music video slide show
TRANSCRIPT
Music Videos
What is a music video
“A filmed or videotaped rendition of a recorded song, often portraying musicians
performing the song or including visual images interpreting the lyrics”
History of music videos
Music videos have been around since the 1920’s where
singers would make short videos to accompany the song
e.g Bessie Smith.
(Click for video)
1965 Bob DylanIn 1965 a video was produced for the song subterranean homesick blues however it
was apart of a film don’t look back. Despite this it is still widely credited as one of the
first modern videos and has features which are still present in modern videos such as
having the lyrics on screen.
(Click for video)
1970’sIt was during the 1970’s when pop music TV shows
were a hit thus the record industry saw the TV shows as a great opportunity to promote their artists and created short ‘promos’, early music
videos which started to replace live performances of the artist on stages. This allowed the artist to become a bigger success as they could be in
multiple places at a single time through airing the music video on television worldwide.
1975Bohemian RhapsodyBohemian Rhapsody was a ground breaking video by Queen and marked the beginning of the video
era. The video was also one of the first to use advanced visual effects and set the ‘language’ for modern films, which are still used and recreated,
today in new videos.(Such as live performances and lip syncing) It is also a song which
Is commonly parodied For humour for exampleBy The Muppets.
The technical codes of music(Cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene,
sound)CinematographyCamera movement may accompany movement of
performers walking/dancing to create a more dynamic
feel and a sense of movement.
Close up shots are also common for music videos
partly because of the small size of TV’s in the early
years, which isn’t so much of an issue now, and also
creates a sense of intimacy for the viewer and
potentially portrays what they are trying to sell ‘the
face.’
EditingA common form of
editing in music videos is fast cut montage which consists of
random images being pasted together making it impossible to grasp
everything the audience is being shown on first viewing. This is an easy way of selling an artist
as the video needs multiple viewing from audiences thus more
money is being made.
However, some artists use slow pace
and gentle transitions to
establish mood depending on the genre of the song. This is common for solo artists such as
Adele or James blunt.To enhance the editing
special effects are used, digital effects, and play with the original images to offer
different kinds of pleasure for the audience. E.g split
screens, colourisation and blockbuster film style CGI (which is becoming very
popular.)
Godwin’s music video analysis1) Music video’s demonstrate genre characteristics (e.g stage performance in rock videos, a dance routine in a pop video etc)2) there is a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals (illustrates, amplifies or contradicts)3) there is a relationship between the music and the visuals (illustrates, amplifies or contradicts)4) the demands of the record label will include he need for lots of close up’s of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which reoccur across their work (a visual style)5) There is frequently reference to notion of looking(screens within screens, telescopes, mirrors etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.6) There is often intertextual reference to films, Tv programs, other music videos etc)
Intertextual referencingThe shaping of texts meanings by other textsThis is commonly used for advertisements purposes
to help sell and remember a product for example Taylor Swift’s diet coca cola advert.
Main focus is the singer, the product is merely a background tool as Taylor Swift sells.
Only at the end is the product fully acknowledged by the audience
Singing in the car is relatable for audiences and get’s them to remember the song and buy the product.
The three ways of intertextual referencing
1) Stylistically Imitating the style of a film or TV genre, video game, cartoon etc.
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Is filmed in the style of a short horror film with music within it.
Displays stereotypical mise-en-scene of a zombie horror film through the setting being a
graveyard.
2) Through theme/narrative
George Michael – outside focus’ on a real life event in which Michael was arrested for a sexual act in a Hollywood public toilet and this music video cover the incident and more specifically the publicity/ coverage of it.
Designed to look like German Pornography, complete with German Titles.
Police helicopters, only used inSerious cases portrays how dramatic the Incident was.
Made to look like a live recording on the news throughA cctv camera view.
3) ContentSome music videos contain more subtle intertextual referencing within their content
Madonna – Material girlReferences Marilyn Monroe through the use of her costume and by mimicking
the scene from gentlemen prefer blondes.
Why do we intertextual reference?
Intertextual referencing is used by advertisers in order to sell products and within the music industry
it is used to sell an artist. If a advertiser is referencing something the audience likes it gives audience nostalgia and enhances the meaning of
the product. The audience feel privileged and get a sense of satisfaction as they feel they are being let
in on a secret.John Stuarts description of the music video
‘Incorporating, raiding and reconstructing’ is essentially the essence of intertextuality.
Intertextual referencing in music video
The song is narrative based and tells a story
as the lyrics accompany the visuals to give a
visual representation on what the singer is
telling the audience.
Intertextual references Ben stiller by featuring him in the video as a civilian walking past the booth.
reference to notion of looking as the audience
are placed In position of the
screen looking up at the artists.
Live performances however they aren’t taken
seriously which goes against the conventions of rock e.g. casual
costumes, acoustic not
electric which in a sense mocks the
genre.
References the foo fighters by having a band member ,Dave Grohl, as Satan