Music Video Conventions

Last class we wrapped up our commercial project and I have to say it was such a fun experience for me. Iv'e stated how much the filming industry interest me and getting the chance to learn about it and do some actual filming is something that I can check off of my bucket list. The project did have its ups and downs though. For example, working on the storyboard was an easy process because we all had the same idea for what we wanted the commercial to look like. Because the story boarding process went well, it was even easier to film. I believe that the story board let us know the settings we wanted to film in, the type of costumes we wanted to wear, and what specifically was happening in each of the scenes. While those processes went well the editing process did not. We had problems with the editing software in terms of it would not open on the computers. We had to wait at least a week before we could start any editing on the video. Now that we are finished with the project we can move on to the next project which is the music video. With this project I would like to reuse the same strategy we used for the storyboard;and one thing that I would change from the last time is trying to go ahead of the schedule the teacher gave us so that if we run into any technical problems, the project won't be jeopardized. However, I think this project will be favorite of the two because we get to film off campus.
For the music video the song that we decided to do is called"Kiss Me Through The Phone" by Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. The song came out in 2008 and it falls under the genre Hip-Hop/ Rap music. We had a little conflict at first because I wanted to do Because of You by Ne-Yo and Victoria wanted to do Let Me Love You by Mario. However in the end we found Kiss Me Through The Phone in one of our playlist and decided to go with that one. The reason we choose to do this song is because everyone in the group likes the song itself and the genre is easy to work with in terms of what needs to be in the actual music video. The song was also really popular back then by selling over 5.7 million copies Worldwide. Because it is still a popular throwback song, it would be really fun to work it as well.
The original music video has the typical mis en scene that a Hip-Hop/Rap music video would have. The different camera angles, sound, and editing techniques. In a traditional music video for Hip-Hop/Rap, the camera angles are usually low-angled close up shots in order for the main artist of the music video can seem like the most important focal point of the video. Shots that are taken in a Hip-Hop/Rap music video include many two shots, typically with the main artist and a love interest to indicate that they are desirable. It also includes shots like club/party scenes where it gives the artist credibility because it shows how large groups of people are enjoying their song. Depending on the song itself, there can be a range of sounds that are not including the song. There can be sounds of engines revving to depict the luxury the artist or people yelling their name so it shows their importance. The editing, like the sound, also depends on the song and how the director and the artist want the song to be interpreted.
Within the Hip Hop/Rap genre, artists tend to wear a variety of apparel. This may range from designer clothing such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Ferragamo complimented by expensive chains, watches, and other forms of jewelry. This aims to emphasize the wealth that the artist has accumulated and is often a reflection and even a product of the rags to riches story they likely experienced.
In a music video there isn’t a lot of acting involved unless there is a background story to the music video. In the original music video you see spots in the video where the person is looking to be having a conversation on a cell phone. They did this to signify them calling the other person through the phone.
The makeup is also an important part of Hip-Hop videos. Back in 2008, the girls wore vivid makeup that popped on screen. For example bright eye shadow colors, or and big eyeliner. Some videos would showcase the girl in a scene where she would just need normal makeup. The guys however, didn't really a lot of makeup due to the fact that makeup was more feminine.
Props that are heavily featured in many of the videos of the hip-hop genre would include phones, jewelry, clothing, and stacks of money. They serve to captivate the audience’s attention, and portray the characters in the video as wealthy and well off in terms of power and status.
Setting is very important for these types of videos, as they help to demonstrate where the video is taking place. Most often in the Hip-Hop genre, the setting is usually on the street, or a neighborhood, parties, and social gatherings.