Key Elements of Genre Music Videos

Key Elements of Genre Checklist

Cinematography

·         For a love song music video, I think that the two most important shot types are close up and long shots. This is because close up shots encapture the intimacy and closeness that is experienced during a relationship. I also think that reading emotion is important when covering a genre like love so close up shots allow for this. However long shots can also be effective depending on how they are used. For example, they can show how small the subject is compared to the rest of the surroundings however, this emphasises how important the protagonists are to each other.

·         Similarly, to long shots, overhead angles and wide-angle shots give perspective on the storyline and depending on context can emphasis importance. I think that low angle shots are more effective within the love song genre as high angle shots portray a sense of dominance which is not something that is often present in a typical, successful love story.

·         I think that slower, more simple movements are important in my particular love genre. Faster movements create an energetic environment so would be effective in a more upbeat pop song.

Editing

·         Following on from this editing is also something I think has to slower within this particular genre again to avoid an energetic atmosphere. To make my video more appealing to my target audience don’t want to have too technical editing, not adding any extras on top of the clips. This is because I want to show the simplicity of a relationship and love.

·         Most mainstream love songs have faster editing and pace, while more alternative follow a slower pace. Normally the editing follows the beat of the music.

·         However, while I want to majority of editing to be a slower pace, some areas such as flashbacks work better with slightly faster editing. Some initial ideas of my music video were flashbacks to childhood in the middle of shots, these would be second long clips of similar moments from a different time. I want this editing to be faster as they are only momentary thoughts.

Setting

·         The two main settings I want to include in my video are a darker, dimmer dance floor, and a brighter, more colourful flower field. By doing this I will conform to the expectations of the love song genre because of this different sides of love songs.

·         Firstly, the darker, more serious side of romance representing intimacy and connection. The dance floor will especially portray this as connection is important when dancing, either with a partner or the music. It will reflect the more inner thoughts and deeper moments of love.

·         On the other hand, the lighter, colourful field will depict another side of a love story. The happy, cheerful first moments will be portrayed, but also the comfortable and naturalness of a strong bond. The easiness that come with knowing it is the ‘right person’.

Characters

·         Straying from mainstream love song videos, mine will not surround a heteronormative relationship, rather one between two girls. Because of this another variety of social group is needed. I wanted to bring in two characters from different social-economic backgrounds, portraying them as an unlikely relationship, even through friendship.

·         While this subverts the typical mainstream love songs, it appeals to the more indie/alternative audience and what they relate to.

Graphics

·         I would like the font that I use to be not too modern and flashy, I want to appeal to audience with an appreciation for ‘literature’. I also possibly want to use a font that gives a slightly handwritten sense, this makes it seem more personal. Also, that the story is not linear and layed out perfectly, it has messy areas.

·         Georgia – vance Joy (Ink Free – bold)

·         Georgia – Vance Joy (MV Boli)

Intertextuality

·         The main piece of intertextuality that I want to reference is the film “My Summer of Love” directed by Pawel Pawlokowski. My video will follow a very similar story line, with two girls from different backgrounds. However, mine will surround one looking back on and their friendship and realising how strong her feelings were.