analysis of camera shots

1. ANALYSIS OF CAMERA SHOTS

2. Coldplay –
The scientist

3. This is a narrative music video and the idea behind it is that there are a man and women who have a car
crash, (the women dies and the man runs away). We are shown this from an usual and different perspective
because the whole video is shown backwards. So we see him making his way back to car, seeing the car
crash and how it crashed.
On the previous slide you can see that I took multiple print screens from Coldplay's music video. Each one of
them are different and I could use in my own music video. The first one is a close up of Chris martins face. This
shot can be used for a variety of reasons for example: to emphasise someone's emotions/feelings. Following
on, the next couple shots are two mid-shot, but one of them had the camera spinning round on a dolly. I
found that this created a cool effect as the only thing in focus was Chris. This could help imply that he is the
only significant thing in the shot. The second mid shot is quite an interesting way of showing of that shot,
because instead of having a normal shot of him standing up, he is laying down on his side. In addition to this I
noticed that they also use fades and dissolves between shot. You can see this in the 4th shot that I have
chosen. I find that they are a great way to carry on the song (especially if it is a slow song) as they merge the
two scenes together instead of suddenly cutting to the next one. Moreover, I then chose a long shot. This is
when Chris is running backwards up the hill. Just like the rest of the shots, this is one that I could quite easily
use in a video, as it can help give a different perspective to the situation. The following shot is also a long
shot but it is a bit closer compared to the other one. We can tell that this was at night due to it being really
dark, but then they have lit it up with lights. As well as this the last shot that I have chosen was the uses some
special effects. Due to me not having enough knowledge of special effects I will not be using them, but for
this shot you had a wide long shot of the women who was in the car crash. They have surrounded her in
class (because she came through the windscreen), and in the next few seconds you see the glass start to
hover. I would could do a similar shot, but with no special effects.

4. Stereophonics -
Handbags and
Gladrags

5. This is a performance based video, which features the band stereophonics. Throughout the video we get a
variety of different camera shots, with some being more interesting than others. In addition to that I have also
noticed that the whole music video is in black and white, expect from the lava lamps and lights which have
pieces of fabric laid on top. If you listen to the song, and or look at the title it implies that the pieces of fabric on
the lamps are Gladrags.
When I first watched the video I noticed that the camera seemed to be constantly moving, which for some might
make them feel dizzy. This may have been done because they want the music to sound continuous and make
each shot blend into one another. In addition to that, when I look closely at the music video I noticed that they
used a dolly, which helps to keep the camera moving. Furthermore, looking at the first shot that I have chosen,
you can see that it is a mid shot of the drummer. I have noticed that they have also used the rule of thirds in this
shot as they have placed him to the right hand side instead of the middle, (placing the object either on the left or
right hand side makes the shot look more interesting and catches the eye). As using an actual band is one of my
ideas, this would be a great shot to use. Following on from that my next shot shows a close up of the band's singer,
Kelly Jones. Just like in the other shot, they have used rule of thirds again, by putting Kelly on the right hand side of
the shot. In the middle we then see the microphone. Moreover, the following few shots are of the band's guitarist.
Each one of these shots are different. The first one shows a high angle shot looking down at the guitarist. They
would have done this using a crane. We then see a mid shot of him holding the guitar standing sideways. I
noticed that he has been cleverly placed directly between the two brightly coloured lava lamps, which helps the
shot looks equal and symmetrical. Also it helps him stand out. The last shot of the guitarist is a close up of the guitar
itself. This shot can be easily done and would be one that I use for my own music video. Overall, they have used a
range of shots, with the majority using the rule of thirds.

6. Foster the People
- Pumped up
Kicks

7. The last music video that I have chosen to analyse is ‘pumped up kicks’ by Foster the People. This video is a
performance. We are shown the band playing their instruments and singing, as well as a montage of them having
fun. In addition, they have used a range of shots from, a low angle mid shot to using a pull focus etc. I personally
like this video because he has such a mixture of shots and the idea of having filming your band playing as well as
having fun is something that i am inspired by.
The very shot that you see is a a man jumping into a lake using a rope swing. This instantly makes you think of
summer. When the guy lands in the water, the music instantly starts. I really like this idea so i am inspired to do
something along the lines. The next shot partly shows a two shot of the drummer and guitarist. This is quite an
interesting shot because you have the orange light shining down on the drummer as well as the slightly out of focus
guitarist on the left hand side. Furthermore, I have another three different shots of the band just having fun. The first
one shows a long shot of the band standing next to one another, with the sun setting in the background. All you
can see of them is their silhouette. This is a very easy shot to take, as long as you have the right location. The next
one shows a long shot of them walking down a road. This is sped up and only lasts for a couple seconds, but it think
it is an effect shot which is easy to take. In addition it also links to the Beatles Abbey road picture, but with a slight
twist. We are then brought another close up of the band standing next to one another. One is looking at the
camera. This is similar to another shot, but this one is much closer. Furthermore, some other shots that caught my
eye was the use of having an out of focus shot. This may confuse the audience, but at the same time it adds to the
vibe that foster the people are going for because you can just see the bright lights and faint outline of one of the
band members. In contrast to that shot, I also chose a low angle mid-shot of the lead singer. He had a light shining
on him from behind which is quite symbolic as it makes you think of heaven, with a light shining down on you. This
makes the artist stand out, and seem religious even though that may be not what they are aiming for.