The soundtrack we are using for our media production is called 'Dry Your Eyes' by The Streets. Instead of being categorised as one, this song seems to fall into a few different genres. It could fall into grime/UK garage and maybe even rap/hip-hop.
Grime is a genre originating from the UK and has grown recently over the years, becoming more successful and popular. It is not very different from UK garage and also gives us a slight vibe of rap, almost as if it is a mixture of these two genres.
Two examples of artists who create tracks within this genre are;
- Giggs (don't go there ft B.o.B ,
- Skepta (Hold on , amnesia
In the song Dry Your Eyes it is as if the lyrics are being spoken rather than the artist singing it! However, the chorus part is done by him singing. Giggs uses this same effect. For example in one of his tracks called 'Don't Go There' featuring B.O.B. The whole track is rapped with a freestyle effect, the chorus however is done by another artist singing.
These artists usually make songs about everyday life or events that have happened in their personal life. For example; Skepta's song, 'Hold On' is about him not giving up in life even though people are trying to bring him down. Going back to Giggs's track, 'Don't Go There', it is based upon the life of people from where he lives and about the gangs etc.
The outfits worn by these type of artists are quite casual; also depending on what kind of lifestyle they have. They may go for the urban style or even the indies. It is hardly ever glamorous or classy.
You will here and see these soundtracks on radio's such as BBC One Extra, or on TV channels like Channel U, or even magazines advertising similar genres to these.
In this assessment I will be discussing the risks and hazards that took place during this whole production.
- A few of the shots we took outside were done during our evening classes. As it was quite dark there were two risks involved during this process; firstly, whilst crossing the roads and walking to our chosen locations we were carrying large equipment such as the tripod and video camera, there could have been a chance of someone falling or tripping up, which would've caused harm to themselves or the equipment. Secondly, it was quite unlikely, but still possible that the equipment could have been stolen/gone missing.
- It could also have been stolen or gone missing each time a member of the group took the equipment home with them after booking it for the weekend.
- One of the shots were done at the back of our college near a big pond. It was when the actor and actress were sat on a bench outside. The video camera was placed besides the pond whilst filming. This was a hazard as there was a chance of the camera person or even the equipment falling into the pond.
- There was a point where I was taking pictures for our animatic, and I had to stand in the middle of the road just to get a perfect shot! I made sure there were no cars, but this was obviously still risky.
We faded some of the flashback footages into the shots where the actor is by himself. This made our video look really effective, and improved the reminiscing scenes.
Today we just carried on filming the flashbacks.
- We completed a few more shots of the couple happy together and holding each other
- We then created a scene of them both arguing. This was done at a bus stop, involving more dramatic acting and a variety of shots and angles; mostly using close-ups.
As we had extra time on our hands we carried on filming more shots of the main actor on his own; again all alone and depressed just reminiscing about his girlfriend.
We then began editing some footage; simply just cutting out shots we did not need, for example; any shots with mistakes.
Our music video involves a few flashbacks; these shots include the actress along with the actor. It is the male actor remembering about the past with his partner. - We filmed one of these shots in our college on the benches outside. This was a flashback of the couple when they use to be together, therefore the mood back then was happy with no depressing scenes.- The next shot just carries on with the couple walking around college.
The song we have selected as a group is 'Dry Your Eyes' by The Streets, coming from his album, 'A Grand Don't Come For Free'.
16/11/11
We began by filming 3 different outdoor shots with the male actor. - The first shot was bench near a pond. The weather was quite dull and dry and it was during the evening which gave us the perfect mood for our setting. The song we have chosen to do is based on a heartbreaking event and the way the artist has performed it seems as if he has no longer any emotion inside him. This mood brought out the vibe we needed in our video. - The last two shots were fairly simple. They were taken on the road just outside our college.
Jennifer Lopez (also known as J-Lo) began her career as a dancer. This role took place on a television program called 'In Living Color'. She also starred in an action-thriller in 1995 called, 'Money Train', where she gained quite abit of recognition. However it was in 1997 where she was given a lead role in the movie, 'Selena', an american biographical film, from which she was arwarded with an ALMA (American Latino Media Arts award). In the following year she acted in another movie called, 'Out of Sight', a film based on the novel written by Elmore Leonard. After making this film she was given yet another ALMA award. Since then Lopez has starred in many other films such as, The Wedding Planner (2001), Maid in Manhattan (2002), Monster-in-Law (2005) and her most recent one, 'The Back-Up Plan (2010).
'The Back-Up Plan' (2010) trailer -
J-Lo & the Music Industry
'On the 6' was her debut album which was released in 1999, featuring her number one hit single, 'If You Had My Love'. This album was very successful as it managed to reach the top ten of the Billboard 200. Many of the tracks within the album were quite successful on the Billboard Hot 100, this included some tracks featuring other artists such as Big Pun & Fat Joe in 'Feelin' So Good'. The album also featured a single called 'No Me Ames', which successfully reached number one on Billboard Magazine's - 'Hot Latin Tracks Chart'. This track held a slight different genre - Latin pop. 'No Me Ames' is in the spanish language and the meaning of the title in english is 'Don't Love Me'.
'J-Lo' was the name of her second album, released in 2001. It differed from her first album as it had more of an urban flavour to it. The image on the album cover has a style which reflects upon this. Lopez has made appearances with many different styles, but the main genres she falls into would be Pop, R&B and a slight touch of hip-hop.
In most of her videos the outfits worn by her are from an urban background. Her style and representation reflects mainly upon the R&B and hip-hop genre. Other artists and background dancers featured in her videos follow this style. Some examples of the costumes worn in her video are caps, hoodies, big chains etc.
As well as appearance, their performance and style of dance conforms to the genre. Most of J-Lo's videos contain a narrative, plus her performing a choreographed dance (sometimes with back-up dancers).
She is seen in most magazine covers to be giving fashion statements. This would obviously appeal more to the female gender. The magazines would contain things like the latest trends, best places to shop, beauty products etc.
These two album covers contain an image of her with a very serious facial expression. The message we receive from this shows that this is all about her and no other person matters - all attention should be directed at her. Also the images put on her album covers are glamorous, sexy and quite revealing. This could be aiming to gain attention from the opposite sex aswell.
Her music video's also at times contain revealing images plus clothes which would be seen as 'in fashion'. Alot of her actual tracks are 'love songs' from a female's point of view, which would obviously be seen to be aiming at that specific gender.
The age of the target audience would come in from the 'love songs' and also the interest in the 'latest trends'. This would be people from the ages around 16 to 18 and above. Going back to the audience from the opposite gender; alot of her tracks feature male artists therefore this could have an impact towards who her audience will be.
MOTIF
One recurring theme she is well-known for would be her rather large posterier also known as 'J-Lo's Booty'! This is how she gained her sex appeal.
Most dresses worn by J-Lo are tightly fitted, enough to show off her curvs.
We have selected this track which is from an album called 'A Grand Don't Come For Free'. This whole album involves a narrative; it tells a story about a relationship slowly breaking down. The first track shows him having a very bad day where nothing is going to plan. He then comes home and finds one thousand pounds which he had saved up has gone missing. The next few songs begin the story where he starts seeing a girl and is about to go meet up with her and one of his friends. The fourth track is called, 'blinded by the lights', where he was suppose to meet his girlfriend and his mate but has been stood up. As he sat there drinking by himself taking cocaine and ecstacy he catches her cheating on him with his friend. However, he just thought he was seeing things because of the drugs. The next few songs portrays him still with her, but slowly they fall into an argument and she breaks up with him. He then decides to go on a holiday filled with heavy night drinking and trying to impress other girls, but comes back regreting what he just did as he realises he still wants to be with simone. There is then a track called; 'What Is He Thinking?', where he realises it was that friend who had been stealing his money.
Then came along, 'Dry Your Eyes'. This track involves the guy trying to cope with the break up. He is depressed and can't stop thinking about her. In one single moment your whole life can turn 'round
I stand there for a minute starin’ straight into the ground
Lookin’ to the left slightly, then lookin’ back down
World feels like it’s caved in – proper sorry frown
Please let me show you where we could only just be, for us
I can change and I can grow or we could adjust
The wicked thing about us is we always have trust
We can even have an open relationship, if you must
I look at her she stares almost straight back at me
But her eyes glaze over like she’s lookin’ straight through me
Then her eyes must have closed for what seems an eternity
When they open up she’s lookin’ down at her feet In the first verse it is almost as if he is trying to get her back still. At the same time it is describing how he is feeling without his girlfriends presence.
Dry your eyes mate
I know it’s hard to take but her mind has been made up
There’s plenty more fish in the sea
Dry your eyes mate
I know you want to make her see how much this pain hurts
But you’ve got to walk away now
It’s over
In the chorus, he is telling himself that she has made up her mind and doesn't want to get back together. So now he has to move on and should try to find someone else.
So then I move my hand up from down by my side
It's shakin’, my life is crashin’ before my eyes
Turn the palm of my hand up to face the skies
Touch the bottom of her chin and let out a sigh
‘Cause I can’t imagine my life without you and me
There’s things I can’t imagine doin’, things I can’t imagine seein’
It weren't supposed to be easy, surely
Please, please, I beg you please
She brings her hands up towards where my hands rested
She wraps her fingers round mine with the softness she’s blessed with
She peels away my fingers, looks at me and then gestures
By pushin’ my hand away to my chest, from hers Again, he is trying to get her back but she continues to push away.This verse shows the desperation as he cannot cope not being able to see a life or future without her. Dry your eyes mate
I know it’s hard to take but her mind has been made up
There’s plenty more fish in the sea
Dry your eyes mate
I know you want to make her see how much this pain hurts
But you’ve got to walk away now
It’s over
And I’m just standin’ there, I can’t say a word
‘Cause everythin’s just gone
I’ve got nothin’
Absolutely nothin’
These four lines show how he believes that because he has lost her, he has now lost everything!
Tryin’ to pull her close out of bare desperation
Put my arms around her tryin’ to change what she’s sayin’
Pull my head level with hers so she might engage in
Look into her eyes to make her listen again
I’m not gonna fuckin’, just fuckin’ leave it all now
‘Cause you said it'd be forever and that was your vow
And you’re gonna let our things simply crash and fall down
You’re well out of order now, this is well out of town
She pulls away, my arms are tightly clamped round her waist
Gently pushes me back and she looks at me straight
Turns around so she’s now got her back to my face
Takes one step forward, looks back, and then walks away This one was very heartbreaking verse. He brings her close once again yet she still pushes him away from her. This time as she walks away, she turns and looks back at him for one last time and then just 'walks away' as it mentions in the lyrics. This verse is the one to assure him it is definetely over.
Dry your eyes mate
I know it’s hard to take but her mind has been made up
There’s plenty more fish in the sea
Dry your eyes mate
I know you want to make her see how much this pain hurts
But you’ve got to walk away now
It’s over
I know in the past I’ve found it hard to say
Tellin’ you things, but not tellin’ straight
But the more I pull on your hand and say
The more you pull away
Dry your eyes mate
I know it’s hard to take but her mind has been made up
There’s plenty more fish in the sea
Dry your eyes mate
I know you want to make her see how much this pain hurts
But you’ve got to walk away now.
The final track is called, 'Empty Cans' where it actually shows that they are beginning to try and sort things out.
There are so many programs available for editing videos such as; Windows Movie Maker, Magix or even final cut pro.
The program we have selected to use for our video is 'final cut pro'. It is fairly simple once you get use to the process of working with it. There are so many different functions you can fiddle around with, producing alot of effective features on your video.
Editing our music video will include cutting and pasting the shots into the correct order for the narrative to make sense. I think the most difficult part whilst editing will be the flashbacks, as these scenes will be different from the rest of the scenes in the video. For example; making it look like a black and white vision - this makes it stand out as it is in the past therefore must be clearly differentiated from the present scenes. This makes the narrative and message of our music video more clear.
In music videos for the grime/garage genre the artists would normally be wearing casual outfits. Whether it is the hip-hop style; like outfits coming from the urban background or even the indies style, it is very rarely too glamorous or formal. For example; the track our group has selected is by an artist called, 'The Streets'. Here are a few examples of the style of outfits he wears;
Album covers normally reflect upon the style and genre of the artist or band.
Alecia Beth Moore is an American musician/song-writer who is well-known as 'PINK'. She falls into the genre of pop, rock & dance, but her main genre is rock. On this specific cover for the album 'Funhouse' we can see that her appearance has a touch of the pop rock flavour. Her hairstyle is short and funky; this is a typical style within this genre, aswell as her tatoo's. Also the fact that her mouth is wide open as if she ready to scream and shout, shows how rock music is very loud. Aswell as appearance reflecting on genre, the way she is positioned reflects on the title of the album - 'Funhouse'. It shows a female adult sat on her toy horse with one arm and one leg up in the air. This clearly shows she's having fun and is enjoying herself, not caring how she looks towards the public. This gives a rather rebellious vibe coming from the artist, which again shoots out the rock style.
Jennifer Lopez on the other hand is more within the R&B genre aswell as pop. R&B has a rather Urban flavour to it's style. On her album cover for 'J-Lo' we are given a more calm but serious attitude looking at her facial exspression. This gives the vibe that it is 'all eyes on her' no attention should go elsewhere. Also the jewellery she is wearing is more glamorous rahter than funky. Finally her collar being up gives a touch of the hip-hop flavour as this genre normally falls into the R&B category.
Dave meyers is an American music director, born and raised in Berkely, California, who has directed over 200 music videos. A few well-known examples of these would be;
Britney Spears - Lucky
Pink - Stupid girls
- So what
- Get the party started
Missy Elliot - Work it
Brandy - Talk about love
Jay-z - Dirt off your shoulder
(etc.)
Here is one example of how he has worked on a music video;
This video has more of a performance and a slight touch of narrative. It has also been choreographed with some dancing. Through most of it there is a natural setting and only parts of it are done in a studio setting. It is outdoors,bright and full of life which sort of reflects on the lyrics of the track. The song is talking about someone who has gone past their painful experience, has had enough and is now at ease. e.g. a line from the track says, 'Cause I live my life to the limit and I love it, Now I could breathe again, baby, now I could breath again'. Another main point would be that the style of dressing and dancing blends in with the genre. As there are many other 'extras' in this video, there were a few close-up shots of the main artists,which obviously made them stand out. A slight bit of slow motion was used to flow with the rythm of the track.
Dave Meyers created history with Missy Elliot by creating the first ever 3Dmusic video; for the track 'Ching-a-Ling'.
A few examples of the types of awards he has won for his videos;
Pink - Get the party started, won best female and best dance at MTV video music awards 2002.
Missy Elliot - Work it, won 2003 MTV video music award for best video of the year.
