How To Analyse Music Videos

How to analyse … Music videos

(Taken from http://mrsmitha2musicvideo.blogspot.co.uk/)

OK Go - Here It Goes Again

A simple but fun video; something similar would be possible to recreate.
A lack of different camera shots/transitions/special effects etc. does not make the video less interesting to watch than if it had been heavily edited, due to the well-performed and humorous choreography.

Radiohead Music Videos

Both 'No Surprises' and 'Lotus Flower' focus solely on the vocalist of the band. 'No Surprises' is unchanging in terms of shot type, but is engaging because of the added special effects and the changing conditions surrounding the subject. 'Lotus Flower' on the other hand features several different shot types and transitions, though still only focusing on the singer, this time adding more movement into the film and shot in black and white.

'Karma Police' is interesting in the way that the camera pans back and forth, from the road to the vocalist, in order to create a transition of shots. I also like how the car starts moving as the song builds up and the drums kick in, along with the vocals.

The Smiths - How Soon Is Now?

Possible song choice - the tune is built around a guitar chord that rapidly oscillates in volume, creating a vibrato sound. The song also features a recurring and rather tangible, haunting sound, as well as a very distinct drum beat to match the fast pace of the song, leaving many possibilities open for editing and camera styles.

Top Tips

• Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve; storyboard to a certain degree, be realistic about what you can shoot in a certain amount of time
• Think carefully about who you are going to cast, pick the person who can give you the best performance and rehearse with them
• When shooting, keep it 2-3 takes

• Have a can-do attitude
• Planning your time carefully is important, making sure that you don't stretch yourself and you have a good team of people
• Storyboard everything, plan what you're going to do, research and develop your idea
• Keep it simple and do it well

• Prep; go through everything
• Make sure there is a big enough space to work in
• Assure that people are warmed up and ready to go so as not to waste time
• Practice and watch things back

• Think about which songs you have the most creative reaction to
• Be ambitious but don't try to be overly-ambitious, focus on simple ideas that are more easily achievable

• Bear in mind what your strengths are, e.g. good friends to use or the ability to create something animated on your own
• Pay attention to every tiny detail

• Keep it simple
• Make something with the tools that suit that idea

Music Video Ideas

I like the idea of having the band/vocalist plainly just walking around lip-synching, and then cutting to different scenes and building up a slight narrative in contrast.

The Damned - New Rose

I really like this song, and I think it would be more than possible to create a video of a similar style. I like the use of close-ups and the shakiness of the camera which matches the speed of the song.