How meaning is created within music videos

How Meaning is created within Music Videos 

Mise-en-scene

Meaning can be created within a music video through the use of mise-en-scene. Mise-en-scene can be split up into a range of different areas, these areas are as follows: set design, costumes and props, lighting and character blocking. These can all be used in a range of different ways to convey meaning within videos. We will have to use these areas within the creation of our music video to project the meaning we want our audience to feel. 

In terms of Set design we have prepared a large range of sets and locations for us to film in, i previously mentioned using a graveyard for one of the locations of the video however to do this you need permission and due to time restrictions we were unable to do this. We plan to film the majority of the video within horse stables, there is a fence which from the right position looks like a prison cell, the idea of this is to keep whoever is inside from escaping. We want this to add to the feeling we are creating. Inside of the bars will be a range of different props such as  drum kit, keyboard, microphones, special lighting. We have also created a board with a mouth on with the name of the track written across it. the lips of the mouth a deep red color, we have done this because it symbolizes danger and thus projecting a image to the audience that whoever is inside of this cell is dangerous.  As well as the props i have just stated we have also obtained a model head which we will use in sections of the video, we feel that this prop matches the title of the track 'heads will roll' very well and will be able to create a variety of different scenarios, with this prop we feel we can create good meaning to the video. 

One music video that uses Mise-en-scene well to convey meaning is 'find your love' by Drake. Firstly it uses good set design to add to the feeling of the video. it is set within the slums of a LEDC, from the scenery within the video it appears to be within part of brazil. The music video uses a range of different lighting and color techniques to constantly change the mood and feeling within the music video. When the male character is searching for the girl within the video the slums appear dark, dingy and dangerous, this is emphasized through the use of dark lighting effects. On the other hand when he meets the girl within the video a different lighting technique is used. Colors become more bright and calming to convey his feelings for the female character. Costumes are used to help the characters fit in within the location, all of the characters apart from the main male and female characters are dressed in plain simple clothes. The main two characters are dressed in brighter, more bold costumes to emphasizes that they are in sync with each other. 

Here is a print screen of one of the locations used within the music video 'find your love'

Here is another screenshot from the same video showing how they have used lighting to make the main male character stand out from the rest of the actors.

Editing is another way in which meaning can be created within a music video. For this technique i have edited another music video, the music video i have decided to analyze for this technique is 'She' by 'Tyler, the Creator' This video uses a range of different editing techniques. Editing pacing starts off slow at the beginning on the video and picks up pace towards the end.  This works well in relation to the story line of the music video where it builds up to the main character getting arrested. the increase of editing pace emphasizes the panic and tension felt. Once he has been arrested the editing pace starts to slow down again. Another technique used within the editing is the use of two video sections at once. It displays two seperate locations and two seperate characters next to each other to fit in with the lyrics and conversation within the story line of the song. 

An example of some editing techniques used within the music video 'She'

Shot choice is another important aspect to consider when trying to convey meaning to audiences. I have chosen to analyze the music video 'Payphone' by maroon 5. After viewing this music video i feel it uses a good selection of camera shots to emphasizes meaning within the video. The first camera shot i noticed which noticeably conveyed meaning was a extreme close up. This is used at two main parts of the beginning of the video when the bank is being robbed. it shows the two main characters faces closely emphasizing the fear they are experiencing. this also conveys this feeling to the audience. 

Here is a picture of one of the close ups used within the begging of the 'payphone' music video 

This shot also shows the other female character. this shot emphasizes the fact that they are together within this video. We plan to use a range of shots within out own music video to convey meaning. Close up shots of characters within the location of the horse stables will show the dark aggressive side of the characters. Long shots will also be used to show the audience the range of locations we will be using. in terms of the stables and woods this will give the audience a sense of fear as these a dark, creepy places.