Omama’s Blog A2

  Andrew Goodwin Goodwin believed that a strong music video has a strong link between the lyrics and the visuals. This doesn't necessarily mean that every lyric should match its respective scene. However, it does mean that the narrative or performance in the music video should be similar to what the lyrics say. Goodwin also believed that the star of the video is really important because it makes the video inviting to the audience. The star should match the aesthetic of the video and seem relatable to the audience. Michael Shore Shore believes that music videos are aimed at particular audiences. He believes that music videos consist of recycled images and styles that attract adolescent males and their fantasies of speed, power, wealth and girls. This has led to music videos becoming soft core pornography with stereotypical representations.

 I am going to talk about some theorists that presented their ideas about music videos. Roland Barthes Barthes believed that all narratives, including music videos, are either open or closed. He referred to the different aspects of a music video as codes. Following are the codes he believed could fit to any narrative. Hermeneutic code: It refers to any element in a narrative that is not explained which creates suspense. This allows the audience to stay engaged. Proairetic code: It refers to any action that implies a further action. This allows the audience to wonder what would be the result and hence, builds suspense. Cultural code: This refers to symbols or elements that are relevant to a specific culture. This helps grab a target audiences' attention. Semantic code: This refers to elements that give a hidden meaning or connote a meaning. This is also known as the connotative code. This allows the audiences to add their own touch to the understanding of the music video since every...

Here is an animated version of our ideas about our music video created by Hashir.

I love watching music videos and I know for a fact that whatever the song may be, the music video should grab your attention immediately. I will share a few inspirations for my own music video. My Love Mine All Mine I really enjoyed this music video because it portrays a message throughout in a very cinematic way. It starts off with yellow dandelion inside an egg shell, showing how everything is born with hope; the yellow colour displaying hope. The video goes on to show that even during our weakest points, we can grow. Furthermore, I really like how the video starts off without music and includes a non-diegetic sound which increases the suspense. Overall, this video has a strong mis-en-scene and has a narrative structure. I also want to include a narrative in my music video. Nobody Gets Me What I like about this music video is that it's minimalistic and doesn't involve a narrative. It is performance based and mostly involves lip syncing. It takes you to different locations thr...

 Music videos follow many stereotypes in representations of different social groups. Gender Women are mostly objectified in music videos. Their bodies are displayed and there are closeup shots of their features. They are shown wearing heavy makeup and tiny pieces of clothing along with high heels. They are usually next to men as a symbol that men own them. Meanwhile, men are shown wealthy and powerful in music videos. They are shown wearing expensive items of clothing like watches, sun glasses and chains. These are very conventional ways to represent gender. Sexuality Most music videos in the new age show some sexual content. The sexuality is mainly hetero and men are shown attracted to women that showcase themselves.  Age We mainly see performers in their 20s or 30s in music videos since this is the age when they are going through important things in life so they show their rebellion or their getaway from the stressful activities. This is also the time when they are passionat...

  There are many different genres of music video. Here are some examples along with their visual styles. Indie This genre includes low key lighting and slow paced editing to match the slow song. The videos are usually narrative based and show a struggle in the performer's life. As the lyrics are very clearly audible, the video focuses on engaging in a moody mis-en-scene so that the audience feels relatable. R&B This genre includes the artist's current feelings and the videos based on this genre have a deep meaning to them. There is no convention in this genre and it is highly flexible so the artist usually plays around to create a unique video. Pop This is the genre that includes high key lighting, bright clothing, heavy makeup and most times performances. The performers break the fourth wall and engage with the audience directly. This makes the genre more up beat. Hip Hop This genre includes many low angle shots to characterize the performer as powerful. Mostly, we see gro...

 There are different types of music videos that go with different types of songs and different preferences by artists. Following are the types. Performance Music Videos These videos include the artist(s) performing either on stage, on a set or on a real location. This type of video can fit any music genre with any type of artist. Narrative Music Videos These videos tell a story. This type allows the artist to share their story with or without following convention. This type gives the directors the liberty to be portray a story in any way or form. Concept Music Videos These videos have no convention and allows the director to be creative. These videos include an artistic approach to display an idea or a philosophy. There are no rules for such videos and they can come in so many different styles. Lyric Videos These are videos that show lyrics only. There can be unique fonts and pictures. These videos are usually used before the actual music video comes out or sometimes some artists j...