script

1. Tom B
Script for voiceover
Andrew Goodwin’s theory on music videos is taken from his book ‘Dancing in the Distraction
Factory’ (1992). The book was broken down into 3 different section:
• Music
• Lyrics
• Band image
However his theory delves into 8 conventions of music videos.
1) Thought beats - seeing the sound in your head
Music videos represent the ‘voice’ of the artist and brand their trying to sell to their audience.
The first step of this convention is to gain an understanding in the structure of the music for
example how many choruses and verses and when do they take place.
The next step is the particular voice of the artist. Is it unique and original when compared to others
artists. If so, this will give the artist the edge in standing out from the rest.
The third step is what story is the artist telling through the lyrics. The music video can really help a
song gain popularity or make more sense through the use of pictures and set design based upon
the lyrics. It can also make the audience more invested in the song as the learn the point of view its
coming from.
Example Michael Jackson.
2) Narrative and Performance
Goodwin believed that it is vital that the artist is involved in making the music video as it gives the
video an authentic and realistic feel as the lyrics are being shown through the singer on screen. T
The video must be original and unique so that the audience can rewatch the music video meaning
that there must be elements that grab the attention of the audience. Something that makes it stand
out like a performance on top of a deep narrative.
Music videos are advertisements at the same time as the artist wants to sell albums and singles,
as well as telling the narrative and giving a performance to catch attention.
Is the artist performing the main role - Yes, she's acting that planes crashed and she now owns the
jungle. Strong female lead.
Example - Taylor Swift - Blank Space She plays the character, making it realistic that can be seen
in different perspectives so that the audience can rewatch the video, selling the albums and
singles.
3) Star Image
Meta narrative is a big story and describes the development of the artist over a certain period of
time.
Music videos are primarily used to promote an artist and their work. They are made by record
labels to big up the artist and increase awareness about their album and work. To achieve a wider
recognition and awareness the artist is the star of the video and the centre of attention. In media

2. Tom B
terms this would mean lots of close ups to place emphasis on the fact that this person is the artist
and they should be recognised.
David Bowie - The artists style, public image and persona is very unique in the way he presents
himself - costumes moves and appearance. Zigy star dust helped to make him stand out and
increase awareness about his products. This helps to maintain a public image therefore promoting
the video.
4) Relation of visuals to songs
Music videos can be viewed from different perspectives and parts of the song like the lyrics play a
big part in gaining a different reaction from each different audience member. As well as allowing
the audience to make up their own mind about what the lyrics are representing it allows the
creators like the director and artist to create a music video explaining what the lyrics and structure
represent. There are several archetypes that music videos follow in explaining the lyrics:
Disjuncture - The lyrics of the song is completely ignored and the video doesn’t represent what is
being sung. - Example - Benny Benassi - Satisfaction. The girls and machinery have nothing to do
with the lyrics.
Amplify - The lyrics and meaning of the song is explicitly emphasised through the video - Example
- Singing in the rain, its raining with the pictures representing the lyrics
Illustrate - This is the most common archetype used where the lyrics of the song is made even
more clear through the video. With the video following the narrative of the lyrics and genre the
video is set within. Example - Air Hostess Busted. The whole video is based around the
aeroplane and air hostesses.
5) Technical codes
The technical parts of the videos help to represent an artists or directors ideas making them ital in
the process of making it.
The micro elements, cinematography, mise-en-scene, sound, editing are added in post production
and all work in harmony to create the representation of the lyrics and meaning of the song.
Atmosphere, tone and mood can be infered through the use of colour, tempo of editing and variety
of different shots and transitions. Lighting, colouring and general mise-en-scene help to set the
mood and atmosphere for the music video allowing the director to create dramatic effects and
place emphasis on certain parts of the video. It can also make the video realistic and authentic
using it illustrate certain locations and tone.
6) Frequency reference to notion of looking (Direct gaze, other people looking at the artist, insight
into the artists life, screen and mirrors & voyeurism)
Voyeurism is used in order to gain the music video popularity and to sell the products. In most
music videos, Goodwin believes that females can be used as a way to sell the product. This can be
used through cinematography and mise-en-scene.
Direct address can also be used gaining the audiences attention to create voyeurism.
Voyeurism - Benny Benassi - Satisfaction is a perfect representation of how women are used to
sell music and make the video popular through voyeurism.
7) Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics

3. Tom B
There are many different genres in the music industry and each one has different stereotypes that
come with it.
For example in a pop video you can expect a dance sequence, with male gaze being used to gain
popularity. Rock might have a stadium performance with the crowd like Paradise City by Guns and
Roses. Dance might be in a club, solid beat to it. Dancing, lights everywhere. Fist pumping
8) Intertextuality
Intertextuality are references fro one media product being used in another media product. It can be
used for the audiences benefit so they feel comfortable as some references come with a familiar
feel or a nostalgic feel.
Two different types of intertextuality:
Pastiche - Is a work of visual art, music or literature that copies elements of other artists work by
used to pay tribute or homage. Example 2pac Californian Love. Pays tribute to Mad Max- A
popular film at the time.
Parody - Used for comic effect and to get a reaction from the audience. - Alien Ant Farm- Smooth
Criminal. Parodies Michael Jackson using is dance moves and dress sense to create a comic
effect and familiar feeling.