Production Diary: Music Videos

Over these past few days I have continued to research music videos that I admire, by analysing these music videos it helps to understand the types of camera angles used in music videos. I have noticed that close ups are often used throughout which emphasises the artist even more. I’ve also noticed that narrative music videos are quite popular as they audience can relate to them. In the music video ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry, I like the use of mise en scene as they include fireworks shooting out of her which adds effect and emphasises the lyrics. I have also done another research task about music channels and found out that MTV have numerous sister channels in the U.S. I also learnt that music channels don’t always have to be dedicated to just music but it can also show programmes that are popular for the audience. 

Research into the Music Genre - Pop

After completing this task I was able to understand the pop genre in more detail and how it has developed through all these years and what has influenced the genre to develop this way. I find that this task was useful as I can use these characteristics in my music video in order for it be successful and professional. 

Production Diary: Pop Video

Over the weekend I have been thinking of the type of music video that I will be creating. I have also been looking at the codes and conventions for a successful music video and what is needed for the music video to be attracted to the correct target audience. For example a pop video would include bright colours and most commonly follow a simple narrative. These videos are popular as some narratives link well with the lyrics and may fit in well with the audiences life as well.
I have also been looking at music videos and listening to the lyrics to see if the video links in well, I have noticed that some music videos don't follow as they include performances. I think that in a music video it is a good idea to include some performances as this will give the target audience an insight to how they may be like at a live performance and will make the audience want to watch them. 
I have also been watching and listening to different music channels, I have noticed that 4Music have different presenters for different programmes, these are either artists saying which are there favourite top 10 songs of all time or interviews with artists. I like how they include recent and up-to-date news about the music industry. This encourages the target audience who are interested in the music industry to stick with their channel and watch most of the programmes shown.

Evidence of videos you admire

Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World) 

This music video is inspiring due to the variety of camera shots and editing. There are many close ups to emphasis the artist full energy in parts of the song. The use of long shots highlight the different locations she is at. I love how at the beginning of the music video you can hear the diegetic sound of the wind blowing and the video links well with this sound as the audience can clearly see that her dress is also blowing in the wind and then suddenly there is jump cut to the beginning of the song which has nothing to do with the wind. I like how throughout the music video the theme is red, her hair, the background and props used such as balloons and flowers. There is a good use of sound parallel as the song is happy and lively and then you see a blast of fireworks which links well in the music video. 

Katy Perry - Firework 

I like how at the beginning of this music video the director uses a pan from right to left of city skylines and you can hear the surroundings such as sirens. This makes the music video appear more realistic. There is a story behind this song, and the use of parallel editing with different scenes happening at the same time have been linked in very well. The use of the fireworks coming out of the artist emphasises the name of the music video and encourages the target audience to show that they aren't afraid or different. I like how the music video has been all based at night and the only colourful things in the music video is all the fireworks. 

Jessie J - WILD ft. Big Sean, Dizzee Rascal

I really like the beginning of this music video as it is simple and its all based in one place. The colours all blend well together. The main colours used is black, grey and white. I love the lighting used, and all the flashing lights making some scenes more brighter than ours. I also like how Jessie J introduces the other artists before they start singing. I also think that this music video was easy to shoot as its all in the same location and they are using body language that links in well with the lyrics. I like this music video because it highlights Jessie J's vocals. 

I have chosen to analyse these music videos as these are music videos in which have been a great in the past and each music video is different and follows a different style. I like how Rihanna's music video has followed the colour scheme of red, this bring her image out and connotates love. By completing this task, has brought some more ideas for my music video. Especially with the camera angles, I have noticed that in music videos close ups are used a lot to highlight the main artist. In my music video I am thinking of starting the music video with either a narrative or a close up of the artist. 

Music Channels

I have completed this task basing the music channels on the pop industry as this is the industry I will be following for my music video. I believe it is a successful industry and is always expanding. Most of these music channels that I have spoken about are very successful, for example MTV, it has many other channels within MTV which focus on different music genres targeting all audiences who are interested in the industry. 

Conventions of Music Videos

This was a successful task as I gained more insight into different types of music videos, for example the types of music videos; narrative, conceptual and performance. Also by looking at other genres of music videos I was able to notice different conventions to make up that particular video. After completing this task I began to think about what my music video would be, whether it was going to be a narrative or performance or perhaps both. 

Production Diary: Codes and Conventions

Over the weekend I did a research task which allowed me to research the codes and conventions of a music video. By completing this task has helped me to develop more ideas for my music video. I learnt the main types of music videos there are; narrative, conceptual and performance. I still continue to like the idea of a performance based music video. This is due to the artist being able to dance and sing which helps to promote their music to the target audience due to highlighting their ability to perform and entertain the audience.

Production Diary: Deciding On A Genre

In today’s lesson I have began to research music videos in order to decide which type of genre I will be basing my music video. I like the pop genre as it would be quite easy to create as the conventions of a pop music video is bright colours and a fun feeling which I believe is easy to create. I have been researching music artists such as; Rihanna, Beyonce and Katy Perry as they have been successful pop artists for a while and there music videos are interesting and use a variety of key concepts, for example some follow a simple narrative or some are performance based. I like the performance based music videos as they indicate to the audience what the artist may be like live on stage as they will be doing two things at once, dancing and singing. I have also began to think of who will be my artist in my music video and if I was to go with a performance type of music video I would ask my close friend Filipa as she is confident with cameras and she does dance competitions due to attending dance classes of hip hop. 

Resource Audit

People: These are potential actors/actresses who will be in my music video. This may be through dancing, singing or acting. I will have photogenic people in my music video as it looks natural and it will appeal to my target audience. I have a couple of friends who may be interested in being my music video as some are already dancers; Filipa and Melanie and some who also sing or rap.

Song ideas: (still choosing)

Rihanna - Only Girl 

Katy Perry - Fireworks

Pixie Lott - Gravity
 

Location: Having the right location is the key element to a music video and this will have to look realistic and fit in well with the music, in order to have a professional look to it. I have a number of places where I am thinking of doing my music video. As I am going away in the summer to Portugal I feel that I could do a scene on the beach and include fireworks, this will only take place if I decide to do Katy Perry - Firework. Also I have friends who dance at a studio and may also use the studio to do a dance routine. 

Costumes/Props: Having the right costumes and props in a music video brings everything together making the music video appear more realistic and attracts the target audience to keep watching. I will have a variety of costumes, such as a frilly dress which with the wind it will blow to add effect. I will also have fireworks which will link with the music video. 

Equipment: 

-Camera

-Green Screen

-Tripod

-Costumes

-Makeup

By completing a resource audit allowed me to think of ideas for my music video which will help me when coming up with my final idea. I have thought of possible song choices which I will then analyse in order to choose which song fits best with my artist. By planning a head makes it easier to come up with ideas therefore I will benefit from this whilst I do my research and planning tasks.