History of the music video
A music video is defined as "a video containing music, especially one created to promote a pop song."
In 1894, George Thomas was hired by Edward B. Marks and Joe Stern to promote their song 'The Little Lost Child.' Thomas used a magic lantern to project a series of images on a screen to simulate a live performance. This would later become known as the illustrated song. Between the years 1940 and 1947, 'Soundies' were produced and released. They were musical films that usually included short dances. Louis Jordan made short films for his songs in the mid 1940's. Around this time Walt Disney's 'Fantasia' was released; this was an animated video which was played in sync with classical music, this was done to illustrate the visual reciprocation of the music. According to his autobiography, Tony Bennett claims to have created 'the first music video'. This is a reference to him being filmed walking in Hyde Park, London in 1956. This clip was aired on shows in the UK and US.
In 1966 The Beatles released and starred in their first feature film called 'A Hard Day's Night". It was filmed in black and white and featured a comedic undertone; their second feature called 'Help!' was filmed in colour, in London. In 1965 the Beatles began making promotional clips which were distributed in other countries, broadening their audience without them having to make in-person appearances. In 1975 Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' music video was released, at the time this was huge and aided massively in the creation of the music videos we see on social media now. In 1981 MTV launched and aired 'Video Killed the Radio Star'. This would soon play a central role in the business of popular music marketing. Around the same time, music videos began to explore political themes; famously done by David Bowie in his songs: 'China Girl' and 'Let's Dance', both of which referenced race issues at the time. In 1992 MTV began giving credit to directors of the music video in the artist and song credits. In 1997 the website iFilm launched; it presented short videos, which included music videos. YouTube launched in 2005, which made online videos far more accessible to a large audience. Websites such as these had a profound effect on the viewership on music videos and therefore the success of certain artists. |
|
- Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_video
- From this website I sourced clear and well-structured information regarding the history of the music video.
- This information is relevant in the fact that it will aid me in gaining a broader understanding of the history of the music video.
- I plan on using the information to create the final project of this unit. I will include my new gained knowledge of the history of the music video, which will give the client a sense of professionalism.
- Source: https://www.slideshare.net/crosswaysfederation/music-video-a-brief-history
- From this website I sourced information regarding the history of the music video. More specifically the years in which major strides were made in regards to the music video, for example: the year 1992 when MTV began giving credit to directors of the music video in the artist and song credits.
- The information found on this website was extremely useful due to it's clear explanation of the history of the music video.
- I plan on using the information to create the final project of this unit. I will include my new gained knowledge of the history of the music video, which will give the client a sense of professionalism.
camera shots and angles
Close up - The shots fits the desired subject; usually someones face. This draws the viewers eyes towards the centre of the shot and therefore the subjects face. The facial expression and emotion of the subject determines the atmosphere of the shot.
Medium close up - This shot is usually taken from the chest or shoulders up. The main focus of the shot is the subject and more specifically, their face. This means the facial expression of the subject creates the atmosphere and can draw the viewer in due to the intimacy and personal feel of such a zoomed in shot. Extreme close up - The desired subject takes up the majority of the shot, this type of shot is used to draw attention towards a specific spot on the subjects face, for example the eyes. This would create an atmosphere of intimacy and whole-fully capture the viewers attention. Medium shot - This type of shot typically portrays the subject from the waist up. This draws the viewers attention towards the subjects facial expression and body language; there is still an aspect of background which can create an atmosphere for the viewer. Medium long shot - The subject is seen from around the knees up. This type of shot allows the subject to be close enough to portray emotion through facial expression and body movement; however there is still an aspect of the background which aids in the creation of the atmosphere created. Long shot - The subject is typically fully visible; despite being able to create mood, the shot is predominantly influenced by the background. A long shot is usually used to set the scene and create an atmosphere. It can also be used to emphasize the size of the scene compared to the subject; for example it could be used to show the scale of the trees while the subject stands near them. High angle - The shot is taken from above eye-level. This type of shot has the intention of making the subject seem weak and vulnerable. It is extremely effective at portraying an effect of powerlessness. Low angle - The shot is taken from below eye-level. This type of shot is pretty much the opposite of a high angle shot; it is used to make the subject look powerful and larger. A low angle shot can emphasize and create an atmosphere of strength. |
- Source: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/tips-and-solutions/filmmaking-101-camera-shot-types
- From this website I sourced information regarding the different kinds of camera shots and angles.
- This information is relevant because by broadening my knowledge of camera shots and angles I am able to guarantee the client a music video of professional standards.
- I plan on using this information within the presentation to make it obvious to the client that I possess the knowledge and skills to create a professional music video which incorporates a large variety of camera shots and angles.
breakdown of product placement
Bad and Boujee
Artist: Migos Featured artist: Lil Uzi Vert Album: Culture Released: 2017 Producers: Metro Boomin; G Koop Migos' song 'Bad and Boujee' featuring Lil Uzi Vert is a great example of product placement in a music video. Throughout the entire video, 19 brand names are mentioned. The brands mentioned, such as Gucci, Ferrari and Porsche, emphasizes the artists' image that they attempt to portray; one of wealth and luxury. The images to the right highlight examples of product placement within the music video. The brands are clearly visible to the audience and remain within the foreground. The brands are further associated with the artists' image, this results in the audience associating KFC for example with enjoyment and fun. Medium shots are used at times during the music video to clearly portray the brands to the audience and to draw all the attention towards these brands. For example, with the 'Moschino' example i have provided to the right, the brand name is in the centre of the shot surrounded by red; this contrast draws the audiences attention to the brand, therefore increasing the exposure of the product and brand.
|
https://youtu.be/S-sJp1FfG7Q
Found at 3:11
|
narrative music video
A narrative music video features a storyline which is easy to follow and directly relates to the lyrics and genre of the song. Typically, the lyrics will be reflected in the music video, this creates a connection with the audio and visuals of the video. The simple plot which narratives usually have allow for the audience to engage and understand the music videos meaning more easily. An advantage of narrative music videos is it allows the artist to portray their priority of the music over fame and being seen by the audience. A disadvantage however, is the cost of making a narrative music video
Gives You Hell
Artist: The All-American Rejects Album: When the World Comes Down Released: 2008 Genre: Alternative Rock Songwriters: Nick Wheeler; Tyson Ritter Producer: Eric Valentine This video's narrative is about two neighbors who continuously annoy and pull pranks on each other, each prank being worse than the last. The audio of the music video is non-diegetic and the lyrics and tempo match the narrative. The band's members are featured in the video and do play the music within the video. The type of camera shots and angles vary however mostly consist of medium close-ups and long shots. This means the facial expression and body language of the band shapes the atmosphere of the music video. The clothing style of the band is predominantly black, loos-fitting and casual. These emphasizes their edgy-rock image and makes the band more relatable for teenagers and young adults.
|
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxUATkpMQ8A
Found at 0:42
|
performance music video
A performance music video is where a band/artist perform throughout the entire video. An advantage of this type of music video is the cost; due to the lack/minimal number of actors, the production of the music video is cheaper. Another advantage of performance music videos is the choice to film the music video live or within a studio.
Playing With Fire
Artist: Chelsea Grin Album: Ashes to Ashes Released: 2014 Genre: Black/Death Metal Producers: Produced by Stetson Whitworth, Diego Farias and Chelsea Grin The camera angles and shots rapidly change with the tempo. The audio within the music video is non-diegetic, and the colour palette is dark and gloomy; this matches the music and atmosphere that is created. The band is the focus of the music video, this promotes the band due to the increased exposure to the audience. The theme of fire remains consistent throughout the video as the name suggests. This further portrays the theme of danger and rebelliousness. |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_bKpbiMz3A
|
- Source: https://www.google.com/searchq=chelsea+grin+playing+with+fire&oq=chelsea&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j69i60l2j69i59j69i61.1175j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
- From this web search I sourced information regarding the basic information of the music video, such as the artist's name, the year it was released and the producers.
concept music video
Concept music videos are usually based around a social or political issue, however this issue is left vague which allows the audience to create their own interpretation of the music video. These music videos largely consist of symbolism and images which support the lyrics.
Oceans
Artist: Seafret Album: Tell Me It's Real Released: 2016 Genre: Alternative/Indie The main character of the video remains mostly in the foreground, however in certain scenes she is in the middle ground; this allows the background and the character to influence the atmosphere and mood of each scene. The shots and camera angles change in sync with the audio. The colour palette remains bright and vibrant throughout the music video. Audio is non-diegetic and the musical performers make no appearance throughout the video. |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqsL0QQaSP4
|
- Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=seafret+oceans&oq=seafret+oceans&aqs=chrome.0.0l6.2517j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
- From this web search I sourced information regarding the basic information of the music video, such as the artist's name, the year it was released and the producers.
Synergy music video
Synergy music videos are where two or more forms of media collaborate to make a promotional video, promoting both aspects of the combined party. This makes this type of music video extremely effective at increasing the viewership among both parties.
Welcome To The Party
Artists: Lil Pump, Diplo, French Montana Featured artist: Zhavia Ward Album: Deadpool 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Released: 2018 Producers: Valentino Khan & Diplo The audio is non-diegetic and is synced with the change of shots and camera angles. The colour palette is vibrant and colourful in certain scenes however dark and gloomy in others, this depends on the part of the audio and results in a variation of atmosphere. The costumes represent each artist well, for example: the excess of expensive clothing and jewelry further illustrates wealth. The musical performers are seen consistently throughout the video The music video promotes both the movie and the artists, the crossover of audiences results in exposure for all parties involved. |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgOXIEhHU1Y
|
- Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_the_Party
- From this website I sourced information regarding the basic information of the music video, such as the artist's name, the year it was released and the producers.
Sources of Information
To gain more knowledge on the ways in which a music video is promoted I went to this website: https://medium.com/slonmedia/top-5-ways-how-to-promote-your-music-video-a0d58881f8a5. With the help of the website I learned the importance of ensuring the music video is accessible online on websites such as YouTube and Spotify. Due to the majority of any artist's audience gain access to their music online, ensuring the music is easily accessible on the internet would increase the artist's exposure and profits made from the music.
Another major aspect of the promoting of a music video the website highlighted is: the importance of optimizing the video's format. The website claimed the majority of people watch the majority of their videos on a mobile device; because of this it is essential a music video is formatted accordingly. (i.e. accessible on a variety of devices such as: mobile phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, etc).
Another major aspect of the promoting of a music video the website highlighted is: the importance of optimizing the video's format. The website claimed the majority of people watch the majority of their videos on a mobile device; because of this it is essential a music video is formatted accordingly. (i.e. accessible on a variety of devices such as: mobile phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, etc).