Lesson 3- Looking at Existing Music Videos

Lesson 3- Looking at Existing Music Videos

Music videos are comprised of two types of image:

•       Performance clips

•       Conceptual clips

In the majority of music videos the two are combined

•       A performance clip is a video that shows the artist in more than one setting, performing with instruments and bands

Performance Settings

•       However, the performance can take place in a different setting, perhaps with more variety.

•       The singer could be in their bedroom, singing out of the window; they could be walking down the street

Narrative Clip

•       A visual story that is easy to follow

•       The story is an idea or concept

•       The narrative usually relates to the song in some way

Artistic Clips

•       Music videos use artistic elements to enhance the overall piece

Combining the elements makes a more successful video

•       Artistic Performance Video

•       Artistic Narrative Video

•       Narrative Performance Video

Using Narrative Effectively

•      A narrative based video can be more meaningful than a performance based video

•      It’s easier to film and edit

•      Makes it interesting for longer

The challenge of a performance video

•      Snow Patrol You’re All I Have

•      Miming has to be in perfect sync

•      Tracking shots are very difficult

•      Large number of shots and edits

•      Must follow the tempo/beat

•      Close ups are important, need to see facial features

•      Slower songs need to be carefully planned

•      Shots need to be varied, constant moving with multiple takes

Including Narrative

•      A purely story based video

•      You have the advantages of a short film

•      The success is heavily influenced by the choice of song

•      The narrative could feature the vocalist or an actor as the main character

•      The shots are more straightforward

•      It’s much more interesting

•      Can be made more fun

Intertextuality: Referencing other videos, movies, TV