The music video I have chosen to analyse is American Idiot by the punk rock band Green Day. The meaning of this song is both personal and political to the band; it is about standing up against the somewhat pointless rules of American government. It also criticises the propaganda, paranoia and media issues the followed the 9/11 attack in America. The lyrics are amplified by the band performance.
The band is represented in a positive way in this video. The connotations of rock bands follow throughout their performance, with guitars, head-banging and generally unusual actions. This conveys the bands personalities, that although they are making a political statement, they can be perceived as childish and fun at the same time. Many low angle shots suggest the inspirational sense the band should be preferred in.
The rock music connotations follow with flashing lights and chaos, when the green flag background behind the performance bursts, covering the members in a green sludge. The sludge is drained from the flag, leaving a white background with outlines of the stars and stripes. This could symbolise the corruption of America displayed through the media.
The band is shown to play wildly in the music video, implying their punk rock background. The editing in the video also reiterates this. The close-up shots convey emotion, mainly anger or craziness. However, the emotions are portrayed differently with the flashing lights and sludge; the band members look almost psychotic in a sense. Slow motion clips convey the panorama in more detail for viewers; it creates a dramatic yet effective outlook to the performance.
The appearance of the members echoes the genre of music they fit into. For example, the tight black trousers with black shirts and ties all connote to a punk rock band. To elevate this representation, the band also wear ‘guy-liner’, to form a more individual look. However, this video shows the band in a different light; they have a new style, new material and new potential. This change reaches out to more “punk rockers” and regains the credibility the band may have lost.
Personality-wise, Green Day may be perceived as rowdy and unpredictable: their outrageous performance supports this. However, they are also seen as outgoing and confident in their approach to make a statement. At the end of the music video, they throw their instruments into the sludge and walk away, implying that they have made their point and there is nothing more to be said about the issue. The video manages to capture the eye of the viewer and make an impact through the harsh lyrics, actions and shots.
This particular music video follows the generalised statement made by theorist Michael Shore; he concluded that many music videos follow recycled styles…simulated experience…information overload”. In a sense, American Idiot follow recycled styles by punk bands such as The Clash, The Ramones and even The Sex-Pistols. It also creates a simulated experience, for the aggression and power incorporated into the performance is staggering. The lyrics are amplified from the music, as the green US flag is shown in the background. The clips are mainly performance- according to Sven E Carlsson, "it contains mostly filmed performance". in this case, the band are performing in the one location, which seems like a deserted warehouse.
I personally think that the video to this song will follow the Media Effects model in a positive way. The band is portrayed as headstrong and outgoing, and through their childish and fun antics, they have conveyed themselves in an inspirational manner. Fans would, therefore, be affected by this video to follow similar opinions and attitudes as the band.
=)
Sunday, 14 December 2008
American Idiot by Green Day
enjoy =) i love this band and this music video, they have their own unique style and their personalities shine well in thier performances.
Monday, 17 November 2008
my audience feedback
http://www.slideshare.net/secret/EoTaSHTb3uCEqR
this is the feedback from the storyboard and the questionnaire
=)
this is the feedback from the storyboard and the questionnaire
=)
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Questionnaire
In order to properly visualise what conventions and codes my final music video should contain, I have decided to write a questionnaire. As this is based on what the public prefer, I should get a good insight on what should be included in my product to make it successful. I would be very grateful if you could spend a little time filling one out for me. Simply circle the preferred answer unless stated otherwise.
Name (optional): _________ Age(optional): _____
Q1. Do you listen to music?
Yes No
Q2. What genre of music do you listen to? (you may circle more than one)
Rock/ metal Classical Jazz Pop Blues Foreign Other
Q3. Do Incubus music videos interest you?
Yes No I don’t know
Q4. If so, why?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q5. Would you prefer a video to be straightforward or symbolic?
Straightforward Symbolic I don’t mind
Q6. Do you prefer a video with performance clips of the band?
Yes No I don’t mind
Q7. Do you enjoy animated music videos?
Yes No I don’t mind them
Q8. If so, what kind of animation?
Lego Drawing/ pictures Plasticine Other
Q9. If I have a band performance, should I focus on the band as a whole, or focus in on separate members as well?
Band as a whole Specific members
Q10. Should my music video be similar to other music videos by Incubus?
Yes No Doesn’t matter
Thank you very much for your time, your answers will come in useful for my research. =)
Name (optional): _________ Age(optional): _____
Q1. Do you listen to music?
Yes No
Q2. What genre of music do you listen to? (you may circle more than one)
Rock/ metal Classical Jazz Pop Blues Foreign Other
Q3. Do Incubus music videos interest you?
Yes No I don’t know
Q4. If so, why?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q5. Would you prefer a video to be straightforward or symbolic?
Straightforward Symbolic I don’t mind
Q6. Do you prefer a video with performance clips of the band?
Yes No I don’t mind
Q7. Do you enjoy animated music videos?
Yes No I don’t mind them
Q8. If so, what kind of animation?
Lego Drawing/ pictures Plasticine Other
Q9. If I have a band performance, should I focus on the band as a whole, or focus in on separate members as well?
Band as a whole Specific members
Q10. Should my music video be similar to other music videos by Incubus?
Yes No Doesn’t matter
Thank you very much for your time, your answers will come in useful for my research. =)
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
my production log (brief)
- during half term I shall film my band performance for the third time.
- I shall also start on my Critical Evaluation.
- Then I will start my editing straight after the half term, staying after school and in most of my free periods. hopefully I will complete my editing in the space of a week.
- along with the editing, I shall start on the artistic side of my music video: by pausing and sketching the scene on an A4 sheet of paper, I can film the change from reality to a picture on a page.
=)
- I shall also start on my Critical Evaluation.
- Then I will start my editing straight after the half term, staying after school and in most of my free periods. hopefully I will complete my editing in the space of a week.
- along with the editing, I shall start on the artistic side of my music video: by pausing and sketching the scene on an A4 sheet of paper, I can film the change from reality to a picture on a page.
=)
Thursday, 16 October 2008
More Theory Research
Characteristics of new media
• There are many characteristics to new media, including social presence; media richness; interactivity and computers as social actors
• Social presence --> “the feeling that other actors are jointly involved in communicative interaction" (Short et al., 1976). New media causes consumers to feel their social importance in the product. Communication exchanges are sociable and personal to the consumer.
• Media richness --> different properties to media influence people’s perceptions and selections of media. This relates to music, as different people find different music a suitable form of communication.
• Computers as social actors --> individuals frequently treat a computer as a person. This also depends more on the social class and characteristic of the person.
my music video will be modern and compatible to new media, as this will reach out to a variety of people. This in turn will promote the band and the song. =D
Media effects model
• The theory is that people will simply copy from the media- the media influences what viewers (or victims?) do/say.
• The social conditions in which the mass media has developed has also changed the political views of the country.
• Views against this would state that the mass media focuses on communication between large quantities of people.
• For example --> watching violent programs on television increases aggressiveness.
my music video, in this case, would not promote negative aspects of society or culture; the band will be portrayed as inspirational and friendly (they are).
the main message my music video sends out is to be happy regardless of (love) issues, although the singer's personal message also applies.
=)
• There are many characteristics to new media, including social presence; media richness; interactivity and computers as social actors
• Social presence --> “the feeling that other actors are jointly involved in communicative interaction" (Short et al., 1976). New media causes consumers to feel their social importance in the product. Communication exchanges are sociable and personal to the consumer.
• Media richness --> different properties to media influence people’s perceptions and selections of media. This relates to music, as different people find different music a suitable form of communication.
• Computers as social actors --> individuals frequently treat a computer as a person. This also depends more on the social class and characteristic of the person.
my music video will be modern and compatible to new media, as this will reach out to a variety of people. This in turn will promote the band and the song. =D
Media effects model
• The theory is that people will simply copy from the media- the media influences what viewers (or victims?) do/say.
• The social conditions in which the mass media has developed has also changed the political views of the country.
• Views against this would state that the mass media focuses on communication between large quantities of people.
• For example --> watching violent programs on television increases aggressiveness.
my music video, in this case, would not promote negative aspects of society or culture; the band will be portrayed as inspirational and friendly (they are).
the main message my music video sends out is to be happy regardless of (love) issues, although the singer's personal message also applies.
=)
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
my music video analysis--> Megalomaniac by Incubus
Monday, 6 October 2008
Sven E Carlsson theories
Music video is a multimedia communications system that carries both music and TV pictures to emphasise a point. There are three main types of clips used in a music video:
• Standard --> shows a singer/ artist singing while also acting out a part of the story. For example, Take On Me by Aha. This is used mostly to balance the performance with a story, although this also helps viewers emphasise and identify with the singer/ artist.
• Performance --> this shows the singer/ band in more than one place performing the same song. For example, Drive by Incubus. Many conventional rock music videos are song and instrumental performances. The dance performance tends to connote to pop music. This type of clip is where the artist/ band are made into a selling item (in a sense).
• Conceptual --> this is usually mixed in with a performance clip. For example, the video Dirty Harry by Gorillaz is all animated; there is no real performance but the story is conceptual and can be understood. These clips usually create a more artistic effect.
A good music video contains more than one of these clips. i shall incorporate both performance and conceptual clips into my music video; there shall be a storyline and a band performance that isn't actually related to the story. The supposed story is mostly conceptual, but can be easily understood (i hope).
I decided on a simple yet effective method of portraying happiness and love-struck behaviour; the boy would have a wandering imagination (displayed by the moving pictures) and also behave like a little child would...by jumping in puddles, off swings, and generally having fun in his own little world =D
=)
• Standard --> shows a singer/ artist singing while also acting out a part of the story. For example, Take On Me by Aha. This is used mostly to balance the performance with a story, although this also helps viewers emphasise and identify with the singer/ artist.
• Performance --> this shows the singer/ band in more than one place performing the same song. For example, Drive by Incubus. Many conventional rock music videos are song and instrumental performances. The dance performance tends to connote to pop music. This type of clip is where the artist/ band are made into a selling item (in a sense).
• Conceptual --> this is usually mixed in with a performance clip. For example, the video Dirty Harry by Gorillaz is all animated; there is no real performance but the story is conceptual and can be understood. These clips usually create a more artistic effect.
A good music video contains more than one of these clips. i shall incorporate both performance and conceptual clips into my music video; there shall be a storyline and a band performance that isn't actually related to the story. The supposed story is mostly conceptual, but can be easily understood (i hope).
I decided on a simple yet effective method of portraying happiness and love-struck behaviour; the boy would have a wandering imagination (displayed by the moving pictures) and also behave like a little child would...by jumping in puddles, off swings, and generally having fun in his own little world =D
=)
Friday, 26 September 2008
Plug in Baby by Muse.
amazingly interesting video. i love watching them perform =D and i love the effects on this video too XD i am inspired by the way similar shots are used to creat different effects, and how the band are portrayed so positively throughout thier performance.
i will attempt to use the same edit for my band performance, to show them as energetic and playful, although the song style is different to Muse.
i will attempt to use the same edit for my band performance, to show them as energetic and playful, although the song style is different to Muse.
my pitch
yeaassss, its FINALLY here!
i tried putting this on my blog yesterday, but it wouldnt work. which was annoying.
the other reason it took me a while was that i couldn't find someone to play the main character. so i greatly thank the little boy that agreed to this part =)
Monday, 22 September 2008
my band performance shoot
i had two shoots, in which the second one was more successful. the chosen location was in my back garden, and we used balloons for effect...
the official band members:
Jack Ford- vocalist
Jack Cooper- guitarist
Steph Woodward- bassist
Will Couper- drummer
and a massive thank you to all of them for being so patient with me- they really helped me out.
they came up with the idea of using balloons to make the setting cheerful, and most of all, they provided such laughs i will always remember haha! =D
so really, thanks
=)
the official band members:
Jack Ford- vocalist
Jack Cooper- guitarist
Steph Woodward- bassist
Will Couper- drummer
and a massive thank you to all of them for being so patient with me- they really helped me out.
they came up with the idea of using balloons to make the setting cheerful, and most of all, they provided such laughs i will always remember haha! =D
so really, thanks
=)
Monday, 15 September 2008
Andrew Goodwin's theories.
What is a music video?
• Scenes and pictures incorporated to music. the main use of a music video is to promote the band or the single that has been released, which in turn promotes the album. Can have a highly complex narrative that has personal meaning to either the viewer or the band members.
• There is quite often a significant use of intertextuality.
• “It always offers something to look at and something upon which we need to reflect.”~ Andrew Goodwin
• Theorist Michael Shore concludes that music videos consist of the following: “recycled styles…simulated experience…information overload…vanity and the moment…speed, power girls and wealth…album art come to turgid life…clichéd imagery”
• A music video contains performance clips (when the artist/ band are performing) and/or conceptual clips (where something else is shown through the duration)
• The three main factors that make a music video are: music, lyrics and image.
• Music --> the other two factors are often tied down to the beat of the music.
• Lyrics --> can create a poetic experience. The greater the leap between the content of the lyrics and the imagery, the more difficult for viewers to understand and interpret this context.
• The image must be understood to understand the music. The director creates ideas that are often repeated and emphasised through lighting, colour, clothing, footage etc etc.
... =)
• Scenes and pictures incorporated to music. the main use of a music video is to promote the band or the single that has been released, which in turn promotes the album. Can have a highly complex narrative that has personal meaning to either the viewer or the band members.
• There is quite often a significant use of intertextuality.
• “It always offers something to look at and something upon which we need to reflect.”~ Andrew Goodwin
• Theorist Michael Shore concludes that music videos consist of the following: “recycled styles…simulated experience…information overload…vanity and the moment…speed, power girls and wealth…album art come to turgid life…clichéd imagery”
• A music video contains performance clips (when the artist/ band are performing) and/or conceptual clips (where something else is shown through the duration)
• The three main factors that make a music video are: music, lyrics and image.
• Music --> the other two factors are often tied down to the beat of the music.
• Lyrics --> can create a poetic experience. The greater the leap between the content of the lyrics and the imagery, the more difficult for viewers to understand and interpret this context.
• The image must be understood to understand the music. The director creates ideas that are often repeated and emphasised through lighting, colour, clothing, footage etc etc.
... =)
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
music video analysis
this is my first analysis of a music video. the analysis is shown above (hopefully) and this is the actual video.
My Chemical Romance are an emo-punk rock band from New Jersey =)
Monday, 7 July 2008
the basic information
well, helllooo
the song i have chosen is by Incubus
it is called Smile Lines. i have already started my research, i have a "band" to play the song and some other characters for the main story.
the song is about high school crushes and falling in love for the first time
=)
the song i have chosen is by Incubus
it is called Smile Lines. i have already started my research, i have a "band" to play the song and some other characters for the main story.
the song is about high school crushes and falling in love for the first time
=)
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