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How meaning was created

In this report, I will explain how meaning was created in my music video through the use of lighting techniques and camera settings. I will also go over theories from Tzvetan Todorov and Rick Altman that relate to genre and narratives in cinematography.

The creation of meaning in our music video is achieved through the deliberate use of lighting techniques and camera settings, which contribute to the overall genre and style of our video. Our music video falls under the genre of 80s nostalgia, combining elements of pop, dance, and retro aesthetics. By carefully crafting the visual elements, we inspire our style with meaning and evoke specific emotions in the audience.



Firstly, the lighting techniques employed, such as chiaroscuro and three-point lighting, play a crucial role in shaping the mood and atmosphere of our music video. The playing of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, drama, and visual interest. Through the contrast created by chiaroscuro lighting, we establish a dynamic visual narrative that adds intrigue and enhances the emotional impact of our scenes. This lighting style aligns with the works of theorists like Tzvetan Todorov, who emphasized the importance of lighting in storytelling by highlighting the interplay between light and darkness to present specific emotions and enhance narrative themes.

Additionally, the camera settings and mise en scène contribute to the creation of meaning in our music video. The choice of camera angles, framing, and movements helps to establish the desired tone and visual language. We utilize a combination of wide shots, close-ups, and dynamic camera movements to convey the energy and excitement of the performance sequences. The mise en scène, including set design, costumes, and props, further immerse the viewers in the 80s era, evoking nostalgia and connecting with the intended genre. An example of this is through the use of using an old desk corded desk telephone for some of the shots, that was specifically used in the 80s. For the outdoor shots, the model was also seen with a Walkman, which was a music device that was commonly used in that era.

Rick Altman's theory of genre further supports the creation of meaning in our style. By adhering to the conventions and expectations of the 80s music video genre, we tap into the collective memory and cultural associations of that era. The deliberate use of vibrant lighting, retro fashion, and dynamic performances helps to situate our music video within the 80s nostalgia genre, triggering a sense of familiarity and connection for the audience.


Overall, the applied settings and techniques in our music video have a profound effect on the meaning we aim to convey. Through the deliberate use of lighting techniques and camera settings, we create a visually compelling and emotionally evocative experience. Drawing from the theories of Tzvetan Todorov and Rick Altman, we utilize lighting and genre conventions to craft a narrative that resonates with the audience, showing nostalgia, and encapsulates the spirit of the 80s music video genre. Through these deliberate choices, we shape the meaning and impact of our style, creating a visually engaging and memorable music video.




References:

BBC Bitesize, Traditional Narrative Theory. Retrieved from:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqdhrdm/revision/3#:~:text=Traditionally%2C%20narrative%20structures%20followed%20a,one%20action%20following%20after%20another.

Tri Nguyen. The Sematic/Syntactic Approach and and Genre Development. Retrieved from:

https://champlainfilmstudies.com/altman-on-genre/






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