Examples of other A2 videos

Whilst looking for ideas for our final videos we came across a selection of other people's previous music videos.
 

I think the whole class is agreed that this music video is really good. Not only does it experiment with camera shot types and angles but it also includes after effects creating animation. This shows that after effects can really enhance a video and is something to think about for my final video.




I thought this video had a good concept but I felt it was lacking. All the lip syncing and similar dance moves made it vary repetitive and I would have preferred it if there was some cut-aways that weren't focusing on the girl to break it up a bit. I did like the concept of her being a ballet dancer and would have preferred to see more of this, maybe rehearsals before the audition instead of just dressing up. I also don't think the ending was necessary. This highlights that video concept is important and planning it out so it doesn't become boring and repetitive is a must.




I really enjoyed this video. It is clear that the person who directed this video thought a lot about locations and mise-en-scene. It also has lots of smooth camera movements and brilliant composition of the framing. The only downside I could really find with this video is that when showing her playing the guitar, although she is strumming, she could could have played a string of a few different chords as it is unlikely a guitarist would play the same chord for that length of time. Other than that this video has been well planned and thought through with a good story throughout.

Example of Music Videos

Avicii - Hey Brother



In relation to Goodwin's theory 'Hey Brother' has a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals. The song is about family and in the video we see a young boy with his 'brother' who by the end we see is really his father who goes off to fight in the war. The reason I enjoy this video is the narrative of it as it shows the close bond between the father and son. It is also a poignant video which gives the song emotion. Narrative videos are more common for DJ's as they don't have a recognizable band or front man.

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks



This video has an abstract narrative created through animation. The reason I love this music video so much is that it is very imaginative and unlike many other music videos. This video also has close ups of characters based on the band which corresponds to Goodwin's theory.

Paramore - Ain't It Fun




This Paramore video is made up of the band complete a selection of world records. The video doesn't exactly relate the the lyrics or contain a specific narrative however it still follows Goodwin's theory as it has many close ups of the band, mostly Hayley Williams who is the most recognizable within the group.

Andrew Goodwin's Theory

In His Book Dancing in the Distraction Factory Andrew Goodwin points out characteristics and features that can be found in music videos.

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.
   (e.g. stage performance in metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band, aspiration in Hip Hop).
2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with images.
   (either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
3. There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music.
   (either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style).
5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, mirrors, stages, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.
6. There are often intertextual reference (to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc).

From Andrew Goodwin, DANCING IN THE DISTRACTION FACTORY, 1992.