Unit 29: Music Video Production
by Paige Bowater
In this essay I shall be analysing the purpose of music videos, whilst focusing on the styles and conventions of particular videos, with reference to how a stars image develops through their use of promotional materials. Music videos have become a large part of popular culture, as the easily accessible format offers a quick form of entertainment as well as being an effective advertisement for the artist. They fit into multiple genres, and have become very much like short films, which visually represent hidden meanings in songs, through abstract plot lines.
Purpose:
The purpose of music videos is mainly three fold. They are used as an advertisement for the artist, as a visual representative of the lyrical message and as a source of revenue. Music videos are an easy advertisement for everyone involved in the production of a song. They advertise, most prominently, the artist performing, by commonly displaying lead singers as the main character in more constructed performances, or showing them performing. This gives the label a chance to represent an image of the artist, usually for publicity purposes. They also frequently have reference to the production company/label as well as other members of the production team. Music videos are displayed most frequently online, on sites such as Youtube, and have connections to be shared around social media, whilst also been shown on channels such as MTV thus gaining them a large fan base and a lot of viewings. Simultaneously to this, they work as visual representatives to lyrics. They give the artist a chance to visualise the message they are trying to portray in any way they wish to do it. Both of these add up and result in a larger profit and revenue for the producing company.
3 Music Videos:
Gnarls Barkley- Crazy
This video, produced in 2006, is an abstract video, showing no clear image. Each shot seems to grow, and is similar to that of blot ink tests, which are most commonly associated with psychiatrists. The video is quite simple, and is a basic way to visually show the ideas explored through the lyrics. As the artist is inside the ink blots, and not pictured as viewing
them, the video gives the impression that the song is about somebody else. The shots growing could symbolise the idea of psychological issues developing, and as the shots fade and are replaced, this could show more and more problems appearing. The genre of this piece is soul, which is quite fitting to the idea of mental struggle in the lyrics, as this is the common association through history. I believe the target audience would be aged 16+ as the issues presented would only be understood by a more mature audience.
Paramore-Now
This video is a harangue to war, showing the battle of the common against the military. Some could argue, due to the fact the singer is the lead, and has red hair, the video is referencing Boccica, whilst putting the battle in a modern light. The coloured dust, is a more creative and less graphic way of displaying the blood shed by those fighting. The target audience for this video would be aged 15+ as violence is suggested however is not explicitly shown. The video represents the artists as being common but strong, they are shown to be fighters that can take on the authorities, which is a common concept for the rock genre. The lyrics are very in keeping with the theme of the video, as they are almost an explanation into why the war is happening, 'if there's a future we want it', could be associated with a rebellion.
30H!3 ft Kesha- My First Kiss
This music video is typical of the genre. It lacks originality and shows both males and females attracting those of the opposite sex. It is a strong visual representation of the lyrics. I believe the purpose of this video is to persuade gullible fans, that if they enjoy the music and idolise the artists, they can be like them. It portrays the artists as 'players'. The glitter
and bright colours is aesthetically pleasing, however doesn't appear to have any hidden meanings.
Styles:
In concert- Example- Falling in reverse: Pick up the phone
* In concert videos are most common in rock videos. They are used to create an atmosphere around a band, showing how popular they are and encouraging viewers to want to see them.
Animation- Example- Daft punk: One more time
* These videos are most commonly used in the indie genre. They show the music as being fun and creative, whilst also being abstract.
Narrative- Example- A Day To Remember: All signs point to Lauderdale
* This style is probably the most common of all the formats as it shows the story behind the lyrics quite basically. The artists usually play the main characters, so it is also a strong advertisement for them.
Surrealist- Example- Marilyn Manson: The dope show
* Surrealist videos never appear to have a meaning behind them, however are a favourite of artists such as Marilyn Manson. They are bizarre, memorable, and usually dark.
Parody- Example- Ariana Grande: Problem (Bart Baker)
* These are videos used to mock other artists. They are usually done in a fun manner and are purely for comical effect.
Referencing- Example- Breakfast Club: Don’t you forget about me
* A referencing video is one the refers to a film (Usually shown in the film) or another artist.
Lyric Interpretation- Example- Bring me the Horizon: Drown
* These are videos that have a twist on the lyrics, whilst also representing them in one way or form.
Cutting to the beat- Example- The Offspring: Pretty fly for a white guy
* This type of video is one that the camera cuts along with the beat of the music. Often used in up beat music videos, however this technique is usually merged with others.
Miming and lip sync- Example- Limp Bizkit: Break stuff
* This type of video is not too common, and shows other people lip syncing to the artists song. They poke fun at the artist whilst giving fans a chance to get involved.
Stars Development:
Music videos are often mainly used as an advertisement for an artist. Their record label will assign them a certain look or personality to follow, which is commonly represented in the video. Artists change over time, for example, David Bowies development into Ziggy Stardust, was such a huge transformation that he even began performing under another name, then referenced the part of his time in his later work. This development was mainly shown through the makeup and attire of the artist. His extreme look become famous, and sky rocketed him to fame. It isn't just the clothes the artists wear that show their development however. Rock videos often show male artists surrounded by attractive females. Falling in reverse were notorious for this, especially in their video 'good girls bad guys', however in their more recent videos, such as 'Fashionably late', the artists a represented with a new look, and the lack of women in their videos, helps viewers to focus on the music, thus making them appear more serious as a band.
Conclusion:
I believe that narrative music videos are the strongest, as long as they are merged with lyric interpretation. The almost 'short film' concept, makes the video more entertaining and allows for the artist to become more well known as a face. The characters in these pieces, make the performer appear relatable to audiences, whilst visual representing more complicated lyrical meanings. All though these require a higher budget, purely on entertainment value and popularity, I believe they work extremely well.
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Multi-Camera (Mel)
Unit 23: Multi-Camera Production
By Paige Bowater
In this report I will be analysing the use of a multi-camera set-up and how it is used differently in each show. I will compare then contrast several productions as examples, to explain how this format can vary, along with exploring the positives and negatives of this in comparison to single camera set-ups.
Multi-camera set-ups are used for a range of television productions mainly including, soap operas, talk shows, and game shows. This is due to their high demand, for multiple episodes in a short period of time. It is a far quicker way to produce a show, often with live visual editing, as well as being cheaper. Single-camera set ups are known t be used on shows such as Game of Thrones, with a high budget and less time constraints. They produce a higher quality of programme, however take up a lot more time. This is not practical for a show which needs multiple episodes in a week, however is beneficial for seasonal productions, with one series a year.
Celebrity juice is an adult magazine show, which discusses recent news, and shows the hosts playing games to win points. The production is usually on at 10pm, due to the inappropriate content, and is hosted by Keith Lemon, Fearne Cotton, and Holly Willoughby. This production uses a multi-camera format, which is mainly used to allow for viewers at home to see the live reactions of the live audience, as this adds to the comfort to laugh factor, the show so famous for. It is rare for Celebrity juice to be set in multiple locations (although this is commonly a key feature of magazine shows), however is does feature pre-recorded clips from other places, and various set ups on the stage. The producers chose a multi-camera set up for this example due to having produce an episode every week, and as I previously explained, this is a quicker tactic to use, along with the show not having a particularly high budget so this is much more efficient . There is usually a close up shot of the main presenter (Keith Lemon), a shot of each pannel, the audience, and a shot of the task they are participating in. For this to be done as a single-camera would take too long, and the audience reactions wouldn’t be as candid.
Top gear however uses the multi-camera set-up for different reasons. This show is infamous for their shots of 'The Stig' test driving cars around a track, therefore multi-camera is needed to show a variety of angles around this location. They use other locations as well, which is partially the reason this is a magazine show. As they also produce one episode a week, it would be difficult, and expensive, to produce all of this additional features, along with the simple discussion studio set-up under that time constraint. Multi-camera set up allows for the additional clips to be recorded quickly and efficiently, whilst also making it simple to see the audience interaction in the studio scenes. During the studio elements, there is usually a camera on each individual presenter, a wide shot on all three of them, along with any special guests, and a shot on the audiences as a whole, whilst frequently ending with a high angle wide shot, showing the whole set-up.
To reiterate, both of these shows are magazine shows which use the multi-camera set-up. Although Top gear may have had a higher budget than Celebrity juice, it is more financially efficient for both productions to have used this format, due to showing their audience interactions and because of the time constraint which is similar. Although a common negative to multi-camera is a lack in variation of shots, after viewing both, I do not find myself 'unentertained' buy the visuals, as I believe the set-up is appropriate for the content.
Reality shows:
Reality shows are famous for their relatable characters, and celebrity participants. They can vary from productions such as the Geordie shore, to more constructed shows such as Celebrity Big Brother. 'Geordie Shore is a British reality television series broadcast on MTV. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, it was first broadcast on 24 May 2011, and is the British spin-off of the American show Jersey Shore.' 1 This production is usually broadcasted once a week at 10pm, and uses the multi-camera set-up. In this instance it is due to the multiple locations and large amount of characters involved. The show follows each individual character. They have a shot where they sometimes interview the people after a situation to talk about their emotions, but other than that, it is the usual, one shot on each character, a wide shot on the group, and sometimes two shots on potential couples, or people conversing. Celebrity Big Brother is slightly different. The show follows a group of celebrities who move into a house together, cut off from the outside world. They have to participate in tasks in order to gain luxuries or contact with families. The show has a multi-camera set up due to the fact it has a short time allowance (episodes are broadcast every night during a series). This is different from the Geordie shore, however it does also have multiple locations (rooms), which require covering, so this factor would have also contributed to the choice of format. They both also
have a large cast which would be difficult to realistically follow their reactions in a situation under a single camera set-up.
Sit-Coms:
Sit-coms work due to their verisimilitude. The actors reactions to an event are what makes these types of shows, and although it is scripted, unlike a large proportion of reality TV, the audience thrives of the relatable emotions shown by all characters in situations. For example, F.R.I.E.N.D.S was an American sit-com about 6 friends. It followed the multi-camera format, due to its various locations, and large cast. Sit-coms, are supposed to be relatable, so by including too many close ups, and not enough wide shots of the whole scene, audiences become less interested. This is why F.R.I.E.N.D.S used the basic set up of pair or single shots on the main characters and a wide shot on the group a majority of the time. This set-up is simple yet effective, hence why it is still used on shows such as two and a half men, however occasionally other shots would be used, such as tracking, or panning. How I met your mother, is a sit-com which similar to F.R.I.E.N.D.S follows a group of people through their every day lives. This show uses this format in order to produce the episodes quickly, efficiently and similarly to the shows I have previously mentioned, on different locations.
News:
News productions are shot on various locations and have to be produced quickly. Commonly the additional clips, are subject to being produced on a single camera, as they only usually include a reporter and extra shots of the scene, however the production on a whole is multi-camera as the studio set up usually includes a minimum of 3 cameras. BBC news usually uses a close up on either one or two presenters in the studio, and a wide shot of both which includes space for the additional clips to be edited in almost like a television. From watching multiple programmes in this genre, this doesn’t seem to vary that often. ITV, SKY and BBC all seem to follow the same basic format. This is probably due to the fact they have the least time out of all the different types of show to produce each episode and the serious nature of the production, doesn’t usually need to be distracted away from. The idea of the news is to be simple and informative, and I believe this is shown effectively through their simple set-up.
Soap-operas:
Soap-operas are quite common to sit-coms as far as format is concerned. Shows such as EastEnders and Coronation street follow the same concept of following characters through everyday situations and are commonly used for audience escapism. I was unable to find two that were at all different in honesty, due to them all having to be produced so quickly, they appear to follow the same simple concept, of close ups on reactions or characters of interest, and wide shots on the entire scene. Soap operas produce multiple episodes a week for quite a low budget in comparison with seasonal shows such as The Walking Dead, therefore multi-camera appears to be the only solution in order to keep up with the high demand form an audience.
In conclusion. Multi-camera set-ups are most common in shows who have to produce episodes quickly. This is highlighted most in the genres of news and soap operas. This is due to the fact it allows for all of the nessicary shots to be recorded in one run through of the scene. They are also used for magazine shows as they include a lot of various locations, which due to the fact these are extra to the studio shots, have to be produced effectively in a financial aspect. They do not give the 'smooth' effect of single camera shows, however produce a good overall quality for a low budget and frequent production.
By Paige Bowater
In this report I will be analysing the use of a multi-camera set-up and how it is used differently in each show. I will compare then contrast several productions as examples, to explain how this format can vary, along with exploring the positives and negatives of this in comparison to single camera set-ups.
Multi-camera set-ups are used for a range of television productions mainly including, soap operas, talk shows, and game shows. This is due to their high demand, for multiple episodes in a short period of time. It is a far quicker way to produce a show, often with live visual editing, as well as being cheaper. Single-camera set ups are known t be used on shows such as Game of Thrones, with a high budget and less time constraints. They produce a higher quality of programme, however take up a lot more time. This is not practical for a show which needs multiple episodes in a week, however is beneficial for seasonal productions, with one series a year.
Celebrity juice is an adult magazine show, which discusses recent news, and shows the hosts playing games to win points. The production is usually on at 10pm, due to the inappropriate content, and is hosted by Keith Lemon, Fearne Cotton, and Holly Willoughby. This production uses a multi-camera format, which is mainly used to allow for viewers at home to see the live reactions of the live audience, as this adds to the comfort to laugh factor, the show so famous for. It is rare for Celebrity juice to be set in multiple locations (although this is commonly a key feature of magazine shows), however is does feature pre-recorded clips from other places, and various set ups on the stage. The producers chose a multi-camera set up for this example due to having produce an episode every week, and as I previously explained, this is a quicker tactic to use, along with the show not having a particularly high budget so this is much more efficient . There is usually a close up shot of the main presenter (Keith Lemon), a shot of each pannel, the audience, and a shot of the task they are participating in. For this to be done as a single-camera would take too long, and the audience reactions wouldn’t be as candid.
Top gear however uses the multi-camera set-up for different reasons. This show is infamous for their shots of 'The Stig' test driving cars around a track, therefore multi-camera is needed to show a variety of angles around this location. They use other locations as well, which is partially the reason this is a magazine show. As they also produce one episode a week, it would be difficult, and expensive, to produce all of this additional features, along with the simple discussion studio set-up under that time constraint. Multi-camera set up allows for the additional clips to be recorded quickly and efficiently, whilst also making it simple to see the audience interaction in the studio scenes. During the studio elements, there is usually a camera on each individual presenter, a wide shot on all three of them, along with any special guests, and a shot on the audiences as a whole, whilst frequently ending with a high angle wide shot, showing the whole set-up.
To reiterate, both of these shows are magazine shows which use the multi-camera set-up. Although Top gear may have had a higher budget than Celebrity juice, it is more financially efficient for both productions to have used this format, due to showing their audience interactions and because of the time constraint which is similar. Although a common negative to multi-camera is a lack in variation of shots, after viewing both, I do not find myself 'unentertained' buy the visuals, as I believe the set-up is appropriate for the content.
Reality shows:
Reality shows are famous for their relatable characters, and celebrity participants. They can vary from productions such as the Geordie shore, to more constructed shows such as Celebrity Big Brother. 'Geordie Shore is a British reality television series broadcast on MTV. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, it was first broadcast on 24 May 2011, and is the British spin-off of the American show Jersey Shore.' 1 This production is usually broadcasted once a week at 10pm, and uses the multi-camera set-up. In this instance it is due to the multiple locations and large amount of characters involved. The show follows each individual character. They have a shot where they sometimes interview the people after a situation to talk about their emotions, but other than that, it is the usual, one shot on each character, a wide shot on the group, and sometimes two shots on potential couples, or people conversing. Celebrity Big Brother is slightly different. The show follows a group of celebrities who move into a house together, cut off from the outside world. They have to participate in tasks in order to gain luxuries or contact with families. The show has a multi-camera set up due to the fact it has a short time allowance (episodes are broadcast every night during a series). This is different from the Geordie shore, however it does also have multiple locations (rooms), which require covering, so this factor would have also contributed to the choice of format. They both also
have a large cast which would be difficult to realistically follow their reactions in a situation under a single camera set-up.
Sit-Coms:
Sit-coms work due to their verisimilitude. The actors reactions to an event are what makes these types of shows, and although it is scripted, unlike a large proportion of reality TV, the audience thrives of the relatable emotions shown by all characters in situations. For example, F.R.I.E.N.D.S was an American sit-com about 6 friends. It followed the multi-camera format, due to its various locations, and large cast. Sit-coms, are supposed to be relatable, so by including too many close ups, and not enough wide shots of the whole scene, audiences become less interested. This is why F.R.I.E.N.D.S used the basic set up of pair or single shots on the main characters and a wide shot on the group a majority of the time. This set-up is simple yet effective, hence why it is still used on shows such as two and a half men, however occasionally other shots would be used, such as tracking, or panning. How I met your mother, is a sit-com which similar to F.R.I.E.N.D.S follows a group of people through their every day lives. This show uses this format in order to produce the episodes quickly, efficiently and similarly to the shows I have previously mentioned, on different locations.
News:
News productions are shot on various locations and have to be produced quickly. Commonly the additional clips, are subject to being produced on a single camera, as they only usually include a reporter and extra shots of the scene, however the production on a whole is multi-camera as the studio set up usually includes a minimum of 3 cameras. BBC news usually uses a close up on either one or two presenters in the studio, and a wide shot of both which includes space for the additional clips to be edited in almost like a television. From watching multiple programmes in this genre, this doesn’t seem to vary that often. ITV, SKY and BBC all seem to follow the same basic format. This is probably due to the fact they have the least time out of all the different types of show to produce each episode and the serious nature of the production, doesn’t usually need to be distracted away from. The idea of the news is to be simple and informative, and I believe this is shown effectively through their simple set-up.
Soap-operas:
Soap-operas are quite common to sit-coms as far as format is concerned. Shows such as EastEnders and Coronation street follow the same concept of following characters through everyday situations and are commonly used for audience escapism. I was unable to find two that were at all different in honesty, due to them all having to be produced so quickly, they appear to follow the same simple concept, of close ups on reactions or characters of interest, and wide shots on the entire scene. Soap operas produce multiple episodes a week for quite a low budget in comparison with seasonal shows such as The Walking Dead, therefore multi-camera appears to be the only solution in order to keep up with the high demand form an audience.
In conclusion. Multi-camera set-ups are most common in shows who have to produce episodes quickly. This is highlighted most in the genres of news and soap operas. This is due to the fact it allows for all of the nessicary shots to be recorded in one run through of the scene. They are also used for magazine shows as they include a lot of various locations, which due to the fact these are extra to the studio shots, have to be produced effectively in a financial aspect. They do not give the 'smooth' effect of single camera shows, however produce a good overall quality for a low budget and frequent production.
Friday, 3 July 2015
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Unit 45: Evaluation (Dean)
Evaluating the key stages in the radio commercial production process and meeting the clients brief
By Paige Bowater
During the production of my adverts, I played many different roles. Whilst simultaneously playing voice acting roles in my peers pieces, I also wrote four scripts, recorded them, edited and produced them in accordance to the client brief. Script writing had both difficult and simple elements. Deriving four creative ideas from the information provided was not difficult for me, hence why I produced such a diverse range, however trying to incorporate all of the necessary information was a challenge. I listened to a variety of different radio adverts for colleges, in order to develop an idea of which information was the most vital to include. This lead to all of my adverts containing a; call to action, basic course and campus information and many of them including persuasive statistics. I also tried to include different techniques in them, such as direct vocabulary, 'you', and emotive language, 'treasure'. Overall I basically played the role of a radio commercials producer. The next job was to record them. Choosing an appropriate voice over for each was difficult and in one case resulted in the advert (Pirate themed) not having the full impact which I had intended. I had hoped to replicate the scene from Pirates of the Caribbean, where Diadawn gives Jack Sparrow a jar of dirt, therefore this advert would have been better if I had used a Jamaican female as voice one.I experimented with a variety of voices for the Frozen themed advert and decided that a high pitched voice was most appropriate, as it was the most similar to the original. However, if I was to re-record this I would use a better singer, as it would make the piece appear more professional. I also had to edit the volume levels and sped up the terms and conditions of application. To do this I used adobe audition, which is software that over the course of this project I have become very familiar with.
The equipment that I use throughout this has been very advanced. As part of the recording element I had to set up and operate the recording studio by myself. It was quite simple once I got the concept of the indicators and pgm. The other key thing that I had to utilize was adobe audition. I was already familiar with this as I had used it prior to this project, however I still developed. This can be noticed through the contrast between the quality of my original demos, which after hearing them through speakers, showed that the volume levels needed some altering, and my final pieces, which in my opinion, which feedback confirms, are professional quality, and have been developed with precise detail.
The client brief was at the heart of each of my pieces. I ensured that my adverts were upbeat, which my peers reviews confirmed, and that I included all the relevant information. Upon presenting, my client did however, suggest that I should have included more detail in my frozen themed advert, but said that it was still effective as it was. They also questioned the scheduling. I dedicated a large proportion of my budget to the scheduling fees, in order to obtain a strong time slot, where it would reach the optimum amount of listeners.
My peers did comment on the fact that it was quite 'informal' however did not use this as a negative point as, they also claimed that 'it works' this way and is still 'professional'. I do agree with these comments, as I believe that the four adverts that I did, all work really well, and are of broadcast standard.
My budget in the presentation was a challenge. I had to research into how much each element would cost; radio equipment hire, voice actors, and so on. I created all of my pieces within the budget of £2000 in accordance to the client brief. As a self criticism, I think that I should have highlighted the detail in this element more when I presented in front of my client. This brings me to the evaluation of my presenting skills.
I believe that my stance and movement throughout the pitch was professional and fluent. I think that I kept eye contact throughout, with a large proportion of my audience. However I do believe, after watching it back, that I do appear nervous initially, although this does fade. If I was to redo this I would try and maintain the professional and powerful approach that I gained half way through.
In conclusion I am overall quite satisfied with my submitted piece, and development throughout the project, and finally believe that my advert is professional and fitting with the client brief.
The equipment that I use throughout this has been very advanced. As part of the recording element I had to set up and operate the recording studio by myself. It was quite simple once I got the concept of the indicators and pgm. The other key thing that I had to utilize was adobe audition. I was already familiar with this as I had used it prior to this project, however I still developed. This can be noticed through the contrast between the quality of my original demos, which after hearing them through speakers, showed that the volume levels needed some altering, and my final pieces, which in my opinion, which feedback confirms, are professional quality, and have been developed with precise detail.
For my Frozen themed advert includes music that isn't copyright free, so this means that a fee will have to be paid. However the music with all my other adverts was located on Youtube as being royalty free. I also do not have to pay towards the sound effects used in the climbing style advert as they are from the BBC sound library which is royalty free. Most local radio stations have a license which acts as almost a 'discount' from PRS fees. (please see the following image) Although this doesn't cover the whole price, it does mean that in my case, it only took £50 off the budget. My peers did pick up on this 'Music, was not royalty free' however did also praise it due to the track being 'popular'.
My peers did comment on the fact that it was quite 'informal' however did not use this as a negative point as, they also claimed that 'it works' this way and is still 'professional'. I do agree with these comments, as I believe that the four adverts that I did, all work really well, and are of broadcast standard.
My budget in the presentation was a challenge. I had to research into how much each element would cost; radio equipment hire, voice actors, and so on. I created all of my pieces within the budget of £2000 in accordance to the client brief. As a self criticism, I think that I should have highlighted the detail in this element more when I presented in front of my client. This brings me to the evaluation of my presenting skills.
I believe that my stance and movement throughout the pitch was professional and fluent. I think that I kept eye contact throughout, with a large proportion of my audience. However I do believe, after watching it back, that I do appear nervous initially, although this does fade. If I was to redo this I would try and maintain the professional and powerful approach that I gained half way through.
In conclusion I am overall quite satisfied with my submitted piece, and development throughout the project, and finally believe that my advert is professional and fitting with the client brief.
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Remakes (Lyn)
Night of the living dead (1968)
Night of the living dead (1990)
The hills have eyes (1977)
The hills have eyes (2006)
Piranha (1978)
Piranha (2010)
Night of the living dead (1990)
The hills have eyes (1977)
The hills have eyes (2006)
Piranha (1978)
Piranha (2010)
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