Category: Music Video

EIGHT – MOMENTS IN THE WOODS

So Rohan said that location can be anything. He even told us that some of his music video were shot in his living, and all he used was a good light and some black curtains to hide away his home. It’s very comforting again to know that anyone can make anything with the lowest of budgets. Why it reminds me again of how simple Panic! at the Disco’s GIRLS/GIRLS/BOYS allowed me to dream about working with a naked Brendon Urie and nothing else.

Setting can be anything, but for our music video we have our hearts set on the Royal Botanic Gardens. Now at first it seemed like we had to jump through a lot of hoops just to get a filming permit, but after some heckling and very nicely worded pleas, we got the permit and can safely confirm that we are shooting this Sunday the 24th at our beautiful gardens in the city. It’s the best location we could have for our story, with gorgeous scenery to compliment our gorgeous cast.

Now inspired by our wonderful location I am happy to exposure to certain locations in music videos and my very thorough opinion on some of them.

1. Only U – VIXX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8LCqaYKluQ

This music video completely took advantage of the location they were in. During their world tour concert, VIXX shot their “ONLY U” MV in Sweden. It shows the boys walking through some lovely streets, and highlighting the architecture and scenery of the country. It’s almost like a homage to the city, and really showcases the beauty in places that don’t need to be manufactured.

2. TAKE MY CHANCE – DOLL$BOX

This music video gets props for its location use because it’s hilarious when you understand it’s usual context. The underground stage setting is a staple in Japan, and usually houses a lot of old and often questionable men enjoying a live show from cute JPOP girl group’s. I recognised the stereotype instantly, and was pleasantly surprised, just like many others by their sudden change in tone for song. It is an excellent use of using location and it’s assumed knowledge and making a video more complex and interesting. It’s also gotten me to think of whether there is a hidden message condemning this underground JPOP shows, but for now I’ll just let you recover from this metal af clip.

3. Elastic Heart – Sia

My final music video is about the minimalism of location. It’s possibly just for aesthetic and practical purposes, but the setting for Sia’s “Elastic Heart” lets the audience take a step away from the where to focus more on the what. That sentence made more sense in my head, but what I’m trying to say is that with such very little going on in the background, the audience is able to solely focus on the action and performance in the video. I could care less where they actually are, I’m more intrigued by the cage and the reasons behind how they got in the cage. If there were to be colour and props lying about in frame, my attention would be divided between the dancers and the random things lying around. Sure maybe giving props and indication of a clear location may have been able to develop the story of what’s being told through movement, but I believe that there is definitely an art to having less.

So that’s it for now. I’m slightly growing tired after posting so many posts in a row. Hopefully the next few weeks I can spread them out and maybe provide a bit more insight on things.

SEVEN – FIND THE BOY

So after a very interesting talk with Rohan about our groups ideas for the MV, we have decided to announce our music video concept. We want to have Abby chasing after a man who appears to be helping people out and giving out balloons as well. Along her journey, she acquires friends who have encountered this “Elvis hair guy” to help her search.

Now looking at it the premise is very simple. It’s simply girl follows boy around until they eventually meet, and walk off into the sunset, but I think it’s simplicity is what works best for us. We haven’t got time to develop a strong narrative, or to include lots of imagery and hidden messages. For our time-frame, and short budget having the narrative read very linear is the best we can do for now. And I know what you’re all saying “but Jenny, why do you have to be so hetero-normative and basic af”. Well imaginary readers, it is because we feel like the song already carries a lot of the story, and we don’t think we need any fancy plot twists to deviate from the beautiful song. Less is more, and we hope that just adding a little touch of fairytale magic, and the having a cute story is enough to get your attention and make people listen to the song.

Now for my music video recommendation this blog post, I leave you with K.will’s “Please don’t…” It starts off with the general and almost formulaic story of a man heartbroken because the love of his life is about the marry another person. Classic tragic story, but the beautiful twist which made me re-watch the entire music video forced me to check my views of media. Give it a go and tell me what you guys thought about the ending.

 

 

SIX – AGONY

So I’m in pain.

Nah jokes, not physical pain anyway. It’s all psychological. Mainly concerning my stress levels for this class. I mean I know it’s summer school, but I cannot afford to relax. If I do I will fall into a pit of nothing, and forget to do a lot of things. Important things. Like order balloons, or schedule in a group meeting. I know it’s hurting me, but I’m accepting the stress and using it as motivation. Writing it in the blog helps, and I know I’ve already shared a bit of what’s on my mind before, but right now I need to release some of this pain. And what better way then to use graphic imagery through music videos.

So without further ado, this is my collection of videos that feature pain that can help me alleviate some of my own pain.

WARNING! IF YOU AREN’T COOL WITH BLOOD AND STUFF PLEASE DON’T CONTINUE. YOU MAY JUST FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE 😉

1. She’s Bad – DyE ft. Egyptian Lover

You’ve gotta watch till the end to see true pain. But another thing that pains me is the amazing production on this. I discovered this gem after watching this viral video and searching for more content to understand what I witnessed in the depths of YouTube. The simple of prey being predator was executed perfectly, and the pay off for such beautiful imagery was worth it. If there is anything to take away from this it is that you can never judge a music video by it’s thumbnail.

2. Voodoo Doll – VIXX

This bad boy is my pride and joy. Not because I had anything to do with the production of the music video (because I wish I got to work with them), but because this 4 and a half minute clip has helped me discover one of my favourite artists in the world. VIXX is recognized in the KPOP world as the concept idols, working with obscure and sometimes fantastical ideas and still get the fangirls rolling in. Voodoo Doll is just one of their goriest videos, and props to them for keeping with their theme of unnatural submission, even if their pain looks far too real.

3. Queen of Peace & Long and Lost – Florence + The Machine

This masterpiece share my psychological pain, although Florence seems to be experiencing a lot more emotional suffering than I am. This MV shows raw passion, both in voice and in dancing. Her movements are already hypnotic, but the editing, and movement of the video keep you flowing along with her as well. It may have been long, but it needed to be done. The narrative as well gives me hope that I too can express a story without as many words, although again she did have a lot more time than I do to get across a cohesive storyline, and a intermission with voice over.

4. The Mighty Fall – Fall Out Boy ft. Big Sean

And to end my listicle, I am bequeath you all with a small part of the Youngblood Chronicles, in which Fall Out Boy are chased down and brutally stabbed by kids on bikes. I loved there series, especially when it flowed well along with the songs, and each and every music video in its own right could have been it’s own short film. They even released a full uncut version with all 11 parts smashed into one long 50 minute film for your viewing pleasure. I think the pain of knowing your possible killers haven’t even reached puberty yet is what sticks with me the most. I mean getting a bat to the head may be inconvenient, but realizing later on that maybe you could have taking them on is the true pain. The pain of regret.

Anyway, thanks for sticking along with this weirdly themed blog. Hopefully next time I may be able to contribute something of worth to this curriculum. Maybe an update on my music video pitch, that’ll be relatively easy.

FIVE – WHO CARES!

Feminist: A person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.

Today’s discussion of the Railton readings made me think. I mean that’s what’s supposed to happen when you’ve engaged in a very politically charge discussion on how we are now the media in which representation is compared to. No pressure at all with our project, since we are leaning towards a narrative kinda MV. Not only would we have to figure out the plot beyond pretty gardens and Elvis hair, but we need to be conscious of how we portray any of the women we have. It’s relevant for Abby, although she mainly has to figure out how she wants to would to view her as an artist, but when I have to consider how people may interpret the storyline along with character representation it does put a toll on you. Luckily so far we haven’t had a lot of issues with being PC, but then again we haven’t got a completely solid pitch yet to censor. But do I want to censor it?

I’ve linked below (Queen) Beyoncé’s “***Flawless” which is a feminist anthem for many people. While contemplating all the shortcomings of society, and how women are perceived, I wanted to reflect on how the women I hold high are perceived. Beyoncé has been crowned as a modern feminist icon, with her non-apologetic views and attitude towards the industry and herself within the industry. She doesn’t just flaunt her body for “cheap” attention, she’s owning it. But is it the same as how P!NK depicts her “Stupid Girls”. These two very different views on representation are striking sometimes. Beyoncé is owning her shit, she loves herself and doesn’t care what anyone thinks, while P!NK rejects traditional feminine qualities altogether it seems, and appears to be putting down women who adhere to societies stereotypes. Her MV paints an image that girls that like girly things are stupid, and that we should embrace more masculine traits to finally be seen as equal. Personally I think like Queen B, and would like to dictate how my body and mind are viewed, but I can see how P!NK’s 2009 MV could also strike a chord with people. Neither are completely right, but both women would probably agree that things do need to change.

Now back to my dilemma of image and perception of my characters. Well for now, lets let Abby decided for herself how she, and her music video want to be viewed as. It is her voice and persona that we are presenting to the public, so she definitely has a say.

 

Now that feels like it definitely went on for too long, or maybe I’m just imagining that as I write this at 11:30pm. Anywho this blog posts MV share, aside from the two lovely videos above, is another KPOP one. Keeping in theme with females killing it, F(x)’s “Red Light” is a striking video with 5 ladies who definitely know how to project a strong image. I think the cinematography, and the use of projections were fantastic in this, and I glad to see more amazing video from them. Seriously so glad that they are free from their caged box sets. Like seriously.

FOUR – GIANTS IN THE SKY

The fear of falling apart.

So I’m worried already that I can’t maintain this blog. Not just the blog but this class too. It’s only the second week but I’ve already missed 66% of my classes. That’s two out of three. And I know that it’s summer school, but my fear is that I won’t be able to bounce back and get my shit together for this Thursday’s presentation. It’s the first marked assessment for the semester and not being in class has put me at a disadvantage. I don’t know what to expect of everyone. Have they shared notes with each other, or has Rohan shown them what he likes and hates. It all just circles back to the question of “am I going to fail again?”

It’s hard already, and I’ve only just begun. In regular semester timelines this would be our 4th week, and right now I feel like it’s still my first day. I know I said I wanted to complete things and be my own person. I was supposed to take 2k16 by the head and show them that I’ve got what it takes to be here, but I’m allowed to be scared right.

Our class project is still in works, and since I haven’t been to class my group has started the brainstorming process without me. I’m letting them down already and I can’t shake that feeling away. I know this is a very personal blog post already, but I think I needed to express my fears before they ate away at me again.

For now I’m just going to try and focus on the upcoming project brief that’s literally due in less than 2 days. I’ve tossed up with either analyzing Panic! At The Disco’s “GIRLS/GIRLS/BOYS” or Florence + The Machine’s “Kiss With A Fist“. Both have a very simple premise and have a certain home-made quality which I love. It gives me hope and let’s me believe that despite my current flaws, these successful artists don’t need someone with loads of animation skills or artistic flair. All I need is a camera, light and determination.

This post’s MV’s are also by Panic! At The Disco. Off their latest album (new one dropping in a week!) “This Is Gospel” has some neat as choreography, that doesn’t necessarily have to be full body movement. I love his passion in this, and it’s follow-up (watch below) is the perfect antithesis for it. Where Gospel depicts Brendon Urie fighting to stay alive to stay with his love, “Emperor’s New Clothes” tells the complete opposite story of a him leaving it all finally and embracing his inner demon.

Also I’m a complete sucker for music videos that allude to continuous long takes and sotrylines, but aren’t (it’s a common theme in KPOP as well).

 

THREE – A VERY NICE PRINCE

 

I know what you’re thinking. Gross, why and how? same

PSY’s 2015 release is definitely a head turner, but after so many years you’d think people would get used to his shenanigans. After contemplating on what to write about for my third and final blog post for the week, I decided to go with the easy route and talk about what makes a successful music video. And obviously, if we were to track down the most viewed music video of all time on YouTube, we look no further than Park Jae-Sung.

PSY’s body of work contains a plethora of gems that I (again) personally love, but mainstream media still only see’s him as that Gangnam Style guy. I became a fan instantly in 2010 with “Right Now” and have followed his work ever since. That’s right people, I liked PSY before he was cool. Well, not cool. More like when he wasn’t raking in the billions of YouTube views, but hey even before that he was still a very prominent figure in Korea. It’s just that now with the aid of the internet, his wacky music videos have been able to gain the exposure that all masterpieces deserve.

Now instead of talking about “Gangnam Style“, because let’s be honest we all totally know what that’s about, I’ve elected to discuss his latest MV. DADDY is provocative in a hilariously creepy way. The depictions of PSY at different ages wooing young women can be seen as both concerning for his sanity, or commendable for being so adventurous. I enjoy his humour, and I appreciate his enthusiasm, and DADDY doesn’t disappoint fans. He sticks to his usual formula of ridiculous concept + equally ridiculous dance + comedic expression + cameo from a famous beautiful idol, and continues to be a viral hit. And although it seems simple enough to execute what he’s done, only PSY can manage to maintain his image and still have fun. There’s just something about his slight chubbiness and surprisingly athletic capabilities that ties his music videos and performances together, and again let’s admit that it is hard to find someone like him in the western pop industry.

Now I think I’ve rambled on long enough about PSY, so enjoy the above music video by Lim Chang Jung. “Open The Door” is another comedic gem which I wish more western music could take inspiration from, but for now I can make do with watching these old Korean men to fill my day with laughter.

TWO – HELLO LITTLE GIRL

So I wanted to take some time to discuss our official artist that we will be working with. We being Maggie, Blair, Jordan and I, the amazing ACE Productions crew. At first we all looked a little lost trying to find someone fast, since we literally only have 6 weeks to do this project, but we had faith.

The problem was finding someone small (but not too small) and willing to let us work with them on such short notice. Jordan had looked to a fellow busker he met last year (2k16 woo!), and I asked a previous teacher of mine, who is in a pretty cool band that’s already got some decent exposure. I thought that he may be able to pull some strings for a past student and work with us. But it was after contacting a friend who I knew was into music production, that he sent me over to Abby Iverson.

Abby, also known as AIVY, is an artist that had literally just recorded her first original single with our mutual friend and was super happy to work with us. She is also a current Media student as well, so she totally understood what was going to be expected, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t still put on a good show for her. Her debut single titled “HEY YOU THERE” is an amazing and uplifting tune. I personally love it, although I may be biased, but it gives a Jason Mraz vibe with lyrics and vocals that make you smile every time you sing along, and believe me YOU WILL SING ALONG.

I am thrilled to be working with her for the next month or so and definitely excited to see our final result. Here’s to the wonderful Abby for agreeing to join us on this wild hunt. Check out her song above, and below is a Music Video Abby thinks we could totally be inspired by. Neopolitan Dreams by Lisa Mitchell is a classic take on all the single long shot lip-sync MV’s out there, with a little quirky action to keep us watching. I can totally see somethings we could try out with Abby’s song.

 

 

ONE – INTO THE WOODS

A new year, a new me.

Like everyone that follows the Germanic calendar, celebrating a new year means a lot of things to a lot of different people. This year is my year for redemption. 2015 wasn’t the best experience of my life. I went through a lot of hardships, changes and have now finally emerged hoping to make a new start, and like all well adjusted adults, I made myself a goal list for 2016. One of them is to finish off everything I start, no matter how much I hate it, or the obstacles in my way.

The second major goal was to finish the uni year with no regrets, and that meant signing up for the Music Video Studio in hopes of making up those credits and passing this course with my best efforts. So far the class has been a nice change of pace to my previous classes. There’s still the stress and pressure of the regular uni environment, but it also feels familiar and reminds me of the good old high school days, crammed into a room with 15 other individuals learning the same thing every week. I’m excited to finally love learning again, and hopefully this studio doesn’t disappoint me.

My final goal is to create more things. It’s pretty general, but I found myself reflecting over my accomplishments last year, and being very frustrated with myself. There were very few things I made last year that I am proud of today, and I want to change that this year. With the studio I’m currently doing, I hope that it will act as a springboard for me to keep making new things that I am passionate about, and in all honesty it doesn’t even need  to be a grand Music Video for a client. This blog post is one of the first things I have created this year, and it is already something I am proud of. I just don’t want to walk away from 2016, or even this course regretting missed opportunities, or lamenting on mistakes. I want to do things, and especially after today I want to make more things in media and in my life.

This post went off in a very weird tangent, but I don’t even know how to blog properly anymore. If anyone wants to give me feedback I would love it. But in the meantime, let’s start this new journey together and let’s make this semester a bangin’ semester.

Also I’ve made it a mini goal to share a music video every post. This blog’s MV is BANG BANG BANG by BIG BANG. They are one of my favourite artists, kpop and in general western music. These boys have gotten me through the tough years, and seeing them live also helps as well. I especially love how loud the video just gets. I’ve let this play in the background at home muted and still dance around without music.