EPQ
Ideas
I knew that I wanted to do a music video for my EPQ, as I have previously created one for my FMP Y1, but with that assessment only receiving a merit I wanted to try again to improve.
Research
1-2. Genre and narrative
Definition: a particular subject or style of literature, art, or music
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is characterised as having a heavy emphasis on the content of the song's lyrics, as well as having a meaningful message behind them.
In this genre of music video, we frequently see slower paced editing where shots are used for longer periods of time, this is to reflect the slow paced rhythm of the song which is a common theme in indie music.
Close up shots of the artist lip syncing/ performing are also a prominent feature however this can also be common in non-indie music videos. This is used to bring the audience closer to the performer as when they're looking into camera this breaks the fourth wall and allows the audience to feel engaged with them. Close up shots are also used in indie music videos to convey emotion, focussing on facial expression as many of these songs have a depressing tone, this can be reinforced with lighting by including shots that have a lot of shadows/ dimmer light or by using a cooler white balance on the camera setting.
Indie music videos tend to be narrative based, following a story featuring a main character, some narratives are more complex with subjects such as heart break but some can be fairly simple showing a 'day-in-the-life'.
The music video for breezeblocks by alt-j is driven by narrative. It is presented in reverse chronological order, utilising slow motion to fit the pace of the music, creating an oddly relaxed feel to the video's style which contrasts the events depicted.
This has been created by using dull lighting and a blue undertone that makes natural shadows seem more prominent whilst also maintaining a calm atmosphere. A low saturation can also be used to make everything seem more monotone maintaining the same mood throughout the music video and therefore eliminating any colours that would have otherwise stood out.
The message behind the video is used to question debate over gender representation and whether or not murder can be justified if it is depended on for self-defence.
Rock
Although a similar name rock is actually quite different from alternative rock. Musically, rock mostly uses the electric guitar as part of a rock group with bass guitar and drums. Some famous rock bands include The rolling stones, Queen and The Beatles.
Rock music tends to feature subjects such as romantic love, sex, rebellion against "The Establishment", social concerns, and life styles.
The lighting and colours used in rock music videos tends to be stereotypically darker than more mainstream genres. However depending on the song the lighting may be lighter/darker.
The costumes used in rock music videos tend to purposely standout, they can also often be designed to follow a trend that is stylized with each respective artist. Makeup and costumes are used to create an artists own unique style. Heavy black eyeline is an example of this.
The editing of rock music videos tends to be more dependent on the song itself, for example if the song is quick and upbeat shots will be shorter to mimic this, whereas a slower paced song may feature softer transition edits and longer shots. The most common feature of rock music videos are performance pieces of the band together so therefore wide shots featuring all the members are common.
Here, in the music video for 'Mr Brightside' by The Killers the main focus of the video is the performance of the band backed up with a dance piece. This music video does also feature a narrative however in this case it leads back to the 'main' portion of the video which is the performance. There are many wide shots used showing the band performing on a stage, with close ups of the characters to show their facial expression and emotion as this song is about jealousy and paranoia.
The lighting in this video is fairly dark but in a way that it is still featuring strong colours like red and gold, contrasting to the main characters costume of white and light blue highlighting her significance.