Digipak

Digipak's are the most common way of getting music to audiences and fans, in the form of CD. They usually consist of a paper or card displaying an image or picture, and details of the artist/band and song/album name. It also contains a plastic tray able to hold a disc, in which the CD itself fits in. Throughout the years there have been many different styles that are included on the front cover of the digipak, varying from a picture of the artist or band, to a symbolic representation. One of the most iconic album covers ever made is 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' by The Beatles which features a colourful collage of life-sized of famous, significant people (including Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan, Oscar Wilde), with the lyrics being printed on the back cover, a rarity on CD designs. The cover regularly features top of polls and list such as 'Greatest Album Cover of All Time', creating another accolade for the music legends.

Previous Student Work

I have looked at numerous examples of previous student work, from the good to the bad. All have different ideas and styles, however some are better at displaying these than others.

Esser - Work It Out (Davide Hodgson - Lorente)

This is an impressive example of previous student work, with the up tempo song being reflecting the eccentric, quirky video. It follows a narrative, but still contains elements of performance, with the lead male sometimes lip-syncing to the music very well. The narrative is very interesting in itself, the diving into the bed and 'green-screen' dinosaur effect being particular highlights. The quirkiness of the video means it does lack any real deep emotion or meaning behind it, instead focussing on the 'bubbly' nature of the song, which I think fits well, however that would be my only real criticism. As all good music video with a narrative, it is wrapped up by the end of the song, with the twist being a surprising, yet subtle way to finish things. Overall, I enjoyed this music video, it is experimental yet simple at the same time, and deserved the award that it won for best music video made that year.

Mumford and Sons - The Cave (Roisin Evans & Louis Perry)

This is another enjoyable music video, to a song that I am personally very fond of. This doesn't have such an easily recognisable narrative, mainly focussing on performance elements. The idea of two separate forms coming together, music and dance, is an interesting concept which I think works well, with the guitarists' lip-syncing being near perfect. The mise-en-scene is also something that I think works positively in the video, with the forest setting reflecting the folky style song, with the dancer representing a slightly different interpretation. Again, this is a good music video, that they have obviously put a lot of effort into, much like the first video, which I can admire.

Through looking at the former student's video, it has made me more focussed and made the direction I want to go in even clearer. I am committed to doing a narrative style video, something that I have found is not all entirely popular amongst previous students, and in some cases not done very successfully. However, this has only given me more inspiration to do my video in a certain style, and by putting a lot of hard work into it, make a creative and polished music video.

The Art of a Music Video

Music videos are a popular form of entertainment, helping to visualise songs, giving the artist or band an identity and a chance to provide different interpretations.

Why do we have music videos?

• To entertain
• To make songs more commercial (providing air time on TV)
• To advertise (product placement)
• To promote the artist
• To give the song a visual platform
• Creates, adapts or feeds into a 'star image'
• To familiarise the artist with the audience
• To be iconic
• To win awards and be recognised for creativity

There are 3 main elements to music videos, with all music videos being one of these styles:

Performance:

Narrative:

Concept & Symbolic:

My Potential Idea

I have thought of many ideas for my music videos, however I feel as though I have come up with a good idea which I believe to be my final. I am going to be using the song 'Street Lights' by Kanye West, an emotionally gripping song that I hope to capture in the video.

My Plan

I have taken some inspiration from Rihanna's 'We Found Love' video, and have decided that a narration could work well at the start of my video, to in some ways explain the narrative but also make it slightly more intruiging. I plan to use a quote, or a few sentences on the subjects of memories, lost love and regret, over the instrumental of Frank Ocean - 'Acura Integurl', which I feel is a beautiful piece of music. This will be accompanied by some shots of a couple in love, doing nice things, being happy, but then arguing and falling out.

0.00-0.17 (of the song)

The male character seems to be moping about, sitting in a cafe (or a similar location) looking lonely and discontent, thinking about past loves.

0.18-1.14

The male gets up, walks out of the place, and starts to walk down the road (with his head down). This is broken up by many shots of street lights and cars going past to break up the shot, as he continues down the road with a dark look to the scene. He catches eyes with many girls, to which he smiles at and says 'hi' but still continues to walk.

1.15-1.34

He walks past his ex lover (the female character) and they both catch each other's eye, and stare intently for a few moments, the camera near enough freezing on the moment. They then walk on slowly, with both looking back at each other once.

1.35-2.21

A few shots of the male character, walking slowly, deep in thought, as a series of flashbacks of happier times are shown (couple kissing, joking around, going to functions, cuddling). Towards the 2.10 mark of the song, the male stops and contemplates going back. Also, falshes of streetlighs are shown throughout to break the shot up.

2.22-2.45

He starts to run back, as the flashbacks get more intense, with his run picking up pace as the flashbacks get more prominent.

2.46-3.08(end of song)

The male character reaches his destination, only to realise the girl is walking off with another man, smiling and laughing unaware of the rushing male character. He gazes on disappointed, then turns around and walks off, putting his hood up and the camera tracks him walking down the hill.