My music video

Audience Feedback

I handed out my questionnaire to an entire classroom, full of students. I believe that this sample represents my target audience. Moreover I made my feedback, opened, which will provide me with qualitative data as I do not want to limit the response that my target audience want to reveal to me.

Evidently from my audience feedback it shows that my target audience felt that the lip syncing was very good and 'on point'. I am pleased about this because this means that my video connoted a sense of realism (one of my responses included that my video was realistic) this is because, if they felt that the lip syncing was very good, then this further means that they believed that Bemi was lip syncing to her own song.

Many if not all of my target audience said that they loved the narrative in my music video I received feedback like...

'good story line'

'good narrative which is clear'

'Flash back was effective'

'good use of emotions'

'Video made sense to the song'

'I can relate to the narrative of the video'

'good story'

'The video reflects the lyrics of the narrative'

'I like the opening scene when they first meet, and ending walk off'

I am very pleased with my feedback, due to the fact that the majority of my target audience were pleased and satisfied with the narrative of my music video. But I am most pleased with the fact they understood the circular narrative of my music video.

Applying theory into my feedback, by using the Uses and Gratification theory my target audience consumed the use of the narrative in my music video, with the inclusion of their personal relationship as they related their personal feelings, life experiences and built a relationship with the characters in my music video. I noticed that one of my feedback included 'I can relate to the narrative' this therefore suggests that this person (a girl) has related her own personal experience with the artist (Bemi) who was heart broken in my music video.

From my audience feedback it presented to me that I had 'good actors' This indicates that when I planned and shortlisted potential actors/resses, I correctly selected the right actors who were Bemi and Lewis as they captured the narrative involving  a love story.

The majority of my feedback revealed to me that I had an excellent choice of music, I am pleased with this, because my target audience enjoyed it, ignoring the fact that she is a mainstream artist, and not that well established. In my analysis, I did identify that I believed that using a song by a mainstream singer was more beneficial.

Moreover evidently from my audience feedback it displayed that there were many positives about my music video, this included

- Good transitions

- Good variety of camera angles

-Well organised

NEGATIVE POINTS

 My target audience did not like the idea that Bemi was only included in half of the shot in 1:37, due to my feedback, I will be changing the shot, and replacing it with another where she is lip syncing.

Moreover my audience did not like the idea that I included the 'black & white' effect, at the point 3:04 in my music video, so therefore I will be returning the effect to normal.

Lastly because my video size, varied in size, this was instantly picked up by my audience. It has been suggested to me to change the size of my footages, so they are all similar if not the same. I aim to achieve this.

Editing step by step - Post Production

Evidently it is clear thar I am following my storyboard effectively, and therefoe this highlights to me that the use of storyboards are very benedicial, as they allow me to edit in chronological order, and excatly how I imagined my music video to be, therefore this limits my mistakes, and therefore means that my errors are limited, and lastly therefore, I will not have to change my editing as much as I would have without my story board 

Firstly I started to edit on Windows Live Movie Maker. I chose this software because I have some experience from my Comedy Taster Movie, which here I used this software to edit my mini project.

As we are all aware that the name of my song is Jhene Aiko - Stranger. I firstly selected the song from my own files, the song is '3:36' seconds so this already tells me that I have to create enough editing for this length of time. 

I used the 'Fade from white' effect to introduce the scene, the white effect then fades out gradually. I also brightened the video, because it was initially darker than this.

I have used the cross fade transition because presents a smooth form of the transition from one scene to another. technique moreover it links the two shots together, as they are occuring at the same time and location.

 Next I used the fade in white effect, because 

I have used the fade to black editing technique to close the scene

I simply just added no effect to the beginning of this shot, so therefore it produced a jump cut effect. I then used reduced the speed from '1x' to '0.5x' to produce a slow motioned effect. I wanted to use a slow motioned effect to slowly reveal and allow my audience concentrate on the fact that they both recognise each other

To ensure that Bemi lip syncing matched the lyrics of the original song 'Jhene Aiko - Stranger,' I trimmed the video, so that it fit the lyrics. It was quite difficult to achieve this smoothly because when I filmed this shot Bemi had not learnt the words to scratch so I therefore my trimming had to be very precise.

I used the 'mirror' effect, where the previous shot, appears and fades into the next shot; so therefore Bemis confused face appears into the next shot, where both her and Lewis are laughing and smiling. I have also included a fade into white shot, to present to the audience that these scenes are flashbacks that Bemi is having.

Again I have used the mirror effect in this shots to show the association between the two shots.

To follow the previous shot, I used the 'fade to white' tool, to connote her innocence. I also used the 'trim' tool to trim the length of the shot, in order for her lip sync to be precise to the lyrics of the actual song

Next I followed my story board where It presents to me that the next shot was scene 3. I slowed down the speed of this shot, from '1x' to '0.5' just so that it corresponded with the pace and rhythm of the song.

Next, I included the shot where Bemi is lip syncing again, I also trimmed this shot so that it corresponded with the original lyrics of the song. 

Next I included another shot, similar to the previous shot, however, Bemi is positioned standing, in contrast to her sitting down on the floor. Moreover I trimmed the shot, in order for Bemi's lip sync to match the lyrics of the song.

Next I rotated this shot of Bemi by using the shot, using the 'mirror vertical' effect' I did this to contrast the same exact previous shot in the beginning  to connote and reveal to the audience the point in time in the video, where her relationship turns 'upside down' Moreover I trimmed the shot, in order for Bemi's lip sync to match the lyrics of the song.

After that, I added the shot where Bemi was walking sorrowfully. I slowed down the speed from '1x' to '0.5x' to emphasise her unhappiness.  

Next follows a scene of Bemi and Lewis. I used the 'through black' effect, where the scene opens with a blacked out screen, then gradually fades. I introduced this scene with a black effect, to connote a sense of doom and disaster, which is approaching further on in the song.

I included the point of view shot of Lewis, lasting less than a second. Even though I knew that this was important, I felt that when I included the shot for more than three seconds, it looked unneeded  and moreover the conversation on the phone, was not as clear as I aimed for it to be, so therefore me presenting it for many seconds where the audience had enough time to read it, would be pointless, and confusing, due to the fact that the phone screen was not clear enough (due to the low quality of my iPhone camera)

After that, was just a jump cut, to present the sudden anger from Bemi as Lewis pays no attention to her.

I then used the 'wipe pan right' transition to present new senario, where Bemi begins to lip sync.

 I then used the cross fade effect, to present that this situation is occuring at the same time, moreover I have included this efefct, to show the audience that they time has gone by, in other words they have been arguing for some time.

Yet again  I used the cross fade effect. just to present that this situation is occuring at the same time,

I trimmed the length shot, in order for Bemi's lip sync to match the lyrics of the song.. I also brightened up the shot, by using the brightening tool, to improve the quality of the video, to enhance the realism of my video

 I used the 'trim' tool to trim the length of the shot, in order for her lip sync to be precise to the lyrics of the actual song

Afterwards I used the cross fade effect once again. I used this to reveal her change in position, yet still in the same location. I have dont this connotes her change of emotions, throughout her relationship

Yet again I used the cross fade effect,

I then included the shot of Bemi and Lewis in love again. I 'split' the shot, so that the mise en scene of the basket ball being thrown matched the pace and beat of the drum. I have dont this to connote that their relationship at this point is in order.

I then included the shot of Bemi and Lewis in love again. I brightned up the entire shot, to connote, a sense of hope in the relationship.

The circular narrative - This shot, is the repeat of the opening scene, where Bemi and Lewis walk past each other. I copied (Ctrl C) and pasted (Ctrl v) the opening scene. However I trimmed to shot, as it was time consuming. However I kept the speed the same ('0.5x')

Narrative in music videos

Narrative In Music Videos

Media Concepts; Narrative Narrative – The way a story or tale is told so that the elements are structured and organised in such a way that it makes sense to the audience. It has also been described as how events are unified in time and space.
Narrative explores the conventions of:
Genre
Character
Form
Time
Includes information not shown
story/plot
The key events Narrative = how is the story told? (as events unfold)

There are several forms of narratives, I found this on the internet it identifies the different concepts of narratives.

Narrative structures
Linear Structure:Beginning Middle End(Audience introduced to (Events –story builds) (Closure)characters and story)
Open Structure:The audience are left to wonder what happens next and make sense of it themselves (e.g. “Inception”)
Closed Structure:Definite ending – clear conclusion for the audience
Circular Structure:The narrative begins at the end events (often with the Beginning climax). The audience are taking on a journey arriving And end back where they started. (e.g. Pulp fiction)?!
From reading this, It is clear that the narrative in my music video, includes a circular structure, where the narrative of mu music video begins with a climax, where Bemi and Bemi walk past each other, and not long after the 'meet up' scene in the beginning the audience are then presented with the journey (flashbacks) of how they arrived in that particular situation. And more over my music video ends with the same beginning ('meet up scene).


Narrative theorists
There are many theorists who use theory to explain narrative structure. 
Vladimir Propp
Roland Barthes
Tzvetan Todorov
Claude Levi-Strauss*

PROPPP : Propp’s theory of narrative is driven by the characters using a set of narrative functions Background: 1895 —1970 Vladimir Propp was a Russian scholar who analysed Russian folk tales (fairy tales) by their narrative structure. Often used in Hollywood or Disney Films (with a happy ever after)He identifies 8 ‘types’ of characters:Hero (protagonist) has a mission of quest to complete (e.g.Luke Skywalker)Villain (antagonist) tries to stop the hero (Darth Vader)Princess love interest and/or object of the quest (Princess Leia)Father person with knowledge (Leia)Dispatcher sends the hero off (Obi Wan)Donor gives the hero something to help him (Obi Wan)Sidekick the helper (not as handsome as hero) –poss. comic relief (C3P0+)False hero villain that pretends to be good in order to trick the hero
Propp's 31 narrative functions
In addition to the characters Propp he says that it is narratemes (i.e. narrative functions)-events that drive the narrative forward:
Family member leaves home -Hero introduced
Hero given a warning (e.g. not to do something)
Hero ignores the warning
Villain appears (e.g. trying to find jewels / children etc.)
Villain gains information about the victim
Villain attempts to trick the victim (guise / trickery)
Victim/ Hero is fooled by the villain
Villain causes harm or injury
Misfortune or lack is made known to Hero
Hero decides on counter-action
Hero leaves home
Hero is tested by the Donor
Hero responds to the test
Hero acquires a magical agent
Location / hero change to the place of lack
Hero and Villain in direct combat
Hero is branded (wounded / scarred)
Villain is defeated (killed)
Lack is met -resolution
Hero goes back home
Hero is pursued
Hero is rescued
Unrecognised Hero arrives home / another country
False hero claims Hero’s success
Difficult task is set
Hero resolves the task
True Hero now recognised
False hero exposed
Hero given transformation (new appearance e.g. new clothes)
Villain is punished
Hero marries and ascends the throne

I have not implemented any of  'propps' theory because I don't believe that the narrative functions of his suggested events are associated with the R&B/Soul genre, this is because in modern society Independence is heavily promoted in this genre, therefore Propps theory of for example a male hero saving a vulnerable female, goes against the movement of Independence and 'girl power.' David Gauntlett argues suggests that in contemporary society, gender roles are more complex and that the media reflect this. He points out that female role models today are often glamorous as well as successful in a way that previously they were not. He believe s that this is due to the rise of 'girl power' and 'women independency' in the media through identities constructed by music artists, like for example an R&B artist Beyonce promoting independence.


Barthes describes narrative as a series of codes that are read and interpreted by the audience

• Action Code
• Enigma Code
• Semic Code
• Symbolic Code
• Referential Code

Barthes Codes
Action Code: (proairetic code)
something the audience knows and doesn't need explaining e.g. someone being wheeled out on a stretcher tells us they are going to hospital
Enigma Code: (hermeneutic code)
something hidden from the audience (creates intrigue)
Semic Code:
something that the audience recognise through connotations
Symbolic Code:
Something that symbolises a more abstract concept e.g. a darker than usual room of a murder scene could symbolise the depth of darkness and depravity
Cultural Code: (referential code)
Something that is read with understanding due to cultural awareness (e.g. youth culture use certain words that are understood by that culture)

Todorov describes narrative as going from equilibrium to disequilibrium back to an altered equilibrium

• Equilibrium
• Disruption
• Conflict
• Resolution
• New Equilibrium

TODOROV
Equilibrium: (sets the scene)
Everyday Life
Disruption: (complication)
Something happens to alter the equilibrium
Conflict: (climax)
Trying to solve the problem (seek resolution)
Resolution:
Problem is sorted
New Equilibrium: (satisfactory end)
Back to normal (but never the same)- a new normal

Levi-Strauss describes narrative as created by constant conflict of binary opposites
Love – Hate Black – White Man – Nature
Light – Darkness Peace – War Protagonist –Antagonist
Movement – Stillness Civilized – Savage Young – Old
Control – Panic Strong – Weak Man – Woman
Wealth – Poverty Mankind – Aliens Humans – Technology
Ignorance - Wisdom
“Sat Wars” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” “Avatar” “District 9”
“The Searchers” “Slumdog Millionaire”  From looking at all the theories, I believe that Levi Strauss binary oppositions, is the narrative which I am most inspired by in terms of the narrative involved in my music video. My narrative involves binary opposites like 'Love' and 'Hate' in Bemi and Lewis's  relationship.

My Narrative
Through representation theory I am going to include positive representation of females in my music video, by not having my artist exposing her body, in order for her to be represented as a sexual object for the male gaze, this representation is often presented in especially R&B music videos, evidently in my music video research 

http://www.slideshare.net/LeanneG/narrative-in-music-videos

Filiming day 4

Location: My house
Time: 6:10pm - 7:30
Duration: 1:45mins


Today we filmed at my house. This scene involves only the performance based aspect of my entire music video, however this interlinks with the narrative, due to the fact that it involves Bemi upset and uneasy about her relationship. I instructed Bemi to mime the entire song in about four to five different positions within two locations,

Evidently from my takes, it presents Bemi filmed in several angles and types of shots, some of these shots will be used in my music video.

Unfortunately I had to film on my iPhone yet again because my digital camera was not filming for as long as it needed to, and more over it kept on pausing and starting whilst I was still filming, therefore I had to result back to my alternative (iPhone)
I experienced numerous problems when I was filming with Bemi. When she was miming along to the song, at times, she was miming to fast, or too slow. This is a problem that I am going to have to tackle in my editing.
However in contrast I was pleased with Bemis' facial expressions, as they interlinked with the lyrics for example when the lyrics boomed 'I do not need you...' Bemi 'shook' her head as if she was saying no to 'Lewis'
The major problem I en counted today during filming is that Bemi had changed her hair style into twists, compared to her hair before that was straight. However I liked the idea of the twists because it could be used to connote the disorganization of her relationship, in the narrative of my music video. In addition, when I watch female solo R&b/Soul music videos, they hardly ever have one hair style in their music videos, they always mix and match their hair styles, so in a way I thought this was beneficial.

Scene 4

Time: 7:35 - 8:00
Duration: 25mins



After I filmed this scene I headed over to Joshuas house, because I wanted to film a close up of him walking on the street. This relates to the narrative of my music video, for Bemi believes that she is seeing her ex (Lewis) where as it was just a 'stranger' on the road. Initially I was meant to film this scene in the same location as scene 1, as it will be easier create the changing faces of Lewis and Joshua. However Joshua refused to leave his house without payment.

lighting, makeup, costumes, location Scene 4

SCENE 4
This scene involved Bemi, lip syncing to the entire song. This relates to the performance based, I promised my target audeince will be present in my music video, as I didnt want to marginalise their opinions.
Costume

Towards the left is Bemis Costume for scene 4. The final scene. This scene will not involve Lewis. I have chosen for her to wear a 'fringed top' to represent her 'lack' of love and happiness at this current time in her life.Moreover in my primary research (questionnaires) the majority of my target audience wanted my artist to be seen in white, which is also why I chosen for her to wear the colour white.

I want her to wear leggings because I want her to be quite covered up, I am aware that this challenges the codes and conventions of a R&B music video, however it follows the codes and conventions of a Soul music video, and lastly my target audience voted to see the colours White and Black in my music video. The majority of my target audience voted that the fashion and clothing of an Artist are the most important factor in an R&B music video.

Location

Hair and Makeup

Towards the left is the look I want to achieve in this scene. My aim is achieve the soulful look to relate to the 'Soul'  genre of my music video. Her make up is very natural enhancing her features, this is the look I intend to  portray in this scene.
I also want Bemi to have her hair all down towards her face, as it can be more dramatic in filming, and can enhance her emotions and facial expressions

Filming day 3

Scene: 3
Location: Bemis House
Time: 6:00pm - 8:10pm
Duration: 2hrs10mins
Total amount of breaks: 3

After school I went to film at one of my actors house straight after school. This scene is similar to scene two where it presents the couple in bad times(arguing, angry facial expressions, physical violence etc and good times (laughter, great eye contact with each other). One problem I encountered during filming, is yet again the lighting, for the setting was not as bright as I believed it would be. I tried to change the setting on my camera, to improve the brightness, however this did not see to work, so I resulted back to my iPhone, as it was slightly brighter than my initial video camera.
My female actor Bemi, was shy and timid, in front of my male actor Lewis, however Lewis was very active, and motivated to do whatever I directed him to do, which was beneficial for the realism of the scene.
During filming, my other friend Shola, who falls into my target audience category, and more over is a huge fan of R&B/soul music verbally gave me a suggestion, she suggested that my narrative should include a scene, which presents Lewis cheating on Bemi, to reveal to the audience, why Bemi believes, he 'seems to be the same' as other boys (this also relates to the Andrew Godwin theory of linking the lyrics to the visuals). I believe that Bemis red lipstick worked well the camera, and stood out from the dark setting. The use of red, as to connote, anger and love. Which associates with the narrative of my music video




This is the sofa I filmed on today.

lighting, makeup, costumes, location Scene 3

SCENE 3 - NARRATIVE
This scene involves Bemi and Lewis acting as if they re in love, and just enjoying their relationships together. Also, they are going to present themselves arguing, and being upset with each other, and possibly physical violence.This will be associated with the 'flashback' parts when I edit my music video. Where Bemi remembers the good times and the bad times, before Lewis became a 'Stranger' to her.

Lewis

Costumes

Bemi

Above is what I have informed my female actor (Bemi) and my male actor (Lewis) to wear on the filming our next filming date. The theme is casual, any other day outfit, for the location is indoors (house).The majority of my target audience voted that the fashion and clothing of an Artist are the most important factor in an R&B music video.
I have chosen a turquoise colour for my female 'artist' to wear, because this colour connotes an emotional imbalance. This heavily relates to the narrative of my music video. There is no specific colour scheme in this scene as it will be filmed at night time, so therefore, a colour scheme may not be as effective towards the audience as much as I want it to be.
I have challenged the stereotypical codes and conventions of an R&B music video, in terms of the female expectations. I have not exposed her, for as Laura Muvley suggested that this is purely for a Male Gaze. I avoided this convention, however I dressed my female ;artist' quite sexy in a tight pencil skirt, and a pet plum style top, just to have her right to dress up and be sexually attractive, which supports the Post Feminism female gaze approach.
In contrast I have followed the stereotypical codes and conventions of a male featuring in an R&B music video, as I have appointed him to wear , a hoodie and baggy jeans with trainer these all represent an urban aspect in the R&B genre, however I will not be having him go topless, which is commonly presented in an R&B music video.

Location
Underneath is where I intend to shoot scene 3. I will be shooting this scene in Bemis house, however it will be represented as Lewis's house. I have chosen to position the scene in Lewis's house because he is the more'dominant' gender to Bemi, by doing this I am challenging the Feminist approach/movement in the 1960's 70's.

Makeup and Hair

Towards the left are famous R&B singers, Kelly Rowland and Beyonce, who were in a band with Michell also, They were known as Destiny's Child. They are both seen as very iconic, to many
 young people, as her their music is very inspiring to many. They represent Independence, and aim to try and influence Independence to young women. This is the ideal make up I have for Bemi to use in my music video, however because Bemi doesn't have the same structure and skin as Kelly Rowland I will be improvising, as I achieve the look. The main reason I chose this look is because of the use of the red lipstick. Kelly's makeup is quite subtle, with an empowering red lip stick.. I have chosen for Bemi to wear Red lipstick, for it connotes love, anger, danger, which is heavily related to the narrative in my music video (she is in love, and gets heartbroken). Moreover I have chosen that Bemi should have her hair tied back into a ponytail, to enhance her facial features, and bring out the red lipstick more.I did find out from my secondary research of usual codes and conventions of an R&B music video,involves various different hairstyles in one music video.

I am conforming to the stereotypes of females in a music video, for I am presenting the artist (Bemi) as quite a sexual object, however you can argue that I am trying to present Bemi, as a strong female, dominating the video with her passion for love, (relates to the narrative) this can be easily agreed by the post feminists of today. In addition this can also be explained by Andrew Godwins theory which can be seen as the development of the star Bemi over time in relation to the Post feminist perspective of the changing views of women being represented in music videos