Homework - Set 20th June 2014 - Types of music videos.

Types of music videos:

- Narrative - This is when a music video tells a story.
- Performance - This is when the majority of the music video is the band or artist performing.
- Concept
   - Thematic - A music video that contains lot's of common themes.
   - Symbolic - A use of symbolic elements are used to get across a message.
   - Idea based - Mise - en -scene dominates and it contains use of artistic camera angles.



A narrative music video is almost like a short film. It contains a beginning, middle and end. Narrative videos can also contain aspects of performance or concept. The message of a narrative video is very obvious to the audience and doesn't take much thought to understand. For example, if it is the break up of a boy and a girl. The audience get it immediately.

This is an example of a narrative video. It follows the codes and conventions of a narrative video very closely. It shows clearly a beginning, a middle and an ending. It begins with the two neighbours not getting along, they begin to do things that annoy the other, and it gets resolved at the end, when they swap girlfriends and the 'nerdy' one becomes 'cool' and the 'cool' one becomes 'nerdy'.  the use of mise en scene helps to show the difference between the two neighbours. Props are go big importance throughout the video as they are used to sabotage one another. For example, the nerdy one uses a mirror to reflect light into the 'cool' ones eyes whilst he is sleeping. This video features the lead singer of the band playing both of the neighbours. This is because, he is the main focus of the band. Many people know who he is, whilst maybe not knowing the other members. The audience therefore gets more enjoyment out of watching it.



A performance video is when the whole video is the artist or band performing onstage. It has many close up shots of the artists playing they're instruments. It also contains shots of the audience. Depending on the genre will depend on how the audience is reacting (for example if it is a rock video the audience will probably be head banging).

This is a performance video. The whole video is the band performing to an audience. This video is very typical of a performance video and contains lot's of the codes and conventions of the genre. It shows the different band members playing they're instruments. It shows shots of the audience who are moving around a lot. This is typical of a performance video. Many close up's are used to help the audience identify the band members.



A concept video is when there is not a story aspect of it and the video often does not make much sense until you read into it. It uses symbolic themes that help to get a message across to the audience. (For example a 'hardcore' song may be about death and destruction, so the video would contain things such as skulls and grave yards)

This is a concept video. It contains a range of interesting camera work, with a use of lot's of effects. This video has aspects of performance throughout it. But the main element is conceptual. This video is probably considered 'trippy' with use of it's effects and camera work. The song is about dreams 'Sandman' is the creature who supposedly controls dreams. The video doesn't necessarily make sense along with the lyrics. However they do include shots of a boy sleeping and praying next to a bed to help get the message across. It also contains the preyer 'Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep, if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." The song is about nightmares and that is what the video consists of, different aspects of nightmares that people experience. 




Pro's and cons: 
Narrative: The good thing about narrative videos is the message behind the song is more easily read by the audience. It is also quite easy to make, especially if you follow the Goodwin seven and have the visuals matching the lyrics. However, i feel narrative videos can feel boring, repetitive and predictive. This would be an easy type of music video to do for my project as i can just follow the story of the song. 

Performance: Performance videos are a good music video, especially for bands. It helps the audience to identify the band and what instrument they play. You also see the artist doing what they enjoy and that can often make you feel happy as they are happy. The cons of performance videos is sometimes things can go wrong and if you're filming it live at a gig it is hard to correct. Also this would be a difficult video for someone like me to make for my project as i would have to find a band, who could play the instruments. 

Concept: The main positive of concept music videos is that they are interesting. It can keep the audience interested and engaged. It gives them a chance to decide the message of the song, without it being shoved in their face. However, it can take a lot of thought and concentration to understand a concept video. 

My favourite type of music video is probably performance because i'm a big fan of rock music and live music. Therefore seeing people playing instruments. I enjoy seeing a band being passionate on stage and really getting into the music.