The document provides a detailed shot-by-shot analysis of the music video for "Hit Me Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears. It describes the scenes and shots used in the opening of the video. The analysis shows Britney's character is bored in class through several close-up shots of her facial expressions. When the school bell rings, signaling the end of class, Britney is happier. The video then transitions to show the students dancing in a more upbeat atmosphere in line with the song. The shots analyzed are typical of a performance music video and help establish the narrative and mood.

1. Hit Me Baby One More Time
Sydney Amass

2. Mid-shot of Britney’s foot. She is tapping
her foot – this shows that she is bored. The
colours seen are dull and reflect her mood.
The shot zooms in to have more focus on
her boredom.
Mid-shot of Britney's upper body. The
boredom is carried through in her facial
expressions. The music is yet to start. The
duration of the shot is fairly long so that
the audience can work out her emotions.
A close-up of the clock. Foley is used for
the ticking noise which enhances how dull
the atmosphere is. The classroom window
is shining light on the clock which adds
realism.
Another close-up of Britney’s face which
again conveys her boredom. Her hand is
pressed against her face and shows her to
be slouching making the audience assume
that she is care free. There is no eye
contact which shows how she is
disengaged. The background is blurred and
the focus is upon Britney’s face.
The teacher too appears bored. The angle
of this frame is lowered to show how the
teacher has more power over characters
such as Britney. The teacher is also
standing up which shows her to be on
another level. She is wearing dull glasses
and in the background we can see a
classroom map.
This is the third close-up of Britney and her
facial expression has not changed – she is
still bored and does not want to be in the
situation that she is in.

3. Another close-up of the clock is shown
however this time the shot is more
extreme as it is showing that time has
passed by – this is good thing for Britney.
A close-up of the bell as it rings. This is a
significant moment as it suggests that this
is the beginning – this is why the director
has chosen to show clear focus upon this
particular prop. The background is still dull.
A long shot is used to show how the lesson
that Britney was in is finally over and that
it is ending. This again signifies that
something is about to begin.
A fourth close-up is used to show Britney’s
facial expression, however this time she
appears to be much happier. The lighting is
of a higher key. The audience are aware
that something is going to happen.
This shot focuses upon movement as the
music has finally started. The shot has a
more focus upon the background
characters to show that Britney is a
popular girl.
A long shot is used to show the location.
This confirms that the setting is in a school
as teenagers are shown to be rushing and
running around. The walls and doors are
the same colours and create a working
atmosphere.

4. This next shot shows the characters to be
dancing and conforming together. The dance
aspect relates to the music video conventions
in the context of this time when the video was
released.
A mid-shot is used to show different angles
whilst they are dancing. This reflects the
upbeat atmosphere of the song.
A close-up is used to show Britney singing. This
is conventional in a performance music video.
A close-up is used to show Britney singing. This
is conventional in a performance music video.
This is the third shot were the focus has been
on the same character. This tells the audience
that she is the main person within the video.
The camera then focuses upon the dancers
gain in order to follow the conventions of a
performance music video.

5. A close-up is used to show Britney. A close-up is used to show Britney singing. This
is conventional in a performance music video.
A close-up is used to show Britney singing. This
is conventional in a performance music video.
A close-up shows one of the backing characters –
this adds to the idea of a narrative music video
which are shown in this video through some
aspects such as the intro and the other characters.
The lighting is very high key as the video is
progressing on wards and further away from
the dull atmosphere that was created at the
beginning.
A close-up is used to show Britney singing. This
is conventional in a performance music video.

6. I analysed these shots briefly in order to help when re-creating this section of the video for our
class preliminary task.