Tuesday 22 December 2015

Feminist stand point

An initial idea I have for my music video is to produce it with the artist appearing independent and strong, and seen to challenge ideas of the power bloc that women cannot be this. Thus I intend to challenge these ideas and produce my music video from a feminist standpoint.

This standpoint features in many past, strong, female artists, and given Beyonce's brand is similar to these, I hope to feature shots and scenes which show the female in a positive light. For example, previous work by Nicki Minaj - Super Bass (below) features shots of Nicki, mainly alone but at her level, not low angle shots which are often shown for women. These shots make the audience see her as the one in control; the subject, rather than the object (Simone de Beauvoir, 1949). She is also shown with men, but these appear as her inferior, as she plays with them as if they are just her fun, not in control of her. However, the lyrics of the song, suggest stereotypes of women being in love and chasing the men, which goes against the other feminist points the song uses.



I want my actor who will play the role of Beyonce to appear as in control, and powerful. Along with the lyrics of the song, which show Beyonce to be partly in control of the relationship. Thus, I will play on these lyrics in the way the actions are choreographed. For example, In Nicki Minaj's - Moment 4 Life. In this shot, Nicki is shown in royal colours of gold and the location behind her also appears grande. It gives connotations based on her being in another room of the house, that she owns this house, which goes against the ideas that women are not workers and are reliant on men. However, the song focuses on how she could gain a man's attention, which reinforces how women are dependent on men and shows men as superior (Germaine Greer, 1970).



Although at the same time, my artist will be shown to be embracing her femininity. Thus, a large focus will be put onto make-up, hair and clothing, not only as a way to target the audience, but a way to show her still as feminine. For example, in Jennifer Lopez - I'm Into You, it shows her in various make-up levels, ranging from bare to full glam (as shown below). In order to show my artist as interested in clothing, but not appear too attention seeking, I will not use overly revealing clothing as a way to gain attention, instead I will use her dance moves as a way for her to steal the attention, unintentionally. I will need to consider what type of eye make-up I will use in order to fit with the pop/ R&B genre. 





Friday 11 December 2015

Changing the song length

This is the original video/ song version which I decided to use which was slightly different to the audio which Beyonce used in her video of Love on Top. The verse beginning 'I can hear the wind whipping past my face' was a verse I was interested in including as the majority of the song repeats a similar chorus and so having a new verse would spark new ideas for actions for Stefi to follow.



After 2:54 the song repeats the chorus 4 times before finishing, thus I cut the song from 2:54 to 3:54 to gain the key change at the end of the song whilst not repeating the chorus too many times. I used a programme called Audacity, and the process can be seen below.









Thus, the new lyrics: 

Bring the beat in!

Honey, honey
I can see the stars all the way from here
Can't you see the glow on the window pane?
I can feel the sun whenever you're near
Every time you touch me I just melt away

Now everybody asks me why I'm smiling out from ear to ear (They say love hurts)
But I know (It's gonna take a little work)
Nothing's perfect, but it's worth it after fighting through my tears
And finally you put me first

Baby it's you.
You're the one I love.
You're the one I need.
You're the only one I see.

Come on baby it's you.

You're the one that gives your all.
You're the one I can always call.
When I need you make everything stop.
Finally you put my love on top.

Ooh! Come on baby.
You put my love on top, top, top, top, top.
You put my love on top.
Ooh oooh! Come on baby.
You put my love on top, top, top, top, top.
My love on top.
My love on top.

Baby, Baby
I can hear the wind whipping past my face.
As we dance the night away.
Boy your lips taste like a night of champagne.
As I kiss you again, and again, and again and again.

Now everybody asks me why I'm smiling out from ear to ear (They say love hurts)
But I know (It's gonna take a little work)
Nothing's perfect, but it's worth it after fighting through my tears.
And finally you put me first.

Baby it's you.
You're the one I love.
You're the one I need.
You're the only one I see.
Come on baby it's you.
You're the one that gives your all.
You're the one I can always call.
When I need you make everything stop.
Finally you put my love on top.

Oh! Baby.
You put my love on top, top, top, top, top.
You put my love on top.
Oh Oh! Come on baby.
You put my love on top, top, top, top, top.
My love on top.

Baby.
'Cause you're the one that I love.
Baby you're the one that I need.
You're the only one I see.
Baby, baby, it's you.
You're the one that gives your all.
You're the one I always call.
When I need you everything stops.

Finally you put my love on top. (not heard) 




Thursday 10 December 2015

Character profile

Name: Stefi Cuffaro
Age: 18
Role: Act as Beyonce discussing her position within her relationship.
Personality: Warm, positive, confident, independent, empowered, happy, outspoken and determined.
Relationship status: In a relationship.
                                                                                                                                                                   




Friday 4 December 2015

Selena Gomez - Victoria's Secret lip sync



I recently saw this video posted by Victoria's Secret, as Selena performed at their most recent fashion show. The video shows my idea concerning a main artist featuring as well as friends lip syncing a variety of parts of the video. This is not an extremely serious take of this video as it is more of a promotional activity for Selena and Victoria's Secret, this is why the girls are shown in underwear and on the beach which shows off their brand and its ideology. In my video I hope to give it a more professional value with plain backgrounds and Beyonce (Stefi) performing in more traditional artist locations e.g. dance rooms, stages with microphones.

It is noticeable that this video only features women, which is a direction I will consider taking my own video in. Given that Beyonce's message in business and in life for women is to be independent and powerful because of being a female, and a title to one of her songs being 'Run the world (Girls)' it seems appropriate to take the song in this direction. To do this I will need all of the extra actors lip syncing to be female as well as the main artist to be female. It will give a bigger underlying message of feminist views and female power in our changing world. This may need to be shown in locations I will film in where women are not expected e.g. offices or powerful positions. I can also show this message through the clothing Stefi and all other girls are wearing as being powerful in the colours, which in Beyonce's case are red, gold and white, however, as I am trying to add a pop element I may include bright colours of pink and purple.

Friday 27 November 2015

Audience research

Qualitative: 
I planned a focus group interview in order to gain a better insight into the thoughts and feelings of my target audience. The interview will allow expansion on initial ideas found in my quantitative data. In a group situation it will encourage ideas to be agreed with or argued against which could help me to consider a variety of different possible ideas, with the best fit for my target audience.

My questions: 

1. What music videos have you seen recently? Did you like or not like them?

2. What genre were these? Would you say this is your favourite genre?

3. Are you swayed by the songs played in the charts in determining your favourite artist/s?

4. Have you seen the Justin Bieber ''Sorry' video or the Adele 'Hello' video? IF yes, do you think you have due to them being in the charts?

5. Does the singers gender of the lip sync have to match the gender of the actual artist? e.g. this is not the case in Carly Rae Jepson 'I really like you' featuring Tom Hanks (show video)

6. Will the outfit of the artist determine whether you like or dislike the music video? e.g. Taylor Swift in 'Bad Blood' or many of Beyonce's videos.

7. Do you like to see a storyline in a music video, e.g a relationship play out or leading up to an event OR no random?

8. Do you have any suggestions for location shots for a Beyonce video?

Focus Group Results: 



Findings: 

1+2:
- The audience had seen Work (Rihanna), Low Life (the Weeknd) and 7/11(Beyonce) - all be assumed to be of the R&B, hip hop genre. They commented on the spouse of the artist Beyonce in determining their knowledge of the artist.

3:
- The audience suggests they would only listen to chart music, given that their favourite artists were in this e.g. Drake. Although the female of the group suggests she listens to chart music regularly regardless of who these artists consist of.

4:
- The audience had seen both videos, they say based on their love of the artists already, however, the repetition of these videos must have unconsciously played an affect on their viewing and excitement to view them.
- The old school props used in the video 'Hello' were noticed, which implies I need to stay on trend in order for props to blend in the video.

5:
- It did not become an issue so long as the message matched the gender of the lip sync. Thus, in considering my use of possible group shots, I may need to use women in order for this message to fit more appropriately.

6:
- Outfits were shown as less of a problem as they may not have been to their taste, but yet they still liked the video.
- However, if it did not fit with the video in any way, this would then become an issue for the audience and so my video needs to plan outfits which will fit with the locations I use.

7:
- No storyline as it takes away from the main music, which will fit if I choose not to use a storyline for my song - less cinematic more musical.

8:
- Studio, outside, a mix between inside and outside, perhaps a club.

Quantitative:
For my quantitative data, I conducted an online service. This would allow me to gather a large amount of data to analyse in a quick manner. As it is online it is easily accessible which will increase my return rate than if it was on paper to send back by post.

My Survey can be found here.

Results:


What is your gender?

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0

FemaleMale
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Female
51.61%
16

Male
48.39%
15
Total31

What is your age?

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0

18 to 2425 to 3435 to 4445 to 5455 to 6465 to 7475 or older
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

18 to 24
51.61%
16

25 to 34
3.23%
1

35 to 44
6.45%
2

45 to 54
32.26%
10

55 to 64
6.45%
2

65 to 74
0.00%
0

75 or older
0.00%
0
Total31

What is your favourite music genre?

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0

PopR&BRapHip hopSoul
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Pop
29.03%
9

R&B
22.58%
7

Rap
9.68%
3

Hip hop
9.68%
3

Soul
29.03%
9
Total31

Do you prefer music videos to be...

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0

On topic Off topic Either
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

On topic 
58.06%
18

Off topic 
9.68%
3

Either
32.26%
10
Total31

How import is it for the voice to match the gender?

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0

(no label)
012345678910
So so
Fairly
Very
Total

(no label)
12.90%
4
22.58%
7
35.48%
11
29.03%
9
31
2.81

Do you like dancing in music videos?

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0

YesNo
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Yes
77.42%
24

No
22.58%
7
Total31
Q7

What is your favourite music video you have seen? 

  • Answered: 29 
  • Skipped: 2












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Showing 29 responses
Thriller
12/1/2015 9:28 PM View respondent's answers
Single Ladies by Beyoncé
12/1/2015 10:14 AM View respondent's answers
F**king Problems - Asap Rocky ft 2chainz, Drake and Kenrick Lamar
12/1/2015 9:21 AM View respondent's answers
Paradise
12/1/2015 9:17 AM View respondent's answers
Hotline Bling - drake
12/1/2015 9:13 AM View respondent's answers
Michael Jackson Thriller
11/30/2015 9:10 PM View respondent's answers
Crazy in love Beyonce
11/30/2015 6:48 PM View respondent's answers
Cold November Rain
11/30/2015 6:46 PM View respondent's answers
Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight
11/30/2015 6:33 PM View respondent's answers
Thriller Michael jackson
11/30/2015 4:54 PM View respondent's answers
beyonce
11/30/2015 3:20 PM View respondent's answers
Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
11/28/2015 5:51 PM View respondent's answers
Kendrick Lamar - Alright
11/28/2015 4:50 PM View respondent's answers
taylor swift blank space
11/28/2015 10:49 AM View respondent's answers
Beyoncé - 7/11
11/28/2015 10:40 AM View respondent's answers
How Deep Is Your Love - Calvin Harris
11/27/2015 7:45 PM View respondent's answers
KSI keep up
11/27/2015 6:19 PM View respondent's answers
Hotline bling drake
11/27/2015 4:13 PM View respondent's answers
Justin Bieber - Love yourself
11/27/2015 3:48 PM View respondent's answers
thriller
11/27/2015 3:39 PM View respondent's answers
Dont watch
11/27/2015 3:39 PM View respondent's answers
Now You're Gone (Basshunter)
11/27/2015 3:21 PM View respondent's answers
Thriller
11/27/2015 3:19 PM View respondent's answers
mariah carey fantasy
11/27/2015 3:16 PM View respondent's answers
Beyonce Love on top
11/27/2015 3:15 PM View respondent's answers
jess glyne
11/27/2015 3:15 PM View respondent's answers
Billy Jean
11/27/2015 3:12 PM View respondent's answers
The Weekend - Often
11/27/2015 3:04 PM View respondent's answers
G-Eazy Almost Famous
11/27/2015 2:57 PM View respondent's answers

Who do you prefer to be in a pop video?

  • Answered: 29 
  • Skipped: 2

Mainly malesMainly femalesBoth
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Mainly males
0.00%
0

Mainly females
34.48%
10

Both
65.52%
19
Total29
Q9

Who are your favourite artists? 

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0
First favourite
100.00%
31












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ASAP
12/2/2015 10:32 AM View respondent's answers
George Michael
12/1/2015 9:28 PM View respondent's answers
Rihanna
12/1/2015 10:14 AM View respondent's answers
Drake
12/1/2015 9:21 AM View respondent's answers
Years and Years
12/1/2015 9:17 AM View respondent's answers
Drake
12/1/2015 9:13 AM View respondent's answers
Stereophonics
11/30/2015 9:10 PM View respondent's answers
U2
11/30/2015 6:48 PM View respondent's answers
Paul Weller
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Olly Murs
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George Michael
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Adele
11/30/2015 4:54 PM View respondent's answers
beyonce
11/30/2015 3:20 PM View respondent's answers
Kanye West
11/28/2015 5:51 PM View respondent's answers
Drake
11/28/2015 4:50 PM View respondent's answers
die antword
11/28/2015 10:49 AM View respondent's answers
Beyoncé
11/28/2015 10:40 AM View respondent's answers
Justin Bieber
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JME
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Drake
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Justin Bieber
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michael buble
11/27/2015 3:39 PM View respondent's answers
Massive Attack
11/27/2015 3:39 PM View respondent's answers
George Michael
11/27/2015 3:21 PM View respondent's answers
Arctic Monkeys
11/27/2015 3:19 PM View respondent's answers
Dj Tiesto
11/27/2015 3:16 PM View respondent's answers
Justin Beiber
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jess glyne
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Elton John
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The Weeknd
11/27/2015 3:04 PM View respondent's answers
J.Cole
11/27/2015 2:57 PM View respondent's answers
Second favourite
100.00%
31












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NWA
12/2/2015 10:32 AM View respondent's answers
Rod Stewart
12/1/2015 9:28 PM View respondent's answers
Beyoncé
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J Cole
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Passenger
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The Notorious B.I.G
12/1/2015 9:13 AM View respondent's answers
Elvis Presley
11/30/2015 9:10 PM View respondent's answers
Beyonce
11/30/2015 6:48 PM View respondent's answers
Bruce Springsteen
11/30/2015 6:46 PM View respondent's answers
Enrique Iglesias
11/30/2015 6:33 PM View respondent's answers
Elton John
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Barbara striesand
11/30/2015 4:54 PM View respondent's answers
take that
11/30/2015 3:20 PM View respondent's answers
Jame brown
11/28/2015 5:51 PM View respondent's answers
Drake
11/28/2015 4:50 PM View respondent's answers
drake
11/28/2015 10:49 AM View respondent's answers
Fetty Wap
11/28/2015 10:40 AM View respondent's answers
Selena Gomez
11/27/2015 7:45 PM View respondent's answers
Chris brown
11/27/2015 6:19 PM View respondent's answers
Roll Safe
11/27/2015 4:13 PM View respondent's answers
Beyoncé
11/27/2015 3:48 PM View respondent's answers
elvis presley
11/27/2015 3:39 PM View respondent's answers
Talking Heads
11/27/2015 3:39 PM View respondent's answers
Koji Tamaki
11/27/2015 3:21 PM View respondent's answers
Foo Fighters
11/27/2015 3:19 PM View respondent's answers
Luther Vandross
11/27/2015 3:16 PM View respondent's answers
Beyonce
11/27/2015 3:15 PM View respondent's answers
sam smith
11/27/2015 3:15 PM View respondent's answers
George Michael
11/27/2015 3:12 PM View respondent's answers
Drake
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Drake
11/27/2015 2:57 PM View respondent's answers
Third favourite 
100.00%
31












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DR DRE
12/2/2015 10:32 AM View respondent's answers
Adele
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Usher
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Kendrick Lamar
12/1/2015 9:21 AM View respondent's answers
Lucy Rose
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Skepta
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George Benson
11/30/2015 9:10 PM View respondent's answers
Jessie J
11/30/2015 6:48 PM View respondent's answers
Artic Monkeys
11/30/2015 6:46 PM View respondent's answers
Adele
11/30/2015 6:33 PM View respondent's answers
Adele
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George Michael
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michael buble
11/30/2015 3:20 PM View respondent's answers
J Cole
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Drake
11/28/2015 4:50 PM View respondent's answers
arctic monkey
11/28/2015 10:49 AM View respondent's answers
Adele
11/28/2015 10:40 AM View respondent's answers
Beyonce
11/27/2015 7:45 PM View respondent's answers
Justin Bieber
11/27/2015 6:19 PM View respondent's answers
The Weekend
11/27/2015 4:13 PM View respondent's answers
Fifth Harmony
11/27/2015 3:48 PM View respondent's answers
george benson
11/27/2015 3:39 PM View respondent's answers
orbital
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Andy Williams
11/27/2015 3:21 PM View respondent's answers
Royal Blood
11/27/2015 3:19 PM View respondent's answers
Mariah Carey
11/27/2015 3:16 PM View respondent's answers
Adele
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clean bandit
11/27/2015 3:15 PM View respondent's answers
George Benson
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Chris Brown
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G-Eazy
11/27/2015 2:57 PM View respondent's answers

Do you prefer the artist to be dressed provocatively

  • Answered: 31 
  • Skipped: 0

(no label)
00.20.40.60.811.21.41.61.82
No 
Maybe
Yes
Total

(no label)
38.71%
12
38.71%
12
22.58%
7
31
1.84