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.

Audience Research

Influential Music Artists - Hip Hop

DMX
''Earl Simmons, who is better known by his stage name DMX, is a multiplatinum American rapper as well as a member of the hip hop collective Ruff Ryders. He is also well- known as an actor who rose to fame in the late 1990's. His stage name pays tribute to the Oberheim DMX drum machine, which is an instrument he used when he made his own rap beats in the 80's. To date, his best selling album is his 1999 album...'And Then There Was X', which featured the hit single 'Party Up (Up in Here)'. As an actor, he also starred in the films like Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 The Grace and Last Hour, and his own reality television series called 'Soul of a Man' on the on the American cable television network BET. ''

Album cover analysis

This DMX album cover which called: ' year of the Dog...Again' looks very aggressive, powerful, and dark to me, as there is an image of an angry dog, pitbull, who is looking directly to the rapper's face, as he is holding him, to suggest that dog is in control, even thought is angry, which could have connotation with the Hip-Hop culture. Mise-en-scene is very interesting, because there is an image of the building with some graphics on to suggest the Hip-Hop style of music and where the genre came from, 'from the street' , where director used white smoke around the singer, and white and creamy dog, which makes the both perfectly stands out.

Missy Elliott

''Melissa Arnette 'Missy' Elliot is an American recording artist, producer, singer-songwriter of Hip-Hop and R&B, dancer, actress and clothing line designer. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliot, with record sales of over seven million in the United State. The only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one double platinum for her 2002 album Under Construction. She is known for a series of hits and diverse music videos, including: The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Hot Boyz, Get Ur Freak On, One Minute Man, Work It, Pass That Dutch and Lose Control.In addition, she has worked extensively as a songrwriter and producer for other artists, both alone and with her fellow producer and childhood friend Timbaland, with whom she received her first production credit on R&B singer Ginuwine's 1996's album Ginuwine...the Bachelor. ''

Album cover analysis

This Missy Elliott album cover which called: 'This Is Not a Test!' seems to me that the singer is powerful, confident, respectful. However, at the same time, it's seems to me a bit unconventional, as you don't usually see a picture of the singer, holding a dog, pitbull on cover page of the album. This is a typical image of male's cover album, because this is not what women want to represent. However, because she is rapper, Hip-Hop singer, you except something different, provocative, and original, basically 'to show off' but also to give the audience code and symbol of what genre is her album going to be, what is going to represent. Also, this images, could have a connotation with the idea that even thought she is a female rapper, she is as good as any other male rapper, by dressing and posing the same way as male rapper's do.

The reason why I picked these two album covers to represent the Hip-Hop style of music genre are that you can see how they are similar by using same codes/symbols, which are typical for this music such as: same props, camera technique- the both artists are in long shot etc. However, I think that Missy Elliot's album cover, could look way better if there would be close-up instead of long shot, with better outfit, as I find it rather funny and ridicules when she has got that black 'hat' on, which is convential for only male's gender. DMX album cover is a good example of representing Hip-Hop genre of music, not just because if the mise-en-scene but also with his face-expression , which makes him look serious, to convey the message genre. (as you don't see Hip-Hop artists smiling all over the album cover page).

Music video- Textual Analysis

Rock style of music video

Genre
The video is clearly placed in the rock genre, with a lot of the shots of life on tour, the 'jet-set' lifestyle guitar playing silhouetted against harsh stage lighting and huge crowds at stadium concerts. The use of muted colours and sepia tone is recognizable as a generic convention of rock, but also because the band they clothes, the style of hair and tattooed are convention of this music style.

Audience
The target audience for this video would be the people who enjoy listening to Rock style. It would be also targeted to people that can relate to the narrative in the music video. Another target audience would be the fans, either of the artists in the video.

The lyrics are sad, and with the visuals of the lead singer in black and white close-up, there is plenty of opportunity to develop a personal relationship by empathizing with the lead character. Also, audiences might get personal identity through comparing their own situations with those in the song.

Representation
The band's image in this music video centers mainly around the lead singer, Caleb, who sings to camera in close-up, with a tortured, soulful experience. The shots of him alone are cross-cut against very busy shots to emphasizes his feelings of loneliness. There are also the shot of the band lounging around a hotel room overlooking high-rise buildings at night signifies their jet-setting lifestyle. As you can see, it's a very male-oriented video (the only woman is in brief shots that suggest she is the subject of the singer's sorrow). They are represented as being successful and busy, and as people enjoying what they do, where the director used a lot of shots of band laughing together and hugging after a successful concert. What I like about this music video is that there is a spirit of teamwork and of them being a unit.

Analysis
Opening shot is a wide shot of dark hotel room overlooking the city, with the band members sprawled over the chairs which sets the tone and gives the audience an understanding of the narrative. Then we see a montage of shots that gives the impression of travel and cities as the director used the established shots of the aerial tracking top-shots, the plane, the W/S of the motorway, where director has also combined with shots of band members getting out of tour buses. The director used camera technique such as: slow cross-dissolves from the lead singer's, close-up to spend-up shots of headlights on a motorway place, this lonely character inside the more fast-paced action too. Also, fast-paced editing keeps the audience engaged.

Institutions
The Kings of Lean is signed with RCA records, and this song has peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. The band has also signed to Sony Music. They has won a Grammy Award, and been nominated for NME Awards, Q Awards, MTV Awards and several others. They headline music festivals globally, and their concerts are instant sell-outs. They have launched a fashion range, and have appeared on the cover of QMagazine, NME and Esquire. As a commodity, the band is hugely valuable to Sony because of the huge following it has.

R&B Soul/Pop style of music video

Genre
The video is clearly placed in the R&B/Pop genre. Starts with famous hip-hop rapper Snoop Dogg, rapping his lines, which suggests the hip-hop in the video. The video is sexy, and very attractive for the male audience, as there's minimal clothing for the females. We can see there, sexy stripper dancing, using dancing rail to convey their sexy and very attractive look.

Audience
The target audience for this music video is more for the male. As the artists in the video are not wearing much clothing on, which attract the male gaze. However, if you look at a more wider targeted audience, then it would seem that the people that enjoy the genre of music will also enjoy the music video as it's match with the lyric of the song. Therefore, they will watch is as they can see their favorite artists together and in the same video clip.

Representation
The protagonist singer, Nicole Scherzinger, we can see her dance skills in the second verse, where she used a black chair as a prop. Then we can see, on the chorus, five additional chairs appears in the scene, and five of the members of the group suddenly appear as well, and the dance continue with Nicole.
The Pussycat Doll are dressed in suggestive, sexy black outfits/costumes, progress through the video performing a striptease, which is aimed for the male gaze.
Snoop Dogg's clothing in the video is a convention of a Hip-Hop and R&B music video, because he's wearing a black hoody and a cap, which is traditional in Hip-Hop culture, to have your name on every accessory such as: jewellery, car etc, clothes. What I like about this video is that even thought, director has used the same idea of 'showing off' , it's still look decent on girls, and it's match with the lyrics of the song as well as the dance/choreography.

Institution
The Pussycat Dolls are signed on the record labels Polydor, A&M, Interscope which are the subsidiaries of Universal Music Group.
The video is admired by a lot of the audience, because the group is already famous and well-known but then they have the video featuring Snoop Dogg, which will allow his fans to watch the video as well.
On 'Youtube' the music video has been viewed 53,247,760 times and still growing day by day.
The music channels that plays this video would be MTV, MTV BASE, KISS. This would be because these are the channels that are known world-wide and is the most viewed than any other music channel. Also, these channels are most suited for genre of music.

Heavy Metal style of music video

Genre
The video is clearly placed in the heavy Metal/ Rock/ Alternative genre,with the shots of band singing on the stage, where we can see the stage lighting and huge crowds at stadium concerts. The use of dark outfits and colors can be recognizable as a generic convention of Heavy Metal rock style. The song set in present time and performed in slow and free tempo of 84 beats per minute. What I like about this is is that contains some un-mutal influences, and has got several guitars and drum machine as Lee sings the lines 'fifty thousand tears I've cried'.

Audience
The target audience for this video would be the people who enjoy listening to heavy Metal/ Rock style. It would be also targeted to people that can relate to the narrative in the music video. Another target audience would be the fans, either of the artists in the video.

According to Amy Lee, "Going Under" is about recovering from an abusive relationship, which she has stated in a number of interviews, further explained the meaning and the inspiration behind the song. She staid that:

'The lyrics are about coming out of a bad relationship, and when you're at the end of your rope, when you're at the point where you realize something has to change, that you can't go on living in the situation that you're in. It's cool. It's a very strong song.'

Representation
The protagonist singer, Amy Lee, is sat on the chair letting people around her to do make-up and hair, with the shots of her in water wearing white dress, with black Gothic make-up on, which shows the Gothic elements. You can see that she doesn't like it, and the people around her are enjoying making her look beautiful which could have meanings with 'manipulation' of people and how we don't like it or, that she has to put make-on, to have it as a 'masks' so people won't see her real face/personality.
The men from the band, sat on chair while, people 'paparazzi' are taking a picture of them, and asking them a lot of questions , which suggest that they have an interview. But suddenly, people's faces has changed to a 'zombies' which could connotation with the idea that people don't control them self, making them self looks like a 'zombies' whose nobody likes.
Later on, they are represented as being shocked and desperate, trying to escape form them, but instead if that they decided to continue with the singing. There are a lot of Gothic elements, where director has picked very carefully the costumes, and make-up, to make it look scary and more Gothic.

Institution
The evanescence are signed with NME, Cherry Red and Sounds magazines.
The video is admired by a lot of the audience. The reason why is because the band is already famous and well-known.
On 'Youtube' the music video has been viewed 29,942,258 times and still growing day by day.
The music channels that plays this video would be MTV, Kerrang,Scuzz. This would be because these are the channels that are well known, but also because these channels are most suited for genre of music.

Hip-Hop style of music video


Genre
The video is clearly placed in the Hip-Hop genre. We can see that, it's starts with slow paced beat but then suddenly with fact paced beast. Rapping line by famous rapper, Kayne West, suggest the Hip-Hop elements in the video. We can see there a lot of the stylish clothes/sunglasses, where the artists dance individually and where they uses a suitable props to present their genre.

Audience
The target audience for this video would be the people who enjoy listening to Hip-Hop style of music.It would be also targeted to people that can relate to the narrative in the music video. Another target audience would be the fans of either the artists in the video.

However, when you take an attention of the reading text, it could be argued that female character, Hilson, is in control and empowerment of the situation and the two male characters, which could suggests the post feminist music video. However, ambiguous ending to the video may portray that she is confused rather than being empowering.

Representation
When , West's rapping his line, which says; 'This is bad,real bad Michael Jackson:' Hilson is shown mouthing the lyrics, to show that the lines were referring to Michael Jason's song 'Bad'.
We can see there the jewellery and expensive shoes worn by the artists in the music video to represents the wealth and their high status. All these are the conventions of Hip-Hop and R&B music style. All three artists are represented as high status and portrayed as successful people with a lot of money.

Institution
Keri Hilson is signed to the label interscope. Kayne West is signed to the label GOOD Music, Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam. Ne-yo is signed to the label Def Jam.
The music video is incredible well-known, because all three artists are loved celebrities by their fans, which will allow the audience to see that one of their best artists is in the video, so they should watch it and that has took on to affect to many people in audience as the music video on Youtube has been viewed by an outstanding 69,018,717 people.
The music channel that plays this video would be MTV, MTV BASE, KISS. This would be because these are channels that are known world-wide and is the most viewed than any other music channels.

My conclusion...
This is for me the most important part of my research, where I learn about the music videos, their codes/symbols, camera technique, the narrative etc. All these featured has informed me, how to make my music video look original, stand out from others, but also what kind of camera movements and shots I should use when I will try to point on something/someone. This will help me to produce a successful, and effective music video that will be mixed with some conventional and unconventional elements in it. By doing this, my video will be unique, different and original, as well as simply at the same time, which is exactly what I want to achieve. I have decided that the music video ' Like a boy' by ' Ciara' is going to be my inspiration for my music video, where I will used song 'If I were a boy' by 'Beyonce' to represent the female culture and stereotypes. However, I would like to point out on, that my music video will contains the message, which is that men should realized that the most of women are sick and tired of being treated unfairly, and that they want big change in their lives.

Women and the Media: The influence of music videos...

1. How women are portrayed in music videos and why?

Negative things...
I have always had an interest on the topic of women’s representation in the media. Since my AS coursework, where I have to do my own research on music magazines, I always wondered why the women had to dress a certain way or why some music videos have to be so sexual. I also thought whether or not women between ages fifteen and twenty-six really followed the fashion in these music videos.

The social norms/expectations and messages that have facilitated my interest to the topic were basically the plain fact that young adult women, were falling victim to the advertisements presented in the music videos. The fact is that, the same things which are presented in the music videos are also shown on television or magazines.

The most of people has got a problem listening to the condescending lyrics of hip-hop towards women, as well as the fact that it is made mandatory for women artists to have that look, and to be always very attractive and sexy in those videos, just to get attention from male audience. This seems to me like, that in music industry, the women artists doesn't really need to be talented as long as they look sexy and attractive, like their talent isn't as important as their look.

Here's an example of Snoop Dogg- 'Sweat' music video clip

The fact is that the popularity of these kind of music videos has reinforced the overt sexuality found in hip-hop music. As you can see here, there are only young, pretty women who are barely wearing anything to looks more sexy, which appeal to mainly male audience. This is kid of stereotype as you don' really find a hip-hop music video without women, wearing some attractive outfits or just some bikinis, and they use their bodies to get material things as you can see in this video clip. The sad thing is that, young women are surrounded by these negative images and presentations, and many have adapted their lifestyles to fit them or because they want to look like their favorite artists or just to get some more attention from people,for male gender .

Music video producers beginning to realize that woman are tired of being portrayed as objects. Rapper LL Cool J, was one of the rappers take a stand and demand classier women in videos. The reason why is because negative images of women are setting a bad example for younger generations. So when young women turn on the TV or read some magazine, they will see women acting the like women and not like strippers.

Here's a music video video by LL Cool J- 'Paradise'

In order to support my ideas, I have done a small research on women and the media, and how they are represented in negative way, and these are the facts which I have found out:

-''Women represented as objects of sexual advances or as sexual objects''
-''Women engaged in significantly more explicit, sexual and passive behavior.''
-''Sex role stereotyping and negative attitudes towards female.''
-''Women more likely to be presented in provocative or revealing clothing''
-''Women portrayed as decorative objects that dance, pose and do not play instruments.''
-''Stereotypical gendered occupations apparent ( For example; Men as Mechanics, Women as Cheerleaders etc.)''

Contrasting with this, I decided to use as an example Britney Spears music video of 'Womanizer' in order, to show stereotypical 'female' occupations

As you can see she adheres to traditional gender stereotypes by taking on the roles of secretary,
waitress, car driver etc. Each of them emphasizes highly sexuality costume as well as behaviors and the lyric of the song which is suggestive.

Pussycat Dolls- 'Button'

Here are women presented in a negative way because of:
-Sexual power derived from physical attractiveness to men
-Snoop's male gaze shots invites male viewer to join in
-Uses a provocative type of language, when the rapper Snoop Dogg says: 'Loosen up my button babe', and then Pussycat Dolls prove 'too hot to handle ' for him.
- Suggestive body language
-wearing quite provocative clothes
-The Doll's used as objects to create patterns in an aerial shot.
- They are confident, sexy icons challenging traditional assumptions about passive female sexuality 'I'm a sexy mama/Who'

Post-Feminism and the female gaze

Post Feminism (1980's)
In order to understand why women want to be treated like an objects, I have to do some context research (the background), which leads us to the idea of ''post-feminism and the female gaze...'' within the media.
While I was doing my research, I have found out some key elements, which helps to shape the cultural and social background. Here are some points I think are significant within the music industry such as:

-'''A re-appraisal of Feminist values''
-''Does not strive for 'equality' because this assumes men are 'the best'- they wish to super-pass male achievements.''
-''Identifies a 'female gaze'- women actively desiring men''
-''Women are began to assert their right to dress and be sexually attractive.''

Here's an example of Rihanna- Umbrella music video to show post-feminism and the female gaze representation.

To support my idea, I have made few bulled point which shows on post-feminism and female gaze representation. As you can see, the singer Rihanna;
- Is on the show for the benefit of male audiences, but, enjoying herself experiencing different identities at the same time.
-She is presented as successful, independent, and in control female artists.
-Connotates messages of Empowerment/Confidence/Independence to female audience.

In contrast to this , I have found this music 'Toxic' by 'Britney Spears'

To support my idea, I have made few bulled points such as:

- She is in control, dominates men within the narrative.
-She is the one who manipulated with men
-She takes a variety of identities from car driver, to waitress etc.
- Opportunity for female gaze


Positives things...
The quality of music videos today has upgraded, and artists are competing against each other, to have the best concept, graphics etc. I think that having images of women jiggling and half naked is no longer cool , and this might play a part in the change of the portrayal of women.

Rapper David Banner's music video to the single "Shawty Say", is a perfect example of how musicians are changing the way they portray women in their videos. In this video, David Banner gives abused girlfriends his card while interrogating their boyfriends. Near the end he invites them to his house for a party. At the party, the women are seen holding roses and enjoying champagne.
What I like about it is that the women are appropriately dressed, and are dancing like young women adult.
The concept and the way that the women were represented in this video, stood out because, a few years ago, a house party would consist of women barely clothed, grinding on fully clothed men, which in other side it showed the male power, and dominance and that women would do anything for a men with lot's of money.

Here's an example of this music video, by David Banner -'Shawty Say'

Another example, is R&B singer John Legend's music video to his single "Heaven." What I like about this video is that women posed as various renaissance era paintings, in a very elegant, decent and classy way.

The websites which I have used in order to support my ideas included:

• http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_sex.cfm
  

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism

• http://www.slideshare.net/sawtrymedia/media-and-collective-identity-feminist-film-theory

Famous music video director's- Emil Nava & Chris Cunningham

The Base information about Emil Nava and his work:

Emil Nava is a successful music video director , who has directed all of Jesse J's music videos. He states that when he went to school he knew he love music and drama, but only discovered his true talent when he picked up a video camera and started filming the props/people/locations around him. In this music video, there's is him, talking about how he worked his way up through lots of hard work and determination to become one of today's most sort after directors

Video of Emil Nava; why he decided to become a music video director, how he became successful, his first video 'Tinchy Stryder- Take me back' etc.

His first music video by Tinchy Stryder- 'Take me back'

This is his first music video, which starts with slow paced beat but then it's fast paced beat. Where we can see, rapping lines by young rapper, Tinchy Stryder, which suggest the Hip- Hop in the video and the singing by Taio Cruz portrays the R&B. As you can see, he has used a lot of close-ups of artists facial, to show their feelings, and how confident they are while they are singing this song. He has used a variety of camera technique e.g. Close-up, Establishing shots, Medium shot, Long shot, point of view shot throughout all his video. However, what I like about his work which he has done there, is his editing technique skills e.g. jump cuts, strobe effects, shot reverse shot, which gives to whole video a professional look and design as well as the traditional Hip-Hop style of culture. He has used a lot of conventional features such as: expensive and stylish clothes, e.g. hoodies, sunglasses, jewellery; to show the wealth and their high status. These are the convention of R&B and Hip-Hop. The female professional dancer's are
very sexual, doesn't have a lot of clothes on, which are conventional codes for Hip-Hop music video, where you can see them using props like stripper pole, and wearing something like a swimming costume 'bikinis' to seduce the male characters. He used a very suitable props in this music video clip, either to portrays the money the singer has, but also to gives audience simple codes and conventions of the narrative genre.

Jessie J- Price Tag

As you can see, he has made a massive big progress from his first music video to this one, with different artist, by being more creative, and using different types of props from the conventional to unconventional, such as: teddy bear, and the money tree. Music video starts with slow paced beat but then it fast paced beat, where we can see close up on a giant teddy bear that is missing an eye and an arm, where he used camera zooming, which helped use to see it better. When we can see and hear, rapping lines by, Jessie J, which suggest the R&B in the video and the singing lines by B.o.B portrays the Hip-Hop gender. He has used a lot of close-ups of artists facial, to see the artists emotions, and feelings, but also to see the different type of make-up, which Jessie J, has to used when she was trying to point on something: such as: there is a significant scene, when she dressed up like a doll etc. He also has used and improved his camera technique e.g. Close-up, Establishing shots, Medium shot, Long shot, point of view shot, zooming as well as his editing technique kills. e.g. jump cuts, strobe effects, shot reverse shot. In this video, he showed his creativity on costumes/outfits of Jessie J, as well as expensive and stylish clothes of B.o.B rapper, e.g. Jessie J is wearing very out-standing and colorful costumes, and has got a lot of different identities such as: doll , like a small girl, ballerina etc. The B.o.B rappers is wearing a dark clothes, with sunglasses and jewellery on, with the car on the background; to represent the wealth and high status. These are the convention of R&B and Hip-Hop. What I like about this video is very good dance choreography, when Jessie J is dancing together with professional dancers, by using a lot of different types of props.

The base information about Chris Cunningham and his work:

Chris Cunningham is an English music video film director and video artist. He has produced the video collection which called 'The Work of Director Chris Cunningham' and has been released in November 2004 as part of the Directors Label set.

Madonna- 'Frozen'

This music video starts with slow paced beat, where you can hear the violets on the background, but then it suddenly fast paced beat where we can hear guitar and other instruments, which gives us a bit of feeling of calm. Where we can hear soft Madonna's voice , which suggest the Trip Hop style in the video. The director, has used a lot of close-ups of artist's facial as well as a variety of camera technique e.g. Close-up, Establishing shots, Medium shot, Long shot, point of view shot. What I like about this music video, is the editing technique which director has used to it look original and different: e.g. jump cuts, special effects editing; which allows to see the artists in the same time, but in different position. I really like the costume which Madonna has on, which gives me an idea of Gothic style, as she is wearing simple black long dress. This gives a lot of credit to the whole video, but also it makes Madonna stand out from all of her own music video she has done, as it's very different, and original. This help the audience easy and quicker recognize the music video, by using very specific and out-standing costume. By trying to keep this idea of Gothic elements, the director has used a lot of blackbirds, and the scarf which return to an animal a 'black dog'. I also like that director has used both lighting, the day and the night one to represent this Gothic style of music.

Here is the list of his 'Videography'
"Second Bad Vilbel" (1996) video for Autechre
"Back With The Killer Again" (1996) video for The Auteurs
"Light Aircraft on Fire" (1996) video for The Auteurs
"Another Day" (1996) video for Lodestar
"Space Junkie" (1996) video for Holy Barbarians
"36 Degrees" (1996) video for Placebo
"Personally" (1997) video for 12 Rounds
"Jesus Coming in for the Kill" (1997) video for Lifes Addiction
"The Next Big Thing" (1997) video for Jesus Jones
"Tranquillizer" (1997) video for Geneva
"No More Talk" (1997) video for Dubstar
"Something To Say" (1997) video for Jocasta
"Come To Daddy" (1997) video for Aphex Twin
"Only You" (1998) video for Portishead
"Frozen" (1998) video for Madonna
"Come On My Selector" (1998) video for Squarepusher
"All Is Full of Love" (1999) video for Björk
"Windowlicker" (1999) video for Aphex Twin
"Afrika Shox" (1999) video for Leftfield and Afrika Bambaataa
"Mental Wealth" (1999) commercial for PlayStation
"Flex" (2000), using sounds created by Aphex Twin
"Monkey Drummer" (2001), using "Mt Saint Michel + Saint Michaels mount" from Aphex Twin's album Drukqs
"Rubber Johnny" (2005), using "Afx237 V7" from Aphex Twin's album Drukqs
"Sheena Is A Parasite" (2006), video for The Horrors
"Gucci Flora" (2009) commercial for Gucci Perfume
"New York Is Killing Me" (2010) video for Gil Scott-Heron

Digipack- research and planning

What is a Digipack?

It's a modern, stylish alternative packaging to the standard CD Jewel Case. This is because it's an innovative approach to packaging music and audio programs. The patented Digipack is designed as the perfect replacement to the traditional plastic jewel box. It is a self-contained CD package that protects the discs as well as shatter proof.

There are many configuration options for Digipack CD packaging. From a single CD folder to compilation CD binders or boxed sets.

The Jewel Case, was the first industry standard case for the audio CD. It's constructed from 3 plastic parts and has a printed tray card and cover-card or booklet.

What was the first band using Digipack?

In 1997, Dark Fields, and their third studio album by English acoustic roots due Sow of Hands. It was their first album to come in a digipack. It was the band's first album to have a single ''Crazy Boy''.

Who created Digipack?

Digipacks were first created by MeadWestvaco, an American packaging solutions, and their product, called Digi-Pak, is trademarked. However, as the format became more popular and began to be used by more manufacturers, the generic "digipack" came to be used to describe all soft CD packaging.

My ideas and inspiration for my cover page of Digipack

When I have seen this picture of Beyonce for the first time, I suddenly get an idea about my digipack, cover page and how it could looks like. So, I decided that I will try and do the same picture of it, but with Claudia - the girl, who will be dancing in my video andwho is also the protagonist in it. As it links to the idea of powerful and independent young lady, who is fed up of this stereotype world.

What has impressed me?
-amazing close up of the singer

'Beyonce'
- the colours which are used-the type of writing- all in white- pure, clear colour.- MASTHEAD 'Beyonce' bold writing, stand out greatly.- number 4- in red colour, stand out from others articles, matching with her nail polish.
-'Live At Roseland' beautiful, girly, sweet writing. + 'L'and '

R' are in bold writing to make it look better.Overall, I think that this is perfect an example of how sh

ould my digipack look like, as it looks simple, sexy, as well as the power of the female artists. However, to make my album cover page look a bit different, I have done a small research based on R&B soul, Hip-Hop style of music as this is what I am g

oing to represent in my music video.

So, I have done a small research on the artists album cover, where as you can see, the produced has only used one camera technique, which close-up, to see the artists face expression, emotions, make-up etc.

These are the images of R&B soul artists and their album cover page's, which inspired me to use the same camera technique, which called ''close-up'', to represent their feelings and emotions (the sadness, the powerless etc.) This first images, where is Rihanna's new album called 'talk that talk' to her song, represent the powerful, strong, sexy woman, who can achieve anything.

Gender's Codes

Blogger different style's of music-genre

View more presentations from DominikaKalafutova.

Music TV Channels

Music TV Channels on Prezi

Music Labels

Music Labels on Prezi

Music Producers

The enormous success of music videos has opened a new and highly creative field to producers. Video producers are now in demand by record companies and recording artists who want visual interpretations of the songs they are promoting.
Music video producers are in charge of the financial and administrative aspects of video production. They are responsible for making a successful video while staying within a budget, which is usually one of the main factor when they start to create a music video. They often work with the director to hire the production team—the choreographer, film editor, lighting director, and director of photography.
In order to produce a successful music video, they must have creative, passion, enthusiastic people around them, with some great ideas, when they are making music video, as this is one of the main features, to being original and creative, in order to produce a music video which will makes the audience want to watch it more and more, which leads us to increasing the profit,because people will buy CD's which will have a huge impact on advertising specific band or the singer.

There are two kinds of producers:

• Executive Producer- who supervise a project's finances
• Music Producer- who supervise the creation of the music
  

There are a number of very famous music producers, who are perfect known, in representing their genre such as R&B, Hip-Hop, etc. Here are a few an examples of legendary producers I think people should know about them, and are well known for their great work; such as: Sam Phillips, Eddie Kramer,Jermaine Dupri Mauldin and Linda Perry

• Sam Phillips

Sam Phillips is not just one of the most important producers in rock history. There's a good argument to be made that he is also one of the most important figures in 20th-century American culture. As owner of 'Sun Records' and frequent producer of discs at his Sun Studios he was vital to launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Rufus Thomas and numerous other significant artists. Although he first made his mark (and a very deep one) with electric blues by Black performers, he will be most remembered for his rockabilly stars, particularly Elvis Presley.

• Eddie Kramer

Eddie Kramer is mostly known as a producer/engineer working closely with the biggest names of an era called: 'The Golden Age of Rock & Roll' ('67-'72). During that period the whole recording industry was a much better place in terms of the amount of freedom the bands were given in order for them to create their albums. He has worked with, among others, Led Zeppelin, Triumph, Kiss ( and solo Ace Frehley) Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Spooky Tooth, Peter Frampton, Curtis Mayfield, Santana, Anthrax,Carly Simon, Loudness and Robin Trower. But also known for his music photography.

• Jermaine Dupri Mauldin

Jermaine Dupri Mauldin known as Jermaine Dupri is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper. He has worked with Kriss Kross, Bow Wow, Mariah Carey and Usher.

• Linda Perry

Linda Perry is an American rock musician, songwriter and record producer. The best known as the lead singer and primary songwriter of 4 Non Blondes. She has founded two record labels and has become a major songwriter and producer. She has written and produced hit songs for several successful female singers, including Christina Aguilera - beautiful, Pink- get the party started, Gwen Stefani - what you waiting for. She has also contributed heavily to albums by Courtney Love and Kelly Osbourne as well as signing and distributing James Blunt in the United States.

Richard Dyer's Pop Star Theory

There are four main stages of this pop start theory, this included:

1, Starts As Constructions.
This means when stars are constructed, just artificial images, even if they are represented as being 'real people' same like everybody else, by showing real emotions. This is certainly true in pop music industry as the constructions of bands and artists is not even hidden from the public anymore, and sometimes we get to know about them more than we expect or want.(e.g. the stars scandals etc)

2, Industry And Audience

This means when starts are manufactured by the music industry to serve a purpose, in order to make money out of audiences, who respond to various elements of a star person by buying such as: records and becoming their fans as well as promoting their stars external, such as: buying the products where they are represented e.g. Miley Cyrus clothes etc. The main purpose of the institution is simple: to make money and make their stars become more popular.

http://www.zazzle.co.uk/miley+cyrus+gifts ( I have picked this website for the reason, in order to show how stars advertising them-self as well as showing their creativity by letting their managers to use their ''face'' and represent them on products, like in this case Miley Cyrus, who is famous young singer loved especially by the young generation )


3, Ideology And Cultural
This means when stars shared their cultural values and attitudes, as well as promoting a certain ideology e.g. Micheal Jackson who was king of pop and Madonna queen of pop. Both of them are promoting a certain ideology and sharing their attitudes to public, throughout lot's of scandals as well as the charities, which increased the sympathy from the audience, and has made them as their ''idols'' because they are representing the certain ideology, which helps to shape the cultural, social and ideology aspects.

4, Character And Personality

This means that when a star begins as a 'real' human, possessing gender and race characteristics, and existing against a social background. Another theory which could described ''Character and Personality'' is that ''the star transformation process turns them into a construct, but the construct has a foundation in the real.'', which is also important to know.

In order to make it more specific, I decided to show you this theory on ''Britney Spears'' who is an American singer, the mostly popular in 90's, who I believe fit perfectly to this theory of pop star by creating a small presentation on power-point, and using an internet in order to find as much information about her as possible as well as up-to-date information's.

The websites I have used, in order to create this presentation are:

• http://www.britneyspears.com/index.aspx= the official Britney Spears website
• wikipedia = Britney Spears