Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Task Two – Understand the styles and conventions of music videos- Different forms of music video

Different Forms of Music Video
Music video can come in different type of form, this can include digital animation, stop motion, in concert footage, as live footage, studio based, cinematic. Different form of videos can be used to represent and portray the song in an entertaining way.

Stop Motion Animation
This is a type of animation technique used to make an object look as though it is moving all by itself. It is achieved by moving an object minimal amounts and then taking a picture each time it is moved. Each photograph is a frame shown within the animation and when played continuously at the right speed it seems as though the object is moving smoothly by itself. Stop motion can consist of drawings, clay figures, dolls, humans, and any other props/objects. It is used to make objects that shouldn't move without any interference and can freely move on their own accord. An example of a music video that uses this is the song ‘Her Morning Elegance’ by Oren Lavie. The camera is looking down at a lady in bed and shows her doing a walking motion although not going anywhere. Also, the background does move and gives the illusion that she is walking along. Objects are then seen moving past which gives the illusion of different settings, although the camera stays at the point throughout the video.
In Concert Footage
In concert footage is used within music videos to show the band actually performing the song with the volume of the concert taken out for the studio version. This technique is used mostly in rock bands to show them performing their songs, usually in an aggressive manner. Using live footage also gives the band an image and shows the audience that they can perform this song live so they will want to go to see them live. This helps boosts publicity and sales for the band. An example of live footage being used in a music video is the song ‘Alive’ by Pearl Jam. The music video shows them playing in front of a large crowd with many close ups of the band and audience members. Close ups of the instruments being played can be seen, and members of the band stage diving into the crowd.  Also, this simply captures the band performing live.

As Live Footage

As live footage is used within music videos to show behind the scenes of the band when they are messing around and not taking everything seriously. The footage is often taken on different times and then compiled together. This is might be done to show the artist talking to fans, having fun with each other. An example of when live footage of the band that’s used within a music video would be in the alternate music video ‘Warning’ by Green Day. This video shows the band members practicing the song, talking to fans, dancing around, breaking objects, getting tattoos, as well as many other things. The clips have been put together to show how much fun the band have together which makes the audience feel closer to the band and feel as though they can relate to the band members which makes the audience like them more.

Cinematic
Some videos are used for ‘illustrative’ purposes and are done in a cinematic fashion. This style makes the music video seem as though it is a short film or movie as it helps tell a story. Cinematic videos will look artistic as there would be a lot of attention to detail when planning the video. The story has to be portrayed within the video, so it needs to link to the lyrics. An example of a cinematic video would be the song ‘For the First Time’ by The Script. This song is about a relationship that has ended but then the couple meet again. The woman in the relationship is said to be ''in bed with a broken heart'' and as this is done as she can be seen in bed upset. The footage of the story line is then cut between the bands performing the song as some sort of narrators. 

Digital Animation
This is animation that is created digitally by using computer software. Digital animation may be used for a music video because it's not limited. The video can include anything the creator wants to involve as they can freely draw out a sketch and then animate it. It may be too expensive for a band to create a live video with lots of interesting visuals, so they may decide to create a digital animation instead that can be done on a computer. An example of digital animation used within a music video would be the song “Feel Good Inc”.By the Gorillaz. They are an English musical project that consist of a virtual band. The band members are four animated creatures from a fantasy universe. This video, has been animated to show them playing instruments like you would see in a real band's video. They can also sit on a floating piece of land which is flying through space with the power from a windmill. This cannot be done without digital animation.







Studio Based Footage

Music videos can also be studio based which shows the artist/s creating the song in the studio. The music video shows the band members performing the song, although the sound may have already been recorded and the footage is just of them lip-synching the song. The footage, either way, is still of the artists within the studio creating the song. This form of video is very simple but effective as it makes the song seem very convincing as the viewer can see the band member’s emotions. An example of when studio footage has been used in a music video would be in the video ‘Wrong’ by Depeche Mode. The singer can be seen performing the song, wearing his headphones and singing into the microphone. The band members are also seen playing, which shows which roles they all have.



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