Our video will consist of illustrative visuals based on the lyrics as our video will be both narrative and performance based. This will mean that as well as the band performance, the editing will help the audience watch elements of the story being narrated via the performance. For example, the band performance will be on for 8 seconds and it will jump to the story where the protagonist is being bullied and back to the performance to create a link between the lyrics as well as the visual narrative. The lyrics will amplify the visuals rather than contradict them.
The relationship between the music and visuals will also be evident as the genre of music will be reflected via the editing. For example the slow paced scenes will match slow paced visuals. The mise en scene will be focused around the heavy themes of ‘post-hardcore’ genre. We will use stereotypical mise en scene via props as well as setting. We will focus on the clothing and appearance of characters such as Vinny (Lead singer) & Kimberley (Protagonist). Kimberley will be wearing converses, a printed t-shirt, heavy eyeliner and skinny jeans- (stereotypical ‘emo’ clothing). Vinny will also be wearing skinny jeans, Military boot, a band t-shirt with a Mohican giving him a rough musician’s look as he will look rebellious which reflects the genre. This is one of the strongest ways for the audience to predict the genre of the music video even before the music has started. An important prop we will use is a knife and blood will be visible which will immediately indicate that the sub-genre is within rock.
Furthermore, the use of locations (part of the mise en scene) will also help reinforce the genre. For example, in the main character’s bedroom we will have alternative rock music posters on the wall to reflect her personality and keep the rock theme consistent. We will also use other locations that reflect the mood and personality of the protagonist. One of the most effective locations we will use is a side street in Brick Lane. This will be useful because the graffiti on the wall will immediately reinforce the theme of rebelliousness. The location looks abandoned and is polluted indicating carelessness and disorganisation which suits the theme of ‘post-hardcore’ music. Another example is the school corridors. This location will help the target audience relate as they are 16+ so they have probably witnessed or experienced similar events.
The music video will have its own style and iconography as it will begin and with a death scene making it a circular narrative to catch the audience's attention. The mixture of narrative and performance is often something that is evident within rock music.
There will be many establishing shots rather than close-ups of the main artist for performance scenes. Although closeups will allow the record company to introduce the artist, I feel that the established band may suit establishing and long shots to keep the audience focused on the narrative keeping a distance from the artist. In this aspect my contrasts against Goodwin's theory. However, I would like a few closeups in order for the audience to feel familiar and comfortable with the band rather than use it to a great extent as a selling technique.
The video will contain a reference to voyeurism as we will see the narrative from the lead singers perspective. Scenes such as the bedroom scene, or the alcohol scene in brick lane are where the protagonist should be lonely however, as an audience we take on the role of spectators taking a step into the video. However the reference to voyeurism is subtle as we do not use specific tools such as binoculars, or cameras. We will also use intertextual referencing such as the use of Kerrang magazines within the artists room to promote A Rock magazine that often features Escape the Fate and bands that belong to their label.
Location: School dance studio
