2. Analysing Music Videos
Here are 5 key features that Andrew Goodwin believed
was the difference between a professional made music
video and an amateur made music video.
A relationship between visuals either illustrating,
amplifying or contradicting the lyrics
A relationship between the music and the visuals again
either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the music
Music genres have their own music video style and
iconography
There is likely to be voyeurism, particularly in the
treatment of women
There is a demand on the part of the record company
for lots of close- ups of the main artist.
There is likely to be references either to other music
videos or to films and TV texts.
3. Camera shots
Here is evidence of close
ups of main vocalist, whilst
other members of the group
remain in the foreground.
Music genre characteristics-
here is Katy Perry’s
California Gurls video,
where the scenery is giant
sweets and pink candy floss,
the video is very bright,
colourful and feminine,
where own associations are
created.
Voyeurism taking place as
woman is sexualised
through limited clothing.
4. Analysing the music video
There are 5 key aspects that
Andrew Goodwin believes make a
great music video
Through the beats- Seeing the
sound
Narrative and performance
The star image
Relations of visual sound
Technical aspects of music video
5. Through The Beats-Seeing the sound
The main part of the music video is of course the music. Music is
compulsory to look into in order to help achieve the best you can in the
music video. The features you need to look for in music is the lyrics,
beat and the sound. The lyrics need to be observed carefully in order to
help influence the storyline of the music video. The beat needs to be
heard in great detail in order to perfection the cuts when editing. Finally
Goodwin also points out the artists mode of address. Many songs are
seen as a story, the singer is the narrator. This makes the music video a
2 communication device, telling the story and listening to the story.
The voice of the singer needs to be analysed so the actor can conquer the
miming with the correct timing and expression. The lyrics is one of the
main features that I found difficult for the actors to perform due to the
singer pronouncing words differently to how you would usually say
them.
6. Narrative and performance
Goodwin explains that the music videos
should ignore common narrative. It is
important in their role of advertising. Music
video’s should include repetition of
narration and performance as it will make it
easier for the audience to watch without
loosing interest from the video. The lip sync
and mimed actions will always remain at the
heart of music videos however a way to
increase the authenticity of a music video
can be achieved when the artists acts as
both narrator and participant.
7. Star Image
Star image is a conventional feature you
would usually see in a music video. Meta
narrative which is a big story that
suggests development of the star over
time, it has a important part to play in the
music video production process.
8. Relations of visuals to the song
There are three ways in which music video are
used to promote a song, they are illustrate,
amplify and disjuncture.
Illustrate- Music videos include images that can
illustrate the meaning of the lyrics and genre of
the song that sets a story.
Amplify- Is similar to repeatability. Effects and
meanings are edited and constantly shows
through the video and drummed into our
vision.
Disjuncture- This is where the lyrics and meaning
of a song are completely ignored.
9. Technical aspects of the music video
Technical aspects involve camera work, movement, angle, mise-
en-scene editing, sound and special effects. These six feature
are what holds a music video together.
Camera- involved speed, camera movement, editing, cutting and
post production are all forms of use of camera.
Lighting and colour- help to set moods and emphasise key
movements of the song for dramatic effects.
Mise-en-scene- the setting and location is very important for a
music video, it makes the video look authentic and
professional.
Beats- music videos cut scenes on the beat of the music making
the video look more effective and entertaining.
10. Technical aspects of the music video
Technical aspects involve camera work, movement, angle, mise-
en-scene editing, sound and special effects. These six feature
are what holds a music video together.
Camera- involved speed, camera movement, editing, cutting and
post production are all forms of use of camera.
Lighting and colour- help to set moods and emphasise key
movements of the song for dramatic effects.
Mise-en-scene- the setting and location is very important for a
music video, it makes the video look authentic and
professional.
Beats- music videos cut scenes on the beat of the music making
the video look more effective and entertaining.
