10/11/15
Uptown Funk & Bang Bang - Mark Ronson Ft Bruno Mars & Will.I.Am (Comparison)
Camerawork
Throughout the video a variety of camera angles and movement are used, this variety keeps the video interesting, while keeping it working with the song stylistically. An example of a low angle shot is best seen in the first chorus when there is a edit from the group shot to a much smaller low angle frame, in which the performers all move into the frame in order to keep singing. At the brginning of the video at around 0:07 tere is a wide shot showing the whole group of males at a distance, this forces the audience to focus on the group where the singers are, making them the highlight of the frame. At the same time, a woman can be seen walking across the frame of the shot whilst the men are watching, foreshadowing each other and allowing the audience to shift their focus on whichever part of the video they desire. The focus on the women also ensures that The Male Gaze Theory comes into effect, which presumabley captures the male viewers' attention. This is something that is not present in the Bang Bang video. The Male Gaze theory is a very common convention of POP videos, reardless of whether the artist is male of female. In terms of general camerawork. the video relies heavily on close ups and wide shots to present the artists in a stylish manner. This links to Star Theory and widens the exposure that the artists may get. The close ups put the audience closer the artists and therefore are more liekly to connect with the, prolonging their viewing of the video.
Editing
There is not much editing in the video as it is mostly focused on the dancing, however, the legnths of the shots vary depending on what is being focused on. When the shot is on being is showin the artists dancing they last longer, this is a verygeneral occurance in POP videos as they rely on the artist ptraying their talent. Throughout the video a colour filter seems to be in place to exaggerate the sharpness of the colours, this is to cath the audiences eye and, in what is similar to a moth like effect, attracts the viewers and keeps their eyes on the video. This is extremely common amongst POP videos due to the need for the tone to be fun and bright.
Mise-En-Scene
The Mise-En-Scene in the video is limited as dancing is the main focus, however, though there are not many props, the costumes are very much used to promote the chilled out tone of the video and so creates an atmosphere that is associated with POP videos. This follows conventions and provides synergy with the editing as the clothes are very colourful and match the contrast of the frame. The location of the video is outdoors and allows more room for dancig, furthermore, it makes the atmosphere more casual and less formal as it is not performed on a stage in front of an audience. This makes the viewer feel like they are the audience themselves. The lighting is present throughout ensuring that everything can be well seen, the video is simple and allows the audience to determine easily what they are seeing, this not only puts the artists into view, but also promotes them by allowing them to stick in the audiences memories.
Sound
There is no ambient sound in the video which is not very common for a POP music video, usually there is some to make the world more relatable and realistic. The only sounds that can be heard are of the music and the singing. This may imply that only the artists; talents are what is necessary for the video to be successful.
Camerawork
As opposed to the Uptown Funk video, this video does not feature a wide range of camera angles, but instead keeps it simple by using one shot that presents the whole scene that is taking place. This gives the video a better sense of visual flow, as there are not many cuts that may disorientate the viewer. The shot changes to an high shot of the dancers and artist, this is unusual for POP music videos due to the stars usually having an air of power, in this case, it gives the audience the power and this is not a common convention at all. The majority of the shots are focused on Will.I.Am himself to make him the highlight of the video, in addition to this, it also focuses on his dancing which is another example of an artist portraying their talent. When the woman comes into the shot for the chorus, it focuses on her which could be an example of The Male Gaze, but she is dressed modestly which could contradict the theory.
Editing
The main effect that stands out in the video is the Black and White Sepia effect that is apparent throughout, this is not a common convention for POP videos, espescially for a fast paced one like this. However the editing works well with the costumes that are seen as the artist himself is wearing a White suit. The length of the shots are fairly consistent throughout due to them being long during the entirety of the video, this allows the audience to concentrate and grabs their attention by giving them time to get accustomed to the scene. In terms of effects, due to the short legnth of the video and the simplistic stance it offers, not much else can be said.
Mise-En-Scene
The props that are used in the video are limited and only a stick is used to emphasise the costume that the artist is wearing. It provides good synergy by working with the Black and White filter and also complements the vibe of the video that presents itself as something of the style of the 1920's, this links to Neal's theory that "Genres are instances of difference and repition" this means that the audience may recognise this and feel more comfortable with it as they have seen it before. the lighting is hard to determine as the video is Black and White, but the suit of the artist is lighter than the backup crew, this connotes that he is the main source of talent in the video and makes him stand out to the viewer, this is an example of Star Theory.
Sound
There is no ambient sound for the audience to get into, however, there is a lot of diegetic sound which links to the video, the instruments can be seen being played and this gives the viewer the sense that the music is more authentic, whilst still promoting his talent. This is uncommon for POP videos as usually there are not many instruments involved as POP music is mainly based around computers, however, the artist can usually be seen singing and both of these things are included in this video. This is similar to Uptown Funk, however Uptown Funk does not include the use of instruments.