Existing music

video analysis By; Jyoni

Katy Perry- This

is how we do Performance

Mise-en-scene Studio has been utilized throughout this music video, in order to recreate the stage and light. There are multiple set formed, many of which contains pastel colours as the music is pop genre therefore it obtains the use of quirky costume and props.

Breaking the fourth wall technique is demonstrated within this establishing scene. However, fill lighting is focused on the audience whereas Katy (artist) has backlighting which is designed to emphasise that character is as prominent and as the audience are. Therefore the audience are bound to be comfortable with Katy Perry. The audience shirt and the artist image’s background is blue in colour, implying a connection between them. Additionally, blue colour suggests tranquillity meaning the audience is feeling composed watching Katy Perry’s portrait which the setting of gallery also communicates.

Key lighting and fill lighting is used to reduce the shadows within this screen shot. Bright yellow dress with bob hair cut illustrates a business woman, along with her confident feminine posture proposing independent women. On the contrary, the males who are wearing white and grey suit with red bow ties rearranged the plain setting into kitchen setting which presents the male as sturdy character. It follows the stereotype of women whilst the men is ready to be served.

The watts of lighting decrease as more shadows appears. The costumes are suitable for athletic purposes except the man who is standing on the right hand side wearing suit revealing contradiction and displays the importance of the artist. Katy’s sporty costume appears to make a fashion statement as it is a trend in 2014. Her body language states her confidence and fearlessness. Whereas the males behind her are participating playing Ping-Pong, displaying a stereotype of men.

Mise-en-scene

Neon lighting has been used for clothing, Ping-Pong ball’s and Ping-Pong table in order to appear in pitch black lighting. Blue shadow is more intense for Katy’s clothing, meaning she is more significant compared to other characters in this scene.

Black satin material is rippled creating a texture background. Her hair colour and the background colour corresponds, however her make-up and props are bright in colour perchance suggesting contradiction her mind and body. Meaning, her mind and body performs differently.

There are different trends created for Katy Perry for example, in the pink background; Katy’s is demonstrated as a fashion stylist character, in the second screen shot she appears as a chic business women and on the last screen shot she wears a pastel pink skater skirt with her hair tie by pink ribbon which presents a girly girl. Appearance wise, each shots are exhibiting different roles.

Mise-en-scene

These two long shots contains bright and vivid colours for both the background and foreground. Furthermore, the expression and feeling from the performers validates a source of cheerfulness. Consequently I believe the vibrant colours symbolises happiness which stimulates the audience to feel optimistic and vivacious.

The set design obtains the theme of sea as it has ripples which creates the water effect.

Katy Perry body language is relaxed as if she were in vacation. She is wearing red sunglasses, watermelon printed swimsuit, coral heels, holding (fake) foam –like watermelon whilst sitting beach bench bed. The theme of vacation is aroused by this scene. As the song name is “This is how we do”, Katy is suggesting “This is how” she does her vacation.

Their facial expression expresses how shock they are. Continuation of wearing the same sunglasses as Katy Perry is shown, in order to endure the theme of vacation. Additionally, fan is also used as a prop for indicating how hot it is.

All three girls are wearing chic and fashionable clothes stating their taste in fashion. The body language of them signify ignorance and elegance as their posture is straight and lady-like. On the contrary, the three boys who are kneeling on the ground holding each girls hand demonstrate gender differentiation. Stereotypically, the boys positioned themselves as if they are going to ask to marry those girls. Therefore, braveness is illustrated, however as the girls are ignoring the boys it determines that they are rejected which suggests the girls are more power than man unlike traditional feminine woman. The setting seems to be a salon as the lyric informs the audience. Nevertheless, it is quite peculiar of fishes swimming around. Possibly, I believe this music is very quirky therefore the fishes are swimming around to include unique scenes to attract Katy Perry’s audiences.

The idea of blending in the costume and background has been previously shown in “Somebody that I used to know”. However I prefer this setting better as the colours are bright, where as in “Somebody that I used to know” uses gloomy colours because the song is invokes a melancholy feeling .

Mise-en-scene Low key lighting was shown at the end to inform the audience that the video is ending. Katy Perry’s posture of laying down on the white stylist chair provide a dominate modern women who are confident.

Through out this video Katy Perry’s appears girly and chic, more elegant except this scene where she has gangster act with dread lock hair-style. Even her facial expression expresses her style.

The idea of princess and the frog is aroused. When the lyrics state “zero” the frog appear as it symbolises cleanliness, renewal and luck which contradicts with “zero”.

Camera

Composition of rule of thirds occur in the establishing scene to provide an interesting which the audience would adore. This scene is followed by reverse zoom from the man (who is sitting down) to Katy Perry. The camera movement allows the audience to view the artist rather than the man which implies importance to women. However the man is shown before Katy Perry, implicating man are more dominate than women.

First it was mid-shot of Katy then the camera zoomed out to present full shot in order for the audience to be aware of the change of setting.

Close up is obtained to reveal Katy’s expression on her face as much as her tropical quirky props and watermelon printed swimsuit.

Whip-pan is used transit from one setting to another in this scenario.

Camera

Aerial shot has been used to spectacle a remarkable viewpoint. Nevertheless, high-angle shots are mostly associated with making the object appear vulnerable and powerless, on the other hand the mise-en-scene is bright and energetic that the idea of high-angle enhances the characters authority.

Editing

Superimpose is employed for the bridge of this song, “This is no big deal” to expand the intake information from the audience, furthermore lyrics will be more easier to memorize hence then part of the lyrics is more familiar to me. I believe parallel editing has been utilized to combine all the different setting into one music video.

Two separate screens are combined, so the one screen (basketball court) is frozen (still) where as the three girls and the boy wearing the grey suit is moving.

Editing

Wipe transition is attained to alter from one set to another which signifies one scene is more important than the other.

Comical graphic is presented to include a humorous sensation to entertain the audience.

Swirls transition

Slow motion

Sound

When the lyrics states “Do do do do” in a rhythmic tune and the alternation of different scene occur (which has different types of “DO”; in terms of fonts and objects that symbolises as “DO”) keeping with the beat. I believe this pleases the viewers eyes because I felt that it was relevant and it elevated the creativity of this music video.

This song performs lyrically which I adore about it, personally I admire the production of this music video. In my opinion, the combination of this music video and this song collaborate very well as it compliments one another. On the first screen shot, “Breakfast” is mentioned therefore, explosion of breakfast items are visual. On the second screen shot, “Respect” is indicated as to quote the lyrics itself.

Sound

This song is based on Katy Perry’s routine about how she spends her time with her friends. Having said that, the audience assume this music to be full of energy and very high-spirited because that is Katy Perry’s personality. Hence, this music genre is dance-pop a balanced hip-hop tempo of 84 beats per minute. As this music incorporates major chords, the tune arouses the a cheerful feeling.

Not only is Katy Perry singing in the song but also talking. Diegetic sound is contained to reveal Katy’s piece of mind, perhaps linking to her reality, as she is an singer her self.

Synchronous sound demonstrates the lyrics within majority of the scene and there are few example which I was screen shot.

“cooking pancakes

for my boy”

“Playing ping pong

all night long,

everything's on me

and then hazy”

“Chanel

this,

Chanel

that”

“Mariah karaoke”

Outline of what I have learnt

• Studio lighting• Techniques of breaking the

fourth wall • The idea of using green

screen in order to apply the breaking the fourth wall.

• Colour to use within music video in relation to genre

• Performance video includes lip-syncing, dance and coordinating sound with props

• Pastel backdrop

• Aerial camera angle• Backdrop idea

• Editing accordingly to the sound

Throughout a performance video, the artist was performing with various vivid costumes to require different appearance.

Rihanna- Only

Girl Narrative

Mise-en-scene

Ambient lighting is obtain in the beginning to include vibrancy within this scene in order to compliment the naturalistic setting. The color red is obvious which is the color of blood and fire therefore it is often associated with violence, passion, vitality and dominance.

A fake big pink rose is established which symbolizes love and passion. On the other hand, it can also imply a pretending act of affection as the rose is fake. However, in terms of the song, I believe the big roses symbolizes the growth of lust for admiration that she was for her lover. The tribal head upholds the Native culture and it possesses spiritual, perchance to unite spiritually with her lover.

Natural surroundings of mountain on the background and colourful flowers are within this setting for the purpose of relating the title of this song “only girl” with the location as this music conveys that Rihanna wants to be the “only girl” within her lovers mind, whereas the background seems deserted and is lonely “in the world”. Meaning, both the character and setting are isolated, however it desires to be precious. Additionally, this association is only brought by the similarities of Rihanna’s skirt which blends with the flowery surroundings.

Her facial expression appears to be ecstatic. I believe the assorted colourful balloons in the background has a relationships with her cheerily expression. Balloons are props which you hold on to and let go, meaning becoming free, alternatively it can also represent the reawakening of hopes and dreams. Consequently, in my opinion the usage of balloon in the mise-en-scene is to demonstrate Rihanna’s mood. She is grabbing shawl around her to imply her desire for someone to comfort her. Her body language holds a religious context as I am reminiscent of Jesus when he was crucified. Furthermore, she is wearing white which signifies purity, goodness and paradise (linking with Jesus), and theme of god).

Mise-en-scene

This cliché posture is performed by Rihanna which her body language states to endure the freedom and feel the air as she inhales and exhales whilst standing on the top of the mountain. It is displayed to present Rihanna as setting her self free and ready to be loved by her lover. Also, it illustrates that she is the “only girl in the world”. The ruffled pink dress with faded red on the bottom insinuates to the audience about her hopeful character.

Rihanna’s facial expression appearance seems happy and joyful as well as her body language; she is jumping exuberantly whilst moving her hands without restrictions. On the contrary, the background of fireworks displays anger and resentment. On the other hand, fireworks are associated with celebration which has a positive connotation although it can be frightening. This validates her fearless character which is shown by this usual effect. Ruffled top and skirt is worn by Rihanna to accompany her mood of letting go as ruffles are correlated with bird (feather). Low lighting is obtained along with Rihanna and fireworks disclosed which indicates importance of the character and event.

Lanterns are hung on the tree as a source of lighting. Generally, trees symbolises life and is also interpreted as good fortune and protection. Notwithstanding, the lanterns represents aura and halo which is symbolic of radiance within life. In a way, the lanterns are hung on the tree’s branches to support the sprite of Rihanna and her lovers life and aspire to make her wish come true, being the “only girl” for who ever she is referencing as her lover. I consider the meaning of the lanterns hanging on the tree has a relationship with Rihanna’s costume because the white long fairy-tale-like long skirt and the white bra fitted top indicates vivacious characteristics as well as her body language.

Short skirt, lilac cropped jumper and lilac furry scarf is evocative of flirtatious character which is exposed to reveal a sassy element within Rihanna.

Editing

These are short takes which are inserted together to display different emotions of Rihanna and different shot as well as angles. First screen shot, presents a gloomy atmosphere with low angle. Second screen shot, it expresses hurtful emotion and cross between low angle and eye-angle. Third screen shot provoke sensual emotion as she is taking off her cardigan (straight angle with long shot).

Slow motion and reverse slow motion (rewind) is employed to reveal the emotion of the character, Rihanna.

Editing

Parallel editing is occupied to cut between these different scenes for contradicting them. For example, scene 1 has flowery surroundings, scene 2 has red mountain in the surroundings and scene 3 contains fireworks. Those three surrounding’s connotations which contrasts each other. For instance, scene 1 conveys amorousness as flower symbolises romance, scene 2 expresses tranquillity because bible state “The mountains shall bring peace” in David (Ps. 72:3), scene 3 demonstrates danger.

CGI and green screening has probably been used to create the firework background.

Graphic match appears to provide a fairy-tale atmosphere, in the first scene the colours are pastel and bright with high angle viewpoint, stimulating an elegant presentation of women and stating the dominance of women. Whereas, the second graphic match contains rule of third with straight angle and the colour contrast with the first scene.

Sound

Synchronous sound of ambient sound is applied in the beginning which continues for 15 seconds. This locates the atmosphere of the surroundings. The ambient sound is then disturbed by the sound of TV static tuning.

This sound contains heavy bass and has a genre of Dance-Pop. Consequently, this music consists entertaining, cheerful and up-beat element which brightens the atmosphere. Therefore, it provides a warm feeling whilst listening to the video, additionally red filter has been used throughout this music video to encourage audience to have a warm feeling whilst watching the video.

Outline of what I learnt

• Bokeh effect by using shallow depth of field

• Ambient lighting to create vibrancy of lighting

• Consider setting to express the tone of the music

• Artificial props can be deliberated to suggest implication. For example, fake rose connotes fake love.

• Costume changes

• Insert followed by slow motion and reverse slow motion when appreciate to the rhythm of the track.

• Synchronous sound

Beyonce-

Single ladies Concept video

Mise-en-scene

Although, this video has the same studio setting, the lighting changes throughout this video. Example of alternation of lighting is captured above. The first low key (spotlight) lighting begins this Single Ladies video. Lots of shadow are formed, suggesting these women are weak and venerable. On the second screen shot, fill lights are increased, creating a plain monochrome setting which provides an implication of older era woman and connotes seriousness of them. Lastly, the plain white setting with loose framing indicates new beginning of women. Throughout this concept video, the dance is energetic, to demonstrate the authority of women. For a similar impact, Beyoncé's facial expression is aggressive.

This robotic hand piece is placed on the left hand to formulate the importance of Beyoncé. Additionally, symbolically left hand is where the ring is placed, therefore the concept of this video is revealed.

The black costume connotes protection and seriousness presenting women as a dominate gender.

As this a concept video, performance is required therefore there is one setting. Camera works and editing should attract the audience. Continuity editing is preformed through the alteration of low key lighting in the beginning to additionally including fill lighting to bridge this video.

Editing and Camera (Angle, Composition and Movement)

360° degree rotation of these three women illustrates different prospective of them. Implying, deeper meaning of how society views women as an object. Long shot of the profile view point allows the audience to view the social issue.

Camera zoom in with rule of third composition and straight angle to capture close up of Beyoncé. Low angle with loose framing demonstrates how

society logically views women; powerless and pitiful.

This video comprise the concept of how a woman is marriage and her ex-boyfriend is jealous, however he does not have the right to be “mad” because he “didn’t put a ring on it”. This convey how women stereotypically want to be marriage and want passionate admiration from men; “Your love is what I prefer - What I deserve”. In the screen shot above, Beyoncé is singing “shoulda put a ring on it”, where she lyrically moves left hand. Technological music as a sound bridge is applied.

Sound

Outline of what I have learnt

• Studio lighting to reinforce the shadow• Body language; confident and elegant • Performance • Simple costume with meaningful element such as a

robotic hand. Make it appropriate for the chosen music.

• Camera movement such as panning could make the video appear more interesting

• Variations of camera angles; aerial, low and straight on angle which implies the level of superiority.