Representation sin music videos

1. Representation in music videos
Part 2
Analysing representation in a music
video of choice
Nile A-S
Skillet
“Not Gonna Die”

2. Location
(Studio)
For the majority of the music video the location of the music
video takes place in a white studio(1).Although this is normally
done by bands as it is cheap, the white background can also be
used to show the emotions on the band members faces. It also
helps to keep the focus on the band. The white background of
the song is also simple and fits the band and the theme of the
song. This also allows the music video to show the entire band in
the shots. The studio can be used for any song them or type as it
can create any feelings that the band members want. The studio
can be used for various types of music videos but in this one it is
done in order to show the band members and their emotions.
We also clearly get to see their costumes which helps the
viewers to understand the message of the music video.
(1)

3. Location
(Abandoned warehouse)
(2)
However during the music video the video cut to other
locations one of these being a warehouse(2). The shots
varies throughout the video but in the shot we see a
person. The abandoned warehouse is used to symbol
loneliness and abandonment. This fits well with the theme
of the video as it has a theme of loneliness and fighting
back. The warehouse is used In many music video to
portray this theme. In this video it shows the person in the
shot fighting back. However before this the person looks
broken and afraid and is wearing hospital clothing and
equipment this could be referring to how she has been left
behind or abandoned.

4. Location
(Forest)
(3)
Other locations used in the music video are a forest.
Like the last location this can be used to show
loneliness. In the scenes in the music video the forest is
seen during the winter as it is snowing(3). This is a
occurring theme as both the studio and the warehouse
has a theme of white. The snow in the forest could be
linked to the them of loneliness as snow is seen as
being cold and the forest is also seen as being isolated
and alone. The locations fits well with the music video
as once again it shows a person alone in the forest
linking to being alone once again.

5. Genders
There is no clear difference between males and females in
the music video the band all wear casual clothing(1). The
genders in this music video seem to be equal. However the
people in distress all seem to be females which could show
that the females are the ones in trouble which could show
them as the weaker sex(2). However there is a contrast be
tween the genders as it is easy to tell them apart due to
their clothing and hairstyles.
(1) (2)

6. Age
There is only one clear age group in this music video and
this is young adults it is hard to distinguish the difference
between the precise ages however it is clear that they are
all adults. There is no elderly people and no children
present in the music video. There is two adult types in this
music video one is the band members who are seen as
being strong and encouraging others. There is also the
weaker adults who are the ones that are struggling. There is
a difference in the fact that one adult is stronger than the
other. And this could link that they have more
responsibilities than others. The age is also relatable to the
target audience as they are fairly young this could also be
seen as being trendy.

7. Class
It is hard to distinguish any class in the music video
however there are two characters in the music video
one is wearing high class clothing (white coat) and a
bag (1). This clothing type is normally used by people
who have more money. It is clear that this person is not
lower class. They could either be working class or upper
class as the clothing is not something that a person
with little money would have. Both the band
performing and the people in the music video look well
kept aside from the person in the warehouse.
(1)

8. Ethnicity
In the music video the only clear ethnicity seen is white
people. The ethnicities are portrayed in different ways
however and we can see the difference in how they act
and where they are in the music video. For example the
lead band appear to be confident and are trying to help
others. The other people in the music video all appear to be
struggling and are portrayed in a negative way. One white
person is seen being lost and confused in a forest (1)while
the other is seen as a patient in an abandoned
warehouse(2).
(1) (2)

9. Costumes
In the music video the amount of costumes vary from both the characters and
the band members. The band wears casual clothing and there is no clear
scheme. The two males are seen wearing what they want with one wearing
shirt, tie and pants (1) while the other wears more punk themed clothing
such as a leather jacket(2).In the video the females are seen wearing casual
clothes as well. With one wearing a skirt and top(3) while the other wears a
simple shirt and pants. (4)The simple clothing fits the them of the band and
works well with the music video. The leader of the band looks smarter which
is why he seems to be more professional(2). While the women seem to have
more sexualised clothes due their arms showing in comparison to the men
(3,4). These clothing also push away from the traditional clothing that bands
wear for this genre.
(1) (2) (3) (4)

10. Costumes and props
In the music the people acting in the music video also have a set pair of
clothing. One person is seen is a hospital gown in a hospital using hospital
equipment such as a breathing mask (1). While another person is seen in a
forest with two props one seen she uses a bag which conforms to the
stereotype of a female (2). However later on we can see the same person
with a different prop this time with a gas mask as she runs through
smoke.(3)The costumes work well with the props. However the gas mask is
very strange and is used with the costume in a strange way. The purpose of
the gas mask could mean various things the main one could be trying to show
the person trying to avoid death. This links to the lyrics of the song “Not
Gonna Die” as this prop is used to avoid death in real life. The props has been
used to reinforce the meaning the lyrics.
(1) (2) (3)

11. Product Placement
In the music there is no clear use of product placement
as there is no props or outfits that stand out with either
a brand name or logo on them.