BLK feedback

good postings recently Emma; try and get some of your analysis work completed soon

Reflections on our feedback

In last night's feedback session there were several issues raised (see group blog).
One of these was an issue concerning having a black indie singer despite saying we were aiming at a predominantly white audience, which I can see is a valid point yet caused issues within the group as a result. I personally feel that it would be most beneficial to the group if Jennfier was to play the hero because it suits her personality. I also have concerns over using Jennifer's friends as the other actors because there is a chance the filming may turn into disarray with nothing being done. This would also then lead to the whole issue becomming even more of a "race row" as having all actors not being white would be racist towards them, so either way we lose. If we were able to get Jazmin to be our performer I think it would work well as she looks the part and we would be able to work with her. In light of this I think that we need to rethink our choices of actors and reach a new agreement before the summer.
However I am glad that there was positive feedback regarding the idea of comic books and the idea as a whole, I just hope we can resolve the issues.

Video Analysis 2

Christina Aguilera - Beautiful



Performance & concept based
Concept of others finding beauty, developing throughout the video (relateable to our own idea)
Focus on facial expression - CUs
Quite a dark mise-en-scene
ELS show isolation within room (eg 24 seconds)
Not necessarily singing to camera
Slow paced - fits to music
An everyday kinda look - no high budget sets/locations
Message of being proud of yourself
Editing changes pace as music does
Frames within frames eg mirrors
Idea of people watiching & judging either themselves of being watched/judged
Lyrics kinda illustrated by visuals, people aren't letting themselves be brought down by the end
Typical focus on performance

Video Analysis 1

My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade



Performance
Concept of "The Patient"
Establishing shot
Frames within frames (TV at start)
Notion of looking - TV screen, nurses around bed etc - continues album's concept of "The Patient" watching the world
Focus on lips
Changes pace
Focus on facial expressions
Black Parade enters on lyric
Lyrics usually contradict visuals
Black & white & red
Money shots of the band, focus on Gerard Way
Band playing instruments - sticks with image
Typical OTT actions of Gerard - poses etc
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is a major influence
Totally different from previous videos in terms of concept but still performance based

Our new idea

I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really like the new idea we have. I think it's much simpler and easier to shot but would have a better end result. I'm really, really, really, really, really, really, really excited by the idea (which tbh I wasn't really by teh other one, more just kinda liking it).

One of my friend's outside of schoool said he would be willing to be our Superman. He's about 5'7, has brown hair and is a swimmer so quite muscular. I'll post a picture of him up later =]

See the group blog for a post about the new idea!
http://musicvideogroup32008.blogspot.com/search/label/idea

BLK feedback

good work Emma.

I know you're posting like mad to the group blog, but try and post up your own responses to whatever is happening in the group so you keep a (brief) running commentary on this blog.

also some independent music video analysis using the framework we've done in class would be good when you get the chance.

The Chemical Brothers - Elektrobank

EDITING
Cuts
Cut away to coach/father/judge/crowd/other athlete
Footage slows to fit with music
Fades between girl & coach – 5min
Cross dissolve at last jump

LIGHTING
Natural appearance

CAMERA FRAMING & MOVEMENT
Establishing shot
Doors frame a lot of shots
POV of first girl
Hand held footage of father/guy with thumbs up – idea of watching
High angle – shows scale of location
Tracking girl’s movement – shows distance travelled
Focus on girl’s face
A lot of long shots

SFX
Slowed down footage to emphasise action

MISE-EN-SCENE/COLOUR/COSTUME
Blue & white costumes – can differentiate between her & competition
Red ribbon – stands out
Gymnastic competition – blank surroundings, small crowd make it realistic

NARRATIVE
About 1:30 of a plot before the song
Story of girl trying to win

GENRE
Electro dance

AUDIENCE
Over 20 to maybe 30ish?
Male

“OTHER STUFF”
Concept based – gymnastic competition
No obvious lyrics therefore not illustrative/amplifying/contradictory
Band isn’t featured
Idea of gymnast being watched by crowd & other competitors but not sexually