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Student Video Analysis 3

At the beginning of the student video they have used a panning shot of a bedroom with a black and white filter. They have filmed the whole video in black and white. The original video of Jessie J is shot in a bedroom so it is clear that they have taken inspiration from it. The have chosen to use two different actresses; one playing they artist and the other playing a character in the video. The girls playing the artist dose not seem completely confident in her role and it comes across a bit uncomfortable in the begging of the video. However, further into the video this goes away, her lip-syncing is done to a good standard with only a few moments of delay.  It seems that they have used a torch to create a circular light to emphasise the character in the video and this has created a large shadow, which highlights the theme of the video thus matching the lyrics.  They have mainly used a standard medium shot to film the majority of the video with a few side shots and over the shoulder shots. The Singer has three different costumes; one being a white/cream dress and the other is a pair of black jeans and a coat. Further into the video she also has a different coat and a new hairstyle. The use of two different costumes works well as when they changed location the costume also changes. For the majority of cuts they have used a fade or soft cut. All the shots move smoothly, however there is one point in the video where the whole frame goes out of focus for a couple of seconds and seems unnecessary to the video. The video has been filmed in black and white and this usually portrays something that has happened in the past, this could suggests that the story they are trying to portray is about emotions in the past but this isn’t very strongly portrayed. They have used 3-4 different locations to film the video, the main two being the bedroom and by the water fountain. By having multiple locations it makes the video a lot more interesting to watch. The character’s facial expression fits well with they sad theme of the video and she has played the role to a proficient standard. They have mainly used the standard medium shot, and the majority of the time the camera is steady. However, at the end on the closing scene it is slightly unsteady and breaks the softness of the video.  Overall the video has been done to a good standard and tells a basic story. If they was to do it again I would recommend trying out using different shot types and maybe some effects to show their technical skills more.  

A2 Student Video Analysis 2

The video starts with an establishing shot, yet the camera is unsteady and out of focus. This demonstrates poor camera skills, as they are not able to hold a steady shot appropriately. This, as a viewer creates a bad impressions and takes away from the potential of the video. The use of the corridor doesn’t fit in with the theme or lyrics of the song, which makes the video, seem unprofessional and amateur. Furthermore, they have not used their surroundings wisely as the fire alarm is seen in the background, this is due to the camera being shot from the right, demonstrating poor consideration of appropriate framing and setting. However, the lip-syncing has been done to a good standard. With this said, the singer doesn’t make consistent eye contact with the camera, this would not engage the audience. The actor they chose also occasionally grins, which gives the impression that he is not taking the video seriously and suggest that he is not fully committed to the video. Additionally, they have not shown efficient understanding of mise-en-scene elements, with little consideration of lighting, facial expressions, placement of props or positioning of the characters within the frame. They have shown basic understanding and use of editing and shot transitions as unnecessary effects have been used. However, they do show some skill with camera cuts being used at appropriate times.  As the story of the video continues it becomes clear that they are on a night out, with this said the use unsteady shot and blurred image is not appropriate as it again creates an unprofessional ambiance throughout the video. The overall quality of the video is poor; there is little evidence of using appropriate skills and knowledge to produce a video appropriate to the task set.

A2 Student Video Analysis 1

The camera is steady throughout the video and the video is consistently in focus unless intentionally done otherwise.  There are a wide variety of shot distances and camera angles, which adds to the professionalism of the video. The video has a good use of mise-en-scene elements. The lighting has been specifically used to create an atmosphere and to lead the audience to feel specific emotions. When in his bedroom there is a spotlight which was most likely created using bedside lights. This lighting links well to the storyline and could portray the boy’s life. Throughout the video there is a use of a variety of colours, each of the colours used have connotations, which are relevant to events in the story. The colour red is significant because it could represent either danger meaning the boy is ready to fight or fear, which suggests that the boy is afraid of what could happen to him. The colour black is used, as it is a mysterious colour, which usually has negative connotations such as death and evil. However it can also connote power and elegance. The main actor is dressed all in black which is a colour which connotes perspective and depth which could represent him reflecting on his actions and trying to figure out how to move on. The jacket he is wearing has green stripes, which may have been done intentionally as the colour green is associated with jealousy and that could be a reason for the argument between the boy and his girlfriend. The video often cuts between the main boy punching someone; the third boy injured on the floor and the fire, the repetitiveness links to the lyrics, which say ‘repeating all the same mistakes.’ The editing is well done as it shows growth and development among the characters. The shot transitions and effects are appropriate and well used.  The Lip-syncing is at a professional standard and as an audience member it is believable that the song belongs to the actor. Overall the video is of a high quality; there is evidence of appropriate skills and knowledge to produce a video appropriate to the task.

Genre Research 2

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Melanie Martinez Dollhouse Music Video Analysis

The music video begins with an establishing shot of a young girl playing with her doll and her dollhouse; this sets the scene and is typically used at the beginning of videos or new scenes. The camera then moves into a close up shot of the dollhouse while demonstrating a panning movement, which guides the eye towards the top left of the dollhouse foreseeing the next camera cut where the young girl puts her doll down in the dollhouse. The young girls pink pyjamas and slippers highlights her youth and innocents which is emphasised as the girl has pigtails in her hair, this is a typical representation of innocents demonstrated by various artists such as Arianna Grande and Taylor Swift. Her innocents is further emphasised when she runs away as if she has been called by her parents which implies that she is a well behaved child living a happy life. This contrasts with the setting of the scene; the dollhouse seems to be in a dark attic used for storage creating a creepy atmosphere, which also links to the unsettling lyrics. The camera then demonstrates another panning movement again shifting the focus towards the top left of the dollhouse, before cutting to a fast moving establishing shot focusing in on the dollhouse. This creates high tension causing the audience to expect something interesting or unexpected to happen. This is also emphasised by the flashing blue light on the dollhouse, which again creates an eerie atmosphere and sets the mood for rest of the video. Moving on to the next scene, a wipe transition is used which replaces the previous scene with the next, and we see a media close up shot of the artist; Melanie Martinez that slowly pans into the artists face as she begins to sing. As we first see Martinez she has slow jointed movements similar to those of a doll, as the camera pans towards her face we also see that she has heavy makeup on. We can see that she has freckles painted on her face, which represents her doll like nature; freckles are also stereotypically seen as cute and innocent which also relates to her pink hair and bow. The colour pink connotes love and nurturing, which makes her seem quite innocent and sweet. This is further emphasised by the pink flowery wallpaper, furniture and clothes. The innocent childish nature of the her clothes and the setting contrasts to the black hair and dark heavy makeup, the fact that her hair is half black and half pink could represent the two sides of her family life, the perfect family everyone sees and the imperfect life they live that no one else sees. This is also emphasised further in the video through the lyrics of the song; ‘everyone thinks that were perfect, please don’t let them look through the curtains’. Furthermore the low lighting on the right side of her face contrasts with the high lighting on the left side of her face, which again could represent obvious contrast between the two sides of a family. As the camera continues to slowly pan into her face the audiences’ eyes are drawn into hers. Typically dolls eyes are very big which represents sweetness and innocents however, the camera is at a straight angel looking directly at Martinez but she is looking down the camera, giving the impression that the camera is at a slightly higher angle giving Martinez an air of power and dominance. As the scene changes there is a soft cut transition and we see Martinez sitting on a child’s bed with severed doll heads behind her, this links to the sinister disjointed movements of Martinez, creating a horror movie thriller theme. This is further emphasised when Martinez twists her head to the left and jolts forwards towards the camera, which again creates reference to the horror or thriller genre. Once again there is a soft cut and we see the mother doll lying on the sofa with a bottle of wine in her hand, implying that she is drunk. This can be seen as a typical representation of a broken family, an alcoholic mother and an unfaithful father and this is further emphasised through the lyrics ‘hey mum please wake up, dads with a slut’. A wipe transitions is then used as the video moves onto a new setting. Furthermore a soft cut and close up is used with parallel sound emphasising the lyrics ‘your son is smoking cannabis.’ The fact that the son is also smoking cannabis relates to the typical teenage rebellion, stereotypically in movies teenagers rebel against their parents in an attempt to gain some attention. Drug usage is also a typical representation of todays youth and the music industry, which could emphasis the message of the music video and lyrics, that the industry is not all what it seems. As the video continues the lyrics are parallel with what is happening visually, we see the artist, dressed in a blue dolls dress, blue usually connotes calm, and a relaxing setting, this contrasts with the actions of the artist as she is miming cutting and eating a live rabbit. The artist is also wearing doll arms as a necklace, this again contrast to the calm, safe connotation of blue, this is further emphasised through the use of make-up on her elbows as it gives the impression of doll joints creating an eerie and inhumanly look. This also relates to her facial expression; her wide eyes looking directly at the camera again creates an eerie feel and draws the viewer in as it makes it seem like she is looking at you. A hard cut is then used and we see the son of the family banging on his wall. His actions are very over the top, emphasising his frustration with his broken family. It could also be emphasising the frustration of the music industry. A wipe transition is then used as we see the artist sitting at a dressing table in her bedroom, the fact that we see the wall separating the brother and sister reminds us that they are dolls in a dollhouse, it could also again be highlighting how artificial and synthetic the music industry can be. The pink and white flowery wallpaper and bow could connate innocents. However, this contrasts with the doll heads, and a soft cut is used with parallel sound to emphasis the abnormality of the doll heads. Furthermore the doll heads do not have eyes, this could symbolise the fact that people look at her family, or the music industry blindly, and make assumptions without seeing it for themselves. The lyrics ‘put on you doll faces’ could again emphasises how artificial the industry can be, furthermore it could suggests that people hid behind a mask to hid their true feelings regarding their family life which is highlighted through the lyrics, ‘everyone thinks that were perfect’ as it implies that they have to act superficially or ‘perfectly’ in order to succeed in the industry. The artist is dressed in a blue dress with, doll arms as a necklace and a bunny in her hand, this could be seen as very sinister and is further emphasised through her wide eyes and blank facial expression. A white fade out is then used as we see Martinez singing into the camera with her ‘family members’. They are moving around in fast motion in the background, getting ready for a family photo, highlighting how manic her family life is. A soft cut is then used and we see Martinez in her bedroom, asynchronous sound is also used as the lyrics ‘please don’t let them look through their curtains’ matches her hand movements which are suggestive of curtains opening. As the camera zooms another soft cut is used and we see her sitting on her bed. The costume she is wearing matches the setting, as it is all pink, this could connote girly, innocents, which contrasts with the eerie lyrics and theme. Once again a soft cut is used and we see her pined up on a wall. As the camera zooms out it becomes apparent that she is inside a dolls box, her blank facial expression again creates an eerie atmosphere as she stares down the camera. A hard cut is then use as the sound and image both cut abruptly and we see the doll family sitting still on the sofa. Once again the lyrics and the images on the screen matches as asynchronous sound is used. This takes the viewer on a journey with the characters in the music video and creates the feeling of a story being told. As the camera zooms in, an extreme close up is shown of the mother dolls face. The make-up used along with her blank facial expression gives the impression of a real doll crying, the fact that she is also not moving plays into the doll effect and again creates a frightening mood. However, her crying gives the viewer an opportunity to form an emotional connection with the character and the lyrics. As a hard cut is used we see Martinez directly addressing the camera and the viewers. The low angle creates the impression of vulnerability, which also links to the lyrics, ‘oh oh, she coming to the attic, plastic, go back to being plastic’, this could give the impression that Martinez feels that she has to be fake in order to fit in to the stereotypes of the music industry. When linking this to the theme of the music video it could also suggest that her and her doll family have to act like the perfect family when others are looking in, which is similar to how she may have to act while being in the public eye. The fast editing used with asynchronous sound builds up tension within the video and creates excitement, which draws the viewers into the story of the video. As the young girl approaches the dollhouse she walks directly towards the camera however, the frame is in a blurred focus. The dramatic pull focus used throughout the fast editing builds up suspense within the video. A low angle is then shown as Martinez makes a direct approach toward the camera, the low angle gives the impression of helplessness, however her facial expression and slow movements creates an unsettling atmosphere. Several straight cuts are then shown as the dolls get back to their ‘places’. The camera then continuously cuts between several shots of the family members and the young girl, which again builds up tension. As the young girl gets closer to the dollhouse, we see a focus change, from a blurred focus to a shallow focus and a low angle is used to show her dominance over the dolls. The continuous cuts between the young girl and Martinez shows a clear distinction of power; Martinez is shown from a low angle giving the impression that she has less power. However, her sinister facial expression makes it clear to the viewer that something strange is going to happen, this is emphasised through the lighting change. As we see a close up of the young girl it is clear that she is smiling, yet as we see Martinez making small, creepy, doll like movements the camera cuts back to the young girl and her facial expression slowly changes. She has a look of fright and confusion on her face, this is further emphasised when Martinez slowly turns her body to the right causing the young girl to jolt back in fright. The shot then fades to black, this symbolises the end of a scene, as the image slowly fades in a close up of Martinez’s face is established. As she opens her eyes, she turns and looks at the young girl who is now a doll, her costume change from pink pyjamas and pigtails to a sophisticated black dress and down do hairstyle, makes it clear that she is no longer an innocent little girl. As Martinez walks around the girl she sings ‘hey girl, open your walls, play with your dolls, we’ll be a perfect family’, the three remaining dolls then look directly at the camera and a shallow focus is used as Martinez whispers in the young girls ear. The young girl makes direct eye contact with the camera with a fearful facial expression. A hard cut is then used as the family stands up and slowly walks toward the young girl. They seem to be forcing her into a situation where she is no longer in control, the positioning of her arms and facial expression highlights her fear. As a hard cut is used we see a close up of the young girl with low lighting, the low lighting highlights the eeriness of the situation and makes the viewer’s feel fear for the young girl.  The camera makes several fast cuts showing the young frightened girl and the expressionless dolls, this build the tension within the video and for the viewers. As the young girl hides her face in an attempt to escape her fear, a close up is shown of the dolls still moving toward the young girl, this along with their blank facial expressions again highlight the disturbing atmosphere. The fast cuts and unsettling mood are very similar of the conventions of a horror movie or thriller; this helps to make the theme of the video more believable and enticing. A soft cut is then used as we see the young girl back in the attic in her pyjamas. She moves her hand away from her face and realises that she is no longer in the dollhouse, we then see the doll family moving back into a lined position. As the camera cuts back to the young girl she seems very frightened and confused which is emphasised through her facial expressions and body movements. Another soft cut is used as we see Martinez sitting at her dressing table smiling into the mirror, an immediate fast cut is shown and we see the young girl running away while an establishing shot starts to take place of the attic and the dollhouse. This makes it clear that the video is coming to an end. A soft cut is then used and we see the doll family standing in a line, while the camera zooms into Martinez singing and making doll like movements, again creating an unsettling ambiance. A hard cut is then used as we see a close up of Martinez’s face, while the camera slowly zooms out, another hard cut is the used as we see Martinez back in the doll box, the camera slowly zooms out and the door of the dollhouse closes very abruptly creating a feeling of finalisation which is emphasised as the screen fades to black symbolising the end if the video.