Initial Planning

In this section, I will focus on planning of my music video, by choosing a right song, and narrative story, in order to show the message behind it.

First of all, the song I have chosen to use for my music video, will be in R&B Soul genre, hoping to use a song by Christina Aguilera ''Can't hold us down''. I have chosen this song for the several reasons. One of them is, that it contains an element of feminism, which is what I will try to point out on my music video. Even though, she has got a very well music video for this song, I will use a different elements and features to make it look different and original. Because I have decided to produce a music video on very well known song by young generation, there can be some negative judgements, however, I will try my best, to not disappoint anyone.

Throughout the video, the camera will focus on my protagonist character (Claudia) in different way of her such as: there will be her dressing like a girl, dance like a girl, with quick cross-fades, where she will dress up like a boy, dancing like a boy, to focus on different gender roles between man and woman.I believe that this will makes my music video unique, as well as using a special effects, locations, costumes and camera movements. This is the way how I want to portray my music video to people, in order to point out on feminism side.

Although, my plan for producing the music video will be filmed in black and white to show the stereotype world, in which we live, as well as that female gender wants a change. At the beginning of the video, I am thinking to use a close-up of my protagonist character, where she will have a speech line, which could sounds like this: '' 2012, Ladies, I think it's time to swap the roles'' etc. I also want to see there good dance choreography (one of the reasons why I want Claudia) which will links to the lyrics, where I would use a different camera movements, mainly close-up, or extremely close up of mouth/lips. To makes it different, I will also use some insert shots during the chorus, overall I'm thinking just to use a simple cuts, to keep the clear idea of what my music video is about.

The storyline/narrative: I have a clear perspective of how my music video will looks like, however, with only small experience, I am worried that my expectation are too high, which makes me work even harder on. My storyline is about a young girl who is sick and tired of treated unfairly; just because she is female, and would like to change it. However, I hope that there will be some dancers behind her, to point out on the power of women. Throughout the song, the main character, will be acting out the lyrics such as ' Should I be quiet just because I'm a woman' where she will be looking directly at the audience.
What I would like to point out on, is the way how woman will stay together, in order to achieve the respect and change, and send this message to all women, who aren't happy with the way how they are treated. One of the main elements of it, will be the costumes and black and white background.

Music video production

This section is one of the most important, because I must know how a music video is produced, to represent the specific genre, as well as the different processes, to help me create the final piece, in order to help me, produce it in professional and effective way.

Production process
The fact is that, the process of making a video, can be more difficult, as I have very little experience with using a final cut, as well as I will have to make a plan of my music video, before I can even start filming such as:

• equipment-will provide me with enough time to acquire any additional equipment I may need before starting production.(e.g. different type of camera, lighting, etc.)
  
• location-by visiting the shooting location during pre-production, I will be able to determine any issues that may arise during my shoot, to find a solution, in order to save the time, which is the most important factor when I will start filming .
• production planning- great videos require thorough planning. Production planning involves recruiting the crew and talent, and helps me to prepare props, costumes etc. I believe that careful planning will ensure me, that my music video production will run smoothly, without any problems.
  
• script- by creating script and storyboard, during pre-production, will ensures me, that I have a solid plan-of-action before starting production. This will help me during production by allowing me to focus on the task at hand.

There are three main stage's of the production process

1. Pre-production
2. Production
3. Post production

All these three main stage's, are equality important, in order to help me create a professional music video.

Pre-production- is the planning stage of shoots, and occurs, before the camera starts rolling. I will achieve this by, creating storyboards, locations, music etc., as this is the most important part of the whole process of producing my music video.

Production-this is when the I start filming my music video includes the set and the crew as well as the actors, costumes, make-up, set in one or more locations etc. The time, of creating my music video can depends of the amount of factors from locations I have shoot, to length of the video.

Post-production- this is when filming is done, them it must be edited and created into the overall music video, where music is then merged with edited video recording, to follows effectively. The most important part of it, is to catch the audiences attention, which makes them to watch it. The production process, is about editing it, where I can use special affects, in order to make it look more professional. The disadvantage is that this part, is very time consuming.

Conclusion...

This gave me information about how to make a video, step by step, by using these methods, from pre-production, to post-production, in order to produce a similar, and professional looking music video.

My inspiration

Here, you can see different type of picture, where have been used different camera technique. Where I was trying to point out on how women are portrayed in the music video, as well as the costume to represent their music style. Because I decided to do R&B soul style of music, you can only see R&B soul artists. As you can notice, for this type of genre, the artists in videoclips usually wear colourful, stands out clothes: such as: Beyonce- ''why don't you love me'' where the director set the theme of the 60's and 70's to, by choosing the right type of the costume as well as the make-up and other features. Another pictures you can see from videoclip by Ciara ''like a boy'' which is where I get my idea for my music video, which leads to feminisms and how women are stereotyped by their role of being female. Where, the director has used the black and white background to focus on the stereotypes which has been created by the male gender. What impressed me, was the camera editing technique of ciara wearing the tuxedo, and black hat on, to represent represent the male gender, and at the same time ciara with lovely white dress on, represent the female gender, as they are dancing together, which is really well done and interesting. Choreography

As a produced of R&B soul music video, I have to pay attention to the choreography, which is very important for this genre, as well as the costume's. The song by Ciara, ''like a boy'' the choreography has impressed and inspired me, because the artist, with the other girl professional dances, where dancing, acting like a men, which fits perfectly with the lyrics such as: when the singer says ''tell you I love you'' she with the other dancers (girls) created like a heart, with a heart beating, where director created black a silhouettes , which movies to ''call I never get back'' where the director didn't used this effect, as we can see them perfectly like before.

Overall, all this has inspired me and gave me the perspective of what my music video should be represent, how I am going to achieve this ( by using the right costumes, setting, the narrative, and conventional elements of R&B soul) who the video will be aim at (mostly men) what the message is behind it etc. I believe that all these features will help to produce the music video which will not just be worthing to watch, but also learn from it.

Influential Music Artists- Country

Garth Brooks

'' Troyal Garth Brooks, best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album charts. Brook's integration of rock elements into his recordings and live performance has earned him immense popularity. This progressive approach allowed him to dominate the country single and album charts while quickly crossing over into the mainstream pop arena, exposing country music to a larger audience. ''

Album Cover Analysis

This Garth Brook's album cover page which called: '' Scarecrow'' contains a lot of elements of Country style of music genre, by choosing a right location, ranch, with the perfect costumes, which gives me a clear idea of what kind of music genre it is. Where, we can see black and white background, with a white writing of his name, which perfectly stands out, as well as the other title which is the name of the album. What I like about it, a very nice and decent medium close-up of him, by showing us his face expression, as he isn't looking directly at us, the audience, but at somewhere else, which doesn't make him look serious, but very calm. I believe that, this appeals to more female audience, as theres just an picture of him, looking like a real cowboy, to represent the Country style of music as well as their style clothes and lifestyle.

Influential Music Artists- Rock

U2

''U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals) Adam Clayton (bass guitar) and Larry Mullen, Jr (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instruments, highlighted by The Edge's textual guitar playing and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns.''

Album Cover Analysis

This U2 album cover, which called:''No line on the Horizon'' contains an unconventional elements of Rock style of music, as there isn't location, which is specific for this genre, as well as no artists, which could give negative impression to the audience. However, we are introduced to black and white colour background, of the sea, to convey the meanings, of how far they get, by their hard work, of producing a quality style of music. The whole idea of this picture, is to get impression of the word ''simple'' therefore, some people won't like it, as they would expect something more excitement,more rocky, by using specific conventions of this style such as: the instruments, the band, costume etc.

Genesis
''Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967, The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks (keyboards), Mike Rutherford (bass, guitar) and Phil Collins (vocals, drums). Past members Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute), Steve Hackett (guitar) and Anthony Phillips (guitar) also, played major roles in the band in it's early year s. Genesis are among the top 30 highest-selling recording artists of all time, with approximately 150 million albums sold worldwide. ''

Album Cover Analysis

Analysis This Genesis album cover, which called: ''Wind & Wuthering'' is similar, to the first one, as there's no band shown on the cover, but just a picture of the tree, which could have connotations of growing, improving them self not just in the music industry, by bringing something new and better. Where, we can see a lovely contrast of black and white, which gives us impression of the sadness as well as it could represent their age group, as they are an old band, but still producing a good music, therefore, they still get a new fans.

The reason why I decided to do these two album cover pages, is that they both look very unconventional, compare to what kind of music their represent. Therefore, some people, wouldn't even know what genre of music it is, and only people who would know about it, would be their fans. What I don't like about it,is that there's no one of their band, not even the singer, or any instrument like guitar, which could give me an impression of Rock style. The both album cover pages looks a bit depressive, and sad to me, as there isn't anything what would make me feel any different, not even bright colours which could be used there, therefore, it which gives me the idea of sorrow, and confusion.

Influential Music Artists- POP

Frank Sinatra

'' Francis Albert Frank Sinatra, was an American singer and actor. Beginning his musical career in the swing ear with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist

in the early to mid-1940's, after being singed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the 'bobby soxers' he released his first album, The Voice if frank Sinatra in 1946. His professional career had stalled by the 1950's, but it was reborn in 1954 after he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in From Here to Eternity. In 1973 he recorded several albums, scoring a Top 40 hit with Theme From and New York, New York in 1980. Using his Law Vegas shows as a home base, he toured both within the United States and internationally.''

Cover Album Analysis

This Frank Sinatra's cover album called: ''Sinatra At The Sands'' looks very interesting, as there's one very strong lighting used, to point out on the singer as well as another man, who's playing on piano, where they both wearing a black tuxedo, which makes them look very smart, which could be argue that they are very important people. What I really like about it, is the black background, which makes them, and the writing section stands out, by using a bright colours such as: yellow, blue, red, in order to match with the lighting colours scheme of red and blue. Overall look of this cover album looks very smart, and nice to my, where we can see the singer on the stage.


Barbra Streisand

''Barbra Joan Streisand, is an American singer, actress, film producers, and director, who has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Awards, an American Film Institute awards, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award. She is one of the most commercially and critically successful entertainers in modern entertainment history, with more than 71,5 million albums shipped in the United States and 140 millions albums sold worldwide''.

Cover Album Analysis

This Barbra Streisand's cover album which called: ''Till I Loved You'' contains a elements of elegance and gentility , contrasting with the perfect black and white background, which gives to the whole album a simplistic style, as there isn't anything what would make me say: ''Wow'', however, there's a touch of soul, as well as love as she is addresses directly to us, the audience. What I like about it, is the way how she represent herself there, like showing us that even though she is somebody, she is like everybody else as well as to show that ''you don't have to be half naked on the cover page, to sell your music albums''. Overall, there's nothing I would personally change, maybe the writing, as you can't really see it well, however, I love the way of how writing is shown there, where the singer is middle, as I find it more than unconventional, because nowadays the titles are usually all over the singer's face or body.

The reason why I decided to do these two album cover pages, is to show the different between how male and female artists represent their style of music, where as you could notice, are not any similarities, even though they both represent POP style of music. However, I think that the first one, represent this style of music in a better way, by using a bright colours, where the singer is on the stage with an another man. Another, album looks more classical and elegance to me, by using black and white background, doesn't really represent POP style, as POP style of music is more a cheerful and colorful etc. What they have in common, is just the colour of ''black'' which could symbolized the stereotype as well as to makes them look serous.

Influential Music Artists- R&B

Stevie Wonder

''Stevland Hardaway Morris, better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalis, record producer and activist. He singed with Motown's Tamla label at the age of eleven, and continues to perform and record for Motortown to this day. Among Wonder's best known works are singles such as Superstition, Sir Duke, I Wish and I Just Called To Say I Love You'. His well known, albums also include Talking Book, Innervisions, and Songs in the Key of Life. He has recorded more that thirsty U.S. top ten hits and received twenty-two Grammy Awards. the most ever awarded to a male solo artist.''

Album cover analysis

This Steve Wonder cover album which called: 'Characters' is a very good an example of unconventional image of the R&B genre music style. When you first look at it, you get an idea of classy, opera type of style of the music, until you recognize the name of the singer, which could be the singer purpose of bringing something new. The only elements which suggest that it could be cover for R&B music, is the style of clothes and the black glasses which is a symbol of R&B and Hip-Hop music, as in every single video clip, images, the singers have to have the glasses on, even when they are going out, as it's their kind 'images' of how people who likes to listening this kind of clothes should way. As you can see, the clothes look way too un-formal, casually, however modern, by wearing a bright red color's top and blazer, with black trousers. I really like that the style of clothes, and the background pictures, match also the type of writing, which is white, and 'Italic' type. Mise-en-scene, gives me a wrong idea about the music genre the singer is representing.

Ashanti

''Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress and model. She rose to fame in the early 2000's. Ashanti is most famous for her eponymous debut album, which featured the hit song Foolish, and sold over 503,000 copies in it's first week of release throughout the U.S. She has won Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B album. But also, she is currently working on her own publishing company entitled Written Entertainment. ''

Album cover analysis

This Ashanti cover album, which called: 'The Declaration' looks luxury, nice, and interesting because we are introduce into two faces of the singer. The first one, and the one which is easy to recognize is a close-up of her face, where we can see the singer's mirror reflection- by using special editing effect. The another face, is right in corner, where we can see only half of her face, where also have been used mirror effect. What I like about this cover page is the fact that it looks simple and original at the same time, there's one image of the singer, two title, and two props, and mirror effect. Mise-en-scene is just simply black background which makes the singer stand out, but also the color match with her expensive jewellery and black nails. There's are only two main color which stand out, the first one is turquoise of the props and the under title which says: 'The Way I Love You', and white which has been used as the main one for the title 'Ashanti' where we can see 'Italic' type of writing, to attract female audience.

The reason why I picked those two very famous and popular R&B artists are that you can see the different of their album cover pages, and how male and female artists, are trying to point out on their genre music. The first album cover page, is completely different, unconvential and unusual for this music genre, as there's not a typical image, symbol/code, mise-en-scene presented to suggest this style of the music, expect the singer outfit. The second album cover, is more likely to represent this music genre, as there's a close-up of the singer face, with some expensive jewellery on. As you can see, there's nothing wrong by using different code/symbols, for the album cover page even thought, for the first five seconds you wouldn't guess the genre of the music style. The important is to use at least, one or two conventional style, doesn't matter if it will be clothes, make-up or mise-en-scene.