Gender Representation

Last lesson, my class and I discussed gender representation in music videos. We evaluated two videos. One was "Buttons" by the  The Pussy Cat Dolls, and the other was a previous A2 music video. We deconstructed the video down to the use of body, facial expressions, mise-en-scene, the gaze, and how the camera frames the body.

More Inspiring Videos.

After being set this assignment, I have been constantly keeping up to date with new music videos on MTV Base, VIVA, and Chart Show. Whilst watching Chart Show music channel, I came across the song "This City" by Patrick Stump featuring Lupe Fiasco. 

The most noticeable thing about this video is the amount of editing techniques used in this video. A number of things I identified was the use of black and white,  fast forwarding, and a number of others. The technique that stood out to me the most was the use of black and white. I have never really thought about using this editing technique in the creation of my music video, however, after watching this video it has given me second thoughts. I believe that if I used the black and white tool for shots portraying the past, flashbacks, memories, it would be successful in portraying the change of time. I believe the use of black and white could also reflect a certain mood. Because black is not associated with happiness, it would be a good tool to use. For example, due to my chosen song because about a journey being taken and someone leaving a situation, person etc, the black and white could reflect the dull life of the protagonist in the music video.

Another example of a inspiring music video is "Just in love" by Joe Jonas. 

The video is based around the story of Joe Jonas, who falls in love with a girl from another country. It goes through a timeline of events in their relationship; firstly starting with the very first time they met eachother, then following their night outs, time they spent together etc. This is all shown through a series of extended flashbacks, which is the reason why I was inspired by it. Due to my song, being called "Leaving", it would be a wise idea to base it around someone leaving, whether it is a partner, family member, etc. I also liked the editing techniques they used. It is clear that they changed the colour of the shots from their initial filming. It had a sepia tone to it, maybe portraying the past. 

After watching both of these videos, it inspired me to have a think about the creation of my music videos, and certain aspects of these music videos which I can include in my own, particularly the use of flashbacks, and change of colour. 

About the artist

After receiving a reply from Emerald stating that she gives me permission to use her song, I decided to do some research about Emerald as a music artist.

Upon my research I encountered Emerald's biography on the website Reverbnation, which states that "Emerald Jones: the newest, freshest singer/songwriter from London. Her rich chocolatey voice delivers songs directly from her heart to yours. Having left a UK Girlband in 2011 to persue her own style and identity as a solo artist, Emerald began writing her own debut album. Her eclectic influences are reflected in her diverse tracks, but the unifiying theme is the raw passion and emotion in every word. 


Emerald graduated from the prestigious London Music College, Point Blank, just this year, with her forthcoming songs featuring many collaborations with other talented artists who studied with her. Now ready to take the world by storm, Emerald is playing gigs all across London, entrancing entire venues with her mesmerisingly soulful voice."

Her songs:

Glitter in the Air

Leaving

Too Much Dream

That love song

The song I most enjoyed listening when I first came across her was her song "Leaving". I could really picture creating a strong narrative and performance based video to this. 

Response From Artist

Following my email sent to a number of unsigned artist, I have received a reply by one of them named Emerald Jones. Her song is called "Leaving". I am extremely happy for the permission to use her song. I found her on a website called Reverbnation. Here is a link to her page: 

http://www.reverbnation.com/emeraldjones


Mood Board

We were asked to create a mood board which consisted of our chosen songs lyrics, anchored with a number of images which reflect what the lyrics say, and also what we can include in our video. This task has really got me thinking about what ideas I have for my music video.

My mood board looks like this:

Auteur Theory

"Auteur Theory suggests that a director can use the commercial apparatus of film-making in the same way that a writer uses a pen or a painter uses paint and a paintbrush. It is a medium for the personal artistic expression of the director."

Alfred Hitchcock most-famous films:

Rear Window

The Birds

Physcho 

Vertigo

Alfred Hitchcock is one of the first names who comes to mind when talking about auteur theory.Alfred Hitchcock plays this idea up in most of his movies where he makes sure that he appears on screen in a brief cameo spot. This became a game that viewers would engage in, waiting to find out when he would appear.  

Hitchcock’s story telling techniques were renowned for their intelligent plots, witty dialogue, and the smattering of mystery and murder. The reason for his success, however, was not the genre that he was working in, but rather the skill which he exhibited in the film-making. His best-known screen moments is the terrifying shower scene in Psycho, which consists of 70 camera shots in one minute.

More research

Contacting some artists

Today I emailed two artists whom I found whilst searching 'unsigned' on www.myspace.com. One of them is classed as R&B and soul, and the other is classed as an R&B artist. I am hoping for a positive reply as their music is quite intriguing and something that I would be greatful in working with.