Mise-en-scene of shots

Beach shot: In these shots, our artist will wear an elegant styled coat. The elegance will help represent the feminism of the narrative and the coat help represent the cold attitude coming from our artist. Her hair will be down, again reinforcing the feminism, with overall subtle make-up with additional emphasise on the eyes. There will also be a wind effect upon our artist, firstly because at the time of filming it will be windy, but also because it’s a characteristic of this type of narrative and genre. It will be in black and white to represent the emotion of the narrative.

The shots of the male and his new female will be shot in ambient lighting to represent the realistic view. This shot will also be shot in black and white, not only to represent to mood but to also show it’s a flashback. Both characters will be dressed in casual clothing, e.g. jeans, tops etc. The females’ hair will be down, and will also be the opposite colour of artists to ensure the message is clear that this is another woman. Her make-up will be remotely subtle.

The shot of our artist and her friends will also be shot in ambient lighting to show the realism in the devastation she feels once finding out she’s been cheated on. The friends will wear casual clothing, such as jeans etc. Whereas our artist will be wearing more casual relaxed clothing, such as joggers, a hoodie etc, to represent this stage where she can’t be bothered and doesn’t feel like making an effort as she just feels too distraught. This as well could be a factor in which other girls can relate to – it’s important to reach out and relate to your target audience in order for your video to be successful. All the girls’ makeup will be very subtle to show the comfortability level they have around each other.

Target Audience questionnaire

Below is the questionnaire we have decided to distribute to members of our media class. In my opinion creating this questionnaire will give us an insight into other peoples thoughts, besides our own, on music. It may also give us an idea into whether we think people will enjoy the song we have chosen for our video.
After we have given people time to fill out the questionnaires we will collect them back in and analyse the results. I will create graphs to show what people have answered for each question. I will then upload this onto the blog.


1. What is your favourite music video channel?
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2. What is your preferred genre of music to listen to?
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3. Who is your favourite artist from your preferred genre of music?
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4. What do you expect to see in a music video of that genre and why?
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5. What type of performance do you prefer in a video. E.g. performance based or narrative based?
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6. Why do you prefer that particular type of performance?
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7. What is you own personal favourite music video and why?
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8. Do you prefer black and white videos or colour?
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9. If you know of any, do you favour a particular music video director? If so why?
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10. Do you think that in creating this questionnaire it has been useful in trying to establish a target audience?
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How Christina Aguilera has changed over time.

How 'Christina Aguilera' has changed over time.

I have chosen to analyse how Christina Aguilera has changed over time as she is a modern artist in the same genre who overall represents the same concept that our song deals with - independence of women etc.

Christina Aguilera first appeared on our screens in 1993 when she joined 'The Micky Mouse Club', along with other un-established stars at the time, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Immediatly, her talent was recognised and she was known as 'the little girl with the big voice' amongst collegues. Her performance of Whitney Houstan's 'I have nothing' became on of the shows most memorable performances.

In 1997, Christina represented the USA in The Golden Stag Festival, and after an impressive performance, she was chosen to sing the song 'Reflection' for the upcoming disney film, 'Mulan'. The song earned her a top 20 hit, a 'Golden Globe' nomination, and most importantly, a record with RCA records. A self-titled album was released, which to this day has been voted for as one of the best albums of all time. Off that album, Christina earned three number one singles (Genie in a bottle, What a girl wants and Come on Over) and another single reaching number three (I turn to you). Her new fame also earnt her two grammy awards.
Throughout this era, Christina portrayed a very young, innocence, fresh look. She was mostly seen in subtle make-up, emphasising her fresh blue eyes and her natural blonde hair. Her costumes would mostly be a belly top and trousers.


On the 12th September 2000, Christina widend her fan base by releasing a spanish album, Mi Reflejo. The album was a spanish version of her english released, but also included a few additional tracks. Originally, the album didnt reach as good of a reception and peaked at its best at number 27 in the charts. In the USA, she also released a christmas album, but this also didnt proove to be a success and peaked in at number 28.

Christina's next number one hit came as a duet with Latin singer Ricky Martin. The song 'Nobody wants to be lonely' hit the top of the World Chart. Christina's image seemed to have developed in this video, extensions were put in her hair and christina showed a new nose stud. It was a hint of Christina growing up and the peirces demolished a little part of the innocent image she had been previously portraying.

Her next single prooved to be one of her biggest yet. Christina dueted with fellow female artists, Mia, Lil Kima and Pink to remake the song 'Lady Marmalade' for the film 'Moulin Rouge' in 2001. The single was at number 1 for five consecuative weeks. It earned Christina yet another grammy and also two MTV awards. For this video, Christina and the girls played up to the roles in the Moulin Rouge film and was seen in red, provocotive
clothing and performed infront of a big Moulin Rouge set.

Although Christina's album showed huge success, Christina was not overally happy with it and didn't feel she had much input into it. She felt she was being moulded into an image simply because that image was successful at the time and she was unable to make herself a career as herself. Because of this, her managers contracted was terminated and Irving Azoff was employed to take on the role.

In 2002, Christina released her new album, Stripped, which went straight into the charts at number 2. This era caused a lot of controvosy, with Christina presenting herself in a lot more raunchier, revealing clothing. She'd gained a lot more peircings and had a lot of tattoo's done, and eventually died her hair black - a fair cry from the 'sqweeky clean' image she presented at the beginning of her career! She began to rename herself as 'Xtina' and took part in a lot more revealing photoshoots, wearing minimum clothing. Christina recieved a lot of mixed reactions for this - Some were angry and couldnt grasp the idea the singer had grown up, some loved it and Christina gained a few more male fans heavily due to the male gaze she'd sometimes portray. Despite this, her first single 'Dirrty', became a major success in many different countries. Her second single, 'Beautiful' was almost a very large contrast to 'Dirrty' and reached to the fans that didn't quite hook onto 'Dirrty'. The inspirational ballad recieved a lot of praise and positive reviews, and also reached number two in the charts and earnt Christina another grammy. The next two singles, 'Fighter' and 'Cant hold us down' was a strong symbol of female independance and re-gained a lot of Christina's older fans. The last single from the album was 'The voice within', another beautiful ballad. The singles helped the album stay in the charts for a staggering two years until 2004. Christina was able to appeal to all different types of audiences. The males were interested in her for this 'sex appeal' her image showed and the females were very much into this strong, independent role she was pulling off. Christina then went on her first tour alongside old friend Justin Timberlake. The shows prooved to be a success and Christina carried on touring solo once Justins dates had come to an end. 'Stripped world tour' became the most successful tour of the year and was further released on dvd. Christina also hit the headlines when performing and sharing a kiss with rival Britney Spears and pop queen Madonna on 2004's VMA's. The stunt almost doubled the amount of veiwers.

Later in 2004, Christina gained herself a new look which she was very much praised for. She'd died her hair back bright blonde, added the lipstick and overall presented a lot more of a mature, classy look, bringing back the Maralyn Monroe inspired image, which was then reflected in her style of music - Her new album, 'Back to Basics' consisted of a lot of jazz, feel-good genres. Her new released 2-cd album went straight to number one in several different countries. The album contained a lot more positive tracks and was a lot inspired by her new fiance, Jordan Bratman. In an interview, she said her writing style had significantly improved since Stripped, as she was now in 'a better time and a better place.' The first single from the album was 'Aint no other man' and became a top 10 in a number of different countries'. Her next two singles from the album, Hurt and Candyman, also became top hits. In 2007, Christina brought the album to life on tour - It was circus themed and came onto be the "best tour by a female artist in 2007" - (billboard.com)


In 2008, after giving birth and getting married, Christina was back to perform her new single, 'Keeps getting better' at the VMA's. The song hit the top 10 and an album, 'Keeps getting better: A decade of hits' also reached number 9 in the charts. Christina is currently working on a highly-anticipated album which is to be a full mix of the different genres shes explored within in her successful 12 year career.

Throughout this research, i have learnt alot about the success Christina Aguilera has had. I'm most intregued by the response and reception she gained from the 'Stripped' era and it just highlights to me how much an image can influence a public's view on you.

How has an artist changed overtime - Madonna.

I have decided to study how Madonna has changed over time as she is one of the best selling and best artists of all time.
Madonna is an American recording artist, actress and entrepreneur. She was born in Michigan and moved to New York to pursue a career in modern dance.
In 1982 Madonna signed a single deal with Sire Records, a label belonging to Warner Brothers. Her first release was “Everybody” in 1982. Slowly Madonna’s look and manner of dress, performances and music videos, became influential amongst young girls and women. Largely created by stylist and jewelry designer Maripol, Madonna's style of dress; defined by lace tops, skirts over capri pants, fishnet stockings, jewelry bearing the Christian cross, multiple bracelets, and bleached hair, became a female fashion trend in the 1980s.
Her follow up album, “Like a virgin” in 1984 became her first number one. She approximately sold twelve million copies worldwide. She performed the song at the first MTV Video Music Awards, wearing her then-trademark "Boy Toy" belt. The performance is considered as one of the iconic moments in the history of MTV. The next year, Madonna entered mainstream films beginning with a brief appearance as a club singer in the film Vision Quest. Its soundtrack contained her second US number-one single "Crazy for You". She also appeared in the comedy Desperately Seeking Susan, a film which introduced the song "Into the Groove," her first number-one single in the United Kingdom. Madonna embarked on her first concert tour in America, named the The Virgin Tour.
Madonna then went on to release her third album True Blue in 1986. The album spawned three number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 charts: "Live to Tell", "Papa Don't Preach" and "Open Your Heart", as well as other top-five singles "True Blue" and "La Isla Bonita. In the same year, Madonna starred in the film Shanghai Surprise.
In 1987, Madonna starred in Who's That Girl, and contributed four songs to its soundtrack. In the same year she embarked on the “Who’s That Girl World Tour,” which was complimented on the artists innovative dress. Later that year, she released a remix album of past hits, You Can Dance. In 1988. By early 1989, Madonna had signed an endorsement deal with soft drink manufacturer Pepsi. Here, she debuted her new song “Like a prayer” in a Pepsi advert and also made a video for it. The video was very religious and suggested a relationship between Madonna’s character and a black priest. In the same year she released her fourth album “Like a prayer.” It reached number one on the Billboard 200 album chart and sold seven million copies world wide. By the end of the year Madonna had become the most successful female artist of the decade; with three number one albums and seven number one singles.
In 1990 Madonna started in the film “Breathless”. She once again released another album called “I’m Breathless” to accompany this film. It also featured her eighth US number one; “Vogue.” In the same year she also began her “Blonde Ambition World Tour.” It featured religious and sexual themes and was very controversial, even the Pope encourages Catholics not to attend. In 1992 she won her first Grammy award in the Best Long Form Music Video category. In November 1990 she released her first greatest hits album, named, “The Immaculate Collection.” It included two new songs and had a further number one with “Justify My Love.” Madonna sparked further controversy for the video that was made for her song “Justify My love.” It appeared to be too sexually explicit and was banned from MTV. Her first documentary “Truth or Dare” was released in mid 1991. It was based on her tour but also gave a glimpse of her personal life.
In 1992 Madonna founded her own entertainment company; Maverick, which was a joint venture with Time Warner, giving her twenty percent royalty. It consisted of a record company, film production company, music publishing, television, merchandising and book publishing divisions. The first release was Madonna’s first publication, “Sex.” This is included explicit sexual images photographed by Stephen Meisel. Again, this caused more controversy about Madonna and also caused a strong reaction from the media and general public. However, despite this she sold 1.5 million copies in a matter of days. At the same time she released her fifth studio album “Erotica.” She continued to display her sexualised and provocative image when she featured in the erotic thrillers “Body of Evidence” and “Dangerous Game,” contained scenes of S & M and bondage. At the end of 1993 she began “The Girlie Show World Tour.” Again, she furthered this extremely criticized image when during the tour it featured dressed as a whip-cracking dominatrix, surrounded by topless dancers. Later that year she also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman. On the show she repeatedly used vulgar and offensive language. Critics and fans said that this time “she had gone too far” and that her career was to be over. Madonna then tried to tone down this image she had given herself by releasing the single “I’ll remember.” She realised that she needed to connect with the public once more and so she wanted to dramatically change her music career. In 1996 she featured in her first critically successful film, “Evita.” She became romantically involved with her fitness trainer, Carlos Leon, and gave birth to their daughter on October 14th 1996.
After the birth of her daughter she became involved in the critically acclaimed Kabbalah. Her seventh studio album Ray of Light portrayed this change in her perception and image. The album won three Grammy awards and the title track “Ray of Light” won a Grammy for “Best Short Form Music Video.” In 2000 she starred in the movie, “Next Best Thing,” where she contributed two songs to the film soundtrack. In 2000 she released her eight album, “Music.” It went to number one on Billboard 200 and produced three singles. In this same year she also became involved in a relationship with Guy Richie where on August 11th she gave birth to their son Rocco. In May 2001 she released she went on her fifth concert tour called the “Drowned World Tour.” Later in the year she also recorded the title song for the James Bond film “Die Another Day.”
In 2004 she participated in the television concert Tsunami Aid. Within the same year she also performed at the Live 8 benefit concert in London. She also released her tenth studio album “Confessions on a Dance Floor” and received the Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album. The song “Hung Up” from the album went to number one in a record breaking forty-five countries. By 2006 fashion brand H&M had signed Madonna to become their world wide model. Her “Confessions” tour began in May that year and whilst embarking on this she travelled to Milawi to help fund an orphanage. She filed adoption papers to adopt a Milawian boy; the papers were finalized on May 28th 2008.
In April 2008 she released her eleventh studio album “Hard Candy.” To accompany this she went on her “Sticky and Sweet Tour”; becoming the highest-grossing tour ever by a solo artist. In September 2009, Madonna released her third greatest hits album “Celebration.”
As you can see Madonna is a well established artist and is extremely well known around the world. As an artist, what she has done throughout her career has been the subject of much scrutiny from critics. However, she has overcome this and still remains to be one of the biggest artists of all time. This research has allowed me to realise just how much Madonna has done throughout her life time and how successful she has actually been. As you can see her music and style has changed dramatically throughout the years and she has been an idol to men and women around the world.

Analysis of music video director - Trudy Bellinger

I have decided to do an analysis on Trudy Bellinger due to the fact she has made music videos which also match the genre of music we have decided to use for our own production, which is pop. Bellinger is a British music video director. Not only has she made music videos but she has also produced television adverts for Rimmel. She assisted the artist Helen Chadwick on her Of Mutability show at the ICA (she was also a tutor at college) and she was extremely inspiring to Bellinger and helped her widen her vision to the moving image. She was creating her own body of work as an artist and created photographic installations that were very personal and autobiographical and involved performance. Film was the natural evolution and music videos combined her writing, performance and love of fashion and style and music. In her opinion the best thing about being a promo director is being able to relative creative freedom to come up with a concept to visually enhance the music and to then work closely with the artist to execute it. She also loves to see her vision crossover into a wider marker and live shows.
One of her first major videos she made was in 2004, for Girls Aloud, where she produced “The Show” and “I’ll stand by you.” In 2005 she also created a video for “I like the way (you move)” by The Bodyrockers. Bellinger has expressed that this is one of her personal favourite music videos as it is the reason she got a break into the commercial ads for Rimmel with Kate Moss.
In 2007 she made further videos for girls aloud including the songs “Sexy! No no no” and “Walk this way” also featuring the Sugarbabes. Bellinger has expressed that she is most proud of the “Sexy! No no no” video as it allowed her to take Girls Aloud to “another level.” She has also stated that the “Walk this way” video is one the hardest she has had to shoot due to the fact that it was a “technical nightmare.” It was shot over three days - one day a week with two of Girls Aloud one week, three of Girls Aloud the next week and Sugababes the following. They were all composited together in post so it appears they were all together. Every movement had to be blocked especially with Girls Aloud as she had to make sure they never crossed each others action she also had to direct them to react or respond to things she planned to shoot two weeks down the line. The set had to be rebuilt each week and had to line up exactly with the other footage. Bellinger had to match lighting and lenses exactly on all three shoot days. She has continued to keep her loyalty to Girls Aloud and in 2008 made a further two more videos for the songs “The Promise” and “The Loving Kind.” Both of these videos are very glamorous and portray the independent female artists like we want our production to. I think they are well composed and Bellinger’s work can potentially be quite an inspiration to our own production. Through my research it is clear that she is a well loved director, especially by Girls Aloud as they are loyal fans of her work as had made more than one of their videos.

Gantt Chart

Below shows how we will arrange our time. We will try to stick to this plan as best as we can, however, there could be a possibilty of some problems and so we may over run on some weeks. However, we will make sure that the final deadline is met.

Introduction to our music video planning.

Due to taking part in our AS production, myself and Sally have learnt various skills from last year that will greatly benefit in the production of our music video.
This is mainly how to work the software and how to use our time carrying out such a task affectively. We should be able to edit our video faster this year as we already have the skills needed to work the software. We will also be more familiar with how to work the camera and how we can push ourselves with what type of angles and framing we can use for each shot.
We will be developing new skills this year as we will need to learn how to be able to edit our footage in a way which links the movements of the actor’s mouth singing to the song, to the actual timing of the song. We will have to be precise about this and take our time over getting this just right to make the video look professional. I think this process will be harder than last year but will be an advantage to use as it will expand our knowledge in using this software.

In order to plan and film our production we need to research various aspects of music, artists, theorists and videos. This investigation will be useful and may influence or give us ideas as to what we want to feature in our video. In order to film our video properly we need to plan affectively and gain as much outside information as we can. Also, making a Gantt chart will help us divide and manage our time sufficiently to display to us when we should have finished each part of work by and when to meet deadlines, therefore, making sure everything is completed in time.

Once we have completed our research and planning we are able to physically construct our music production. We think we have a strong idea and basis for our video and look forward to viewing our end product.