Star Image and Development

Britney Spears released her debut album ...Baby One More Time in 1999 and is still present today. In this time she has released 34 music videos from 8 albums.

How has Britney and her music developed?

Dance routines: they started off as simple little dance routines including gymnastics which is shown in Hit Me Baby One More Time but have developed as she got older as in Gimme More Spears is seen pole dancing. Over time as she got more advanced the routines extended in length and became more complicated. 

Costume: has developed into less and less clothing, from a full length PVC suit in Oops I Did It Again to a bra and knickers in Work. Spears' midriff is a favourite to be on show as it has been present in virtually every music video.   

In Hit Me Baby One More Time (1998), Spears comes on the scene with a bare midriff and in a school uniform with the top buttons undone, a short skirt and knee high socks; this is a sexy look however, by having her hair in plaits brings back her youth and innocence. By Work (2013) Spears is in just sparkly underwear which is still sexy but even more so; this is now possible as at the time of her first music video she was only 16 therefore she was limited to how much flesh she could show. 

Change in story lines: The narratives have become much more mature; from high school crushes to getting involved with a criminal.

Research into Music Directors & Their Previous Work

Ruby

Director X:



Amie

Within the music industry a directors personal creative vision influences how all of their music videos look known as the auteur theory which translates author in english. It is almost a display of the artists style and them making their mark within the industry even it means within terms of genre or edition. Before making my own music video I have looked at music directors within the industry that I would potentially like to take something from and experience what has made their music successful by remaining creative and authentic to their out vision. 

John Landis... would clearly be one of the most admirational directors of all time as he was one of the brains behind the eternal sensation of Thriller. Born in 1950 the American film director, screen writer , actor and producer is a world wide phenomenon as he is mainly known for it his comedy and horror films as well as his music videos. The 13 minutes music video was released in 1983 and was MTV's first premiere video. Since being voted the most influential pop music video of all time it clearly was well received by popular culture winning numerous other awards such as "most successful music video" by Guinness World Records listed it in 2006 during to selling over nine million copies. The video is the most watch also as it is recorded as being seen by four billion all over the world. After previous succession Landis continued to work with Jackson in 1991 on his Black or White music video which was premiered in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million conveying the anticipation of the up coming collaboration of the time. Throughout his videos Landis continues to modernize taking it a step further for example during 'Black of White' he set the new president for the use of digital morphing raising the standard of state of the art music videos. Despite only working with Micheal twice the authenticity and originality within his music videos set the new trends and infact probably generated a greater career for Micheal by promoting his music on such an individual scale the world was fascinated with him and his unique style. 

• Graphic Introduction- at the time of the music video this is was the beginning of future graphics and technology so contextually I think it should be noted although we have come a long way since these videos were released.
• Unique Locations- from around the world really varies the feel to a music video strengthening connotations and meanings. 
• World Wide Appeal- by appearing in various locations throughtout the world illustrates diversity but also provides Michael with a bigger platform to sell his music on.
• Facial Interchange Effect- I would love to learn how to do this out of interest although it would not perhaps fit in my video it was perfectly suited to the lyrics and it probably one of the most amazing edits to be seen within a music video.
• Unique Ways of Presenting Locations- Authenticity is applied due Landis' original and creative ideas I mean the snow globe effect is just something we have not experienced before as an audience but the simple of ideas appear in some cases to be the most creative. 
• Strong Theme- from horror to diversity the key is to have a key theme and keep it strong throughout. It could in effect be anything, but just take it and run with it!  
  
• Catchy Dance Moves- Thriller's distinctive dance moves certainly made the video it's moves everybody knows no matter what generation or background although putting this effect into my own music video is beyond my ability to make something look professional as it has been previously tried but the end result is always extremely cheesy. 

Jonas Åkerlund... was a member of the Swedish black metal band Bathory. In 1997 he directed the acclaimed video for The Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up", which sparked controversy due to its depiction of drug use, violence, and nudity and was banded from being play across many channels and stations. In 1998 he worked with Madonna for the song "Ray of Light". He has also worked with acts such as Metallica, Christina Aguilera, U2, Blink-182, P!nk, Rammstein, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. He is a long-time collaborator of pop singer Madonna having worked on such music videos as "Music", "American Life", which was pulled due to its graphic content and the Iraq War, and "Jump". He also directed her documentary film I'm Going to Tell You a Secret and her concert television special The Confessions Tour: Live from London.Among his more recent works were the controversial pornographic music video for Rammstein's "Pussy", the video for the song "Telephone" by Lady GagaBeyoncé, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera's 2011 single "Moves Like Jagger", and Duran Duran's single "Girl Panic!".

Check Out My Jonas Akerland Facebook Fan/ Profile Page: www.facebook.com/JonasAMediaA2

Raw Photographs and Footage of the Locations - Ruby and Amie

Amie & I went on a little adventure yesterday to Camden and Brick Lane to take photos and raw footage of the locations we wanted to use for our music videos and we didn't let the rainy weather stop us! We took plenty of shots with our camera and really became familiar with the area by walking around for hours on end which really enabled us to come up with ideas for a music video following our previous pitch strengthening the ideas we already had and creating images in our minds of what we wanted to produce and where.

DARTFORD➡LONDON WATERLOO EAST➡CAMDEN➡BRICK LANE➡WHITECHAPEL

 

 

The Camden Market: 

Camden High Street:

Camden Lock:

Photographs Of The Locations

Camden:

These photos are from Google as I wanted to see the location before visiting.
 

Covent Garden:

These photos are from Google as I wanted to see the location before visiting.  
 

Brick Lane:

These photos are from Google as I wanted to see the location before visiting.
 

Trafalgar Square:

These photos are from Google as I wanted to see the location before visiting.
 

Writing On Screen Of The Lyrics

Rihanna is an artist who often uses the creative element of writing the lyrics on screen which gives the effect of enhancing the lyrics. 

Kanye West is also known for often putting his lyrics on screen. 

The idea of putting the name of the song, and sometimes the name of the artist/band, occurs across a variety of genres. 

Music Video Pitch Feedback

We decided to put all our information for the pitch in the form of a powerpoint:

Research into Ellie Goulding (chosen artist) - By Ruby & Amie

Biography:

Ellie Goulding's biography found on her website describes her as:

"never likely to be one of those singers who is content just to turn up, lay down a main vocal part and leave, Ellie’s approach to writing and recording is, she admits, borderline obsessive – but then, anything less, she says, would be a waste of time."

Goulding's voice is distinctive, similar to that of Jake Bugg, this can play an important role in her songs. 

The new record Halcyon is about a journey out of heartache towards hope. The hope consists of the main highlights in her life, some of these are a Brit award, the release of Lights, writer's block, singing at the White House and a number one pop record that has done over 3m in America.
In April 2011 when the Royal Wedding took place in London, Goulding sung at the party at Buckingham Palace following the wedding reception. She sang a selection of her own songs and cover versions (including tracks by Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Elton John).


In America, her single 'Lights' stayed on the American Billboard Hot 100 chart for 35 weeks.  
Halycon is a redemptive album which gives the idea of lessons learnt and the adventures that Goulding is able to go on.

Goulding's website also describes her as:

"honest and self-aware enough to endure and acknowledge her propensity for what she herself calls "over-thinking"; brave enough to confront this and go into battle again' and possessed of a talent, and a voice, of such extraordinary power that, for all her vulnerability, you sense that, deep down, Ellie Goulding knows she is impregnable".



Music Style: 
  
Goulding has a vocal range of a soprano and is well know for her high piercing vibrati, breathy tone and emotive delivery. Neil McComick of The Daily Telegraph described her voice as 'something special'. Her voice conveys a childlike wonder with darker tones- a truly original tone full of emotion.
Her voice has been compared to Dolly Parton by Will Hermes of Rolling Stones.
Goulding's debut album Lights in 2010 experiences with different genres such as indie pop, synthpop, folktronica and indietronic. The second album Halcyon followd a similar style yet she stepped aeay a more electronic sound moving to a more tribal sound.
She has a wide range of interests including R&B, electronica, heavy metal, folk, hip hop, pop and classical. Her musical influences are Beyonce, Bjork, Florence & The Machine, Imogen Heap, Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Owl City. She also is very much into rappers such as Kanye West, Drake and Nicki Minaj.

Artist Image:

Albums and Successes: 



An Interview:

Tours: 

Style of CDs:

Font: 

Possible Location for Filming Before the Pitch

Oakfield Park:

Music Genres - By Ruby and Amie

"I just know that I'm a fan of all different kind of genres. You're supposed to be free doing music, and that's how I feel" Bruno Mars

 

"I think my music generally transcends a lot of genres" Mika

What genres are you interested in and why?

I am interested in R&B/Soul and pop.
My favourite artist from the R&B genre is The Weeknd, his voice is easily recognisable and his sound is different from other artists. His album 'Trilogy' is made up from his three mix tapes, this sound is very different from his latest album 'Kiss Land'. I found his first album created and relaxing and chilled atmosphere which was different from the pop I listen to of which has a more happy feel which you can dance to. The new album is much more upbeat and it is clear to see that he has experimented with more 'out there' sound to create something interesting and different. Other members of this genre that I frequently listen to are Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Beyonce and Chris Brown.
Artists from the pop genre that I enjoy are Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga. I enjoy this music as it is highly influenced and endorsed on the charts and by the majority of people my age. The people I listen to from the R&B genre also cross into the pop genre and they also often feature in the charts. I have grown up listening to chart music and it has carried on with my taste but my taste has also expanded into different genres. A positive with pop is that there are different songs; some of which are slow and some of which are fast, this means that the genre can cater to my mood.

Who does the genres your interested in typically appeal to?

According to UK Tribes, R&B typically appeals to those who come under the urban genre especially the Blingers (have a strong influence from celebrities and love getting attention from their latest look, They listen to US party genres such as hip-hop and R'n'B) and the Trackies (generally made up of middle class youths who are passionate about music and enjoy listening to US hip-hop and R'n'B). 

"There's many different genres and when you see R&B and pop and house as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is" David Guetta

 

The genre our music video is:

Analysis of Ellie Goulding's Website

http://elliegoulding.com/

 

Ellie Goulding's only tattoo consists of a red outline of a triangle on the inside of her right wrist. She admits that the tattoo was a bit random "I got a random tattoo the other day" she loves triangles "triangles are my favourite shape, three points where two lines meet". She loves them so much that there is a mention of them in her song "Wish I Stayed" - "Why do I always draw triangles instead of the words this paper so deserves?" referencing to the fact that she used to "draw red triangles all the time". Goulding's love for triangles has been incorporated onto her website by having it as her icon on the tab and as the icon for the page links; making it her logo.

The triangle (logo) is also incorporated onto her 2014 tour poster and onto the only official clothing from her store found on the website:

Out of the icons which show the main links to the pages the only one which opens in a new tab onto a new website (Universal Music) is 'Store', the rest of the pages stay within the website.

When you click 'Home', 'Biography', 'News', 'Videos', 'Live' and 'Lyrics' the background consists of the same photo of Goulding but when you click on 'Music' and 'Photos' there is different photo of Goulding. Although the colour scheme stays the same:

The way in which there is promotion for Goulding is via the bar at the top of the website which follows on every page. It includes ways to get closer to Goulding and to gain information about her, some of these are the newsletter, Soundcloud, Twitter and Facebook page.

This bar at the top can also be seen on every page:

Analysis of Existing Music Video 3

Following on from my 'Can't Fight The Moonlight' and 'Girlfriend' analysis, I have decided to analyse another video from the same genre so I can identify the forms and conventions. 
This time by analysing Stay by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko (2013) it will show how pop music videos have developed over the years. 

'Stay' is a pop ballad which is about the temptation and failure of resisting true love, this is enhanced by the emotion heard within the performance due to it being a personal song.  

The song reached number one and within the top five in many countries, for example it peaked at 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100. 

The natural feel to this video comes from Rihanna being naked and her wearing little makeup:

Examples of visual emotion:

Both the artists stick to one outfit:

Before getting into the bath we briefly see fragmented shots of Rihanna's black skirt and grey vest top

Ekko sticks to wearing a casual mix of a plain white tee and black trousers

The lighting used is artificial as it is filmed inside, although there is a possibly for natural light through a window. In this shot the lighting is coming from the left side:

This light coming from the right side looks natural:

The lighting here looks natural, lighting is evident through the shadow:

Here, a chandelier can be seen therefore showing the use of artificial lighting:

The music video is pretty simple as most of the time Rihanna is naked in a cloudy water filled bath while Ekko is in a different bathroom singing. 

As Rihanna is the main artist who sings she takes up the majority of the screen time.

The pace of the music is slow therefore the shots tend to last over 3 seconds - these are the length of shots that we will be using within our music video. 

Analysis of Existing Music Video 2

Following on from my 'Can't Fight The Moonlight' analysis, I have decided to analyse another video from the same genre so I can identify the forms and conventions. 
This time by analysing Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne (2007) it will show how pop music videos have developed over the years. The lyrics explain the song and the video gives a visual to this. 

In 2008, the song became the most viewed video on YouTube as it was the first video on the site to reach 100 million views. The lyrics are very catchy which led to the song peaking at the top spot of the charts in eight countries, including Canada, US & Australia. 

'Girlfriend' comes under the pop genre as it is a power pop and pop punk song. The song is about the singer who has a crush on a boy who is already in a relationship, the singer believes that she is better than his current girlfriend therefore she should be dumped for Lavigne. 

The video shows Lavigne's three alter-egos as they all fight over the same boy: 

One of the alter-egos consists of a black haired girl who looks and acts rebellious. Her outfit is similar to that of the boys as it is black whereas the girlfriend features in a contrasting pink which is a happy colour.

Here Lavigne plays herself as she plays a live performance with her band where she has pink-streaked blonde hair. However, this character also plays a part in the story as she is the one with the boy at the end therefore she has the same persona as the black haired girl. The outfit here is also more rock rather than pop, which is the look that the girlfriend sticks with.

The other girl Lavigne plays is a 'geeky' girl who has red hair and glasses. She has to fight off the other girls from stealing her boyfriend.

The pace of this pop/punk song is fast therefore fast cuts are often used, however a fair amount of shots do last over 3 seconds. 

The scenes that take place outside are lighted through natural lighting:

Scenes such as this are lighted with both natural and artificial lighting:

Scenes such as this are solely lighted artificially:

Music Testing

I filmed someone on a piano so I could see the sound quality and which angles worked best; this includes working with and without a tripod.

I put together the clips using Final Cut, then I also tested out some special effects to see the effect they had on the clips.

Lyric Analysis: Taylor Swift - Love Story

Taylor Swift is known for putting her real life situations into songs, therefore it comes as no surprise when it was found that 'Love Story' was written about a love interest (they were never officially boyfriend and girlfriend) who was not liked within Swift's close family and friends.

The song is related to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (1597) as the scenarios are similar, where the lovers did not get on with each others families. The male met Swift's friends and family but they did not hit it off, this upset Swift where she found herself comparing her situation to Romeo and Juliet whereby she stated that "the only people who wanted them to be together were them". This link is amplified throughout the video, this is seen just from the mise-en-scene, in particular the clothing. The lyrics are written in first person from Juliet's perspective, therefore Swift plays the narrator. 

Although Swifts personal relationship ended, the song ends with a happy ending as she felt it was an ideal ending which she thought people deserved. However, this ending is in contrast to Shakespeare's tragic ending although the rest of the song was Swift's actual story.