D2

How the Editing Created Meaning

Finished music video:

In this report, I am going to be explaining how the applied editing to my music video has influenced the cinematography and lighting techniques used that further demonstrate the cinematic quality in the footage. By exploring how these elements intertwine, I aim to shed light on how the editing process has played a crucial role in enhancing the overall cinematic quality of the footage.

The digital editing techniques I applied in conjunction with lighting and camerawork choices greatly contributed to achieving a music video that exudes cinematic quality while successfully evoking the nostalgia of the 80s. The utilization of props, clothing, cinematography techniques, and editing played pivotal roles in capturing the essence of this bygone era. By incorporating a variety of elements such as a Walkman for the outdoor scenes and a projector with colourful lights for the indoor scenes, I effectively transported the viewers back to the 80s, immersing them in a visually striking and evocative experience.

In terms of editing, I meticulously cut and arranged the video layers to create seamless transitions, ensuring a smooth flow that emulated the rhythm and pacing reminiscent of cinematic storytelling. The application of blending modes and aspect ratio replication further enhanced the authentic vintage feel, adding a touch of nostalgia to the overall visuals. Moreover, rotoscoping allowed for a seamless reveal of the song title, creating a captivating effect that seamlessly integrated with the cinematography and lighting choices.

By strategically integrating digital editing techniques with the lighting and camerawork choices, I effectively elevated the visual quality of the music video, successfully achieving a cinematic look and feel. The meticulous selection of lighting choices, such as the vibrant and dynamic colours projected by the lights, added depth and atmosphere to each scene, immersing the viewers in a captivating visual experience. Moreover, the carefully curated camerawork reflected the essence of 80s cinematography, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and further reinforcing the nostalgic ambiance. These deliberate combinations of lighting, camerawork, and digital editing techniques worked in harmony to create a visually compelling music video that showcased a remarkable cinematic quality, captivating the audience and effectively conveying the intended nostalgic atmosphere of the 80s.

Roland Bathes Theory

Roland Barthes' theory on narrative codes has a significant impact on the outcome of my music video, shaping its storytelling structure and enhancing viewer engagement. I will explore how each of Barthes' narrative codes influences the video's overall narrative.

The action code plays a crucial role in driving the storyline forward and conveying the narrative events. Through carefully edited and sequenced shots, the video effectively portrays the actions and interactions of the characters, creating a sense of progression and unfolding drama.

The enigma code adds intrigue and suspense by introducing unresolved questions or mysteries. This code keeps the audience invested in the story, urging them to seek answers and unravel the underlying meaning behind certain scenes or symbols.

Symbols and metaphors are employed in the music video through the symbolic code. These elements contribute to the 80s nostalgic atmosphere and enrich the narrative with cultural references, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the meanings conveyed.

The hermeneutic code invites interpretation and encourages viewers to actively construct meaning from the presented visuals and narrative elements. It stimulates intellectual engagement, allowing the audience to make personal connections and draw conclusions based on their own experiences and cultural knowledge.

Lastly, the proairetic code controls the sequencing of events and actions, creating suspense, anticipation, and resolution. By skillfully utilising this code, the music video generates tension, builds climax, and provides satisfying resolutions, effectively enhancing the overall narrative structure.

By incorporating these narrative codes into the music video, it successfully engages the audience, immersing them in a cohesive and compelling narrative experience. Each code contributes to the storytelling, drawing viewers into the world of the video and inviting them to actively participate in interpreting its meaning. Ultimately, Barthes' theory on narrative codes enhances the overall impact and effectiveness of my music video, creating a memorable and engaging cinematic experience.

The screenshots above display a frame from Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and a frame from my music video to compare. The lighting and cinematic style of the Billie Jean music video was a basis reference and the main inspiration for the music video: the screenshots above demonstrate this, where the colours are the same and that bright, vibrant lighting is used. Both screenshots display that same nostalgic glow in the lighting with the dark background, giving it that nostalgic 80s feel.

As mentioned in a different post, the inspiration taken from Billie Jean can clearly be seen in my music video, through the noticeable use of lighting and the atmosphere created because of it. Furthermore on the lighting, the use of lighting techniques in my video reflects the distinctive lighting setup seen in "Billie Jean." The play of shadows, highlighting specific elements, and creating dramatic silhouettes adds depth and visual interest to the scenes, reminiscent of the mesmerising effect seen in Jackson's video.

In conclusion, the integration of digital editing techniques with lighting and camerawork choices in my music video allowed for the successful realization of cinematic quality. Through meticulous attention to detail and the incorporation of 80s-inspired props, clothing, and cinematography techniques, I successfully transported the viewers back to the nostalgia of the 80s. The result was a visually striking and evocative music video that captured the essence of the era, demonstrating a high level of cinematic quality.