Finalised Music Video Idea: Treatment

Chosen song:
http://theohhellos.com/track/like-the-dawn

Music Video Treatment on PhotoPeach

Concept:

'In an unexpected turn of events, a young girl is on a journey of romance and realisation'

The music video is all about a young, female protagonist, as we follow her through a journey of clues, which are in the form of arrows. The video begins with various shots of soft light (direct sun and possibly through a window pane), natural surroundings and various effeminate bedroom objects. We are then introduced to the protagonist, and are welcomed into her personal space; her bedroom. A vintage, autumnal theme is clearly established through the location, lighting and mise-en-scene. As the protagonist is surrounded by letters, books, everyday objects, it seems that she is going about her everyday life (whilst day dreaming), though she seems quite subdued and sad. Within, or throughout this seen there is specific reference to a photograph; though blurred out of focus, the audience can see two figures. The young girl then begins to move papers and get back to what she is doing. However whilst slightly moving a piece of paper, she is confronted with the action code; an arrow.

This arrow is then the beginning of the young girls journey, to which she assumes that her final destination is taking her to the blurred figure (romance) within the photograph. Taking up a considerable section of the song, a 'montage' of shots follow; different types of arrows leading in certain directions, which the girl follows. For example, the protagonist will ride on a bike eagerly following and finding these arrows, taking us through different locations such as a garden, streets, and eventually, the woods.

The girl arrives in what she believes is her destination, after spotting an arrow pointing to an idyllic area in the woods. She holds up the photograph (which takes up the frame), and as she brings it down, the blurred figure is seen in the distance. The girl begins to smile. However, as we cut back to the boy (figure) we see another girl come into the frame and hug him, hence the 'romance and revelation'. Shocked, the girl turns back, only to realise that the arrow was pointing in the wrong direction all along. She runs away from the boy (possibly lending itself to reverse) as we are confronted with many fragmented shots; close ups of the girl, her feet, the light through the trees, her personal possessions back as home, and predominantly, a mug breaking (symbolising her current, 'broken' state).

As we track the girl running away, the video concludes with her finding a new romance and in fact, what the arrows were directing her to all along. The emotive storyline's pace begins to slow down, as their is a clear sense of resolution, to which the broken mug shall be reversed, 'healing' her broken heart.

As of yet, we are still unsure on an ending, to which we have two:

1. The protagonist finds her new love and things are 'fixed'.
2. As the new couple are together, the camera pans out to reveal a missed arrow, which is point to another direction; an ambiguous ending to which we question if she has actually reached her destination?

Mood board:

As well as the presentation which begins this post, here are various images from the mood board we created to accompany the treatment  The images reflect our overall, 'natural'/'vintage' theme, as well as our mise-en-scene ideas.

Style of Filming and editing:

Our main influences come from the likes of Jason Myraz and Half Moon Run. Both videos express simple cut transitions (where as we may experiment with fade transitions  at the beginning and end of the video), focus pulls and soft edges; aspects that we aim to include within our music video. Whilst in Post Production, we also aim to reverse a small section of the video. With reference to camera angles and movement, a wide range of shots from close-ups to establishing/long shots shall be included, accompanied by camera panning and tracking.

However, the 'artistic' and 'nature' montage/pick ups, as well as the protagonists fragmented thoughts can afford to be more rugged (shaky) portraying a sense emotion and well as supporting the overall organic theme.

Intertextuality:

Our main intertextual reference is to the novel and film 'P.S I Love You'. This is referenced through the concept of our protagonist following one clue to the next; similar to the film narrative, in which a women follows the instructions of several letters left by a loved one, in which she finds a new romance.

Trailer:

How will it appeal to the audience?

Our music video will appeal to the audience through it's strong storyline; all focus goes upon the girl and her journey. Although this can be argued as unconventional to an acoustic music video, in which there is almost always a performance element, our concept applies to the theory 'We derive pleasure from observing how the conventions of a genre are manipulated'. Therefore, by not including any element of performance, the audience will be intrigued to how the narrative will pan out and keep their attention. However, our music video also agrees with 'Genres permit the creation and maintenance of a loyal audience which become used to recognising the conventions of a genre'. This is because we have a strong relationship between music and visuals, as well as aiming to achieve an aesthetically pretty and natural music video.

Analysis of a Music Video in chosen genre

Half Moon Run: Full Circle
Genre: Indie Rock
Origin: Montreal, Canada
Similarities to The Oh Hellos: The instrumentals (in particular the guitar) and lyrical structure.
Note: Although Half Moon Run are categorised as Indie Rock, the instrumentals and dynamics are very similar to that of the Acoustic/Folk genre.

Concepts and theories:

• 'Genres permit the creation and maintenance of a loyal audience which become used (to recognizing the conventions of a genre)'
• Genres is... in a constant process of negotiation and change'

Andrew Goodwin's theory of conventions which apply to this particular music video:

• Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.
• There is a relationship between music and visuals.
• There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals.
• 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.
• There is frequently reference to notion of looking.

This still supports Andrew Goodwin's theory: 'reference to notion of looking' (the mirror in the background). Other examples are seen at 1.43 and 2.04

The music video begins with panning close ups of (winter) leaves, trees and flowers.  These shots immediately establish the conventions of the acoustic/indie genre; a natural and 'organic' portrayal of both the artist and the music. The panning movement also reflects the progression and dynamics of the guitar, creating a relationship between the music. At this moment, the narrative is still very much ambiguous, but an 'organic' theme is established, enhanced by the guitar.

This particular shot supports the theory of  'Genres is... in a constant process of negotiation and change' (winter shot).

A Close Up of delicate flowers, is enhanced by the soft focus pull and 'washed out' grade.

Though it isn't for certain, it could be argued that this music video was shot on actual film; hinted at through the 'flickering' look/overlay. This choice creates an aesthetically beautiful video, with acoustic genres often choosing to be visually 'pretty'. However, this video in particular has developed this aspect by having a winter setting; the season (bear plants and harsh white light) could be presented as cold and unwelcoming, yet the overall product looks very pretty and delicate, therefore conforming to the genre convention. The use of natural, bright lighting and a faded gradient, along with casual yet comfortable and familiar clothing further supports this.

Mise-en-scene, exhibiting natural lighting, as well as clothing.

Although there are many 'montage-like' shots, there is still significant focus upon performance narrative; argued as a stereotypical genre characteristic due to the importance of the music to the band and the audience. 

Relationship between music and visuals; instruments are within shot when you can specifically hear that instrument, reminding the audience of the importance of the music.

The very casual approach to the performance has been edited into a sequence almost as picks up shots in between the beautiful shots of nature. However, this choice of editing cleverly reminds the audience of the main focus throughout the video, whilst not over-exposing the band, conforming to their 'laid back', 'organic' image.  In terms of the band, the shot type(s), combined with the artists themselves often being off center frame (but still fitting to the rule of thirds) represents the band as having a somewhat casual persona; their music is professional and polished, as opposed to themselves. Also, close ups, as well as obscure angles and shots of the face and hands, creates a strong sense of intimacy and personal experience between the artist and the audience.

As well as the performance narrative, there is an evident relationship between lyrics and visuals. For example, there is a repeated reference to the cutting of circular fruit, portraying the lyrics 'Full Circle'.

Following on with the representation of the audience, within this genre,  the viewer is to /wants to feel a sense of relaxation and familiarity with the artist. This is therefore reflected through the extras (3 women), who look very comfortable, within the cosy house setting and (supposed) company of the band.

This obscure angle has evident use of focus pull, which softens the harsh object in the foreground, creating an aesthetically pleasing as well as intimate shot.

Focusing upon the editing of the video, standard cut transitions are used. This supports the simple and natural theme, allowing the shots (of performance and nature) to be fully appreciated as well achieving a clean and professional edit.


Influences upon our Music Video:

Predominantly, the close up's of nature have influenced us, as not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are somewhat of a convention for an acoustic music video. This is important as we want to maintain a loyal audience through our music video (therefore conforming to conventions) yet slightly develop our outlook upon the genre.

Along with many other acoustic music videos, 'Full Circle' by Half Moon Run particularly influenced us through its use of imagery and motifs, which are carried on in terms of marketing. For example, at 2.15 we see an extreme long shot of birds flying in a circle in the air; this image has then been used as their single artwork, creating an immediate link between the two medias. Therefore, we have taken this into consideration, especially in retrospect to our action code of the arrows, which are very symbolic within our music video.

The shot which has been replicated upon the band's single cover.

Also, within the music video, we see the slight use of reverse. This has also influenced our choices within Post Production because the small section looks particularly interesting; as the section is so small, it's almost a quaint detail within the video. However,in terms of our story line, the use of reverse will lend itself well in terms of our protagonists 'revelation' and heartbreak. 

Single cover/digi-pack.

Performance:

Although this particular music video does have major influences upon our own ideas, the performance narrative is a hard aspect to avoid; a convention within folk/acoustic music videos. However, several aspects have informed our decision to avoid a strong performance based narrative. Aside from logistical reasons (such as a band not being available who would visually, fit the criteria), we feel that the song's strength is within the instrumental, which appeals very much to movement and a journey. We understand that within performance the artists can move about whilst playing their instruments. However, we want to achieve a very evident sense of movement (from location to location) which a storyline would better express. We also want to avoid the lyrics getting 'lost in translation' through someone possibly mouthing the lyrics.

However, we do feel that some sort of performance element would strengthen our music video. Therefore, with access to an acoustic guitar, we can experiment with shots referencing to the instrument; whether this will be subtle placements of the guitar within the mise-en-scene, or, a more practical approach with someone playing the guitar.

Mood Board: Chosen Song and Initial Ideas

Final Song Choice with Lyrics

After listening to and comparing each song within the 'Possible Song Choices Table'. We decided to use the song 'Like the Dawn' by The Oh Hellos:

http://theohhellos.com/track/like-the-dawn

We decided upon this song because of the structure and varying dynamics, particularly within the instrumental. We felt that the instrumental, and overall genre (acoustic) of the piece expressed a lot of movement and emotion, which can be easily reflected and interpreted visually. As well as this the singers voice was a strong persuasion; we felt, that as the directors, we could relate more to the female voice, not only presenting more obvious storyline ( a female protagonist) but also possibly targeting a (female) audience similar to our own preferences, in consideration to the genre audience.

In terms of Post Production, this song persuaded our choice in the sense that the tempo gives us the chances to experiment with quick cuts, as well as slow motion, dissolves and possibly, reverse.

Any logistical problems can also be easily overcome with this song. For example, although the song itself is too long, there are various natural breaks within the structure, to which we can easily cut the song. Also, the band are American. However the genre and culture of acoustic/folk is widely appreciated within British culture (such as Mumford and Sons) and has a style which is not significant to Texas, America.

Lyrics:

I was sleeping in the garden when I saw you first 

he'd put me deep, deep under so that he could work 

and like the dawn you broke the dark and my whole earth shook 

I was sleeping in the garden when I saw you 



at last, at last 

bones of my bones and flesh of my flesh, at last 



you were the brightest shade of sun I had ever seen 

your skin was gilded with the gold of the richest kings 

and like the dawn you woke the world inside of me 

you were the brightest shade of sun when I saw you 



and you will surely be the death of me 

but how could I have known?

Possile Song Choices

In order to decide upon a song to create a music video for, we, as a group listened to and discussed many aspects of various songs. Converting the information into a table format allowed us to clearly identify certain aspects of the songs, such as genre and dynamics, as well as compare the songs to one another.

Here are the links to each song (correct order) which i have included within the table below.

https://soundcloud.com/nightbug/tropic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PczwzftrhYk

http://richardjacobs.bandcamp.com/track/this-light

http://theohhellos.com/track/like-the-dawn

Potential Song Choices.

Analysing Performance Narrative

Fall Out Boy- Dance Dance



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6MOKXm8x50

Fall Out Boy's 'Dance Dance' is set at an American prom (an intertextual reference), with them being the school band. There are two narratives within this video; one being the story of 4 'geeks' (the band members) at the prom and the other, a performance narrative.

The performance narrative aspect of this video generally, follows many stereotypes/characteristics of  the punk rock/pop genre. Aside from the performance narrative (itself being the most prominent stereotype), the instruments are the main focus within the performance; a strong relationship between music and visuals is created by relating the shots with the instruments heard in the song at that particular moment. This can be clearly seen at 1.02, to which the bassist is shot playing his instrument in correlation to the dynamics of the bass in the song. Again, with the drummer and guitarist at 1.05, this editing technique portrays the importance of the instruments and song for the band as well as audience. Throughout the performace, the band look like they are enjoying themselves, representing the 'fun rebellion' of teen punk rock. This is further exhibited through the band not taking themselves to seriously (particularly at 1.22). However the strong focus upon instruments with shot hints that they still take their music seriously.

With reference to mise-en-scene, the band are wearing dark (prodominantly black) clothing such as shirts, ties and trousers; somewhat of a 'cool' take on the prom attire. Combined with the instruments, the band are portayed to be considerably rebellious in contrast to the bright clothes of the other people within the scenes.

A variety of camera angles are also used within the performance to create a fast paced, hectic, yet 'momentus' performance and representation of the band. In particular, there is an interesting low angle at 1.05 portraying the guitarist of high importance, highlighting the importance of the guitar solo within that part of the performance. Also, 0.54 and 1.58 show interesting centre shots but, from behind the band. Not only does this allow the audience to 'experience' what it is like to be in the band (creating a sense of intimacy) but also, a portrayal of carelessness and rebellion from the band. This is because, in terms of composition, their backs are quite literally, 'facing the audience'. As well as various close ups of the individual band members, a medium shot at 1.04 contains the whole band within one frame, represents the bands collective identity.

In terms of editing and post production, slow motion is used at 1.25 and 2.48 whilst the band members are playing their instruments. This 'captures the moment' of the performance, hinting that their music is so impactful that it can 'change time' as well as further strengthening their 'cool' portrayal. Quick cuts between the band/band memebers and audience represents the hectic, carefree nature of band.

Camera movement within the performance is limited. However, there is a lot of movement within the shots, such as the band jumping and spinning, appropriately translating the lyrics 'Dance dance'. This possibly portrays that the band are not confined to the still movement of the camera, again, linking to their 'rebellious' nature.