Video Number 1Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars (Official video)

o The first video I have chosen to analyse is by Coldplay and it is for their single ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’.

o This video was published very recently on the 19th of June 2014 and so it is a modern video in the music industry.

o Coldplay are a British rock/pop band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist Chris Martin. They are a high profile band that have sold over 60 million records worldwide and won numerous music awards throughout their history, including eight Brit Awards—winning Best British Group three times.

o The band's music has been called "meditative" and “feel good"; it reflects on their emotions and this is why I have chosen this video because it does just that. This video is upbeat and fun and immediately makes the audience feel elated.

Coldplay’s latest album ‘Ghost Stories’ which features ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’.

The 4 members of the band in Coldplay.

The video begins with a medium shot of a high street. Instantly the audience have an impression of the setting because of the mise-en-scene. There is bright green graffiti to the left in the frame but is in plain view. The connotations of graffiti are negative because it’s associated with lack of respect and gangs which consequently gives the location a run-down appearance. Within the first 20 seconds of the video starting the production agency, director and artist have already been introduced. The text has been displayed over the shot in a contrasting mustard yellow which makes it prominent to the audience. Kinetic camera movement is also taking place at this time and so the audience are anticipating something to happen within the frame once the titles disappear.

Once the titles disappear the lead singer of Coldplay walks into the scene in a long shot which then graduates to a medium shot as he moves. This is significant because there was no cut for his introduction, he just enters very casually. This may seem strange to the audience because he is the star and yet his

entrance was nothing special, something which may be seen as unconventional in a music video considering his fame. The costume the artist is wearing also strikes the audience as odd because he is a one man band. Coldplay have 4 band members and so why is the lead singer on his own playing all the instruments? So right away this music video is surprising for the audience and is being built up for something exciting. It is clear that the lead singer is trying to create an upbeat atmosphere on this run-down street. He is surrounded by members of the public who, from their expressions, are taken aback because something out of the ordinary is happening. This indicates to the audience that for people it is just an ordinary day. This wonderment for the public creates a unanimous happy feeling.

The stills to the right show the public getting involved with this spontaneous event and can be seen really enjoying themselves. A crowd behind the lead singer starts to form and there is a big variety of people, for example, teenage girls and middle aged men. This sends out a positive message to the audience as it proves that everyone likes to come together to enjoy something good. The build up of excitement increases as so far all of the music video has been filmed in one take and there has not been one cut. The angles and shots of the activity keep varying because of all the movement but I think this means the video is enhanced because it adds to the aspect of improvisation and opportunity.

The music has been building since the very start and so has the lively atmosphere however as the lead singer unites with his other band members the bass kicks in and it’s as though everything has been united. The long edit is still continuous which by this point the audience have become aware of and are watching this progress. The camera also pans up to reveal the very famous quote by Nelson Mandela. This has been written in a graffiti style yet does not provide negative connotations. I think this is because it has meaning and is symbolic and so therefore it is accepted as an art form. This quote stays in the audiences mind as it was so obviously pointed out but also because it supports the idea behind the entire video, spreading happiness, positivity and generally giving people a good time. The still below shows the artist watching the shop window TV for a few seconds. The way he gets a little distracted then

carries on as normal, the audience can gather that he is incredibly relaxed. It emphasises just how carefree this music video is. It doesn’t have flashy cars and attractive women, instead is displays equality. The artist is on the same level as the public and they are all enjoying themselves.

The top still on the right is the first ever cut in the whole video and that is 3 minutes and 15 seconds in. This is what the whole build up was for because the reunited band have become immersed in the middle of a crowd and are making their way to a podium. Everyone there is celebrating and a cut to an establishing shot makes it clear just how many people there are, it also shows off the confetti. The big finale makes it apparent to the audience watching the video that the goal was to shoot the music video in one entire shot and that they have all achieved it.

The bright colours, bubbles and confetti add physicality to the feeling of happiness amongst the people. As a team every single person helped to make the music video what it is and it shows that it isn’t just down to the musicians. The video shows appreciation to the people that actually listen to the music Coldplay produce because if it weren't for them then the band would not be as successful as they are. Everyone has a smile on their face and I think this was the concept right from the start. It is simple and doesn’t need to have high production or be expensive.