Music Video Analysis

Blink 182-

The Rock Show

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7hhDINyBP0&ob=av2e

This music video opens with an explanation of what is going to happen in the video. Its an experimental video that sees the band being given $500,000 from their production company to make the video themselves. It sees them driving around Los Angeles getting up to all sorts of antics such as distributing money to people around the town, giving a homeless man a hair cut and a suit and taking him to a strip club, paying people to shave their hair, buying and releasing doves, paying strippers to clean a mans car, buying cars and a tv to destroy them, paying for a banner on a plane to advertise their album name and giving skateboarding gear to young skateboarders with a guest appearance from Jeremy Klein.
There are also performances from the band in various locations including a small studio, and a shopping centre.

The techniques are very basic as the main importance of the video was to see what the band could and would choose to do with the money. The mise en scene was not very thought out and is more spur of the moment. The costume and make up was not enhanced, it is all casual clothing that the band wore on the day and that applies to the people featured too. The character movements were reactions to the actions and activities that were taking place, they were not pre planned or structured. This reflects the fun carefree nature of the band.

The lighting is natural light which is aided during the shots of the band performing and any shots indoors by strobe lighting.
There are various locations used in this video such as a small studio, a shopping centre, a barbers shop and a strip club. None of these locations were enhanced or modified in any way so all of the props that were used throughout the filming were there previously.
The camera work is also very basic to focus on the concept of the video. A fish eye lens is used whilst the band are performing in the small studio to make the shot more interesting and focus on the band not the space. There are also lots of shots of the band followed by medium and long shots of the activity and the people involved. This helps you to identify and remind you the video is all the bands ideas. The majority of the shots are either eye level or low angle due to the lack of plans for the video however there are a few high angle shots when the band are performing in the shopping centre as they were capable of filming from the next level. Long shots are used when the band and the public are skateboarding and performing in order for the audience to understand the scale of what they are doing and the amount of people involved. Quick pans were also used to show the whole situation. The cameras proxemics were not crucial to this video which is obvious from the camera quality and this draws the audiences attention to the ideas and things activities taking place in the video.
Along with the non diegetic song there are diegetic sounds in the beginning of the video as the band are explaining what is about to happen, there is also the sound of the car driving off before the music begins. This informs the audience so that they understand that the video is just about having fun.
The editing is very simplistic to match the rest of the video and keep things coherent. Quick cuts are used to keep the pace and hide any camera jolts, making the video appear to be filmed a lot smoother.

The relationship between sound and image doesn’t appear to match considering the lyrics are telling us about ‘the girl at the rock show’ however the video does include ‘rock shows’ and there is the large majority of females involved in the filming so although they done appear to be directly correlated, they do compliment each other nicely. The majority of the filming doesn’t see lip syncing whilst the band is out spending their money. However the shots of the band performing show that even though most of the budget was blown on the band having fun, they do still match and aren’t out of time.

There is a reference to the Foo Fighters who are another rock band when the lead singer spits into the camera whilst performing in the studio much like Dave Grohl in the ‘Monkey Wrench’ video.

 I think the whole concept of this video is what makes it effective. Its entirely experimental and makes us as audience members feel like we are in the bands heads as we are witnessing what they would do with the money for a video and it turned out to be really successful. It’s just a fun, carefree video with a different spin on the norm.


Kristie Henry

Music Video Analysis

Every Avenue-

Tell Me I’m A Wreck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD-2VsWaJo0

This video documents people’s mishaps and confessions relating to love and relationships. The song tells of the artist’s relationship breakdown and the video acts as a diary which sees him reveal his true heartfelt to the situation through clips of himself and text overlaid in the centre. He is joined by shots of many other people and just one or two lines on screen that informs you of their problems in past relationships. There are also shots of the band performing as this is a generic feature of music videos in the alternative/rock genre.

The main theme of this video is not to dwell on what could have been or what you’ve done wrong, just to remember that everyone has experienced heartbreak and you are not alone, it is not a crime to be on your own. It also shows how things can work out and that you won’t always get hurt with a short clip of an elderly couple telling of their happy journey as a couple. The last frame represents the main theme as it is a shot of what looks like a timeline with additional text ‘We are all a wreck’.

The techniques used are very minimalistic in order to focus on the concept of the video. The mise en scene is specific to each individual and helps to enhance their character. The costumes are all each personals unique style of casual clothing aided by their make up or lack of it. There are shots to enforce this such as a shot of a make up pallet in which you can see the girls reflection in the mirror and also an extreme close up of converse shoes before cutting to the girl wearing them for her confession.
The locations change very frequently to suit each person or couple in their situation. There are some shots of people in their homes where others are so close up their setting is irrelevant. This is further indication that this video is raw and is purely created to portray meaning and emotion. Even the space in which the band is performing is very minimalistic and stripped back which makes it appear to be an abandoned open space much like a warehouse.
Like most features of the mise en scene, the character movement is very limited. They are mostly just sitting down or standing still with few shots of couples embracing. However the shots of the band performing show the pure emotion through their energy.
Various props are used to represent each person in their own situation. However there are also additional shots of objects such as a clock which suggests things take time and writing on a notepad saying ‘s+l=<3’ which is a typical thing we associate with love. There are also some random images such as a deers head and a spice rack which could build references with a home and families.


The lighting is very high key in order to clearly see the emotion in each persons eyes in exception of one shot of the lead singer. However this shot is taken using a fish eye lens so his emotion is clearly visible as it is enhanced. It is also important to have high key lighting as it portrays the daylight and therefore natural light which connects with this video as they are all confessing and letting things out in the open.

The camera work is very simplistic but very effective. It includes extreme close ups of objects and then a close up of the person. When there is a frame that includes a couple, medium shots are used in order to capture the emotion of the two. The camera is mostly still but shows obvious signs of being handheld as there are slight jolts and movements. The majority of the shots f the characters are eye level in order for identification and understanding to be built between the audience and the individual. The camerawork when the band are performing is much more versatile and includes wide and long shots to show all of the band. Shots are taken from the side and not just head on in order to show all areas.
The editing is very basic and primarily consists of quick cuts between each shot. The main focus being on the additional text which is also very simplistic but thats what makes it effective. For the extreme close ups of peoples facial features the shot is slightly blurred whilst getting into focus proving the text to be of higher importance. The writing is arial font, bold and white, nothing fancy, just purely stripped down to basics to reflect the meaning of the video. It is also always overlaid over the image in the centre of the screen to ensure it is read. Rhythmic editing is used to keep the pace and ensure the writing has enough time to be read whilst fitting with the music.
 
The relationship between the sound and image is very staggered. The video is very simplistic and that could be due to the combination of the text on screen and the lyrics as they are not the same. You wouldn’t watch the video to listen to the song. They don’t show direct correlation which makes the non diegetic music more of a background noise whilst the people are confessing. However the frequent cuts to the band performing remind you of the song and its importance.


This video doesnt show and references to other texts and i think that is key for the meaning and atmosphere it is trying to portray.

The simplistic techniques used in this video and the importance of the raw emotion are what makes it effective. As an audience you get drawn in to these people and their lives whilst it gives you the opportunity to reflect and build connections to your own life. It’s a very powerful video with clear intentions shown in a perfect light.


Kristie Henry

Music Video Analysis

All Time Low- I Feel Like Dancing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTJkE8Ki3Gg&feature=related

This is a humorous video that uses its narrative to mock the music video industry. It progresses through three stages which see the band experiment with the most popular generic ideas for popular and successful music videos. These include; product placement, sexualisation and stealing someone else’s idea. All of which are doomed to failure which secures its comedic value.

The predominant theme of this video is to stay true to yourself and what you believe in, which means not getting caught up in the industry and not being swayed by producers or directors into the mainstream. However the subliminal theme is just to have a good time, as long as you’re enjoying what you do, others will too.

The techniques used in the video help to reinforce the message and add to the humour. Mise en scene is very thoroughly planned for this video as the props, costume and make-up enhance the storyline and portray each stage and their characters perfectly. Their costume and make up changes through each stage from casual clothing during the meeting and shots of the band performing to heavily brand endorsed clothing in product placement, very minimal clothing for the extras during sexualisation and extremely good replicas to mimic those in previous videos. The character movement aids in the distinct themes for each stage including shots of the product being consumed, intimate dancing and exact copies of the choreography from other videos. Various props are used to enhance each method for example the product being advertised; energy drink, chalk board and glasses of water to represent the office and of course the bands instruments to aid in their performance.

The lighting also changes to reflect the atmosphere in each stage. In the meeting scenes in the office environment there is use of high key lighting in order for it to represent that location. However in the product placement stage the lighting is low key with spotlights used to reflect off the product. The lights are also tinted yellow to match the product. The lights are also low key and yellow tinted in the sexualisation method to reflect off the large amounts of golden skin on show. It is also a very warm colour to represent the heat increasing. However in the last stage the lighting is very high key to match the mainstream pop music videos they are imitating.

The office setting is used frequently as throughout the video they go back to reflect on the failure of the method and to come up with a new idea. A studio is also used to recreate the videos they are mimicking through green screens and as a stage for the band to perform on.

The camera work helps to enhance each section of the music video. During the office meeting sequences it uses a combination of wide shots to show the location and meeting in process with close up reaction shots including shot reverse shot. The performance scenes sees close ups of the band whilst performing along with long, wide shots to show the band altogether. The video also includes pans and high angle shots to show the artist looking up in order to connect with the audience along with eye level shots to identify with the band. Throughout the sexualisation method there are frequent low angle shots in order to show the scantily clad women in a dominant light. Tracking is also used to follow the band into each method trial so the audience feel they are making the journey with tem to the set.

The editing enhances the humour throughout the video. For example additional text is used at the start of each section of filming each idea. The text is white and contrasts the dark background.  It is bold and in capitals in order to stand out in a 3D like font. It appears in the corners of the frame as there is a slow motion shot of a mistake happening in that sequence. For example the lady slipping and dropping the wigs in front of the ‘METHOD 3: STEAL IDEAS’ text on screen. This layered feature makes the text appear to be part of the set and not just added in after filming. Cuts are very frequently used to show reaction shots and to change from close ups to long shots but keeping pace. For every wide shot of the band in the office, the frame has a black border in order to fade the edges of the screen out for a softer look to aid in the friendly atmosphere.

 

The relationship between sound and image is vital for the success of this music video. The video acts as an advertisement for the song and portrays the indented mood, atmosphere and theme. Although at first glance you may think the video is irrelevant to the lyrics ‘i feel like dancing’ as you would expect a generic video in a club, however pop punk artists have the flexibility to avoid the usual. All Time Low in particular are known for their party attitude and this video reflects their personalities perfectly. It shows they just want to have a good time regardless.

Throughout the video there are breaks and interruptions to the song to show the ideas being discussed, this makes the audience feel more involved and understand the process of the video although it is all staged. Although the pauses in music are irritating it also acts as an intervention for piracy and may cause people not to use the youtube downloader. However all of the song is played and perfectly lip synced to the band including their instruments.

During the third method, which is stealing someone elses ideas, the band mimics and builds very strong references to other videos. The band reinact three very popular mainstream artists iconic videos. These are Katy Perry- California Girls, Justin Bieber-Baby and Lady Gaga- Bad Romance. By using such highly recognisable artists they have boosted their views and audience as fans of these artists will be intrigued to see what they have done. Also by mocking the mainstream this is highly entertaining for their audience who are usually not fans of pop music and would thoroughly enjoy All Time Lows carefree attitude that sees them dress up as females. This is what truly makes it effective, although it’s experimenting with generic video ideas, it is mocking them. This is a popular video concept and has also been done by Blink 182 in All the Small Things so it was sure to provide a very successful basis for a music video.

Kristie Henry

Influence; You Me At Six- Stay With Me

This video highlights our perception of a field and open space providing comfort and sanity to a relationship. The open space allows the couples to clear their head and focus on what makes them happy; their relationship. Their narrative explores the idea that you need to grow and nurture a relationship to make it work. So they brought the video back to a natural setting. This is a concept that connects with our music video narrative.

Influence; Blink 182- Always

This music video has had a significant influence on our own music video. We generated our idea of the split screen technique from seeing this. This video has always stood out to us due to its popularity. It is favoured by many other bands of its genre and often appears in many 'best video' polls and programmes. Its connection to the audience is one we wanted to mimic and create ourselves and so we decided to adapt one of its techniques.

2-1-2012 Progress Update

As our filming has taken longer than first anticipated in our production schoedule, due to the complexity of camera shots, we have been editing whilst filming. This has enabled us to revisit shots that do not integrate smoothly with the rest of the video and ensure we have enough footage and varitey or camera proxemics to select from. Overall improving our video to rise to our expectations and standards.

2-12-2011 Production Update

After filming everything we need for our rough cut, we are in the process of finishing the editing and extra research tasks on star images and digi-paks before the christmas break.