The document analyzes shots from two existing music videos and discusses how they can influence the filming of a new music video. It describes several effective shots that create emotion, like a close-up of an actor's face, and shots using old footage that enhance the narrative. Specific shots of soldiers are discussed in detail, like a mid-shot of a soldier walking and a reverse tracking shot that shows the deserted landscape. The importance of costumes, makeup, lighting and iconography in establishing themes like war is also covered. Over-the-shoulder shots that engage the audience and shots of memories are highlighted. A long tracking shot of multiple characters is provided as an example to follow.

1. Shot analysis for two existing music
videos.
Song 1) Thirty Seconds to Mars- This is War
Song 2) Rise Against- Hero of War

2. This ‘close-up shot’ works really
effectively at creating a emotional
response. The composition of the
shot with just under half a face
positioned on the right hand side
really captures the emotion on the
actors face. Although the character
isn’t directly looking at the camera, it
still presents a very dramatic,
effective camera shot. This specific
shot will be taken into consideration
for our music video.
During the music video they have
used ‘old footage’ of riots and
protests. This really works effectively
developing the narrative and bringing
in the contrast of era’s throughout
time, almost enhancing the notion
of: “Wars have been fought forever,
in almost every country, for the
same reasons, normally for power,
money or greed..”
This specific shot portrays a mid
shot of a soldier walking,
following with a ‘reverse tracking
shot’. This shot allows the
audience to view the landscape
behind the character, which
reflects the mise-en-scene of the
setting being very erey..deserted.
The iconography of the mise-en-
scene within these specific shots,
clearly demonstrate the
war/action genre and narrative.
The make up is very minimal,
however it is the costume and
props that enhance this military
theme.
Although there would of most
likely of been extra lighting
equipment within the frame, it
has all still been kept to a very
naturalistic lighting, however with
a slight grey/blue tint, enforcing
this ‘mourning’ effect of war. The
second frame on the left, shows
the soldier getting into position
holding his gun up to his eye, this
specific action also enforces the
theme of military and the notion
of war. The iconography captures
within this shot, reveals the mise-
en-scene of the military costume.
The deadly weapon of a gun, and
soldiers costume of ‘camo print’
and an army helmet enforces the
form of operation & occupation.

3. This ‘over the shoulder shot’
is very effective, as it makes
the audience feel that they
are following the actor
within the narrative. This is
why camera work is very
important as it engages the
audience and creates an
emotional relationship with
the lyrics and audience.
The shot on the left is one
of my most favourite
camera work. Low-angle
close up, reverse tracking
shot on the soldiers boots,
walking on broken glass.
This is where iconography is
very important, as just by
looking at the Mise-en-
scene of the costume and
set, it is clearly visible that
the actor is playing a role of
a soldier.
Again this close up of the
soldier holding the gun,
emits the notion of ‘Army’
through the typical
conventions and
iconography of the army
profession. This plays such a
key part within music
videos, as it allows the
audience to recognise the
narrative, as well as the
Mise-en-Scene.
The over the shoulder shot
featured in the video, shows
a gentleman holding onto a
photograph, presuming it’s
himself and his wife at their
wedding. This specific shot
is an example of an
‘Conventional Trope’ as it is
a camera shot commonly
used to convey the notion
of ‘memories’. This is an
example shot, of what we
aim to capture, with a
photograph of the young
boy and his dad.
This is an example of a
long shot, capturing three
characters within one
frame. It is an example of a
‘tracking shot’ as the
camera is following the
three characters as they
walk through the room,
making the audience feel
that they are within the
group as well. All
characters are wearing
conventional army
iconography therefore
establishing the event
being established.
These specific shots have
influenced us to create a
similar representation
within our music video.
Using various shots such as
close up’s and long shots,
will help the audience
establish the event of
which is being
demonstrated as well as
the theme of the
narrative.