Locations and iconography elements are so important within music videos for a number of reasons. Naturally a location is needed as somewhere to actually film the location is needed whether that be a studio where the production team is able to use a green screen to provide what appears to be several different locations or whether these actual locations are found to film on. It is best that more than one location is used or appeared to be used for filming as using the same location throughout the music video can make it quite dull and tedious as viewing a similar image for roughly three minutes tends to bore people. Thus loosing the audiences interest preventing the music video from doing it's job. Iconography elements (the props) are important as these help to set a scene an empty room is a location however it is these key pieces of iconography which filled it and help the production team structure the room as they please so to demonstrate the current messages, codes and conventions to the audience. Both the location and iconography used play a major role in illustrating the narrative to the audience as they make the viewing experience more realistic helping the audience to paint the images needed in their minds engaging them with the music video. Bettering their understanding, helping them to follow the music video so to ensure the receive the messages etc. which the artist is trying to bring across.
Images of sheets showing some of my groups planning for the locations and iconography which shall be used throughout our production:
I have chosen a variety of different locations to display throughout my music video so that the video is more easily able to flow as a narrative based music video (with elements of a performance based music video also) as the changes in location are able to demonstrate and represent different stages/parts to the story. Also as I stated above had I opted to use the same location throughout not only would it have become boring and uninteresting for the audience but it may also appear quite confusing as I would still need to demonstrate different time sequences so to suit the lyrics hence the audience may find this confusing as despite the different costumes changes, added characters etc the location wouldn't change hence the would likely struggle to understand the concept of the music video and why these changes where taking place.
One of the main locations used throughout my music video shall be taking place in my bedroom. I decided on this location as it would be fitting to the title of the song as the main piece of iconography which shall be in use throughout the scene shall be my bed thus matching to the title of the music video. Also the scene is able to help suit the music video to it's genre of soul as she is in her bedroom she is likely to be wearing causal/lounge clothing hence the characters costume consist of pyjamas bottoms and a comfortable top this is conventional as soul artists aren't thought of as trying as hard as artists from other genres to impress the audience based upon their appearance as their unique talent of being an artist of the soul genre is thought to be impressive enough. Unlike artists of genres such as pop who are known for showcasing really extravagant outfits within their music videos which are just completely un-relatable to the audience as these are not the type of clothing you would be able to wear in every day life; due to the costumes being both in particular and socially unacceptable. Hence this would be unconventional towards the soul genre which is thought of as being a relate able genre as the artists sing about everyday life troubles, staying away from issues which may only be considered via those in the limelight, engaging with their fame and often sing about issues which are closer to their hearts. For this same reason the idea of using a bedroom for a location is conventional towards the soul genre as it is the type of location the audience members shall be familiar with and therefore feel more at ease with the narrative of the music video when viewing it. As I stated above without the elements of iconography filling the room this would simply be an empty room and not be a bedroom which is key as this relates back to the lyrics; "But that don't make your place safe in my bed, my bed, my bed" hence I plan to use these lyrics when filming for these scenes as these captures the essential element of there being a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals and it flows well helping the audience to follow the narrative of the music video. I wanted to create a relationship between the song and the lyrics which was achieved with this method as often the lyrics refer back to the artists bed. The style of the bedroom is also conventional towards the soul genre when considering the colour scheme and the way in which the bedroom is decorated filled with colours mainly of black, white and grey all colours which suggest a darker/deeper more sinister tone suiting the genre as artists tend to go further with their lyrics than artists of other genres. They also provide an older feel although with other elements within the bedroom such as the wallpaper tied in with the choice of black mirror hanging on the wall, and the dresser next to the mirror which all put together create that classic soul vibe. This works because they add to create that vibe of the period when the genre was born through the early 50s to the late 60s of which they genre hasn't developed much keeping that old classic feel the audience loves hence reminders of this state are conventional towards the genre and are important to add in as they remind the audience of this helping them to place the artist in with the genre. Other lyrics I plan to use for these scenes include; "It's something I know you can't do separate sex with emotion" as again although an actual bed isn't mentioned the concept of sexual acts taking place provides connotations of not only a bed but also a bedroom as this is the stereotypical place the audience would expect this sort of act to take place hence providing the same effects and benefits which would come from the lyrics making actual reference to the bed or even the bedroom.
Shots filmed on this location will consist of the artist sitting in bed reminiscing on her past with this lover and thinking about her current situation, as well as showing her indulging in alcohol intake on her own to apply to pieces of her character fitting to the party girl image which is being captured around her, as well as suggesting how fed up and through she is with the relationship with her love interest she is singing about. It is also going to be a good shot to show her performing as she will be sitting in bed lip syncing to the lyrics as she thinks her situation through and as she walks around her room considering things through. This scene is crucial as it is the only scene which really demonstrates the artist thinking about her troubles engaged within the song without the scene the audience would miss out on this side to her not following the narrative properly. This location is so important for this scene as it wouldn't have the same effect in any of our other locations. If this was to take place at the party scene it wouldn't work with the image of him focusing on her and not leaving her alone when she's trying to enjoy herself which is presented as one of her issues with the relationship. Nor would it be effective for the 'walk of shame' scene as people are stereotyped as being more emotional and over dramatic when they are in the state that the artist will be presented within throughout said scene hence she won't be taken as seriously via the artist.
Unfortunately as we will be filming in an actual bedroom there won't be much room for crew etc as any space in the room shall be used to represent the bedroom hence anyone on set not involved within the scene will have to be moved accordingly throughout filming so not to be either in the way of filming or seen through a shot ruining the narrative and therefore the effect of the music video. As there are many mirrors located throughout the bedroom, we shall have to be extra careful when filming that anyone on set not shown on screen isn't captured through the reflection of one of the mirrors including anyone filming, any cameras or anything else involved in production that shouldn't be seen on screen for the same reasons as it will ruin the music video.
Luckily as we will be filming in a bedroom there shall be little health and safety risks, the main concern being that no one drinks the iconography of alcohol on set.
As we shall be filming inside the weather won't effect us much for this scene. Unless there happens to be manic thunder and lighting which coming through the windows and effecting the lighting inside on set and the conditions of filming then everything shall be fine.
However the weather shall be effecting the filming for the 'walk of shame' scenes which we plan to film outside as it shows the artist walking home from what appears to have been a hectic night out where it has been suggested that the artist has involved herself in heavy drinking and possibly other antics which are hinted at as this are shown in the house party scenes and the artist appears to be in the kind of state that is expected of her after this night out in particular. I plan to film these scenes by a river bank in Buckhurst Hill. Although the artist will appear to look rather messy so to represent the bad way she is in from party to hard I still want to the artist to look fairly attractive so to make the artist further appealing to the audience. Meaning that the weather can have a major impact on this as if it is to rain on the day of shooting then it is likely to flatten the artists hair and ruin her make up as well as just generally making her look rather wet and cold which it in itself isn't exactly attractive. Hence looking at the weather reports in advance of filming is important so to ensure that the weather doesn't effect the overall effect I am trying to create with my music video. I chose this location as it is one I know well hence I am able to plan what shall how the scene will work out once we're their before entering location making it easier when we come to film as well as ensuring that the location is suitable for the scenes before we arrive saving time and aggravation with having to find new locations etc. Other reasons I opted for said location include the fact that the lyrics which shall be put to these scenes make refer to a river, I wanted to form a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals shown on screen so to help the audience remember the lyrics and the image of the river becomes more forced in their head. Also as this is a deserted location it fits to the idea of the artist being in a really bad way as she is alone and in a location which most people would prefer to avoid particularly women as it is so deserted therefore making her more vulnerable and at risk as well as her the state she is in coming back from her night out. Thus highlighting the artists reckless ways to the audience as they become of careless she really is which is beneficial as it adds to the effects of the narrative enforcing the artists party girl image onto the audience. The artist will also be carrying a bottle of wine in this scene for iconography again providing the audience with more to help them follow the narrative as they pick up on how set the artist is on enjoying herself and ensuring that she has a good time as she is still drinking even now when she is on her way home and clearly not in a good way. This is important as it inputs the concept to the story-line that all is not well with the artist as she appears to be drinking alone often it is connoted that there is something troubling her. This prevents the audience from solely being on the side of the boy as he appears to be the one suffering the most whilst the artist appears to not care at all about his pain or the situation. Hence helping the audience to produce more of a bond with the artist as the feel empathy towards her. I also chose this location as I knew it was one which has a good river which is important as the lyrics at times of these scenes make reference to a river. I wanted to make reference towards the lyrics within the music video so to help the lyrics stick in the audiences mind meaning that they have a better knowledge of the lyrics and are therefore more likely to understand them and relate to them helping them to build a stronger bond with the audience. For this scene I plan to use lyrics including; "You'll never get my mind right like two ships passing in the night" whilst doing so I want to have the artist looking out over onto the river as she sings the lyrics this shall be beneficial as it urges the audience to consider the artists thoughts and feelings helping them to engage more so with the narrative as well as enhancing their understanding of it as they are watching/investigating it more clearly. Also the concept of the artist referencing to ships creates that imagery which forms connotations of water therefore suiting well with the water and implying further with the relationship between the lyrics and the visuals which I wish to really enhance so to ensure that my audience are fully engaged and gaining as best as they can from the music video.
Another scene planned is a house party scene hence we need a house location to shot in which we have organised with someone who wouldn't mind allowing us to use their summer house for the scene. This is a good location to shoot the scene of a house party as it is a stereotypical location for a house party to take place in as it is away from the main house meaning that party goers are unable to ruin the rest of the house. This implies connotations of partygoers drinking heavily and possibly experimenting with other elements such as drugs which we will be displaying throughout the scene including the use of white powder to look like cocaine. We also plan to use iconography elements such as a cigarette which adds to the party vibes as people are often seen smoking at parties hence this is conventional to the themes of a house party. Iconography elements shall also be used throughout the house party for general props which you would expect to see in a house party for instance drinks scattered about the location as well as people holding them. This suggests that a big people is taking place and people are really getting into the mood as they are leaving their alcoholic beverages about not thinking about them or looking after them properly as well as suggesting that a lot of people are there and indicating that people are having a good time and this conveys that people are drinking quite heavily and drinking alcoholic drinks at a house party is thought to be a good way to brighten the mood and make the atmosphere more fun for all involved. As well as using sweets which looks like pills as a placebo so to portray to the audience that the artist is heavily involved with a fairly negative crowd which engage her in dangerous activity. The idea of pills really enforces the state of the artist as drinking alcohol is fairly normal to most people however pills are thought to be one of the most dangerous types of drugs with people often stating of them that "they're so dangerous you don't even know what's in them". Often stories are heard of where people have found themselves in bad ways or even died due to pill abuse hence emphasising how far into the party scene the artist is as well as her reckless antics. For this scene I plan to include the following lyrics; "You recognize my every sound theres nothing new to learn" these lyrics work well with these scenes in particular as they demonstrate the artist to be behaving in ways which are likely to upset her lover. The lyrics also suit the attitude which the artist appears to have which is empahsised throughout these scenes. The attitude about not caring who is effective by her antics or who she hurts all she cares for is her own fun regardless of the consequences even if they apply a knocking effect upon her. The lyrics imply that her lover is aware of her actions and the troubles which come with that and makes it evident that she simply does not plan on changing. Reminding him that he is aware of who she is and how she behaves and if he doesn't like it then he shouldn't stick around for the downfall because she isn't willing to change for him or anyone else thus catering to this attitude. The concept of displaying this within the visuals helps the audience to really view this as a part of the artists character and not just something that she is informing for her lover for the sake of it. Hence this provides more layers to the narrative and enables the audience to come to tighter grips with it.
I also plan to film flashback scenes which shall allow the audience an insight into how the relationship once was between the pair to the audience. All of which shall take place in Woodford however between two different locations. The first shall be shoot outside as the couple are coming up to a cafe in Woodford. The other shall be inside the actual cafe itself. Outside the cafe scene the audience get to view what the couple were like when they were getting along and enjoying each others company as they are seen walking close together and appear to be happy to be together. However in the scene taking place inside the cafe the audience shall see a very different side to the pairs relationship as the artist carries herself as being rather uninterested. This contrasts the location as the idea of the couple going out together on a date suggests that things are going well for them as a couple and that they like being together thus highlighting there issues as a couple further. Lyrics for these scenes shall include; "otherwise mine's a different way A different way from where I'm going" this is beneficial as it helps to represent within the flashbacks where the relationship was being to take a turn for the worst for the artist at least. As she appears to be much less interested in the concept of a relationship or even her partner than he is with her. The lyrics are able to represent that for her she's just not in the same place his him mentally anymore. Displaying how she wants different things from what she once wanted with him. I also plan to use the lyrics; "the only time I hold your hand is to get the angle right" as again this shows to the audience that it was the artist who was suffering in the relationship not her lover whom appears to have been content staying in the relationship. It is important to really highlight these elements to the narrative so not to confuse the audience. As this shall ruin the audiences experience of the music video and may prevent them from ruining the artist in the positive light which was being aimed towards due to this negative experience. More lyrics I feel would be beneficial to use for these scenes are; "I never thought my memory of what we had could be intruded" as again this means that the lyrics and the visuals shall be relating and it helps the audience to understand that these scenes consist of flashbacks. These lyrics are able to inform the audience that there was once a time when the artist was happily involved in the relationship. Hence these lyrics are important to emphasis as if the audience miss' them then they may not pick up on this. This would be a negative aspect to the music video as it would mean that the audience were missing out on the full story thus they wouldn't be experiencing the full story which may lead to them feeling as though the narrative wasn't particularly interesting. Due to which audience members may find themselves less interested in the artist and their music/future music videos. However I am also considering not having the artist lip sync for these particular scenes as this may take away from the effects of the flashbacks as viewing the artist lip syncing when she is suppose to be spending time with her boyfriend takes away from the effects of the music video and enforces the concept that this is all pretend. It may also help the audience to engage with the narrative more so if they are to see the artist appearing as though she is involved in the on screen antics rather than appearing as though she is only there to provide the audience with inside hints/jokes or possibly even to tell them the story herself. It appears less basis-ed this way therefore resulting in the audience being more likely to take the on screen antics more seriously and really pay attention to the story-line. Creating for a better experience for them meaning that the audience is likely to become more interested in the artist in the future.
Another location I plan to use shall be the assembly hall at my school. I have chosen this location as it is one which I am easily able to gain access of, it is convention as it means that nor myself or anyone else working on the production has to travel far and is easy to find. This location works well with the set up for my chosen scene as the scene is supposed to appear to be set in a typical 'jazz bar' when the artist is seen performing. I opted to create this scene as it shall prove to be beneficial to my music video as it provides both codes and conventions towards the genre of soul. Because the typical themes and decorated which you would expect to see in a typical jazz bar are also what you would expect to see paired with an artist of the soul genre as well as expecting to see soul artists in a jazz bar as well as jazz artists as the two genres are thought to obtain various similarities. As well as this being a good scene to provide a performance element to my music video as the audience are able to see the artist in what they believe to an artists natural element performing on stage to an audience. Hence this highlights the representation of the artist as a performer embarking upon their talent as it demonstrates how they are able to do more than sing which is redeemed impressive as singing well in itself is thought to be a respectable talent which many people desire. So to embrace the conventional elements of a jazz bar I shall be including pieces of iconography such as a microphone with a microphone stand being conventional as this reminds the audience of the old classical period of which the soul genre suits and has never escaped from so the audience feel as though the scene is taking them back to this period in it's which as well as providing them with elements of the soul genre which they are knew to enjoy helping to fit the theme. Another iconography which shall be used throughout this scene shall be the back drop for the scene which shall be red curtains, this is conventional as it suits the concept of a typical jazz bar as the audience expect to see these curtains as they are used to having seen them throughout the jazz due to them providing that classic vibe as they appear to be rather old fashioned and the actual colouring being conventional as black, white and red are colours which are often suited to the soul genre due to them being thought of as rather classic colours. I plan to use the following lyrics for these scenes; "But I couldn't let it be I needed it as much as you did" these will be good lyrics to use when the artist is seen closing her eyes as she performs to the audience. This shall help the audience to see a slightly softer/ more like-able side to the artist as she seems to be reflecting on her time with her lover and as she acknowledges her wrong doings in their relationship she shall seem to possibly feel a bit guilty. This again strengthens the basis for the narrative and confirms to the audience that it was the artist who ended things as she was unhappy not because her lover was aiming to make her feel as so but because she simply wasn't happy in herself and he wasn't enough for her anymore. "Yours is a familiar face" this scene shall work as a time filler scene to link back to the scene where the artist sings the following lyrics. As this was a fairly bigger section of the lyrics which all kind of linked together I wanted to keep them as so without creating a slightly more boring section of the music video which is what would have happened had I keep all of the lyrics in the same scene. I decided to take this line into this scene as it meant that the audience ere kept awake as they were seeing different things which prevents them from feeling as though they have seen everything the music video has to offer and place their attentions else where. As this is simply a performance scene although it provides the audience with something else to look at it doesn't provide them with different concepts and ideology's to think about maintaining their focus on the previous scene meaning that when they turn to it right after the brief flash of the performance scene they are able to go straight back into the mode where they left off previously.
Elements of iconography:
The artist shall be seen drinking from the wine bottle as well as swinging it around when she is pacing around her room thinking her decisions over and displaying her party girl image/lifestyle. Artists of the soul genre are recognised for enjoying drinking as they are often capture within bars etc indulging in alcoholic beverages hence this piece of iconography is conventional towards the genre.
The bed used within the scene shall connection to both the tittle and the lyrics as the reference to a bed is frequently mentioned. However the way in which the bed is used within the music video is set to contrast that of how it is mentioned within the lyrics so to highlight the strain on the relationship between the artist and her lover. This is a massive factor to the location as without the bed it couldn't be classes as a bedroom hence this is the factor which pieces the room together and makes it such a good/relatable location.
The use of make up will be used throughout the scene as the artist is seen going over her existing make up trying to get herself together representing how she is moving on from this bad relationship and getting over this boy. This is also conventional towards the genre of soul as due to the women of the genres unique look they are stereotyped to really care about their appearance and make up hence demonstrating the artist going over her make up even when she is on her own and isn't seeing anyone portrays that she has a strong care for her appearance as it is hinted that she won't be seeing anyone for this scene anyway. It is also conventional as it is a relatable element which most of the female audience members interactive with everyday, this captures the artist to be further relatable to the average soul audience member as artists are known for having a make up artist to do their make up for them hence displaying the artist doing this for herself is conventional as it portrays that relatable element to the genre which artists embark upon.
I also plan to use the use of iconography so to make it appear as though the artist is involved in social crowds which are more likely to involve themselves in the kinds of behaviour which others redeem as dangerous, uncivilised or simply plain wrong as these are the connotations which are implied when people are seen involving themselves in heavy drug abuse. As often people are known for applying this kind of conduct to their behaviour once they have indulged in drug abuse as these are often thought to be side effects from the drugs. These kinds of connotations are beneficial to the production of my music video as they aid me in providing the sort of atmosphere around the artist's character for the music video which I won't to create so to aid in the narrative of the music video helping the audience to understand how far go the artist is. Comparing her current state to how she was in the flashbacks scene is set to urge the audience to feel sympathy for the artist, as they would struggle to picture the version of the artist in the past finding herself in the same sorts of crowds involving herself in drug abuse. Drugs also provide connotations of a heavy party lifestyle. Often people are known for taking drugs so to provide them with an energy boost helping them to stay up for later and really involve themselves with typical partying antics such as dancing so to keep them going for the night and supposedly really enjoy themselves. Hence this adds further to the theme of the artist having found herself into this party girl way of life. Thus helping the audience to consider what life has become like for the artist now and how she got to be this way. Coursing audience members to question whether there is more to the narrative that meets the eye and whether this boy has done something really terrible so enforce her change. Which is beneficial as without this added element the audience are more likely to feel their empathy for the boy. Although most of the audience shall be aware that this is only a story and although the artist is playing herself she isn't actually portraying her true self but a projected version of herself so to create an interesting music video. But there are still likely to be viewers out there who view the artists portrayal of herself to be an accurate one. Which can naturally be damaging to her reputation as she appears to be this cold hearted character who doesn't care about hurting others feelings and involves herself in dangerous and illegal activity. With a bad reputation it is less likely that the artist is to receive success as less people shall like therefore meaning that they won't be routing for her wanting her to do well, hence making it harder for the artist to find people enjoying her music as they won't want to as they recognise it as being her work which they don't want to listen to as it's hers. Hence portraying the artist to be a nice girl who has had a hard time make the audience like her more as she appears to be someone they could get along with as well as the added impact of her being more relatable as lot of people feel that they have had a hard time or been hard done by hence making this like her more as they feel they have this common ground therefore assuming that they have a better understanding of her due to this shared experience as well as thinking that she is more like them which also urges them to like her more as the thought of someone like themselves doing well makes them happy as they would love this kind of success for themselves and feel that they deserve it as they want it for themselves and it provides them with hope. As drugs are not only illegal but they are also harmful and dangerous I won't be using real drugs for the production of my music video. Instead I have opted to use sweets which shall act as a placebo for drugs and tackle in powered so to act as a step in for cocaine.
The artist will be shown having a cigarette conforming to codes and conventions which you would expect of a house party hence being beneficial as it makes the scene appear more realistic as the audience are noticing things which they would expect to see at house parties they have been to themselves. Which not only makes the narrative more believable to the audience but it also helps them to relate to it as well as the artist as appears to be someone who experiences a similar experience to life as them thus building upon the relationship between the artist and the audience.
Drinks shall be scattered around the location at the house party, on the sides, on tables even on the floor as well as in peoples hands. This is beneficial as it helps enforce the concept of this being a big party where people are getting so into the mood they don't care about their manners or the mess they are surrounded by. As they aren't bothering to put drinks in the bin when they are done with them etc. This works in the same way as the cigarettes reminding the audience of aspects of a house party they would expect to see in such a sense building upon the bond between the audience and the artist in the same manner.
Another piece of iconography which shall be used in the bedroom scene is a photo frame which shall show a photo of the artists old flame. Upon seeing this she shall placed the photo frame down this is important as it indicates the direction of the narrative to the audience fairly early on. Which is beneficial as it prevents them from feeling loss or uninterested with the narrative and therefore missing out on the effects and experience planned by the artist preventing the music video from doing it's job. The photo frame itself also demonstrates to the audience how strong the pairs relationship once was as the artist had a photo of him in her room which appears to be quite a personal thing. This contrast between how the relationship is now and how it was once courses the audience to feel sad as it is quite a saddening thought that two people can go from being so close to almost nothing to each other. This likely to urge them to think about someone they were once close to which they no longer speak with. This makes the audience feel as though they are closer with the artist as they feel able to relate to them which is another way in which the artist imprints on their relationship with the audience.
Cutlery shall be seen in the scene whereby the artist and her lover as in the cafe. Although it doesn't really impact the narrative or represent anything to do with the artist it is still important. Because you would expect to see cutlery in a cafe hence this makes the experience of the music video more believable preventing the audience from fighting the experience.
Phones shall be used by actors throughout the music video in scenes such as the couple walking to the cafe and the house party as mobile phone particularly iphone have become a normal part of everyday life. Therefore what the audience would expect to see so to make this a realistic viewing experience for them. Which is essential as it improves the audiences experience and helps them to feel as though they are more able to relate to the artist thus making the audience more likely to purchase into the artists music.
Another piece of iconography which shall be used throughout the production of my music video will be the use of a microphone and a microphone stand within the jazz bar scene. This is essential as it is what the audience expects to see in such an environment therefore without it it would appear as though something was missing. Ultimately ruining the effect of the music video preventing the audience from feeling any sort of connection with it.
