Music Video Evaluations

We researched existing music videos that were uploaded onto youtube to gain an understanding of what was expected. We understood from the videos that were uploaded for the A2 practical coursework that variety of shot was vital and a key aspect towards a successful music video. Researching existing music videos helped us out considerably as we viewed successful productions and unsuccessful productions, from this experience, we knew the level expected and required to gain a high grade within this coursework. We took on good aspects from the videos in order to incorporate within our own music video.  

We viewed a DVD supplied by the examining board with a range of examples from previous years. This was helpful as it was realistic for us, as viewing the productions you could gain the understanding of how certain effects were completed compared to an actual music video where effects could simply not be completed due to the technology and settings available. We went through several videos giving it a mark and explaining our reasons for the mark given.

We viewed an A level group that chose to create a music video for the soundtrack ‘You can’t Hurry Love’ by Dianna Ross. This was a very poor example as the production only incorporated 5 different shots. This was clearly not enough to portray any sort of excitement or progression. As a group we gave this a miserable level 1 as there was clearly lack of organisation and effort. The main problem within the production was the lip synching, it was off from the very start of the video. The character within the production did not know all of the words to the song, so once again this showed the lack of organisation. The background setting and costumes were poor. The production was not believable and I feel that is an important factor to any production, you must sell your video to the audience and make it believable. The music video was unsuccessful and unprofessional.

  

We also viewed an A level group that chose the song ‘Streets On fire’ by Lupe Fiasco. This was a major improvement compared to the previous video. We gave it a level 4 as it contained everything in order to fulfil high grades. It used a variety of shot and had large amounts of footage which helped the production considerably. The editing also played an important role as the clips were cut to the beats of the song. This helped the video to progress. The setting was well thought out and was suitable and appropriate for the image being portrayed. There were several effects incorporated within the video. Footage found from the internet and so on which added to the success of the video. It was a shutter of clips of historical events. This made the video look very professional and real. Establishing shots of London were also used adding to realism and clearly related to the lyrics. The performance of the characters within the video always played an important role. The characters costumes were appropriate and looked the part. It was believable in several different ways because of the dress and the lip synching was on point everything flowed well together. This music video was a clear success and you could see the effort put into the production by the final outcome.