The document discusses the author's research process for their music video project on the indie rock genre. They analyzed three music videos - by Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, and Kaiser Chiefs - to understand conventions of editing, mise-en-scene, camerawork and sound. This allowed the author to familiarize themselves with common genre elements to incorporate into their own music video. They felt extended, in-depth research was important to create a high quality final product that featured both conventions and original ideas.

2. I have decided to do some in depth research of three music videos to
help me understand what is in the indie rock genre that I have chosen.
This includes mise en scene, sound, editing and camera work. I think that
doing this in depth research will allow me to look at the stereotypical
conventions of the genre that I can include in my music video. These
videos will act as inspiration as I can take elements from these music
videos and add them into mine to make my final production look
authentic and real. I have researched Arctic Monkey’s ‘Arabella’, Kings
of Leon’s ‘Radioactive’ and Kaiser Chiefs’ ‘I predict a riot. This allows me
to get a general feel for the genre and understand how music videos
are structured and the elements that are used frequently. The music
videos will help me create ideas for my pitch that I will show my focus
group. This means I can speak confidently and with detail about my
genre and conventions. This aids me make mood boards for the three
ideas I will create to show the focus group and get feedback.
I feel as though having a deeper understanding and knowledge of the
genre with extended research will allow me to create a music video of
high quality that will feature conventions as well as original ideas.
Why I have decided to do extended, in depth research into
music videos of my chosen genre?

3. Editing- There is minimal editing to make the video seem realistic. The same shots
is also repeated over and over again which could add to the narrative of the
song. The shots are sped up to show the setting but not linger too long. Some
important things such as props and actors are lingered to show they are
important. They also pause the footage for a short amount of time to emphasis
what the audience are looking at.
Mise En Scene- The lighting is dull throughout the music video as well as having
black and white footage. This is used to create a certain mood for the
audience. There is a female actress used in the video. This adds a sexual
connotation to the song as she is wearing a long fur coat with a black skimpy
dress. This could be used as ‘male gaze’ which would attract a male audience
to the video. She is wearing high heels which also gives her a feminine touch. The
band is featured throughout the video to add an element of star image to the
music video.

4. Camerawork- The camerawork is jolted and not in clear focus which makes the
audience seem slightly disorientated and may make them feel as through they
are drunk. It has a old film background which could be inspired by Hollywood as
the actress has similar features to Marilyn Monroe who was an iconic sex symbol.
There are various long shots and close ups used to create a narrative for the
video. Extreme close ups are used on props such as microphones and also the
lips of the lead singer. Focus is a main part of the camera work as throughout the
music video the focus is played around with as some shots are in foreground
focus and others are in background.
Sound- There is dialogue from a radio at the start of the video which is typical fro
Arctic Monkeys. The dialogue is repeated which is mirrored by the editing of the
shot. There is also sound from the old film that is stereotypical for Hollywood film.
The track is faded in over the top of the dialogue. This all adds up to create
narrative. The radio dialogue is faded back into at the end of the track to end
the music video.
I think the dialogue is interesting therefore I may use this idea for my music video.

5. Editing- The editing is simple yet effective as
the home videos flow from one to another
which makes the audience feel as though
they are following a story. The editing cuts
from the home videos by handheld camera
to footage of the band. The movements are
edited by slow motion which could suggest
that they want the audience to focus on the
video or on a certain part as it emphasises
these slowed down parts.
Sound- There is an electric guitar used at the
start of the music video. This links to the
genre of the music video as it is indie rock
and the electric guitar is an instrument
associated with the genre. The track is calm
which is opposite to the song title. A drum kit
is also used which is a conventional

6. Mise en scene- The lighting is warm and natural throughout to make it flow as it is
continuous. The setting is varied throughout for example it is in a barn when the
band are performing and the home videos are in different locations. The props
used are musical instruments and alcohol. This could be used in my music video
as it is a convention of the indie rock genre. The costume is casual which makes
the band relatable which draws in the target audience. The lighting makes the
video dream like which links to escapism. The narrative is the band are doing
normal things that the target audience would do such as BBQ’s which makes the
audience feel as though they could do what they are doing.
Camerawork- There are hand held shots at the start of the music video that look
like home videos. This adds an authentic feel to the music video and make you
be able to relate to the song. There are frequent use of long shots which show
the background and the actors. This makes the audience see the whole picture
as they can see what is happening in the background throughout the music
video. There are also lots of close up shots of feet etc. which is a typical
convention for the indie genre as it shows body language and the audience
can relate.
I think the lighting is an interesting way for the two concepts to flow and link.

7. Editing- The editing is fast paced and sped up which is expected do to the type
of song. The editing cuts from the band performing to the audience which allows
us to see what is happening whilst they’re performing.
Mise en scene- The lighting during the music video is bright and bold which is
expected from the music video structure as it is a performance based video. This
means we expect props such as drum kits, guitars and bright stage lights whilst
the band are performing. The costume is typical indie rock as they are wearing
dull colours and leather. They also wear brands such as Fred Perry which are
associated with the style. There is little narrative to the music video however they
do follow a story of people going to their show which allows a good flow to the
video.
I think the costume is stereotypical of the
genre which is why I might use is as it is a
convention to indie rock. This allows people
to recognise it quickly.

8. Camerawork- There are lots of camera shots used throughout the video to add
variety. This is typical of the genre as it makes the music video unique and
concept based with added elements of performance and/or narrative. They use
low angle shots, high angle shots, close up shots, mid shots, long shots and other
shots. These all show the audience detail, body language and facial expressions
during the video which allows them to relate and escape their lives as they are
at a concert of a famous band. This makes it dream like as well as the prop of
the pillows. The use of the pillow fight shows that the indie rock genre isn’t always
serious.
Sound- The sound on the music video is harsh and loud which links to the name
of the song. There are various musical instruments used which are stereotypical
for an indie rock genre which helps the audience relate and build conventions
for the music video. The drums are an apparent musical instruments and there is
also background music that sounds ‘horror like’. This suggests that the riot they
are singing about will be scary.