us were thinking about he decides to go down the road of family giving the viewer a new fresh look into the meaning of the song. as the lighting is slightly muted it gives the viewer the idea that those within the shot are in a supressed environment but as they sit with their family and you are able to see the happiness they have with each other and their surroundings are irrelevant.

From this I have learnt that you should always try to find new ways to explore and express the song.

The Script- Hall Of Fame     (2012)

I like this still as due to the lighting and the use of the old warehouse the dramatic atmosphere that is created in the beats of the song is elevated. Also as it is a long shot you are able to see the whole of the setting and the band allowing the viewer feel as if they are at a concert. As the lighting is done using spots it picks up the dust in the air adding to the atmosphere.

The rustic, beaten down setting also elevates the lyrics and suits far better than if the band were shot playing in a clean and generic studio.