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Saturday 27 June 2009

The creative ideology of "We Think"

And all of this sharing is made possible by Web 2.0.

Monday 15 June 2009

OCR's videos on film language

OCR Media Studies - Basic Camera Shots


Camera Movement

Sunday 14 June 2009

"Yellow" by Coldplay from 2000

Yet another variation on the walking theme in Coldplay's "Yellow". Again, the video's forms is altered, the walk, this time, is on a beach by the sea in pitch darkness. Some lighting conventions are challenged as the video moves gradually from rainy darkness to dawn. Yellow is signified by the sun at the end. The figure slows down and picks up his tempo at times.

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve from 1997

This music video by The Verv from their album "Urban Hymns" is obviously a variation on Massive Attack's "Unfinished Symphony" but with Richard Ashcroft's more obsessive, aggressive take. Its success shows that a simple, good idea can be adapted and be made to work again! Notice how the forms and conventions are challenged and varied, somewhat, here. The song's title and its lyrics contrast with the actions of Ashcroft and his inability to "change".

Saturday 13 June 2009

"Unfinished Symphony" by Massive Attack from 1991

"The video for "Unfinished Sympathy" was directed by Baillie Walsh, and filmed in January 1991 on West Pico Boulevard between S. New Hampshire Avenue and Dewey Avenue in Los Angeles, California. It features Shara Nelson walking along the sidewalk, unaware or uncaring of her surroundings, which includes drunks, gangs, bikers and the three members of Massive Attack (Robert Del Naja, Grant Marshall and Andrew Vowles). It was one of the earliest music videos to use one continuous shot. The video was later paid homage to in the music video for The Verve's song "Bitter Sweet Symphony"." The art director for the video was Leigh Bowery. (source: Wikipedia)

A classic example of a simple, but effective music video. Notice the use of forms: the music video's genre ( soul/early "trip-hop" ) and its urban realism; the fact that it is a concept video and not a performance one (studio-based) one; the mainly documentary style of its camerawork, editing, lighting, mise-en-scene and visual style. Conventions are what one would usually associate with this genre of music.: urban landscapes, outstanding vocals, etc. black performers, American inner city settings, etc. Check out Andrew Goodwin's list of things to look out for when analysing music videos. You can then apply the same criteria to your music videos ( In the planning and production and presentation stages.)

A2 Media | Music Video Production
Goodwin’s music video analysis

Andrew Goodwin writing in ‘Dancing in the Distraction Factory’ (Routledge 1992)

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics
(e.g. stage performance in metal video, dance routine for boy/girl band).

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style).

5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, telescopes, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

6. There is often intertextual reference (to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc).

Consider also whether the video is a concept or a peformance music video, or perhaps a combination of the two.



Getting the passers-by not to react was a bit of a stretch. But realism generated was effective. Student-made videos do not need to be as simple as this yet in simplicity there is genius.

Friday 12 June 2009

More Recent Teaser Film Posters for Analysis


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Teaser Film Posters for Analysis


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"New Moon" Film Poster Analysis

This looks as if it was produced by a student.
New Moon Poster Analysis

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Film Poster Comparison Analysis Willy Wonka


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Banksy's "Guerilla Art" left at the Bristol Museum and elsewhere

Once you play click on the four arrows at the bottom right to enlarge.


The man and his crew are irrepressible!