WS - Class Vodcasts and things I have learnt

We have recently been looking at the Vodcasts as a class that we produced a few weeks ago. This was to try and get a stronger idea on the codes and conventions of music videos, as well as hopefully giving us clearer ideas of how these can differ within genres.

Tom and Rob's Vodcast
Tom was looking at "Yonkers" by Tyler The Creator
Rob was looking at "Knights of Cydonia" by Muse

"Yonkers" by Tyler the Creator

• Video was just two shots.
• Therefore the video used very long takes.
• Used a handheld camera.
• One man singing.

"Knights of Cydonia" by Muse

• Made in 2006 and was a high-budget music video.
• Had an online competition to spot the fifteen intertextual film references.
• Has a few performance aspects in the video as well as the Narrative aspects.
• Large number of special FX (example: the laser from the gun - Star Wars reference)
• Includes Lip-synching
• Makes use of crane shots
• Includes footage supporting the Male Gaze theory.
• Makes use of multi-layering.

Harry and Kyle's Vodcast
Harry was looking at "Hello" by Martin Solveig
Kyle was looking at "Afterlife" by Avenged Sevenfold

"Hello" by Martin Solveig
This is the song that we used for our class video. However, Harry has used the extended version here, which has an extra part at the beginning.

• This was a concept video as the visuals were in no way linked to the lyrics.
• There is quite a lot of shot variation in the video.
• Gender representation - the girls supporting Solveig's opponent are glamorous. Supporting Solveig is his male manager.
• Uses media language from another format.
• The video includes a title. This is very unusual and is more associated with a Film Opening.
• The opening to the video is much more like a film opening than a music video. An example of this is the editing style. For example, this video uses Continuity editing, which you are likely to see in a film or on a Television program. Music videos normally use dis-continuity editing as this draws attention to the editing. An example of this continuity editing is the appliance of the 180 degree rule.

"Afterlife" by Avenged Sevenfold

• Narrative aspects as well as Performance aspects.
• Hard Rock metal genre, so points made here maybe relevant to that specific genre.
• Quite a simple video.
• Makes use of dark lighting and dark clothing - most sub genres of rock metals use dark lighting/clothing.
• Black and White video.
• Twists to the afterlife.
• Video involves a Narrative enigma.
• The viewer is left hanging - this can be common in a music video. Whereas in Film there normally needs to be an ending for the viewer to understand it and to wrap up the story, a music video can be left with an open ending.

Sam and Ben's Vodcast

Sam was looking at "Firestarter" by The Prodigy.

Ben was looking at "Perfect Drug" by Nine Inch Nails.

"Firestarter" by The Prodigy

• Fast paced video.
• Short takes.
• Scary video - sticks in the mind after and you remember the video.
• Caused controversy, which can be beneficial as it builds up hype/makes people want to see the video.
• Uses strobe lighting.

"Perfect Drug" by Nine Inch Nails

• Made in 1997 with a budget of £1million
• The video has intertextual links with David Linch's "Lost Highway"
• Inspired by Gustof Kilmet
• Performance and Narrative aspects in the video.
• Youth Audience of 15-24

Jess, Gina and Ellie's Vodcast

Gina was looking at "Material Girl" by Madonna

Jess was looking at "Umbrella" by Rihanna

Ellie was looking at "Bad Romance" by Lady GaGa

"Material Girl" by Madonna

• In the pop genre with a target audience of 15-24; male and female.
• Young actors
• Male Gaze theory applying for Madonna
• Narrative video, and includes intertextuality with the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" because Madonna copies some of the actions that Marilyn Monroe does in that film.
• Madonna's dancing and flirting with males signifies a heterosexual view in the video.

"Umbrella" by Rihanna

• Male Gaze theory definitely applies, through her clothing and the fact at one point all that covers her up is silver paint.
• Arguably the most famous part of her body is her bum.
• Video uses a lot of Special FX such as fake rain.
• Will have been a high budget video - Rihanna is one of the biggest female Artists around at present.

"Bad Romance" by Lady GaGa

• From the Pop genre.
• Video contains signs of sex and not been in control of yourself.
• Shows an anti-feminist way towards women.
• Intertextual reference with Madonna through the bra that she wears.

Common factors amongst the videos and artists are:

• All big name artists and all very successful.
• All known for wearing risque clothing.
• All have videos that have caused controversy/offence
• All have similar target audiences (youth audiences mainly)