As previously expressed in my previous posts one of the key aspects of my music video was going to be the visual effect of having my video in an negative/infra-red like effect, throughout the music video. I took inspiration from video such as Coldplays 'midnight' as I thought it was unique to see something in a different perspective. However the effect of negative didn't look very good on my music video, for a number of reasons. This includes:
Hard to see the characters
Hard to see the general setting
Lip syncing is not effective
Therefore I have had to come up with a solution to make my video still visual impacting, providing something different, in a way in which we can still make out the characters and setting. So far I have decided to make my video in black and white, and I believe it looks good. In addition the darkness creates a sense of mystery and confusion, which goes well with my song as its quite unusual, and perhaps dark/confusing.
Since starting my editing process I have came across a few problems not just with the software but also my actual work. The problems with the software are minor and do have a way round them with a bit of work. This can include placing clips in a certain place, but then they move. This can be irritating as the clip won't be where I want them. However by using different tools in the programme there is a way to place clips where you want. Furthermore another problem that has occurred within the class to do with the software is that its new to our school, so were not as confident using it compared to last year, when ourselves and the teachers new almost everything about it, making editing a smooth procedure. This can be seen as sometimes other members of my class believe that their work has disappeared, when actually it is not, but rather were not aware of how to get it up. Despite concerns regarding the software, one of the main ones have also concerned my editing. For example I originally was not cutting my clips to the beat, making my video appear to be slightly longer than need in certain areas. However I changed my clip arrangement, making it fit into the beat, and it now does look better. The final challenge which I have faced with editing my clips is that I originally had the idea that it would all be in a negative type effect, but this has not looked very good. Therefore I have to come up with a another idea as to make my video visually impacting.
Now that I have filmed a majority of my film I have started to edit my music video. The soft-ware which we are using to edit our music video is 'final cut pro X'.
This is an updated version of what I used last year to edit my short film intro. It is slightly different compared to last year, and I will laster make a comparison post. Therefore at first my editing was a bit all over the place as I didn't really understand the software. However recently as I have begun to understand the software it has been easier for me to edit.
On the software so far, I have uploaded all of my clips, and from then on I followed my story board placing all the clips in order, cutting and editing them. For example clips had to be cut down to the right time, and on all clips the 'black and white' effect was added. Another aspect of editing what I have had to deal with is try to lip sync my clips of the audio track, which has proven to been quite difficult, but with good time has improved. I have edited about 1 minute of my music video.
The filming of my film took place on sunday the 9th of November. The conditions for filming were ok, as it was mild and not wet, however there was a lack of atmosphere, which could of added to my music video. The location was practical as it would include my garden, and a local forest, just behind my house so getting to and back from the location was no hassle, as well as meaning we could efficiently film as its a known location for me.
Due to a delay we started filming slightly later than planned, at 12. As one actor was not present until the afternoon we decided to take all the shots which only included the female character. We took these shots fairly quickly and smoothly.
Later on in the afternoon the second actor arrived, who will be playing the monster. We took a minute walk into the woods, to where we will be filming. Here the filming was slightly more difficult due to the complexity of some shots. In addition I could have planned the location within the woods slightly better.
After filming for a few hours we got to film most shots, but not all. I plan to spend a little bit more time to capture all the shots.
I will be filming my music video on Sunday the 9th of november. This post will run down how the day will proceed, and where filming and times will take place. This has been done in order to make the filming process more efficient, so can film it all.
9.30 - I will start to prepare everything that is needed for the day, which includes the costumes for characters, the filming equipment, ladder, and any other props.
10 - Actors will arrive, and will run through the day, and what will be done. (Introduction).
10.30 - All shots filmed by the 'wall' will be filmed, a total of about 7.
11 - All shots filmed in the woods will be filmed, a total of about, 25.
11.45 - Break from filming in the woods.
12.15 - Filming in the woods resumes.
1 - Lunch break.
2 - All other shots which are taken place in the garden will be taken, about 7.
2.45 - Break.
3.30 - Any uncompleted shots, or shots with problems can be re-done.
Unfortunately I was unable to film my music video over the half term period. Therefore I will be filming as soon as I can, probably this weekend. However I took the opportunity to practice a little bit over half term. I used the camera just for a few minutes to get use to it once again as it has been a while since I last filmed.
In addition I need to upload a clip which I have filmed, and place an effect on the clip from the software which we will be using to edit - 'final cut pro'. This will give me an idea as to what my clips / music video, will look like.
I have done a filming plan so far. Last year we only did a story board, however this year I have so far planned by music video by simply getting some lined paper, and writing what I plan to do at each specific time. This is beneficial as it is not over complicated, but it is simple to understand with good detail, allow me to visualise it, increasing flexibility if any changes are needed. My filming plan has developed as originally I just had longer time durations which just showed where the scene would just be set at that certain times, rather than what we saw and at what times. However I am also working on a story board for a more visual impact.
Here is what my filming plan looks like so far:
My story board is now completed. This allowed me to follow along my filming plan and carefully decide what shots will be where, helping me to plan my music video so I can have a more visual understanding of what I want to achieve, and whats kind of shots or movements could be used. I have drawn sketches of the narrative I plan to follow, however not all my shots from my music do appear in this story board, because during my filming process I was able to think and capture some more unique, creative shots whilst being in the filming environment. Heres what it looks like:
Now I have completed practically all of my research into music videos, and have found inspiration, I believe that it is time to write up my idea.
As you may have discovered in previous posts, the song that I have chosen is 'Insane' by Flume. A song probably in the EDM/Hop genre, but is unique as it is not really a song to dance to.
In addition I plan to display my video in a infra-red/negative effect. I have decided to do this as I believe that it is a unique feature, which will fit in well with my song. If you have seen my previous posts you would have also seen some of the inspiration to my decision, in which the effect works well with those songs and videos. However if these effects fail to work, as a back up I will want to use a black-and-white effect.
The type of music video that I am going to do is mixture of amplification as I have some of my own creative ideas (such as the special effect) and narrative, as there is a story that unfolds as the song goes on. This is the the girl is running from a creature of some kind, a metaphor for the lyrical theme of the song about going insane, or losing your mind. Should she actually fear the creature? Originally I wanted the creature to just have a mask on which is similar to deadmau5 mask, as it would look good with the visual effects. However this has proven difficult to get a hold of, and will find a suitable substitute mask.
'We can't stop' was the lead song from Miley's album 'Bangerz' which was released June 3rd, 2013. Originally Miley was seen as a young role model of America, speaking out against drug use, etc. However this song is a pop/R&B song, talking about a house party and using recreational drugs. Ironic as just a few years she seemed to be totally against what now she seems to be interested in. The music video was directed by Diane martel, (who also directed Thicke's controversial video) which depicts an ongoing house party, doing unusual things. This is what creates the controversy, as we see Miley 'twerking', and performing other sexual foreplay. This gives the wrong message to a large proportion of viewers, especially the young. I believe the main reason to the controversy surrounding this song, and Miley herself, is the dramatic change of an american sweet hart gone bad.
To use the actors required in my music video I need permission to use them. Therefore we have had to construct a permission slip form to allow us to use the required actors. Here is what it looks like, I have used the name Bob as an example.
17/05/14
Flume
Dear__Harley___,
My name is ___Aaron Black_____________ and I am currently studying A-Level Media Studies at Aldenham School.
As part of my coursework this year, I am creating and producing a music video to a song of my choice. I have chosen ____Insane__ by __Flume__ as the song I would like to create a music video for, and I am writing this letter to seek your permission to do so.
Please note, this video will be used only for my coursework and will not be distributed or marketed in any form. I would greatly appreciate your permission to use this song.
In this post it will give you a slight insight into my music video as I explain some of my plan in terms of the location, the actors which I use, and any props that I will need.
Location
I believe that I will be filming my music video in the same location of where I filmed by short film last year. This is around my house in Pottersbar. I feel my house is a suitable location for a few reasons. Before I go into details I am planning to film a majority of my film outside, with the special effect negative. Therefore I have a large garden to provide space for shots, and a brick wall which will be used like a green screen. Moreover behind by house I have access to woods in which I may also use, as well as the surrounding drive way. Overall I believe filming around here is good as I have experience from last year, and I know where everything is, already giving me ideas of where to film.
Props
For my music video I do not think that I will need to actually use many props, partly due to the fact that I plan to do my music video in the special effect negative, and that my music video will often be close up shots, or movement itself that entertains, again similar to Coldplay's music video 'midnight'. However one prop that may be used is a mask, I am thinking of a mask like 'Micky Mouse or 'deadmau5". This is to add a sense of the unknown or confusion. It will hopefully look good in negative.
Actors
I am likely to use my sister and her boyfriend as my actors. This is because its rather practical as they're easily available at my house, and I actually only need two actors for my music video, in which the acting skills required is very limited.
In this post I will show you a few of Flumes interviews which he has done. The first one you will see is an interview where Flume explains some of his influences as well as inspiration. He also tries to put a genre on his music.
The next video is similar to the first. However it goes into more depth into how he actually got into making music, and we get an insight into where he got his first record label deal at Future Classic.
The final video looks more into how Flume likes to perform. He says how enjoys festivals as he can walk on stage and get involved, then walk off and remove himself, having some peace. Whereas smaller gigs are much more intense. It was his first time at one of the largest festivals in the world called 'Coachella'. Moreover he explains how different cultures enjoy different styles of his music.
In this post I will look at my potential type of music video style if I were to do the song 'Insane' by Flume. I believe that I could potentially do two type of music styles which are, narrative and amplification. This is due to two reasons. The first being that I do have my own creative ideas for the music video, some due to inspiration from others, and because I personally like to follow a story when watching a music video as it engages me, wanting to watch what eventually happens. Moreover from the research that I have done both these types seem popular.
This would be slightly unlike Flumes past music videos, as none or few have been these types, but rather more performance based.
However when I do my music video it will more likely be mix between the two types as I don't want to just stick to one story as it may bore viewers. Therefore a mix can have my creative ideas, contemplated by a short story for viewers to engage with. However due to the song choice the story may be unusual.
I have an idea of an individual having self mind games, as if trying to escape. However this could be shown through a figure trying to reach the individual having the mind games.
Over the last few weeks I have listened to and had a few ideas for what song I may choose to use for my music video. Obviously this is a big decision as it can greatly effect my music video in all aspects, such as type of music video as well as genre aspects.
I have also had a think about the genre of song I should do as the genre can often limit what you do in music videos, for example, in a rock song you're not going to have people dancing around a car throwing money around, with weapons, and attractive women. It just wouldn't fit together.
One song that I am thinking of doing my music video for is Flume's song 'Insane'. This song is part of the EDM genre, and therefore does not have such a limit onto what can be done in terms of its music video. However often EDM music videos are narrative based or performance based.
Flume's song 'Insane' was one of his original songs, so he created all himself, and was part of his album Flume which was released in 2012. The song itself has very limited lyrics, with the focus point being the music itself. Here are the lyrics: from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/flume/insane.html
You don't have to be afraid
You don't even have to be brave
Living in a gilded cage
The only risk is that you'll go
Go, Go
Insane
Go, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh, go, go, insane
Go, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Go
Go insane
And go
Go insane
And go
Go insane
And go, go, go, go insane
And go
Your mind is on track
For games we play these days
With every path we take
You know your safe, safe, safe
The only risk is that you'll go insane
The only risk is that you'll go insane
And go
Go insane
And go, go, go
Go insane
And go
Go insane
And go, go, go
Go insane
Go insane
Go insane
Go insane
And go, go, go
Go insane
Here is the song, and the official video which took me ages to find! It is not available to Youtube as far as I am aware. The video itself depicts a female of her motorbike, seemingly on a quest of her own. It was directed by Angus Lee Forbes. Here is the link: http://vimeo.com/69749816
I like this song due to the atmosphere of uncertainty that it creates. It is as if there is sweet chaos, due to the uncertainty, however it could be good. In addition I think that its a good song for a music video as there are many different thing I could potentially do with it. One of my idea being, using special effects to create a 'negative' like video, similar to Coldplay's 'midnight'.
Here are the results from the questions which I asked, from the questionnaire. However a few people who I asked did not understand some of the questions or key terminology, therefore I had to explain some of the questions briefly to expand their understanding.
1) Do you like Music.
2) What is your favourable music genres out of: Rock, rap, hip-hop, EDM, r&b, and classical?
3) What is your favourable music video type: concept, performance, narrative, and amplification? (Some people didn't understand what these meant, therefore I had to explain).
4) Do you like special effects in music videos?
5) Do the lyrics of a song mean a lot to whether or not you like a song?
6) How do you like music videos to be filmed: From a characters view, or watching the character?
Before filming my the music video for my film I want to get a bit of an insight into peoples tastes to
see what will appeal to them, and how I could potentially meet their tastes. Although this will not greatly effect my song choice and video, I still feel this can be used to help me meet a certain criteria. Therefore I asked 15 students around my school the following set of questions:
Do you like music?
What is your favourable music genres out of: Rock, rap, hip-hop, EDM, r&b, and classical?
What is your favourable music video type: concept, performance, narrative, and amplification?
Do you like special effects in music videos?
Do the lyrics of a song mean a lot to whether or not you like a song?
How do you like music videos to be filmed: From a characters view, or watching the character?
The latest news coming out on the 1st of October, is that music videos shown online are to now be given age certificate ratings.
David Cameron had welcomed a pilot study to be tested, who says it will help parents protect their children from seeing inappropriate content.
However apparently only three record labels have agreed to sign up to the agreement.
Overall the introduction of ratings for music video has been introduced to protect the young from look at content which they cannot relate to or which is inappropriate, for example some of Miley Cyrus latest music videos, or perhaps some rude songs.
Flume also known as Harley Edward Streten, is a Australian electronic music instrumentalist, producer and DJ. Harley was born on 5th November 1991, growing up in Sydney. At the age of 13 he began making music. In 2010 when he started to properly make music, he originally started to make house. In 2011 Flume was discovered and joined the Label Future classic. Soon on the 9th November 2012, Flume released his debut album, reaching number one in the charts on the Australian iTunes.
Although Flume has had a lot of success with releasing his own singles, he has also had a lot of success with creating remixes, such as his remix for the disclosure song 'You and me' which featured on a Lacoste advertisement on TV. Here it is.
A vast majority of Flumes songs have been under the genre of EDM - electric dance music, which is not too known for having many music videos along with the songs, and that may be why Flume does not have a music video to match each of his songs, therefore only have a very few. However the few he has done are not largely popular, but do appeal to me. I like the 'holdin on one' because we get an insight into the artists life, as well as the fact its a performance based video with energy. Whereas his other video for 'drop the game' is rather more unusual, with a dancer on a quite road dancing with strange things passing by. Here they are.
Finally the song that I am potentially thinking of doing is a Flume song called 'Insane' which features moon holiday.
In this post I will again look at what has given me some inspiration and ideas, for my music video. This time I will look at music video similar to 'midnight' by Coldplay but not identical. I will look at route 94 and his debut song 'my love' which features Jess Glynee. The song was released in the UK on February 28th 2014, topping the charts.
The music video for the single 'my love' was first released onto Youtube on the 27th of January 2014. The music video lasts for 3 minutes and 11 seconds, and for a majority of its time is set in a club. Throughout the music video except a short bit at the beginning and ends it is using the infrared effect. At the start we see the man walk into the club, the club itself with people dancing, then him with a girl, who he later goes back to a house with. I was unable to find the director, however I believe it was a video already released on youtube which appealed to Route 94, so decided to use it. Here is the video.
Just like the Coldplay video, I like it due to the uniqueness, giving the video another perspective compared to what it would have looked like if it was not in an infrared (or similar) effect. Moreover I find the video interesting, giving us a small story to follow. In this case the man going to the club and his experience, which gives us an insight into his lift and the club experience.
I've had a few ideas to do for my music video, and a lot of these ideas have simply came about by just watching other artists or groups music videos. One music which has given me great inspiration is british band 'Coldplay' for their song 'Midnight', which is part of their newest album ghost stories. The music video was released on 25th of February, originally as a teaser to promote their next un-announced sixth studio album.
The music video itself for the song 'midnight' was directed by Mary Wigmore, and premiered on Vevo on february 25th. The music video lasts for about 5 minutes, set mainly in a forest overlooking a city. Throughout the whole music video it is mainly shown in thermal infrared, where we often see the group themselves, nature such as trees, animals, and the city it self. The video has over 1 million views in less than 24 hours of release. Here is the video.
So why do I like this video? I like it due to two main reasons. The first being due to its originality, this is because most music videos we see today are similar, however this video is different and uses great special effects to make it unique as we don't often see a music video completely in another perspective. The second reason I like it is due to the fact that it offers a viewing from another perspective, allowing us to view something differently due to the effects used. Basically saying that if the music video was shot normally it would appeal and come across completely differently, not letting us pick up the same messages, therefore showing how we all have different perception.
In this post I will look at few examples of how artists, and perhaps some or their songs or adverts have been advertised, via print media.
1) Sterophonics - Here is the advert for the groups new album 'keep calm and carry on'.
The image used on the advert for the album, is actually the same one used for the album cover, therefore creating a link between the two, and people will recognise the CD. I will now look in details at certain aspects of the advert. The first being the actual image used, which is the group at a table, in the sea, possibly relating to the albums name of being able to keep calm, even though they are in the sea and eat. The colour is mainly grey, which could symbolise grief or sadness, which is a common theme/emotion used by groups. On the advert they give no other information of the tracks on the album. However other information which is give includes; the date that the album is released, so then people have an indication of when they can buy it, the ways you can listen to the song so people know where or how to get it, and the bands website.
2) Jessie J - Here is an advert for her debut album 'who are we'
Like the first advert a print media advert is used, which uses the same image of Jessie J on the album cover, so therefore creates a link between the advert and CD soon to come. The image shows Jessie J, looking rather dark yet good, therefore relating to Goodwin's theory again of trying to put the artist in a good light, as well as selling music through sex appeal. The other information includes the website of the artist, so an indicator of where to buy the song, and unlike the last advert, it also includes other known artists, so is therefore trying to promote the album by linking other who are more well known and popular. However the advert does not say when the album is out.
There are many different ways in which you could advertise an album. However the type of adverts which I will look at is mainly print media, which could often include:
magazines
posters
newspapers
bilboards
Print media was the first type of advertising which was introduced, and the first advert came in the 19th century when music was advertised in short broadsheets which before the intro of adverts which had one income from subscriptions to the paper.(would often be small ads). The print media further developed in 1870s, when the introduction of the 'printing industry' perfected colour and made mass production possible.
Artists will often put advertisements in music related magazines, as those who read it and see it are more likely to check the album out, perhaps buying it if they like it.
The music video that a band or singer uses is very important for image that is given out to viewers. This is often why artists or group put a lot of time and effort into creating good music videos which can give off a good vibe as well as viewing to the audience. I will look at a few different groups or artists and explore how their music videos have shaped their image to the public.
1) Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has a rather unique image. In her videos and often in live performances, she always appears to have a rather unique or wacky costume. She has kept this image consistent and has been seen as a role model for many due to her uniqueness, inspiring others in many ways. Yet, then again although she is unique some people may relate this with her history of drug use, which again relates to how everything can effect the singer image. (In addition in most of her music video she will be seen dancing, which falls into the characteristic of a pop video).
An example is her song 'Bad romance'.
1) Pop - Pop music and digipacks often display the artist on the front cover in a good light, often looking good. Therefore they seem to be appealing to the consumers. In addition it often refers back to Andrew Goodwin's of the use of sex appeal to sell the music. An example is Rihanna's album cover for LOUD.
2) Rock - Often rock digipacks may show off the band themselves, as well as the use of dark colours/shades, or perhaps objects which refer to a certain theme, such as rose to resemble romance. (sometimes random stuff which is like concept theory) Therefore unlike pop digipacks their aim is not to show off the artist or use physical appearance to sell the music. An example is ACDC.
3) Rap - Often rap digipacks will show the rapper themselves, sometimes posing, sometimes tey will try to look intimidating, and often they are topless to show off their physique. In addition many times the album covers will show and object, such as money, or perhaps a weapon. Good examples include 50 Cent and Eminem.
4) R&B - R&B digipacks are often seen as very gentle and slick. They're often related to themes within the music genre such as emotions within. A lot of these emotions are often love. An example is R Kelly's album 'Love letter'.
5) EDM- Electric dance music digipacks are often quite stylish and simple, often because there's often not actually to much to resemble the music with images. Therefore some often include large words, object, or scenery. An example is Calvin Harris ablum '18 months'.
In the picture you can see Britney Spears' digipack for he album 'female fatale'. I have chosen to look at this digipack because Britney Spears was considered to be one of the most popular stars around around the time when digipacks where most popular. I will look to identify and analyse some key aspects. One of these is the pictures used, and in this case it is mainly of Britney herself, posing looking 'sexy' which can link back to one of Andrew Goodwin's theories, that we can try to sell music through sex appeal, as well as often showing the women body. Moreover on the back of the digipack there is a list of tracks on the album and their number; useful information for the consumer as they could see the songs while identifying which number they are as they use their CD players. However apart from those aspects their is no other information or writing offered on this specific digiack, showing that is it in fact very basic, perhaps as it was one the earlier ones.
2) Radio head
Here is the special digipack for Radio heads album 'In rainbows'. I have chosen to look at this digipack as its rather unique compared to a vast majority which just has the singer or group themselves of the front. I will also look to identify and analyse key aspects of this digipack just like I did in the previous one. There are no real images shown on the digipack, however on the front cover there is colourful writing on the front. This is unlike the previous cover which shows the artist as they try to show the individual in a good light, whereas the group decided to choose this cover with a range of colour as it reflects the rainbow. Other information included in the digipack are the tracks on the CD.
A digipack is a type of CD packaging often made from a certain heavy paper like material such as cardboard. These digipacks can often fold open, having three parts to it, often packing which opens to both the left and right, with the CD being held in the middle part. This useful product was originally created by Meadwestvaco, who named it digi-pak, however the product became very popular, so soon it was being used by many other manufacturers.
Digipacks have both pros and cons, some of the pros include:
They look nice and will appeal to consumers, therefore are useful for marketing, as well as promotion.
They crack less compared to jewel cases.
They are seen to be environmentally friendly compared to similar products such as jewel cases as the digipack can be made from recyclable product.
Some of the cons include:
When the teeth of the tray in the digipack does break, the CD can fall out of the bottom as theres nothing to hold it.
The trays in the digipacks break often. Therefore offering little protection
In this post I will look at certain artists and identify their specific or unique styles. Their style is what helps to separate themselves to the rest of other artists.
1) Lady Gaga
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, also known as Lady Gaga, is an american singer and song writer. In Gaga's early days she went to a university in New York, however dropped out to pursue her career in music, where she was noticed by fellow artist Akon who helped her sign a deal with music labels. Her debut album 'The Fame' was released in 2008, and became a hit with songs such as 'poker face' and 'Just dance'.
However Gaga is also very well know due to her unique, yet diverse contributions to the music industry through her fashion, music videos, and live performances. Lady Gaga is renowned for her strange and unusual fashion, which is in fact very smart, as its help to raise her reputation, attracting many fans. For example she decided to dress as a boy when she was a presented at MTV VMAs.
Gaga's music videos are often described as short films. Its also believed that Lady Gaga's music videos centralise around the themes of sex, violence, and power. Therefore her music videos often centralise around the type of 'concept' based music video, as they evolve around one of these ideas. She also try to inspire her audience such as for women to stand up for themselves, and for women to not feel alone. A good example is her video Judas, which shows the idea of power. (video doesn't relate to lyrics - concept)
Live performances is another key aspect for Lady Gaga. She is very well known for putting on a good performance, due to her high energy, entertaining dancing, and as she is a character her self, therefore putting on a good spectacle.
From research on the internet, I believe that the following are the top rated music videos around the world:
5) Bjork - All is full of of love
The song was released as a dance single in the late 1998s. The music video was directed by Chris Cunningham. The video has received global acclaim from critics and has won multiples awards. The video was listed amongst the best videos of all time by many, and MTV placed it at top in their 100 best videos ever.
The video depicts a robot, lying on a table being assembled, and soon passionately kissing another robot. This was a breakthrough music video at its time, due to the new technology and great graphic.
4) Soundgarden - Black hole sun
This song is regarded to be this american band most popular song, after being released in the 90s, topping the charts. The music video was directed by Howard Greenhalgh. The video was released June 1994, and after being on MTV for weeks, a new version was released with greater visual effects. Soon the new video was a hit MTV and got a reward for best Rock video in 1994.
3) A-ha - Take on me
The song is by the norwegian synth-pop band A-ha. The song was recorded in 1984 and took three releases to chart in the UK, peaking at number two in the charts in November 1985, however it reached number one in the US. The music video was directed by Steven Barron. The video features the band in a pencil sketch animation method called rotoscoping. The video itself won six awards and was nominated for two others at the 1986 MTV video music awards. The music videos theme is a romantic fantasy narrative. (Awards one include: best new artist video, best concept video, most experimental video, best direction, best special effects and viewer choice).
2) Johnny Cash - Hurt
In 2002 Johnny covered the song for his new album, in which the original song writer Reznor was flattered. The music video for Johnny Cash's version was directed by Mark Romanek. The video has been ranked the best of all time by NME, and placed very highly by many others. There is a lot of sadness resulting around the video itself, as it depicts Johnny in his early years, and later years, therefore showing him in a state of decay, resembling his great past but cruel reality, as he was ill. Within a year of release of the video, both Johnny and his wife passed away.
1) Michael Jackson - Thriller
Michael Jacksons thriller is a 13 minute music video, released in December 1983. It was directed by John Landis. The song was MTVs first world premiere video, and is voted to be the most influential music video of all time. In addition it gained a Guinness world record in 2006 for being the most successful music video, after selling 9 million copies. It was also the first ever music video to be put onto the National Film Registry. Other awards the music video and song has one include MTV; viewers choice, best choreography, best overall performance in video, 100 greatest videos.
In this post I will look at some of my personal favourite music videos, and why. Although I have many that I like, I will look at a few, and try to get different types of music videos. However some of my personal favourite types are you usually performance due to the energy as well as narrative due to the story involved.
1) Chase and Status (Plan B) - End Credits (Narrative)
This song was released in 2009, and featured in the film Harry Brown. The music videos itself was directed by Kim Gehrig, who used a lot of the featured footage from the film Harry Brown. The genre for the videos song is drum and bass, and belongs to the label RAM and Vertigo.
The reason I like this certain video is due to how we see the man's story just before he passes away. The man in the moment is lying on concrete floor, looking up to the sky as if he's going to go up to heaven, meanwhile we see flash backs in his life, and on numerous occasions he is there, as if watching him self, regretting what he has done. Overall I like how it shows the story of a young man who has probably made the wrong life choices, regretting it, and although he regrets it, it is too late and we see at the end as if he's floating to heaven when in reality he is not.
2) Calvin Harris ft Ellie Goulding - I need your love. (narrative)
The song was released on April 12th 2013. The music video was directed by Emil Nava, which shows Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding on a trip to Miami. However although it does show Calvin and Ellie during their time in Miami, the video cuts between other individuals picking up the camera and filming their time. The song and video received favourable reviews, reaching number four on the UK singles chart. The music video itself was nominated for best collaboration and best song of the summer at the 2013 MTV music video awards.
I like this video particularly because of the use of the point of view shot, and how it is first person which allows us to put ourself in someone else's shoes and have a look into their life. How the camera is passed between individuals is also very smart, plus keeping the viewers interested.
3) Muse - Our time is running out
The song was released as the lead single from their album on 8th September 2003 in the UK. It was the bands first top 10 hit in the UK. The music video was directed by John Hillcoat, who used the technique of intertextuality as the video is partially based on Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to stop worrying and love bomb.
The music video is largely performance based, one of the main reason I like it. We can see the band in the centre, performing in front of military officials, who are moving along with the beat, all in one performance.
Here I will be looking at some of the most popular music video directors.
Paul Hunter - Paul Hunter is a successful music video director, after creating music videos for a numerous number of popular singles, as well as many more. Paul has one the MTV award of best video of the year and best video from a film, in 2000, for his video for the song "lady marmalade'. Paul has worked with many popular artists include the likes of, Eminem, Michael Jackson, Snoop dog, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Notorious B.I.G, and many more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hunter_%28director%29
Michel Gondry - Michel is born on the May 8th 1963. He is notably known for being a french film director, screen writer, producer, music video director, and has picked up an academy award. Michels career of a film maker actually started as he began to create music videos for a rock group Oui Oui. Soon Gondry found himself producing videos for a range of artists, and on more than once occasion for the likes of Radiohead, Daft Punk, and The white strips, further on in his career. Gondry along with fellow directors Spike Jonze and David Fincher, is a representative of the influx of music video directors into feature film. He made his film debut was in 2001 with Human Nature. Michel style of video often relies on videography and camera tricks which play with frames of reference. Some notable music videos Gondry has done include the songs:
Heard em say - Kanye West
Knives out - Radiohead
Everlong - FooFighters
Around the world - Daft Punk
David Fincher - David was born August 28th 1962, and is an american film director, film producer, and music video director. He was recently nominated for the academy award for best director for the films, 'The curious case of Benjamin button', and 'Social Network'. In Davids early career he was employed at Korty films, but soon moved to Industrial light and magic in 1983, where he notably worked on the 1984 'Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom'. However in 1984 Finchers career kicked off when he left Industrial light and magic to direct an american cancer society advert which highly raised his reputation. Although David is a very successful music video director he has also been involved in a number of popular films such as, se7en, Alien 3, and The girl with the dragon tattoo. As a music film director Fincher has won two Grammy awards for best music video for the videos 'Love is Strong' by The rolling Stones in 1995, and 'Suit and Tie' by Justin Timberlake ft Jay Z in 2013. More over he has won three MTV video music awards for best direction. Some notable music videos Fincher has directed include:
Suit and Tie- Justin Timberlake and Jay Z
Who is it? - Michael Jackson
Bad girl - Madonna
Love is strong - Rolling Stones
Chris Cunningham - He is a british video artist and director, born in 1970. Chris initially directed music videos for music genres such as electronica and ambient music, as well directing some short films. In 2000s Chris began doing music production work. In chris' music videos career he won multiple awards for the video to Bjork's, 'All is love', which includes an MTV award for breakthrough video, as well as a grammy nomination for best short form video, and was the first to ever music video to win a gold pencil at D&AD awards. Some notable music video Chris has done include:
