After watching various videos by The Kooks and other indie artists we've come up with some key codes and conventions we'd like to use in our video.
Style
The way the camera is used is key because it can either make or break a relationship with the viewer. Although we want to use a variety of camera shots we think that close-ups especially will help build a close relationship with the viewer as well as emphasis the emotive lyrics. We feel strongly about relating the video to both genders and avoiding Mulvey's Male Gaze theory where the camera shows what a male would like to see.
Most of The Kooks music videos are in black and white to show the intensity and
strip down the video to emphasis on the song. However instead we came up with the idea to film most of our video in the dark to give it an intense vibe whilst still being in colour. To signify the end of the relationship all parts of the couple together will be in daylight whereas when they are apart we will darken the shots, showing how life has change with life and dark being personified to mean happy and sad.
Above anything we want the audience to be able to relate to the situation of a break-up shown in our music video which helps as are budget isn't obviously that much. This will be done by using everyday locations and simple costumes to increase the realism.
Plot
The main plot of the video will be in the form of a narrative showing the relationship between two young lovers breaking up but in the end being resolved. After analysing the lyrics we decided that this narrative would support the idea that the male lead singer is heartbroken and needs 'her soul' and 'her sway'. Despite the differences between them he'll 'give it his all' to ensure that they are back together. To make our music video interesting to watch were going to use the addition of a sub-plot of a two piece music band playing the two choruses. This is something many bands such as Kings of Leon and The Script do regularly. We felt that we only focused on the narrative there would be a lack of 'star appeal' and coverage of the band for the audience to gain popularity. It is also unrealistic not to include the band at all in their own music video.
Concept
A key concept we want in our video is the strong relationship between the band and the audience. The lyrics alone are relatable as they are about missing someone however we want our video to show this in a powerful way through varied camera shots, use of narrative and portraying an 'everyday lifestyle'.
Godwins theory helped us to to determine some of the features that a successful music video should use. Godwin says that:
1 - There should be a demonstration of genre characters
This refers to the character fitting the stereotypes connected with the video for
example a rapper wearing heavy jewellery and being surrounded by women. We are doing this through costume by dressing our male protagonist in skinny jeans and a shirt.
Clear link between lyrics and visuals
Firstly to make sense, but secondly a good song can be made great by a complementary music video. Scenes can be used to bring out certain emotions, this is why we will be using 'crying' scenes after the break up.
Voyeuristic treatment of females
This is one element of Godwin's theory that we have decided to go against. Part of out concept is to relate the video the audience and by using voyeurism we are excluding the female audience and only appealing to men. I don't think using it would suit the song 'Sway' or the bands clean cut reputation.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Choosing the Cast
NAME: CRAIG WALTERS
We chose Craig to be the lead singer and play the lead in our narrative for out video. This is because we felt that he fit into the stereotypical indie image which is crucial when singing The Kooks. For example, Craig also has good style and wears clothes such as skinnies and checked shirts as shown below this is exactly what we want. As well as his style complementing the genre he also fits in with the young and attractive characteristics of lead singers.
NAME: TIM HAYWARD
Craig and Tim are both in a band together but as the other two band members are as reliable we thought we'd use Tim to add an instrumental element to the song. Indie music emphasises the importance of playing instruments, so we thought that using him would make the video more realistic. He also has an 'indie look' about him so would fit in well.
NAME: MELISSA SAYERS
As part of he narrative we needed a lead girl to show the break up of a relationship between her and the main singer. We chose Mel as she is part of the group so is easily available, her 'young/blond' regular girl look will appeal to the audience as they can relate to the heartache she is portraying.
We chose Craig to be the lead singer and play the lead in our narrative for out video. This is because we felt that he fit into the stereotypical indie image which is crucial when singing The Kooks. For example, Craig also has good style and wears clothes such as skinnies and checked shirts as shown below this is exactly what we want. As well as his style complementing the genre he also fits in with the young and attractive characteristics of lead singers.
NAME: TIM HAYWARD
Craig and Tim are both in a band together but as the other two band members are as reliable we thought we'd use Tim to add an instrumental element to the song. Indie music emphasises the importance of playing instruments, so we thought that using him would make the video more realistic. He also has an 'indie look' about him so would fit in well.
NAME: MELISSA SAYERS
As part of he narrative we needed a lead girl to show the break up of a relationship between her and the main singer. We chose Mel as she is part of the group so is easily available, her 'young/blond' regular girl look will appeal to the audience as they can relate to the heartache she is portraying.
Most Popular Music Videos
Whilst conducted my MTV research,I found a table that shows the most viewed videos each year. This could be down to the artists/songs popularity instead of the actual video but it's interesting to see what sort of camera techniques and concept are used in the videos.
http://www.mtv.com/music/yearbook/index.jhtml?contentId=1579051
http://www.mtv.com/music/yearbook/index.jhtml?contentId=1579051
Monday, 13 December 2010
Final Location Report
We've chosen to film in the woods, using fairy lights as the background.
This is for three reasons:
1) Its accessible
2) Original
3) Fits in with the mood
The area we are thinking of using is a small wooded area on the side of a main road, which does look more effective at night. We thought that there is enough clearing in the middle to fit everything and it easy to transport equipment there.
These are the lights were going to buy as a multi purchase for the backdrop:
This is for three reasons:
1) Its accessible
2) Original
3) Fits in with the mood
The area we are thinking of using is a small wooded area on the side of a main road, which does look more effective at night. We thought that there is enough clearing in the middle to fit everything and it easy to transport equipment there.
These are the lights were going to buy as a multi purchase for the backdrop:
Location Ideas
PARTY
An idea sprung to mind that we could emulate something out of teenage drama 'Skins' where one of the members of the band is 'drowning his sorrows' at a party. This would link to the target audience but it would be pretty hard to film.
LIGHTEN UP WOODED AREA
This is our favourite idea for a location for the chorus with the band playing in front. We thought not only would it look effective but would be easy to set up in terms of limited budget and location. It is also original as apart from Ellie Gouldings video for 'Guns and Horses' shown below:
A BEACH
At first we thought that a beach would tie in perfectly with the mood of the song, but on the other hand it is very similar to the original video for 'Sway' and didn't want to copy their style too much as we want our own twist to the song.
An idea sprung to mind that we could emulate something out of teenage drama 'Skins' where one of the members of the band is 'drowning his sorrows' at a party. This would link to the target audience but it would be pretty hard to film.
LIGHTEN UP WOODED AREA
This is our favourite idea for a location for the chorus with the band playing in front. We thought not only would it look effective but would be easy to set up in terms of limited budget and location. It is also original as apart from Ellie Gouldings video for 'Guns and Horses' shown below:
A BEACH
At first we thought that a beach would tie in perfectly with the mood of the song, but on the other hand it is very similar to the original video for 'Sway' and didn't want to copy their style too much as we want our own twist to the song.
Theorists attached to our work
John Corner
SURFACE REALISM- getting all the details write in terms of locations, props and costume.We want to make sure all are suitable to the genre of Indie and tie into the Kooks previous work, for example the use of instruments and everyday locations.
EMOTIONAL REALISM- audience can identify with a character.
The Kooks lyrics to 'Sway' are easily relatable to the young target audience they attract. Talking about heart ache is a easy topic this age group can relate to. With the use of a narrative story we think viewers can follow along and link their own personal experiences to what is happening.
Lowery & DefFleur-
HYPODERMIC SYRINGE THEORY- audience believe and don't question things they see in the media.This is probably one of the most known media theories. In relation to us we have to make our video believe able so audiences can follow along without questioning what's happening too much. A good music video will involve the audience escaping into the world of music.
Perkins
REPRESENTATION- stereotypes can be good and some are positive.
When I think of Indie I immediately think of meaningful lyrics, bands and realistic performances. These are the connotations we want to convey in our video so that the stereotype for an indie band remains positive.
SURFACE REALISM- getting all the details write in terms of locations, props and costume.We want to make sure all are suitable to the genre of Indie and tie into the Kooks previous work, for example the use of instruments and everyday locations.
EMOTIONAL REALISM- audience can identify with a character.
The Kooks lyrics to 'Sway' are easily relatable to the young target audience they attract. Talking about heart ache is a easy topic this age group can relate to. With the use of a narrative story we think viewers can follow along and link their own personal experiences to what is happening.
Lowery & DefFleur-
HYPODERMIC SYRINGE THEORY- audience believe and don't question things they see in the media.This is probably one of the most known media theories. In relation to us we have to make our video believe able so audiences can follow along without questioning what's happening too much. A good music video will involve the audience escaping into the world of music.
Perkins
REPRESENTATION- stereotypes can be good and some are positive.
When I think of Indie I immediately think of meaningful lyrics, bands and realistic performances. These are the connotations we want to convey in our video so that the stereotype for an indie band remains positive.
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