Editing & (Analysis of scenes)

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C R O S S      D I S S O L V E S    &     F    A    D   E   S


Cross dissolves creates a smooth transition between scenes and different movement, this allowed us to create parallel cuts, relating two different scenes together.  This has the opposite effect of a usual parallel cut as the 'dissolve'  effect  along with dancing and movement softens the conventional idea of a parallel cut being used to create tension. For example the scene of us dancing cross dissolves into fireworks, the fireworks therefore have some significance to the idea of dance and nightlife as we have linked together. The fireworks look as if they are stars in the night sky this could symbolically identify our image and hope for success, the idea of there being no limit. Fireworks are energising, this could also reflect our positive outlook in life, a metaphor for our fun, energetic attitudes as we jump around and do not take ourselves too seriously, as if we are the firework aiming high. The brightness of the firework also relates to the bright lights in club scenes.

P A R A L L E L      C  U T S 
Parallel cuts were effectively used during the opening of our music video. Firstly the characters were introduced individually to the audience through close ups, this was shortly followed by medium shots of us together as a girl band, leaning on each other comfortably for support, this static scene dissolves into the same club setting but with us dancing and enjoying ourselves, embracing the music. These two scenes reveal the juxtapositioning between moods. The static image expresses a reminiscent,poignant state of mind which perhaps occurs after the fun, this emotively connects the audience to the lyrics as they begin to understand the characters deeper emotions felt. Where as the other scene of us dancing shows an 'in the moment' spur of happiness and ability or strength to forget about everything and have fun, the medium shot offers some seriousness to some extent. Showing a change in atmosphere. Scenes of the characters miming the words followed by action shots are common in pop music videos, in Take a Bow; Rihanna's music video which I analysed she does this often for the audience to feel and understand her hurt emotions through facial expressions and actions which are more evident through closeups etc to mid-shots etc. This corresponds with a narrative 'memory' of the past and their relationship. - Audience as a result feel sympathetic towards Rihanna, as she is going through a break up and can probably relate and understand her emotions felt  relating to Adorno's theory. As they begin to feel they understand what she is facing.


                                      










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A graphic match links two different objects/compositions or two different spaces together, when similar, when the two shots graphically match in size and shape, this helps form continuity editing metaphorically linking two objects together. 


Our music video explores a graphic match a computerised image of a speaker base merges into a clock, the speaker pulsates with the beat of the music as if the music is being played, this successfully allowed us to show continuity editing and supported one of our themes such as time, as the clock shows the movement of time passing which could link with the narrative as we search. The speaker appropriately represents and relates to music and includes the same colours and is the same shape as the clock. Graphic matches add interest to a scene and appear diverse as these are not commonly used.

L i v e T y p e


We used livetype in our music video to show the lyrics across the screen and add relevance to the context, particularly during "show me where you are tonight", as an establishing shot of the London eye is in the background at night, as if looking across waiting, as the colours of the building change showing time passing. The bold font emphasises the lyrics relating it to the narrative, where as the electric blue colour is used in the music video e.g with the strobe lights, the font and the London eye itself, the vivid colour is energising and relatable to neon lights.









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We had to match the miming scenes with the correct lyrics for it to be in sync and accurate, if it was very inaccurate we would lose marks and our music video would not be able to get in the higher grade bands of 3-4s.

Costumes continuation - representing Artist Image

Rihanna uses sexualised behaviour in a glorified manner which causes controversy and can be condemned, we have focused on representing our artists as a completely positive role model, in other words characters which cannot be condemned due to actions in music videos which relate to promiscuous activities, violence or drugs. These themes are inappropriate when attempting to appeal to a younger teenage audience, for example current girl bans such as Little Mix avoid these themes. 

There are costume changes throughout our music video, the opening with a 'club scene'. We are wearing neutral coloured dresses which represent our neutral personalities, signifying our down to earth attitudes. These dresses are enough to suggest a group of girls casually going for a night out. Mine and Jenna's dresses are slightly glittery which relate to the bright lights and idea of nightlife or clubbing, also offering the idea of value, glitter associated with a shining star and success, optimistic mind. 

Each costume reveals different stages and moments in our life, showing a transitional age, identifying a movement in time, conveying time as a theme, from being dressed in a club to having fun outside during the day in formal uniform. Casual clothing while running through the forest represent a realistic lifestyle which could appear relatable to our audience, but still remain fashionable. The outfits are varied slightly in order to identify our characters as individuals. Jenna wears patterned leggins which offer an edgy side, while Selina wears a black leather skirt which reveals a more casual/formal confident side. Where as me and Jessie wear leather jackets etc to remain fashionable but comfortable. 

Introducing the audience into our lifestyle through miss-en-scene.

Day-Casual, school/work-formal to night dressy to go clubbing- nightlife- movement through time this also relates to our narrative depicting ambiguous connotations. We could be searching for someone specific, that knows us and do not want to be identified, casual clothing is worn during the day and night to blend in with ordinary people. The masquerade mask, hats and hoodies promote this idea, reinventing a hidden identity and character, this could suggest how our relationship is with this person, as they have no idea who we really are in terms of our true personality and characteristics, because they do not know us at all or particularly well, or our attempt to remain un noticed. The masquerade mask scene shows us flickering back and fourth turning away and to the camera, literally representing a change in character, all black is worn to add to the mystery. On the other hand, there is no specific focus on a character, therefore it could remain a mystery, the twist is, 'where have you been' may not be referring to anyone in general, the lyrics could be an open rhetorical question as we continue to search for a companion. The running could show enthusiasm reflecting optimism, an attempt to never give up in anything. Or it could show desperation, longing for someone. 

As you can see Little mix wear match with their denim jackets and theme leopard print, we match with leather jackets or black/glittery dresses, this relaxed, chilled style adds an element of fun and youth to our characters, which is presented through our silly actions. 

Final StoryBoard

As we progressed through our project, our initial ideas and plans changed, therefore we had to produce a second, more accurate storyboard. From our previous storyboard it was evident that we were becoming increasingly engaged and focused on the narrative. This new storyboard, however, combines narrative with concept, which successfully allowed us to explore a mixture of pop and dance conventions.  The storyboard accurately demonstrates this, for example (on the left and below) there are pictures which show fireworks and strobe light scenes which flash in and out continuously throughout the sequence.

This simply breaks up the scenes, on the other hand it portrays a dance element through the neon blue lights which are used in clubs and are associated with night life, dancing and enjoying the music. With these shots we hoped to incorporate various edits which would enhance the features of a dance genre. A flash effect was added throughout scenes which worked well with the fireworks and strobe lighting scenes, this was also successful in emphasising the beat of the song and intensifying the build up to the chorus through fast cuts. 

The storyboard reveals numerous long shots and establishing shots of different  locations in London, showing iconic landmarks in London to familiarise the audience of the surrounding. This is also relevant to the narrative of the music video, conveying the idea of endlessly searching throughout the city, constantly traveling around. 

Representing a girl band                                     

Carefully planning a storyboard was not only important but helpful in remaining organised and planning ideas of how to represent a girl band. 

The opening shot introduces us as individuals to the audience.  Throughout the music video there are basic mid-shots of us singing together. As well as this the storyboard and music video itself has action shots of all of us together, running around and jumping on each others backs to highlight central themes explored such as friendship and the idea of togetherness and happiness. Happiness can be influenced and created by those around us, which are identified through these scenes. Artists are jumping on each others backs and swinging each other around this symbolically suggests trust and support, as if we are a foundation to each other, relying on each other through good and bad.

Importance of these scene- Adorno theory a simple theme such as friendship is relatable to everyone, particularly teenage girls which a girl band would appeal to, they would be able to relate this scene through memories. It may also be something other people would like to have, the idea of togetherness and having people to rely on. This could also connote other feelings from the narrative, often people long for things or remain hopeful for something which will never happen, as they are incapable of letting go, we light heartedly touch upon this as we look for that right person in our lives.   

(Importance of) Long-shots and close-up shots- have been used to express emotions, therefore the audience can interpret and understand our moods. An example of this is where Jenna sings 'somewhere in the crowd'. During this long shot she throws out her arms to emphasise the lyrics 'somewhere', this gesture could incorporate loneliness and desperation, as if throwing arms out in attempt to be listened to. On the other hand it expresses the artists passion, this then goes from a long shot to a close up in order to reveal her facial expressions, to which she could remain strong willed and powerful as she expresses herself freely and is seen 'having fun', dancing with the rest of the girl band. 

These simple shots are then enhanced through editing, when singing 'crowd' a crowd appears to mimic a club scene and relate to the lyrics, which relate to Goodwin's theory, typical to a pop music video. 

Extreme close ups- Storyboard shows extreme closeups of an eye to promote the theme and idea of voyeurism, looking, adding intensity as the beat leads up to the chorus. There are also extreme close ups on the lips which again intensifies the lyrics but adds intimacy, appearing more personal to the character as if emotionally attached to the person they are looking for. 'The eyes are the windows to our souls' through camera angles such as these we are able to portray and place the audience in the characters position as they understand the emotions perhaps felt, we cannot hide ourselves from what surrounds us, the shot shows an eye starring as if deep in thought or reminiscent.