Technical Tutorials

Camera Techniques

We also experimented with the use of instruments including the drums, guitar, keyboard and microphone. Each instrument requires some practice and familiarisation to get the realistic look of you actually playing the instrument. I found this quite difficult as I do not play an instrument, however Nathan looked quite comfortable and adapted to this task well.

This image shows that we found that using three different cameras at the same time allows us to film three different shots of each member of the band, saving time and effort. This meant we only had to film once through, in comparison to if we were using one camera, we would have had to film three times. We will take this experience and use it during our actual filming for our music video. This way we have footage of many different angles which will vary the shots when editing and putting the clips together.

Here is Brittany and I, during our green screen shoot involving the class and our individual groups. We got to experiement with the camera's and also when infront of the camera we used instruments to make it look more realistic. It was quite hard to feel relaxed as the class were watching us perform... however it has given me more confidence in looking into the camera and making eye contact with the audience. I found that singing the lyrics with meaning really makes an effect on the overall image of the video, as it looks as if you are emotional about this song and it relates to you.

What makes a good PUBLICITY PHOTO?

After filming we had a variety of shots to play with which we created a short video with. We have decided to leave the green screen as a background so we weren't pressured to create a similar look in the real video as we have not yet decided what we would like. However we did experiment with some backgrounds and have learned how to change it in final cut. I really felt this has given us a head start for when we create our actual video, as final cut will be the programme we will be using. I have familiarised myself with the shortcut keys to ensure a quicker edit but also how to insert or convert files into the correct format, which will really importantly save us valuable time when editing our real music video.

This green screen shoot has allowed us to reflect on our performance and how we look in front of the camera so we can decide on what went well and what could be improved. I can see that I need to find some confidence when acting in front of the camera, however my lip syncing is at a good standard.

This makes a really good publicity photo as even though its simple, the effects are detailed and skill full. It also helps when the model is photogenic and looks good in a picture. The facial expression she is revealing really makes the audience ask what is she looking at and why does she have this concerned look on her face. This would most likely be answered in the songs in her album or the lyrics in that particular single. Therefore it's important to link the image on the cover or digi-pack to the songs so there is some sort of relevance in the overall package and is helpful to attract the buyer to purchase this item.

CD COVER DESIGN

Frank Miller- London calls me a stranger 

Here I have used photoshop to create a draft CD cover of our artist Nathan Bedford against a plain background holding a hooded gesture. We have decided to get Nathan to do this position as it's quite enclosed and private which relates to the title, 'London calls me a stranger'. The character looks very lonely and unhappy due to his facial expression looking down at the floor revealing a loss of confidence in comparison to if he was smiling and making eye contact with the viewer. I have edited the picture into a black and white colour scheme to contradict the stereotype of London being colourful and exciting, because this characters lyrics reveal his segregation and separation he feels.  

Jade Emans

This is one of our favourite CD covers due to the editing techniques and the main talent herself in the photo. As she is photogenic already, this adds a touch of professionalism and class as her make- up and overall appearance looks planned and well thought out. It could be debated whether it is a glamourous picture, due to her natural beauty however it has a very plain colour scheme and not much detail in the image. It is plainly about her facial expression rather than other props and elements around her which create the image, which is a really gentle and calming approach to the viewer as they can simply concentrate on the character.

The blurred editing technique at the bottom draws your eye towards her face even more as it has distorted and blurred her shoulders, emphasising her facial expression even more. 

Millie Pennington

This is also a similar situation as her face is the main focus in this CD cover. On the other hand she has eye contact with the audience with her black piercing eyes which has quite an impact and makes you feel quite dominated. This editing of her eyes has really enhanced the effect as they're harsh and bold in contrast to her natural pale blue coloured eyes which would have a more calming and attractive effect rather than piercing the audience. I also really like her body language with her finger on her lip which is just off looking like a 'shh' gesture. Its more of an edgy look with her purple nail varnish linking to her black eyes. I really like this cover, as the close up and editing techniques to make a strong contrast has quite a big impact upon the audience and creates a relationship with the model, wanting to know more about her as the gesture leaves us a bit of a cliff hanger. Maybe this could enhance that her music and lyrics will explain this.

Emily

This is a contrasting cover to the previous we have seen. It is more technological and structured. This has definately been thought about by the editor, and has used the same picture from the previous cover however this reveals a different way of editing and the skills we have. I like how the name has covered the eyes in the middle of the image as it enhances her facial expression even further. This is because you look at the name and cannot see her eyes, so you look at the other images around her where it reveals her focus which is down, making the audience think why she is doing this. The repetitive and overlapping editing technique keeps the audience looking at the image and really drilling it into them. It can also look quite delerious as it is placed at different angles which could look quite confusing. Overall I would be keen to use this editing technique as its modern and fresh and reflects the technological advancement we have.

Image Annotation

Lyrics Annotation

[Verse]

The shop across the road, Here we could have a shot of a shop in london where the female character is standing

It fills my needs and keeps me company,

When I need it, The shop is like his comfort object, the shop would have to look approachable and welcoming

Voices beat through my walls, When editing, a shot of a wall could look as if it had a pulse, or as if something was passing through it.

I don't think I'm gonna make it, Body language could look quite negative, and discomforting, like head down in hands and slouching.

Past to-mor-roow.,

London calls me a stranger, He needs to look different from others around him as if he doesnt fit in.

A traveller Ohoohohh, He is never often settled in a home, so should look quite comfortable moving around in the town

This is now my home, He can now look comfortable, get a shot of somewhere which looks homely and welcoming

My home,

Oh Woah,

Burning on the back street, 

Oh Woah,

Stuck here, sitting in the back seat,

Oh Woah,

And I'm blazing on the street,

What I do isn't upto you, 

And if the city never sleeps then that makes two.,

Song Details

We have chosen to use the song 'The City' by Ed Sheeran. This song does not yet have a music video to match it, so we can really think openly about what we want our video to reveal, without referring to the original. Also Ed Sheeran is very modern and original, but also he sings about modern society issues, events or locations, for example in this song 'The City' is his main focus where he expresses how its alive and 'never sleeps'.
The GENRE of this song is male indie/pop. This artist is enjoyed by a wide variety of audiences however the target audience is mainly teenagers and young adults, due to the edgy and new feel of beats and rhythms he creates. We therefore chose to do this genre as we can link it to our taste of music, and what the audience wants to see, as this is our favourite genre of music.  

Roles

In our video as it is a song by a male solo artist, we will be using a young male and one other female character.

Our male character is Nathan Bedford who we think will suit the genre and style of the genre, due to his edgy and indie look. He is also excellent in front of the camera, as he looks natural and can make good eye contact with the camera to create a relationship with the audience. He's also good at lip syncing so can really help to make to video look professional and realistic. We know this as he has proved his talent in previous media tasks, like the green screen task, our lip synching experimental task, but also the thriller opening we created last year in year 13.

This is me- Charlotte Hannah. I will be playing the role of part producer and part actor. I will be filming some shots of our main actor Nathan, however I will also be in the music video, playing a london girl living her life. I feel I will be good as a character in the music video as I am quite confident infront of the camera, I feel like I will fit the role and I can put alot of energy and though into it, but also I have a good eye for filming a good shot so I am looking forward to help produce the video. Also I feel like I've had enough experience in media to make the shots look professional and of a high standard.

Brittany Devine will be playing the role of director, producer and the overall organiser of the camera and set. Brittany has a great imagination and also has a lot of experience within this area of camera's due to her photography and art courses she is presently taking. This gives us a great advantage as she has knowledege in editing techniques but also how to communicate ideas with the audience in a less subtle way thats not plainly obvious.  This is good as it gives the audience something to think about and gives the video a twist.



Initial Details

Our Initial Ideas, consist of what we have though of as a group of what we think will work well in our music video. Considering the pop genre and male artist we have chosen our ideas link to this and have been combined together from inspiration of other artists in this genre. For example the casual clothing is seen in Olly Murs video's to create quite a relaxed feel to the image of the video.
Instead of just writing a list of our initial ideas, we chose to create a short video of our ideas, and examples to match a few of them either in pictures or short clips.
Here is also a picture of our initial ideas, as it is quite hard to read all of them due to the small writing.

Final Assessment 'RESEARCH' Oct 11th SJA

WWW:

• Charlotte, you have obviously been working hard on your blog to get through the 'Research' posts. There is some really good work here. You show evidence of really thinking carefully about artisit representation, and your analytical posts reveal a strong grasp of media terminology, and careful consideration of ideas you could use in your own music video.
• Your 'Record Label' research was excellent, as was your extra work to create JING posts to explain some Low Budget Videos. This level of technical skills / effort and creativity in presentation will ear you higher marks.
• I was pleased that you responded to some teacher feedback and improved your post for the Mood Board.

EBI (for the 'Planning' and 'Evaluation' sections now):

• Time management - this is something you really need to work on Charlotte as you move through Year 13 now. Brittany will be needing you to attend all lessons (especially when filming and editing begin) and to make sure you do your contributions to making really brilliant posts - there is some inconsistency with the quality of some of your posts Charlotte. You can't produce your best work when it is left to the very last minute. I am concerned that I could only see ONE post for 'Theories' for the final mark of 'Research'??? 'Time Management' is actually one of the assessment criteria - so you need to keep this in mind throughout the rest of your work on this.
• Make sure you are trying to really push the blog to its full creative potential - this will be the difference between Level 3 and Level 4 blogs. Think of ways (and make the time) to come up with really creative ideas for the presentation of your work. JING is great to explain any editing that you do, and to talk through the more technical posts. You could also use Youtube functions such as tagging, or do a voice over commentary for a few posts. Keep it visual and original.

Overall mark for 'RESEARCH':  High Level 3/ Low Level 4 - this could so easily be bumped up to a secure Level 4 Charlotte if you invested a brilliant effort for 'Planning' posts. You just need to invest every effort in ducumenting all shot lists, costumes / props / storyboards, etc. The main thing to focus on is creativity in presentation and skilled use of ICT for every blog post.

Theories 3- Carol Vernallis

Multiplicity shots of incomplete, obsure parts of a narrative are used.

The order of the shots is unconventional and shifts variablly with no shot order.

Time, space, character and narrative are revealed incompletely.

Discontinuity is used.

Visual Hooks are used.

THE Phantasmagorical Body 

Shots of the body will be put together in a certain way in order to encourage and reveal this 'perfect body' to the audience. In a few of the GIFS I have found below, it reveals this way of presenting a body and it is specifically seen it the female gender rather than men, however male's are sometimes seen as this image to attract the female audience or anyone who is attracted to them and like their music.

Theories 2- Andrew Goodwin

Andrew Goodwin produced a book called ‘Dancing in the Distraction Factory’ where he stated that the editing style is focused on three areas:

- Illustration

- Amplification

- Disjuncture

But it’s further split into the areas of looking at the lyrics, music and image of a band or artist.

Illustration

Music – The shots always cut on the beat.

Lyrics – The images illustrate the literal meaning or feeling of the lyrics, mainly  just with the band singing and dancing.

Band Image - The band simply singing/dancing/playing instruments, usually dressed as would be expected to the genre.

Above is a Gif of One Direction, who are dresses casually and in their video's the shots are always cut on the beat, and also their lyrics match visually with what is in the video.

Amplification

Music – Shots cut on and off the beat, to emphasise certain features.

Lyrics – The images amplify the lyrics & create a specific narrative, could be used as certain things aren’t picked up from just reading the lyrics. 

Band Image – The band could take on fictional roles in the narrative.

In Katy Perry's video of E.T she takes on a fictional role as an alien, however still a Phantasmagorical body is still revealed here to attract the target audience. 

Disjuncture

Music – Shots cut off the beat, can be a sign of a badly made music video, (but not always).

Lyrics – The images don’t relate to the lyrics that are used, sometimes used by bands who are already very well established, and who can afford to take the risk.

Band Image – The band/artist takes on an image that’s completely opposite of their expected image, e.g. Ed Sheeran ‘you need me.’

Above is a Gif from Ed Sheeran's music video called Lego House, which uses another character throughout the video to express his love for Ed, then finally at the end they meet in this form, making him happy. This is a very different approach to the video to not actually have the main singer starring in the video. Sheeran does this in many other videos for example You need me, where he uses another person to act out the whole song in sign language. 

Task 9- Theories 1...Bordwell and Thompsons

Graphic

The transitions between each shot can be linked though the same 'pictorial qualities' like shape, patterns and movement of light and can also cause abrupt cuts when contrasting qualities are used.

Graphic Match

This cut emphasizes between the graphic and the similarities of the shots.

Graphic Continuity:

This is used when the director wants to establish a sense of continuity and often narrative in a music video.

Graphic Discontinuity 

This is use when contrasting colours and shapes are used in a shot.

Spatial

This transition is used to relate each shot to one another through it's setting and location.

Continuity Editing

An establishing shot followed by a range of small range shots are shown to be in the same location and time frame.

Kuleshoveffect

There is no establishing shot but the audience assume that it is the same time and location.

Cross Cutting

This when seperature places are being shown parrallel to eachother, this usually shows what is happening in different locations during the same time in the frame.

Temportal

This is when the of action is manipulated. It is usually done through flashbacks and flashforwards, and can be used to create or answer questions within the narrative. Ellipsis in time are often used to remove boring clips that would create viewer fatigue. 

Empty Frames

This shows the figure of interest moving of the frame followed by them walking into an empty frame usually in a different location. 

Cutaway

This shot shows an event happening for a short amount of time somewhere else.

Rhythmic

This is the duration of each shot in relation to the beat or tempo. It can create tension when the length is steadily increasing and exciting when it is becoming shorter. When a shot is cut on the beat it creates a smooth flow and when it is cut off the beat it usually feels abrupt and imcomplete.

Questionnaire

Here I have screen grabbed the Questionnaire we have created from the website Survey Monkey. This is a great website and piece of technology which allows you the create the questionnaire to how you want it, by providing a range of question types from open and closed with text box's and tick boxes. This is good in a questionnaire as it allows you to recieve a range of answers and get a more in depth answer like their opinions and what they would recomend etc. We have created 10 questions which will recieve answers that will help us with our video, and allow us to analyse the results and make decisions from there.

Assessment 'RESEARCH' SJA Oct 3rd

WWW
- Charlotte, I have thoroughly enjoyed looking over your blog and reading your posts. You are clearly investing much more time in your blog of recent weeks, and you are really starting to show what you are capable of - please keep up the time investment Charlotte!
- Many of your posts are very good to absolutely excellent, I really like to overall 'visual look' of your blog, there's lots of technical skill shown in that things are moving, you have gone to the effort of creating your JING video of the Low Budget video. I'm so pleased you took up this idea - and if you have any more time to go back to some of your POP or ROCK analytical posts to do something similar, it will be very worthwhile.
- Post 14 - Genre research - 5 music videos is very good - I was so pleased to finally read a blog with all 5 there. Perhaps go back and improve a couple of the entries (as some are a little vague compared to others)
-Post 15 is really visual - looks great


EBI
- Posts 9-11 - Theories - missing??
- Post 13 - Mood board is good- needs a paragraph included underneath where you explain how / why the artists you have shown represent themselves in this way
- Post 17 - Record Label reserach - great so far, but one more needed
- Post 18 - Advert research - Great so far, but one more advert needed
- Post 19 - Scan / screen grab your actual questionnaire
- Post 20 - Really great graphs - I'm so pleased Survey Monkey was a success for you - but you do need to include a paragraph basically for each one explaining how you will use this information in the shaping of your own music video to appeal to your target audience

Overall effort - VG (Very Good)... but still has to be 'IN' IMPROVEMENT NEEDED  Charlotte, as there's work that needed to be complete by today. I will really look forward to hopefully being able to give your RESEACRH section an 'Excellent' when all posts are complete and to a brilliant standard as I'm seeing in many.  Please make sure you have all Research posts completed by this Friday Oct 7th for Final assessment.
Thank you for investing effort into your blog, again, I have really enjoyed reading through your work so far. Friday it the absolute final deadline Charlotte.

Questionnaire Results

This graph reveals what genre of music the people who answered the questionnaire likes the most. We chose 6 genre's which are quite well known in society to give the audience a range to choose from. As you can see in the pie chart pop is one of the most popular genre's, which is useful to us as this is our chosen genre for our music video. This shows us, quite a large chunk of society will be interested in our work, and if it was released it would have quite a good chance of becoming successful. I think pop is very likeable as it's upbeat and usually involve songs that people can dance to or relate to fun.



We then asked people how the genre made them feel, and linking to our genre of pop, this bar graph reads that it made people feel happy, and a selection of people extremely happy. Therefore this shows us that in our music video, we should aim for a positive atmosphere and look, to prolong the feeling that pop reflects. The song we have chosen has an upbeat tune, and is sang by an extremely popular artist already, therefore we need to match the quality and style, as if this was his actual video.

This bar reveals how important music is to them. As we can see, half of the people who answered the questionnaire, rated music at an importance of 5, which is the top band they could select. This means, people may see music as an inspiration, listen to it to cheer themselves up or generally for pure entertainment. Therefore we need to ensure this video is meaningful, and so the audience can actually gain something from it, such as a moral or maybe show how actions effect people. Also as our song is about a city, it would be a good idea to link the lyrics of the song to the location, by filming in London and editing the video to suggest how a city feels, fast paced, exciting and vibrant.

Technology I have used

Here I have taken screen grabs of the websites and computer technology I have used to show my research coursework. I have used the website screencast and the application Jing. I really like Jing as it's an application which allows me to make my blog more visual and interesting but also include audio, through my voice over the video analysing what I see.

Task 15: List the conventions of your chosen genre

-Colourful Mise En Scene
-Upbeat atmosphere
-Energetic Dance Routines.
-Number of Costumes changes.
-Artists are involved in the video.
-Women artists are always powerful and independent.
-The target is aimed at teenagers.
-There is usually a Narrative to the video.
-Close ups are mainly used to show emotions and artists faces
-Bright Lighting used to a create the desired atmosphere.
-Various Location Changes throughout the video- prevents viewer fatigue
- Facial expressions reveal a lot to the audience, and have a huge effect on the atmosphere.

Brittany Spears: She looks glamorous, with bright colours in the mise en scene and is performing an enegetic dance routine. She is showing a powerful and independent image due to the strong hand gesture and her isolation in the shot.

Adam Lambert: He uses a darker Mise en scene but uses the spotlights in the background to create a club like effect with pace and excitement. The artist is also the centre of each shot here either long or mid shot.


Ne- yo: This represents a great location. however we can obviously tell this is in a set of outside studio's which is a great advantage as they can personalise it to what they want the video to portray. Also   we can tell this video is aimed at teenagers due to the bright colours, imaginative costumes which match, and the expressive facial expressions.

Assessment 16th Septembers

Charlotte

WWW

Finally Some summer work! These posts are highly detailed and insightful. You use Media Language appropriately.

Theres a lot of in depth work here!

Well done. 

You have completed most of the work from last year and the lip sync task once you have the music sorted looks really good! 

EBI
Commentary on In the Sun Video? I dont hear it?

I really want to help you get that L4 you are targeted at. If you can keep on developing your Media Language in your analysis that will help you. Sometimes your posts are a bit waffly without getting to the point.  I feel you could use more specific examples of media language. To get used to doing this focus on one or two areas per analysis so you develop your vocab on lighting, performance, editing and camera work.

Overall a great start to Year 13- Keep it up! JIN

Task 14: Analyse 5 music video's from your genre choice

Our genre choice is male indie/ pop.
BY CHARLOTTE HANNAH
My first analysis is of 'You make it real to me' by James Morrison.

This video is set in various places throughout Los Angeles, and we can tell this as on the motorway we see the sign for the 110 freeway, whilst james is in a taxi. We also see him in the video by a pool, arriving at a hotel, and then him singing on stage. The video also has shots of Morrison in a bar and coffee-shop. The video ends with him walking alone. These shots are quite similar to each other as they range from a small variety of long, medium and close up shots, however with imaginative and compositions within them, by revealing settings, locations and facial components and expressions. 
Our first impressions to this video is that it's quite low and sad due to the body language he is showing us, by looking down, away from the camera, singing with his eyes closed at times and having quite a frumpy posture. On the other hand this shows he's in deep thought and very emotional about something, and by this reflection he is proving to be a very good performer as he can put across the image and atmosphere that he wants. Furthermore he is always alone, except for in the studio however nobody talks to him. This could emphasise his lonliness and the meaning of the song, of maybe that he lost someone and grieving or suffering. 


BY CHARLOTTE HANNAH

The second video I will be analysing is 'I'm Yours' by Jason Mraz. 
The video’s opening scene is an overhead shot of a private jet a in an airport. It sets up the next scene where Mraz is seated, supposedly, in that same airplane.
Some of the locations we see in the video are an airport, in the back of a pick up truck/ taxi, an apartment with a fish tank, a skateboard park, a waterfall and the beach. 


I really like the underwater shots they take of the men and women swimming. It creates a fun and enjoyable atmosphere to the video as well as the other shots at the beach of people surfing and socialising. The video uses a variety of shots, for example the establishing shot of the waterfall which was taken in a helicopter as it's a high angle shot. Also the close ups of Mraz allow us to see that he's relaxed and is having a good time. 


By BRITTANY DEVINE

As me and my group are looking into a male pop artist for our music video we decided that looking into male pop artists would be appropriate for our research. I chose Daniel Powter's 'Bad Day' as I think that it has elements that every pop video should have. From the cinematography to the mise-en scene I think that he targets his audience and draws them in.

The first shot is a high angled shot that is split screened. The high angled shot is used because they're shown asleep in their bed, connoting that they're tired and therefore at their weakness. It could also portray them as vulnerable as they don't want to get out of bed in the morning as every day for them is a 'bad day.' I think that they use them getting out of bed and appearing weak as one of the first shots as neither one of them has met each other yet and therefore as the song progresses their moods will change. I think that this is also emphasis by the use of high key lighting as it's a representation of a new day and a new start, connoting that things are about to get better and pick up.

I used this second shot as it is a complete contrast to the first. A mid shot is used to convey how happy a couple are on a train. Their use of body language and gesture reinforce how fond they are of one another, and how he's seen as the alpha male by looking after her and keeping her safe whilst she sleeps. This only antagonizes the audience has they're able to relate to both the characters who are looking for love. I would say that Daniel Powter targets teenage girls/young adults in this video, who stereotypically like love stories and happy endings, and therefore you cannot help but assume that this video will have a happy ending.

Shot three is beautifully framed, using the rule of thirds technique. You could almost say that this is nearly symmetrical, apart from the fact that Daniel Powter is directly centered in the middle. The use of the extreme long shot emphasis the metaphorical meaning as to why the artist is presented as a tiny figure amongst the big city. Daniel Powter represents how both the male and female character feel in this music video. They feel consumed and swallowed whole by this city, leaving them lonely amongst a city full of life and energy. That is why I think that the location has been chosen cleverly, inside of in a small park or in a house of some sort. Through analysing this particular shot I learned that location and setting is key when planning or filming your music video. You have to think about it carefully in order to help convey your message to your target audience.

The third shot is another split screen shot of the two main characters. By allowing the audience to recognise that they're so similar yet they have never met intrigues the audience and leaves them feeling excited as we're given the impression that they will meet by the end of this video which is reinforced by the split screen being symmetrical to one another. By always presenting these characters on their own this connotes how both of them are so lonely, and how they need eachother. The way they're positioned and their body language make it evident of how vulnerable they are which rewinds us back to the third shot of how small and useless they feel in this big city. Even though there are elements of high key lighting used in some area's the colours used are pretty dull and dreary. In not one shot is anything remotely bright or vibrant. This has been framed deliberately as they wanted the locations and setting to have connotations of sadness, and that the colours are dull just like their life is.

I love how the fifth shot is framed and I think that it has great connotations. The over the shoulder shot is specifically used to disguise the girls face as she stares out of the window. You could suggest that she is staring out of the window because she thinks that there is more to life out there, or to be more specific some one out there. Her face is hidden from the camera because she feels like she has no purpose yet, and therefore she is a nobody and no identity. Her posture is slouched connoting that she is fed up with everything and tired. She is staring at the shut door/window because she feels like she's stuck behind a wall, unable to progress any further. I think the use of all these connotations are so that the audience is able to relate and easily understand what is going on, as that is key in a music video.

The sixth and seventh shot are near enough identical, yet again hiding each others identity. This is because they're communicating through drawings on a wall, and therefore have never met each other. The girl is very pessimistic as she draws a raincloud over the photo of the lady, as she is representing herself and how she feels. However, when the male character see's this drawing he then goes on to draw an umbrella over the lady. The drawing of these objects are metaphorically used to represent each character. She feels like everyday is a bad day and that she never has any luck (hence the raincloud.) However he is represented as the umbrella, who's there to metaphorically save her from the rain and brighten up her day (as cheesy as it sounds.)

In shot eight we come to the climax of the video, where you could suggest that the picture becomes a reality for both characters. A low angle shot is used so that the male character and the umbrella can appear to be more powerful and have more of an impact in the scene. The costumes/hair and make up are used cleverly in this scene as they have made the female character's clothing and hair all wet in the rain. I think that this only emphasises her vulnerability and the mood that she portrays. This contrasts to the male characters clothing, and for the first time in the music video we realise that there is a different between them. Stereotypically the male character is presented as strong and powerful, whereas the female character is vulnerable and weak.

My ninth and last shot is of the artist lip syncing the song. I included this screen grab as my last shot because even though this pop music video tells a clever and interesting story you'll normally find in pop that they always use lip syncing. You could stereotypically suggest that this is because pop is probably one of the few genre's that focuses a lot more on how the artist is presented or what they look like than others. Therefore, by using close ups of young, attractive men it is going to appeal widely to their target audience of young/teenage girls.

Here are a few gifs taken from the music video.

BY BRITTANY DEVINE

This video is a prime example of a music video that has a narrative story that reflects the lyrics of the song.

The first shot is a close up of one of the artists, shown lip syncing the words to the song. I think that we are introduced to the music video with this shot as Rihanna is one of the most successful pop artists, and therefore would automatically intrigue her fans. This is also the first time that any of her fans saw her bright red hair for the first time, which would then become a massive trend for teenage girls/young adults across many different countries. As Rihanna is a fashion icon by introducing her hair for the first time at the start of the music video this also grabs the audiences attention, and therefore cause people to talk about it via social networking which helps promote the video and her music. The close up is also used so that it is evident for the audience to read her facial expressions, which are stern and mean which connote with the lyrics of the song which theme hatred and anger.

The second shot is a mid shot of the female character used in this music video. The female character is Megan Fox who is an actress best known for her apperance. Having a celebrity involved in your music video also helps creates publicity aswell as intriguing Megan Fox's fans into listening to the song or viewing the music video. The background is parrallel to the foreground, as the background is located in a stereotypically ordinary house. However, the foreground image is of Megan Fox who is cupping her hands to hold fire. This contrast reflects how her and her boyfriend may appear to be an ordinary couple, but behind closed doors it's destructive and dangerous.

The third shot shows the second artist Eminem who is also incredibly famous. This is a beautifully framed shot as it is located in a deserted field as the sun sets. Even though Eminem isn't always centred in the middle of the frame, the open space area allows the audience to divert straight to him. As he lip syncs in this shot his body language and gestures suggest that he is angry and frustrated, something that rappers are stereotypically associated with. This shot is one of the only shots that uses high key lighting, therefore this being the only shot that connotes any positivity. However, I think that they have used this location when shooting Eminem's scene to contrast the different emotions conveyed. The location lifts the video whereas eminem brings negativity with his angry lyrics and gestures. You could suggest that this is used so that their audience has mixed emotions and feelings, just like both the male and female characters do in the music video.

As the music video progresses the lyrics are reinforced by the emphasis of the two lead characters.

BY REBECCA LAKE

Ed Sheeran - A Team

Ed Sheeran fits into the genre of Pop, however this music video doesn't contain all the typical conventions of a Pop video. The whole video is in black and white, which creates a very dark mood. However, it fits with the meaning and lyrics of the song well. There is a range of interesting camera shots used within this video, including close-ups, long shots, and over the shoulder shots. This adds to the suspense and exitement of the video and gives different points of view of the frame to the audience. There is also very good effects used in the video, especially when the girl is sat on the floor and everything around her is moving fast. This gives the viewers an understanding of what her life is like and how she feels, which helps to generate sympathy for the character. Costume is also another aspect which makes this video succesfull as it shows the viewers exactly what this character is like and what the video is about.