Interview for music videos

Interview for Music Videos

By Drew Middleton

Question (1) What would you expect to be featured in this music video; for this particular song and genre?

Question (2) Do you believe realism and/or narrative is represented well? What do you prefer?

Question (3) Picture the setting and props shown in this music video.

a. Do they vary from your own interpretation of the song? If yes or no, please say why.

b. What do you believe should be considered when deciding the props/setting of a music video?

Question (4) Has gender, age, ethnicity etc. been portrayed in a specific way? If yes or no, please say why.

Question (5) Describe the camera work.

a. Does it create variety, or a distinct theme? Does it relate to the genre of the song?

b. Are certain emotions/body language expressed through this technique?

Provided Music Video: ‘Scouting for Girls – This Ain’t a Love Song’

Note: As this is a joint interview (conducted upon 5 students), recalled answers have been collated together and formed into an overall, joint answer – for each question. See video for context of interview.

Question (1) What would you expect to be featured in this music video; for this

particular song and genre?Quote 1: “The video should be similar to both song and genre, so,

for this, two people coming together works great !”

Quote 2: “For this sort of music (Indie/Pop) and for this song I would most probably expect to see relationships of some kind, maybe hard times”

Quote 3: “Emotions and feelings. Definatley. I would want to see a mixture of emotions that relates to a song and its lyrics”

Question (2) Do you believe realism and/or narrative is represented well? What do you

prefer?Quote 1: “This video is realistic to me, as it shows everyday emotions”

Quote 2: “I think that for a music video to be realistic and have a strong narrative, the props and colours must fit and link to the genre or song”

Question (3) Picture the setting and props shown in this music video.

a. Do they vary from your own interpretation of the song? If yes or no, please say why.

Quote 1: “I think that music videos for Indie music have to be realistic”

Quote 2: “I could imagine the settings and props for this song; it goes well with lyrics. I think this is true for every song, I think all music videos made should have a connection with the song they are based on”

Quote 3: “All interpretations of songs are different and varied. Sometimes I believe it’s just best to try and take into account every individual’s needs and make a general and entertaining concept”

b. What do you believe should be considered when deciding the props and/or setting of a music video?

Quote: “It is no doubt essential that the song, genre and lyrics are top priority. After you have justified that, I think it is a good idea to take into account instruments and also decide on a theme and narrative”

Question (4) Has gender, age, ethnicity etc. been portrayed in a specific way? If yes or no,

please say why.

Gender:Quote 1: “Usually the man returns back to the women; never really the opposite”Quote 2: “The male is appeared to be a role model. He also appears dominant. A male

band is presented well”Quote 3: “Females appear weak as they have a lack of control over their emotions.

I think they also tend to go back to a man if sad or hurt in some way”

Age:Quote: “I think it is clear to say that youth and young people is almost always shown

in music videos, that’s my opinion. I see it all the time on music channels”

Ethnicity:Quote 1: “There is not much ethnicity in this video. I see it mainly in rap videos”Quote 2: “I believe that now a days, videos and music have no restrictions, I hardly

ever see racism or racist views”Quote 3: “I think that every ethnicity has certain relationships, so I believe there is

a possible stereotype”Quote 4: “I agree, all races can be stereotypical. All races, in reality, have their

own views and can choose what they want to do. This may be seen in music videos”

Question (5) Describe the camera work.

a. Does it create variety, or a distinct theme? Does it relate to the genre of the song?

Quote 1: “The camera work does not appear to create a distinct theme, it is varied and allows free and simple watching”

Quote 2: “There is a lack of complex editing to keep the video more realistic. Like, zooms draw focus on characters and also draws emotions from the audience”

b. Are certain emotions/body language expressed through this technique?

Quote 1: “I noticed that women’s emotions are zoomed into a lot”

Quote 2: “I agree with that, that women seem to be emotional and crying”

Quote 3: “The camera work usually shows close contact, like hugging and kissing, between characters (male and female)

Quote 4: “I think men are supportive in these type of videos, more confident and hardly ever cry”