Micro Element - Cinematography in our music video

In our music video, we want to use a variety of camera techniques to create an interesting and effective video that will engage the viewer. Also, each camera technique has a purpose to either film something simply in the detail needed, to follow action on the camera and to create meaning. 

Camera shots

For camera shots, we will be using close-ups to film the artists face as it is essential to get close-ups of the artist anyway to make it clear who is singing. Extreme close-ups and big close-ups can also be used on the artist, props or other characters to show high detail for the audience to see clearly. This will focus on particular objects that could have symbolism or  create tension, such as a close-up on an image of a broken heart to symbolise heart ache, or a shot of the artist's eyes to make her glare into the eyes of the audience to make them feel uneasy. 

We can also use medium close-up's, medium shots and medium long shots to view the artist's body as well. This will allow the audience to see the artist's costume and figure, as well as the background where props and setting can be seen to set the mood or create representations. We will also be able to see gestures or body language (made by the artist or other performers) that relate to the lyrics or beat of the music to emphasis or fit the move. Medium shots will also allow more movement with the camera, such as tracking the artist. 

Long shots, very long shots and extreme long shots will be good for establishing a scene or showing the audience more of the background and location that relate to the song. In our video, we are planning to use projections and green screen, which means we will need to use a shot that is further away from the artist to see the images in the background. The images and footage will narrate the couples relationship to convey memories they have had, while the artist is the focus, singing to the camera. 

With these variety of shots, we will also take shots around the artist instead of just one place, so we do not deter the audience by using a dull sequence of shots in the same position. 

Camera movement

For movement, we are going to be using a tripod to get steady shots, but will be also using handheld at times to create tension in the video, and represent the artist's frustration with how her relationship is going. We will also be using handheld for the footage that will be used in the background to represent memories (such as holding hands and hugging) as this will make the camera look like home footage that is personal to the artist: this reflects her looking back on her memories. We can also use dolly movement and tracking shot to follow the artist so the focus is on her, but we also plan to keep the artist in a certain position in the centre of the camera using direct address, with effects in the background to emphasis the narrative of the lyrics and emotions from it. Zoom in's can also be used to emphasis a moment in the video that is important for the audience to notice, or to allow the audience to see more detail of a part of the mise-en-scene that has symbolism or meaning (such as images of hearts to symbolise love). Zoom out will help let the audience see more mise-en-scene in the video to understand what is going on around the artist and relate to the song. In our case, we have a song on heartbreak, so the mise-en-scene will be sad and depressing. 

Camera Angles

For camera angles, we were thinking of using high angles to make the artist look vulnerable as she is wounded from her heartbreak. Dutch angles can also be used to create an edgy look to the video, and communicate to the audience that the audience is feeling nervous and sad.