Editing technique application

1. Application of Editing techniques
to the music video 'Poker Face' by
Lady Gaga.

2. The establishing shot shows a close-up on Lady Gaga's face. The
camera pans down as she rises out of the water. This long take
matches with the length of the opening sequence. This is done to
show that Lady Gaga is the star of the video and is the main focus.
Two quick jump cuts occur on the two jagged beats in the music whilst
the camera still focuses on her body. This shows that although there
are still very noticeable beat changes and the quick movement draws
the audiences attention to this sudden change in beat the audience
still focus on her.

3. The shot then cuts to a long shot of her climbing out of the water
again. This shows the setting the video is taking place in. This is a
style of non-continuity editing as the movement of her getting out of
the water has gone backwards. She is still in the centre of the shot
again signifying she is the focus of the video, however, this non-
continual editing represents the kind of image she would like to
present for herself it shows she is unpredictable. The lightning in the
background of the shot moves in time with the pitch changes and
then two quick jump cuts occur again that replicate this. This draws
attention to the editing and makes the audience want to keep on
watching.

4. Further into the video a special effect of a quadruple split screen is
added to the video. These shots all consist of Gaga, possibly implying
that she has different personalities, representing the image she has
created for herself. All the shots are close ups of her face to portray
her expressions and movements that also match the pace and the
beats heard within the music.

5. A close up is shown on Gaga's face lip syncing to the lyrics of the
song. This close up shows a setting change where she is in a room of
mirrors. This implies that the room is full of images of her which
again, makes her the main focus of the video. These close ups also
make the audience notice the lyrics of the song as she is miming to it.
This helps to market the song as the audience are made to listen to
the song and hear what is saying, possibly making them want to go
out and buy the song.

6. A close up is shown on Gaga's face lip syncing to the lyrics of the
song. This close up shows a setting change where she is in a room of
mirrors. This implies that the room is full of images of her which
again, makes her the main focus of the video. These close ups also
make the audience notice the lyrics of the song as she is miming to it.
This helps to market the song as the audience are made to listen to
the song and hear what is saying, possibly making them want to go
out and buy the song.
A tracking shot is shown of Gaga strutting in time to the beat of the
song in a new setting. The setting Gaga is shown in ha no relevance
to the song and doesn't make sense as the audience watches. This is
non-continuity editing and is typical of the editing of a music video
as it only hints at a story line and the aims and personality of Gaga.
Music videos can get away with having a confusing timeline as it
draws the viewers attention because of it's constantly changing,
movement in shots. This makes the viewer want to continue watching
and listening.

7. The camera is constantly moving into Gaga as she sings and is
constantly circling a small area around her. This, again shows
her as the main star of the video and makes her the key focus.
The continuation of movement in a music video is essential as
the movement matches the momentum of the song and
captures the viewers attention as it moves. This helps to sell the
song as they continue to watch and listen. This energy of the
shot replicates the story and intrigues the viewer.
As the chorus begins, a small dance routine is shown of Gaga in
another new setting. This dance routine matches the beats of
the song perfectly and remains in the audiences head. This is
done to again market the song as it makes it memorable and
makes the audience think back on it. Gaga has changed
costume in this shot which again hints at her personality being
wild and energetic. This is because she is shown wearing an
electric blue jumpsuit which is exciting and eye catching. This
shows she is confident and also portrays her as the star of the

8. In conclusion, I have learnt that to make a successful music video
within the pop genre, editing that is non-continuous intrigues
viewers and makes them want to continue watching. Sharp cuts help
to build the momentum of the video and by having dance routines or
close ups of lip syncing the audience are more likely to listen to the
song and go and buy it helping withe marketing and sales of a song.