Music video lesson 1 notes

 MUSIC VIDEOS

Promote a song or album or artist/band

Visualise the artists thoughts or feelings when writing a song to create meaning

To provide entertainment whilst listening 

Creates a star image

MEDIA LANGUAGE 

Key Terms: Modes, language, polysemy (numerous meanings), meaning, conventions (rules), intertextuality (one media text in another), audience response, ideologies, codes.                                     Theory = Barthes and Levi Strauss

REPRESENTATION

Key Terms: Construction, processes, stereotypes, social and cultural contexts, audience response, ideologies.   Theory = Hall, Gauntlett, Van Zoonen, hooks, Gilroy

Andrew Goodwin - his theory defines what a music video is and identifies key conventions of music videos. Theories:

1. Music videos demonstrate certain genre characteristics (stage performance in metal/hard rock video) shows talent of artist/bands and how accepted by the crowd. Dance routines for boy/girl bands (smart/casual costumes normally - clearly set to setup style of the band). Throwing signs in early hip hot videos. Scantily clad women or 'bling' for gangsta rap videos (stereotypical conventions - promote lifestyles)

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and music visuals (often illustrative but could amplify or contradict lyrics)

3 There is a relationship between music and visuals itself (often illustrative but could amplify or contradict music)

4. The demands of the record label will demand for a lot of close ups of the artist

5. The artist themselves may develop motifs or iconography that recur across their work (a visual style)

6. Frequent reference to the motion of looking (screens within screens, filming, cameras) and particuarly voyeuristic (pleasure through looking) treatment of female body

7.Intertextual references mostly come from film or television and popular culture

Parody - make fun of something

Pastiche - copying someone's style

Styles of music videos - performance

many music videos include performance from artists as part of the video. From clips or performances, music videos were developed. They contained shots of artists performing, live stage performing with shots of artists and audience, can be media artists in real life situations e.g. warming up, talking, fooling around, often includes numerous close ups of the band, can be a particular visual style that goes with the artist (motif) such as particular clothing, actions, props, or types of images. Often the artist can appear to perform in an unusual place, all lip synched e.g. field or rooftop

Narrative

Video telling a story, either featured or suggested in the lyrics. Very fast paced, lots of shots and cuts. Uses intertextuality with films, tv and other videos. Mimics other film or tv genres e.g. horror or science fiction. sometimes the story can contradict what is seen for effect. Sometimes the artists is part of the story or observer or completely separate

Concept

They can have heavy use of symbolism, use a unique visual style or follow a 'cool' idea but will also include some aspects of performance/narrative. They will feature interesting/unique mise-en-scene, expressive lighting, experimental camera/editing techniques.