Why 'Madness???'

After finding a couple of people to help me with my music video i asked them for a couple of choices of music videos they would like to do or thought would not be too difficult to produce.
We had made a pros and cons list with the other choices we had;

The Nites - Imagine;
I had this pegged as my first choice as it was done by a relatively unknown band and did not have an official video. It was also a rather slow song so it might not have been too difficult to do although it was a rather long song spanning 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
We decided not to do this song in the end since one person i asked for help said that he wanted to be the lead singer and wanted to do a song he thought he would suit more and one he knew well.

Spandau Ballet - Gold 
This was a favourite of mine as it was a song i knew and enjoyed very well. I really wanted to do this and the lead singer also knew this song very well. The only problem was so did a great number of other people. 'Gold' is a renowned song and out of the many people i asked almost every person had heard if this song. This would put pressure on us on doing a very well known song.
Also, after listening to the song and going over the lyrics, we thought that it would be difficult to get a good narrative for this song without copying the official song. It would be difficult to get props and a good setting for this song and it was decided that this song would not be our choice.....sad face.
I had opted for another Gold song a moment after this one was rejected, 'True', but had similar problems to 'Gold.' So it was rejected.

Raffi - Banana Phone
A fun easy-going song which could have been fun to do due to the random lyrics and story told by the song. We thought that this might have been a good song to do as a different number of ideas kept popping up as soon as we heard the song. But all those ideas were difficult to produce a continuos narrative. It would also require a stellar performance due to that fact. Although we had different ideas we couldn't stabalise them to make a good story due to the pace of the song we thought it would be difficult to do.

Madness - Lovestruck
This song was suggested by the lead singer. He said that he knew the song well and thought it would suit him. I hadn't heard the song before but when i did i thought it cold work. It was a choice between Lovestruck and Banana Phone. After going over the lyrics we decided that this song would require a very good performance even if we decided to focus on a narrative. Although the settings of the song and props would be easy to acquire. It would also not be difficult to get continuity in the song and we could combine narrative and performance in this song. We could also try a number of different things with this song and the idea of a recurring hat theme also came. When the number of ideas came to my mind i knew that this was the song to chose. A fun, fast paced song.

Pitch

Lovestruck

The track that was chosen is 'Lovestruck' by Madness from their album 'Wonderful. It was released in 1999.
They are a British band from Camden Town and were formed in 1976. Their band usually plays styles similar to rock, ska, jazz and pop although the track 'Lovestruck' is more of a ska/pop style.

                                                   Target audience

It's a rather upbeat song with a mild-fast paced music. Mixing in the lyrics, the target audience would most likely be younger teenagers to mid-twenties, so 13-25 year olds. But since the band has been active for some time older audiences could also be enticed.

Type of style
We are looking for a performance based video with a narrative - so the video will be 50% performance and 50% narrative although we want to integrate the performance with the narrative to give a more story feeling. The lyrics can be a little confusing and not make much sense sometime and so we want our visuals to make it easier to understand and show that some sort of story/narrative is going on.

Cover
I was planning on taking pictures during the shoot to get an idea for a cover for the single, although there were a few ideas that we could take a picture with the cast around a lamp post since the song includes a lamp post and is one of the main features in our video.

Mise-en-scene
For the lighting it was proposed that a more brighter look would seem better for the song although we are also planning to do some night/evening shots as well as maybe a shot at dawn time to match some lyrics.
We were planning to use torches and car headlights to illuminate the night scene since that would also match the rhythm of the song as well as the lyrics, and if we are up to it add a hose to make a raining effect.

Our setting would be a couple of secluded streets, not big streets. We were also planning to use a park or a field to take a couple of scenes . There might also be some indoor shots where we will most likely need a house but we are still trying to conclude if indoor shots are needed. We are also discussing where we can find a place to shoot scenes outside of the performance where all the cast will be.

We were planning to wear suit blazers and trousers for most of our shots as well add a fedora hat (i think that's what it's called) as a running gag throughout the video. Our other props include torches, some probable instruments, a ladder/step ladder might be necessary (if we use the hose). There are also other smaller detailed props that need to be discussed about.

Cast
So far we are certain of;
- Lead vocalist (lip sync)
- Cameraman
- Extra band member (performer)
Hopeful;
- Saxophonist (for the short saxophone solo)
- Another band member/performer (the more the merrier....or so they say)

Extra - Effects and whatnot 
There may be some added effects like a love heart effect over the performer - it will go well with the song title. There was also the running gag with the hat mentioned earlier, although it doesn't have much to do with the lyrics it thought it would go well with the tone of the music.

Editing the lighting would have to be done and added some lens flares post-production might also add some flair to the video. There could be some addition of slowing and speeding up the visuals in certain areas of the video.

The addition of these effects are only ideas at the moment, the final decision of adding effects and what effects to add will be made during production and post-production.

Other tracks that were possible

Gold - Spandau Ballet
An amazing song that was recorded in 1983 and released a year later in 1984. A classic song from the 80's. Seemed like a fun song to do although the setting might have been hard to get. The main problem with this was that it was a highly known song with a pretty good video. This would have made it more difficult to make a video ourselves....so in the end it had to be shelved.


Banana Phone - Raffi
Although rather well known in youtube, banana phone had no official video and was a fun, silly song from 1994. It seemed that with the tone and lyrics making a video would be easy and so would gathering the props. It seemed like getting a mise-en-scene for this song would have been easy as it could pretty much shot almost anywhere. Although when thought about it more one could say that it was a rather limiting song. Not a lot could have been done with the song in terms of moving visuals, the lyrics went everywhere which would make it exceedingly difficult to shoot and edit, it would also be very difficult to establish a narrative which is something i wanted to focus on in my video.

Track Choice - 'Lovestruck' by Madness

Lovestruck - Madness
Song is from the Madness album 'Wonderful' released in the UK in 1999 on CD. Lovestruck was the main/ first single of the album.
Label: Virgin Records

Pros;
- Props to film the video are fairly easy to obtain
- Setting of the video is easy to obtain
- Music released more than 10 years ago and is not hugely well known

Cons;
- Already an official music video for it
- Require very good performance

Lyrics
Staggering home, the headlights throw a shadow up and upon
Friends and loved-ones that have done no wrong,
But no longer mean anything to me.
Oh am I mumbling on, into a crystal glass that echoes a song?
The enticement invites you along a path of exterior colour.

But come the morning, shivering and contorting,
To border on the brink for just another sink - oh take me down,
For one more round.

Oh, involve me in libation, stick a rock in my foundation,
I pick all my relations, put me on probation - oh I'll take you down,
For one last round.

Oh, Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost,
Giving her my utmost, spilling out my deepest feelings.
Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost,
Giving her my utmost, spilling out my deepest feelings.
Now all I want to do is snuggle up to you.
A night-cap in the early morning dew.

Look, what have I become? Distancing myself so far and from
But gazing out I waved the night boat on,
For now it's heaven in deepest Tottenham.

Oh, what have I done to deserve this fate? It's all going wrong
Even the cab fare has been and gone
And now I'm lagging in deepest Tottenham.


But come the morning, shivering and contorting,
To border on the brink for just another sink - oh take me down,
For one more round.

Yeah, Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost,
Giving her my utmost, spilling out my deepest feelings.
Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost,
Giving her my utmost, spilling out my deepest feelings.

Fight me, fight me, strike me down with lightning,
I've given in to fighting.
Now all I want to do is to get closer to you.
A night-cap in the early morning dew.

Oh, Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost,
Giving her my utmost, spilling out my deepest feelings.
Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost,
Giving her my utmost, spilling out my deepest feelings.

Lovestruck, I've fallen for a lamppost,
I'm giving it my utmost, I've fallen for a lamppost,
With my deepest feelings.

Now all I want to do is snuggle up to you.
A night-cap in the early morning dew.

Final song decision

After discussing music videos and songs with the people helping me out with my project
for 3 hours, we finally decided on a choice of song to do. In the end we chose a song
by a band called 'Madness.' A relatively old band so they will most likely be well known
among older members of the audience but not too well known among the younger generation.

The song of choice was one produced in 1999 - Lovestruck. We did look at other songs done
by the band and thought this one would be best.

Talking about Director

Yes, i know it's a little long... i talk....a LOT

Director - Steve Barron

Music Video Director on Prezi

Transformation

A Transformation on Prezi

Snoop Dogg

Born in Long Beach, California on October 20 1971, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, better known as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper and record producer. Snoop Dogg is known for his rough past, the success of his first album, Doggystyle, was partially because of this intense exposure.

Snoop Dogg's Second Album released in 1996

As a teenager he was heavily involved with the law and arrested for possession of cocaine a short while after graduating high school. After a few he was scouted by Dr Dre who taught Dogg how to structure his lyrics. Snoop Dogg then put his new learnt experience and his life experiences into his songs.

Snoop Dogg's lyrical music was acclaimed, especially in the West Coast, and he became a pioneer of 90's rap, but due to his offensive lyrics and criminal record he was seen as a poor role model among society.

Snoop Dogg was still involved with the law especially with his murder trial and after the release of his second album his 'gangsta' lifestyle had become evident. But after the deaths of many notable hip-hop artists including friend tupac, Dogg decided that he needed to change his image a little into something more commercially accepted by the people.

Snoop Dogg then collaborated with other artists outside of rap and changed his gangsta image and rap style into a more mainstream rap. He worked with other music styles such as RnB and pop to bring up his image to the public even writing a song for a bollywood movie as well as appearing in it and being a guest singer on Katy Perry's California Girls.

King of angry gummy bears!

Progress Report

I realized that working alone would be harder than first presumed, i had a couple of possible choices for the track i wanted to use for my music video but after analysing a couple of other videos i knew that i would definitely not be able to do this by myself, i would require help.

I haven't done enough on my music blog just yet but i have a couple of ideas what i want to post next. I also have to find a couple of people to help me make my music video so that is my top priority since i'll have a better idea of what i can do with my music video if i know how many people are helping me and who they are.

Possible Track Choice - Beatbullyz: Human Nature

A four man band from Swindon, the Beatbullyz have released two albums so far, one in February 2008 called Rootz and one in September 2009 called Human Nature where their second album digitally and CD on iTunes, HMV, Amazon and Play. Their current record label is Big Weekend Records which is owned by two if the members.
Pros:
Not well known (have not managed to chart in UK top 40)
Cons:
Released two albums recently
Some of their songs already have music videos for them
Lyrics

We breathe in we breathe out
We breathe in we breathe out
and we scream and we shout
we try working it out
look for signs to follow where to go

So we live and we die
and we try not to cheat
find success and defeat
we all need a little time to grow

It’s the rise and the fall
It’s the push and the pull
And it’s changing us all
It’s just the way that it’s got to be
Got to be yeah

Ooh it’s just human nature
It’s just human nature
Ooh it’s just human nature
It’s just human nature

We reap, we sow
we laugh, we cry
we mend, we grow
where do we go when there's a fork in the road
with choices, decisions, and dreams we envision, life’s for livin'
fight or flight, wrong or right, everything happens for a reason
we’re good, we’re bad
we’re happy, we’re sad
we hurt, we heal
through fact and fiction we decipher what’s real,
truth, lies, who’s, where’s, what’s, when’s, why’s
that’s part of life
and that’s just human nature

Ooh it’s just human nature
(We reap, we sow
we laugh, we cry
we mend, we grow
where do we go when there's a fork in the road)
It’s just human nature
Ooh nothing can change us
It’s just human nature

I hear it calling human nature
I hear it calling human nature
I hear it calling human nature
I hear it calling human nature

Ooh it’s just human nature
It’s just human nature

Ooh it’s just human nature,
(We reap, we sow
we laugh, we cry
we mend, we grow
where do we go when there's a fork in the road)
It’s just human nature
Ooh it’s just human nature
It’s just human nature

I hear it calling human nature.

Track Example

The Nites: No Reason

Pros: Relatively unknown - None of their songs are on youtube, also why i couldn't find the lyrics of their song
         No video for any of their music
         Easy to sing

Cons: Released an album on iTunes and GigaHitz in October 2008 - too recent

Their Myspace account says they are unsigned but they have not logged on since October 2008... or so it says.
      
Some of their songs can be heard in these sites:
http://www.gigahitz.com/thenites
http://www.unsigned.com/thenites

Analysis: Justice - Civilization

This music video is a 3D animation showing the destruction of a landscape and a civilization trying to survive.

The lyrics of the song could be related back to the title of the song and the chorus talks about how civilizations go to war - "The beating of a million drums. The fire of a million guns." 

Other lyrics could also be seen as related to the title of the song. The lyrics explain how a civilization is made, what makes a civilization and how one can be destroyed. The visuals of the movie also show this as at the beginning it portrays the landscape, what made up that landscape and how the civilization in the video lived in that landscape.

The visuals then goes and splits up the landscape and the civilization meaning the destruction of the landscape. You can relate this to the chorus.

The music fits in well with the visuals as some of the cuts of the camera go with the beat of the music. There is even some diegetic sound in the video consisting of the landscape breaking apart.  

Since the band does not make an appearance in the video one can say that there is no voyeurism/ notion of looking from the visuals. Although one can argue that the animals (i think they are buffalos) are the main characters and that the visuals are focused on them. So, one can say that the notion of looking is focused on the buffalos and the breaking of the landscape. 


The band not appearing in the video can be used to say that the video is a concept based video although the video is one whole continuos animation which focuses on the buffalos survival. With this in mind one can state that the video is somewhat narrative. Although i cannot find any intertextual references the visuals do remind me of the 'Ice Age' movies which are animations based around animals trying to survive the beginning of an ice age and it's meltdown. 

Album Covers

One Republic - Good Life Analysis

There are not many things going on in this video meaning that it focuses on a couple of aspects but there are a couple of effects used which make it interesting to look at as well as an effect i had not seen before.

Shader effect?

It is bright throughout the video which probably means that it is not a depressing song or one which focuses on darker moods. They have given the video an effect which almost makes it look like an older type movie or a video which is being played by an older machine. It gives the video a different feel and mood like how the mood of a picture would be different if it was taken with a sepia tone or another effect.

  This was an effect that i had never seen before in a music video before. The original video zooms out into a slide that is being held by a person. The slide consists of the original video. The original video is set in what looks like the countryside whereas the with this effect the background is in a more urban environment. The slide is also passed between a number of different people. There is another effect added in here where the original video in the slide goes at normal pace and at the same time the background goes at a quicker speed.                                                                                                            

Same effect as above was used here but it used more
than one slide to show one scene

Goodwin's Six Points

• The music video demonstrates genre characteristics 

• There is a relationship between the lyrics of the song and the visuals of the video (either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting)

• There is a relationship between the music from the song and the visuals of the video (either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting)

• There are references to 'notion of looking' or voyeuristic treatment of the female body or both.

• There is some notion of intertextual references (from television shows, films, other music videos etc.)

• Demands of record label are met including close-ups of the artist/band or a recurring visual style