M2

How My Footage Reflects Generic Conventions

In this report, I will explain how my footage reflects the generic conventions of a music video and what I did to be able to achieve this. Considering that my music video is heavily themed around the 80s, there are a lot more specific conventions that I can follow.

For our 80s music video project, set to the song "Everything She Wants" by Wham!, we aim to follow specific conventions that align with the spirit of the era while retelling the story of the song. Our overarching goal is to create a visually captivating music video that combines elements of cinematic storytelling with the vibrant aesthetics of the 80s. We will incorporate lip syncing throughout the video to synchronize the visuals with the lyrics and enhance the overall storytelling experience.

One of the primary conventions we will embrace is narrative storytelling. The music video will unfold like a short film, presenting a cohesive and engaging storyline that complements the lyrics of the song. We will pay attention to the emotional nuances of the lyrics and create visual scenarios that effectively convey the message and themes of the song. By utilizing cinematic techniques such as effective shot composition, framing, and editing, we will enhance the narrative and evoke an emotional response from the audience.

To achieve the desired cinematic quality, we will prioritize the use of colourful lights to create a visually captivating atmosphere. The vibrant and energetic aesthetics associated with the 80s will be reflected in the lighting design, with LED lights playing a key role. We will employ different lighting techniques, including chiaroscuro and three-point lighting, to create depth, shadows, and contrasts that enhance the overall cinematic appeal of the video. By carefully selecting and manipulating the colours of the lights, we will create a visually dynamic and immersive experience that transports the viewers into the 80s era.

Furthermore, we will draw inspiration from the conventions of 80s music videos by incorporating elements such as energetic dance sequences and glamorous aesthetics. We will choreograph dynamic dance routines that align with the rhythm and energy of the music, paying homage to the vibrant dance culture of the 80s. More specifically, we will reference the choreography to Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up". The performers will be styled in retro-inspired outfits, showcasing the fashion trends of the era and adding a touch of nostalgia.

Comparing our music video

For this music video inspired by Wham!'s "Everything She Wants," we aimed to create a style reminiscent of the iconic music video for Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." While our video follows its own narrative and visual direction, we have successfully incorporated elements that evoke a similar style and atmosphere.

One of the key similarities between the two videos lies in the use of lighting and its dramatic impact. In "Billie Jean," the lighting plays a crucial role in creating a moody and mysterious ambiance. Similarly, in our music video, we employed chiaroscuro lighting techniques to emphasize contrast and create a sense of depth. By strategically placing key, fill, and backlighting, we were able to enhance the visual aesthetics and add dimension to the scenes, akin to the visual impact of "Billie Jean." The interplay of light and shadow in both videos contributes to the overall cinematic quality and intensifies the emotional impact of the visuals.

In the screenshots presented above, you can clearly see the inspiration taken from "Billie Jean" and implemented into our music video. This can clearly be noticed through the choice of colours in the lighting and the atmosphere created. Both have some sort of colourful radiance and aura to it that make them both so similar to each other.

Furthermore, the incorporation of vibrant and colourful lights is another similarity we share with "Billie Jean." We took inspiration from the use of LED lights in the original music video, infusing our scenes with vivid hues to create a visually captivating experience. By carefully selecting and manipulating the colours of the lights, we achieved a dynamic and immersive atmosphere that echoes the energetic and electrifying visuals of "Billie Jean." The vibrant lighting adds a sense of excitement and nostalgia, while also highlighting the performers and the overall narrative of our music video.

In conclusion, we have successfully created footage that aligns with the generic conventions of a music video. By employing cinematic techniques, vibrant lighting, and expressive performances, we have captured the essence of the 80s music video style. The narrative storytelling, synchronized lip syncing, and energetic dance sequences contribute to the visual and emotional impact of our music video. Drawing inspiration from iconic videos such as Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," we have embraced conventions while infusing our own unique storyline and artistic direction. The result is a visually captivating and immersive experience that pays homage to the era while showcasing our own creative vision.