WEEK 2 - Research Into Similar Videos x3

Video 1 – Kendrick Lamar ‘Alright’  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-48u_uWMHY

The area of this video which I would like to replicate is the direction in which it addresses the current affairs. It is rather simple yet very effective. 

Cinematography

Throughout the music video, Kendrick Lamar is seen in many different types of shots such as, close up, medium and long shots. As well as being present in these variety of different shots he is also staged not only centrally but left, right, top and bottom of the shot. This gives us a sense that he is really taking up each shot from a different perspective which may represent how the media and public view certain issues differently.

Editing and sound

A large proportion of the song is lip-synced by Kendrick Lamar himself and sometimes others around him for example when he is among the group of young people or when he is in the car with his 'friend'. This allows the viewer to focus on the words of the song as well as the content of the video at the same time. The lyrics are also relating to the actions within the music video. An example of this is at the end of the video when the white policeman shoots Kendrick Lamar down form the top of the lamp post with his 'fingers' shaped as a gun. As Kendrick Lamar is falling in slow motion he is lip-syncing the words to the song.

In 2015, several youth-led protests against police brutality across the country were heard chanting the chorus to "Alright". This shows how effective the lyrics were to some of the viewers and the impact that it had on them. 

Mise-en-scene

The entire music video is in black and white no colour is present. This could represent how Kendrick Lamar sees the world from his perspective. Simple yet not at the same time.

Video 2 - Beyonce 'Formation'
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZJPJV__bQ

Within this music video there are wide variety of scenes that all work together even though they are so different from one another. I would like to replicate something similar in my own music video that I will be producing. 

I would like to replicate this as I feel that it would add creativity to the message I will try and be portraying. 

Cinematography
Most shots in this video consist of Beyonce herself, she in usually seen in uniform with others in the shot however, she stands out at the same time. This both shows how she is part of unity of a group yet a strong individual. What helps achieve this as well as outfit choice is the choice of shots. These consist of close medium and long shots which Beyonce is seen in central for the majority. 

Editing and sound 
The song is represented and shown throughout the entire music video. Specific elements happen within the shots that relate to the lyrics as well as this certain shots which are filmed in time with the music. A prime example of this is when the lightbulb flashes on and off on the beat at the beginning, another example being when Beyonce is seen bobbing her head up and down to the beat. These moments help add suspense and piece the music video together nicely. 

Beyonce is seen lip-syncing the majority of the song this adds meaning and feelings to certain lyrics which she emphasises.

Mise-en-scene
The key aspects of the mis-en-scene are seen through the costumes/outfits. In each shot/scene the colour palette of the outfits are very similar if not the same and work very well together. This leads to each shot looking very unique and uniform. 



Video 3 - KRS-One 'Sound of da Police'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZrAYxWPN6c

Throughout the music video KRS-One is interacting with the camera a large amount. I would like to replicate a sense of this as I feel as it interacts with the viewers effectively.

Cinematography
There is a mix of real footage within the music video. This adds a sense of reality to the message KRS is trying to get across to the viewers. 

A variety of different shots are used throughout the music video including close, medium and long.
Many of the camera angles are low with him looking down onto he camera. This could be that KRS is trying to portray himself as talking down to the police as they are the bad and misbehaving ones who are being 'told off'.

Editing and sound

A large proportion of the song is lip-synced by KRS-One himself. This allows the viewer to focus on the words of the song as well as the content of the video at the same time. The lyrics also relate to actions within the music video. At the beginning of the video when it says "whoop whoop it's da sound of da police" red and blue lights are flashing in the background connote the police lights.

Mise-en-scene
There isn't really a uniform theme. Some parts of the music video are in colour whilst other clips remain in black and white.