Videos

Isaac Brady - Engel Video Rough Cut 1 from Isaac Brady on Vimeo.
Isaac Brady - Engel Rough Cut 2 from Isaac Brady on Vimeo.
Isaac Brady - Engel Rough Cut 4 from Isaac Brady on Vimeo.
Isaac Brady - Engel Final Cut so far from Isaac Brady on Vimeo.

The main difference between 1,2&3, is adding in footage, as the first two were not completed. During the third rough cut I added in the completed footage and special effects to give the music video more of an 'edge' against other Metal music videos. This is unconventional for the genre, yet it adds a USP for the video and mixes well with the specific genre of the song which is a 'spin off' of Metal and therefore, coincides with the video. The final cut includes additional effects and more seamless transitions to make the video seem authentic.

Isaac Brady - Engel Finalist Cut from Isaac Brady on Vimeo.

The only difference made to this cut is the change in font during the introduction to the video, which reads: "Filmed and Edited by Isaac Brady" and "Featuring Fools For Kings".

Magazine advert for my Digipack

For my advert I have used the fonts previously used on my Digipack to create a house style for this album. The reference to a 'limited time only offer' is used greatly throughout digipacks to draw attention and to gain more sales. I have chosen to use the advert for a limited time white vinyl which is popular in the present day. Also, I have included relevant information which clearly shows where to purchase the album, and in what forms it can be bought. This is assisted by the logo's of the four biggest Music Streaming websites and apps to clearly show customers where they can access the album. Furthermore, I have included a picture of the CD's front cover to show potential customers what they are looking for. The inclusion of the band imagery in the background shows how the band are equal in the role of performance and I have used the digipack's front cover as it will be familiar to fans of the album.

For the most recent draft of my Digipack advert, I have reversed the font and border colour on the 'Limited Time Only!' text to make it instantly stand out to audiences as well as increasing the font size to draw attention towards is. I have also removed the streaming service logos to replace with one. I have done this because the colours present previously did not match the genre of the advert, and also the use of one of the most popular streaming services, itunes, will appeal to a contemporary audience. Although other streaming services are not directly advertised, the advert clearly states 'OUT NOW ON STREAMING SERVICES'. 

On this final draft, I have added a stroke around the itunes logo to make it stand out easier against the monochrome background and makes it fit in with the overall house style of my media products.

 Here, I have increased the size of the 'Limited Time Only' to make it more outstanding to viewers.

Digipack Components

 Insert Behind CD inside case

 Pullout on the inside of the CD case

 The Spine for both sides of the case

 The original back cover of my digipack, and the updated cover.

The front cover




I have changed the artist name on all components relevant on my digipack from RAMMSTEIN to Fools For Kings. I have done this because it makes more sense as people will instantly link the name RAMMSTEIN to the actual band and may be confused when seeing a completely different band on the cover of the CD case. Therefore, i have changed the artist name, which also links back to the introduction of my music video which says : "Featuring Fools For Kings". I have also updated the back of the digipack to move the font to the middle of the case. This helps to remove the dead space which was apparent in the top right hand corner, whilst simultaneously moving the copyright text and the barcode to a more suitable location.

Digipack - Insert behind CD

This is the image which I will use behind the CD itself in my digipack. This is another screenshot from the video, which further highlights the performance element of both my music video, and digipack. I have chosen to use the drummer as the drummer of a band is often seen as the 'backbone' of a band and is therefore an integral part of the album process. In addition, there is a common theme of circles on a drum kit, the bass drum, toms etc., and this will mean that this image will work with the CD outline on the case.

Digipack - Insert

This screenshot from my music video is the image which I will use for the insert in my digipack. I have chosen this image because it represents the integrity of the band as it shows one of the main contributing factors of the band itself (Lead Guitar). The monochrome effect on the image also means that it fits the house style of the rest of m y digipack.

Digipack - Spine

This is the spine for my digipack. I intend to use this spine on both sides of the digipack for consistency. I have simply used the name of the band: RAMMSTEIN in the same font used on the front cover, to utilise a house style. The grey that is used on the background carries over the monotone feel of the front, and back of the digipack, and is the most predominant grey on the front cover, so that it easily flows between the front, and back of the digipack.

Digipack - Back

This is the first draft for the back of my digipack case. I have kept the font from the front of the pack on the back to keep a consistent theme throughout the digipack, as well as this I have kept the yellow glow around the font itself. In addition to this, I have added the copyright message found on the back of all albums, using The Universal Music Group, as it is RAMMSTEIN's current record label. The colour scheme of the background fits with that of the front, as it is a fully blended picture of the front cover to ensure the house style.

This is the updated back cover of my Digipack. I have moved the track list from the left hand side to the middle, i have done this because it removes some dead space and is more conventional. I have used album backs from bands such as KoRn, Lamb of God and Primus to illustrate this.

Digipack - Front

This is my first draft for my digipack for the single 'Engel'. I have utilised both the Rammstein logo, and wordmark to advertise the artist, which is an obvious convention of any digipack, regardless of genre. I have also played around with the English translation of 'Engel', (Angel). I have done this by adding angelic wings to the lead singer, to isolate him as important within the band, as the lead singer is often, stereotypically, the most important, and recognisable member of any band. Furthermore, I have given three members of the band halo's to further add to the angelic theme of the digipack, and the song itself. However, I have put devil horns of the drummer to createa juxtaposition within the cover, this is assisted by the drummer being the only band member not looking into the camera, therefore, showing a darker personality.

This is an updated version of my digipack. I have removed the bands logo in the background, and replaced the workmark with an actual font, found on www.dafont.com . I have also reduced the saturation on the halo's and the horns, to give less contrast on the cover. The band's wordmark has been made larger to incorporate the removal of the logo, and to advertise the band.

 Here is proof that the font I used, exists, and is not a jpeg file from google

This is my third draft of my digipack front cover. I have changed the font of the album title 'Engel' to make it fit with the conventions of Industrial Metal more, whilst fitting with the band's font scheme. Furthermore, I have added a yellow glow to both texts to make them stand out against the monochrome background. The yellow used is also the same colour as the halo's used on the album cover. As well as this, I have also removed the halo from the word Engel to fit with the new font used.

The only change made to this draft from the previous one, is that I have transformed the size of 'RAMMSTEIN' to make sure that the golden 'glow' fits within the boundaries of the digipack size

In this most recent draft of the front cover of my digipack, I have added a 'Parental Advisory' sticker to keep within stereotypes of the Metal genre.

Crew List

The crew involved with the filming and production of my video is:

• Myself
• My Band (For performance elements of the song)
• And an, as of yet, unknown actor for the opening whistle intro, and the outro for the song

Further Research & Planning Blog Ideas

Auditions

I am very fortunate in regards to the fact that I didn't have to audition people for my video. This is because I am in a band, and can use my band for recording the performance parts of the video. Furthermore, for the narrative aspects of my video, I have used myself as an actor, and this is because it will be a P.O.V video. Because of my genre, Metal, i am trying to utilise suspense in my video, and therefore, am creating an isolated experience, reducing my need for more that one actor, narrative wise.


Rehearsals

The only form of rehearsal that took place in preparation for my Music Video is the first time that we, as a band, practiced performing Engel to gain a knowledge of the rhythm and tempo of the song. However, we did film the performance of other songs that have a similar chord pattern and pace. The reason for this is that performing multiple songs gave the band a sense of flow, which in turn resulted in a more natural looking performance, which will obviously benefit the end product.


Lip Sync Practices

This topic is covered under Rehearsals.


Release Forms for Actors

No release forms were necessary for the production of my Music Video.


Health & Safety and Risk Assessment Concerns

There were some precautions taken during the filming of my Music Video in regards to H&S, these include the removal of spare drum pieces to prevent falling or breaking, and unplugging all unused amps, and microphones.

Mise-En-Scene

The use of musical instruments in my Music Video will instantly appeal to fans of the Metal genre due to live performance being a 'staple' of Metal Music Video's. This will also help to battle the stereotype of teens being lazy. This is because my band (Ages 16-18) will be performing, and therefore, proving that teens can be talented. This is just one way in which my video will defy convention, and in turn, utilise a countertype. The video will represent both my band that will 'perform' this song (Fools For Kings), and the artist of the song, Rammstein, well. This is because it will fit well with the house style of Rammstein's Music Videos, due to the 'creepy' outlook of the video, as well as the hard- hitting performance aspects of the video. The genre will be clear through the mise en scene, such as the instruments, and the setting for the narrative aspect of the video. The mood created by the setting for the video should be tense, almost like a suspenseful horror like film. This will fit with the stereotypes of Metal well and represent its fans, because horror is a connotation of Metal music, and the two are often associated. The narrative in the video will be minimal, to fit with conventions of Metal Music Videos, and instead, the video will be significantly made up of performance elements; conforming to my genre.

Representation

Camera

• For the 'eerie' intro for Engel I intend to use a close up of someone whistling. This is a stereotype for the Metal genre, as often during 'solo' parts in a song are symbolised with a close up. Examples of this are in the video for Primus' Tommy the Cat, and Rammstein's Mein Herz Brennt. Which both make use of close ups for the Bass solo, and singing intro respectively. 

This gif. shows how Music Videos within the Metal genre utilise close ups to coincide with 'solos' within songs.

• I will not be challenging Metal Music Video stereotypes, rather, I will try to conform to Metal stereotypes. (Regarding the camera)

• The use of POV will present the viewer in a sense of isolation, and unknowing, therefore, presenting them as a weaker entity compared to the music. This will personify the music itself and make it the main focus of the video. 

• These representations will appeal to the Metal audience, as Metal music is often associated with the Horror genre, and the sense of isolation created by the POV angle will connote with Horror. 

This image from Metallica's hit single - Enter Sandman, represents how, through camera and mise en scene, the director creates an element of fear, which is complimentary to the Metal genre, because of the horror connotations of Metal. 

Mise En Scene

• I will attempt to defy the conventions of the Metal genre with the clothing used. As I am using tracksuit bottoms, and converse sneakers to create a sense of realism, and to make the video seem more relatable for a mainstream audience. 
  

• These representations will appeal to Metal audiences because the location of a forest, which is stereotyped with Metal, juxtaposed with the clothing used in the video will create a unique balance for the audience. 
  

• I don't think that my video will represent the Metal genre positively, or negatively, rather, in a neutral state.

Editing

• I will conform to Metal conventions, in regards to editing. For example, I will use cuts at the same pace of the music itself, to give an authentic feel to my music video, and to keep variation within the video. 

Shooting Schedule and Locations List

This is my shooting schedule, showing where and when i will/ have filmed various aspects of my music video. I originally planned to shoot the outdoor part of the video on the 7th, however, I couldn't, due to weather restrictions.



My video will mainly consist of two locations. The first is Biddulph Grange Country Park. I am using this location, as the forest habitat will create an eerie atmosphere, which will greatly compliment my theme for my Music Video. The tall trees and long, seemingly endless paths can create a sense of isolation, and to some extent, fear, which will be complimentary to the Metal genre.

The second location which I will use is a local music practice room. I have chosen this location, because it is where we (as a band) feel the most comfortable performing, and this will assist us in creating a realistic atmosphere for the video itself. The location itself is very simple, to accommodate the conventions of the genre, as well as having a layout which will easily compliment filming numerous band members. I also intend on using some film from a previous gig where we performed. This will add the element of a live performance, which is a regular occurrence within Metal Music Videos.

Prop List

For my props, i will need/use:

• Instruments (Guitars, Drums etc.)

I will only need these as props as this will fit the conventions of the Metal genre, as Metal Music Videos usually mainly consist of band performance, along with minimal, of a little bit of narrative.

The costumes of the band will just be casual clothing (jeans, t- shirt etc.), as i want to put across the idea that 'anyone' can become a musician and they need nothing but talent, regardless of clothes, or wealth. 

Metal Digipak Adverts

Metal Digipaks

Equipment List

Production

• Camera
• Tripod

Post Production

• Software
• Computer

Conventions of Music Videos

There are numerous conventions that take place in music videos of all genre. One universal example of this, is when a song 'kicks in' (Bass drop, or Breakdown etc.), the pace of the video will change. One example of this is Linkin Park's One Step Closer. In this video, during the main verses, the video has slow cuts in correlation to the pace of the music. Even the heavier choruses are only slightly faster than the verses. All of the slow pacing is used in anticipation for the breakdown of the song. In which 'shaky cam' is used to a great extent to emphasise the chaos which is associated with the breakdown of a song, in reference to mosh pits at live concerts. I intend to utilise this by linking the speed and rhythm of the song, with the speed of the cuts. Although there is no clear 'breakdown' in Engel, I will try, at some point in my Music Video to emulate a breakdown, through the use of editing, and camera work, i.e, shaky cam. Mise En Scene is also used to represent the pace of the song. The first image shows a calmer use of body language from the band, during the main body of the song. Whereas, the second image shows a more aggressive tone from the band during the breakdown of the song. This is demonstrated by the headbanging from the band.

An example of this from a different genre (EDM) is Knife Party - Centipede. The pace of this video is similar to that of One Step Closer, in the sense that the pace is slower during the verses of the song, as opposed to the 'manic' pace of the video during the 'Bass Drop'. As well as an increase in pace for the video, there is also a significant use of special effects to correlate with the special effects used in the song itself and within the EDM genre, therefore, making the use of special effects conventional for the genre.

This image shows the use of special effects to correlate with the bass drop, which is the equivalent to a 'breakdown'. The effects used here help to support the hyperbolic nature of the video.




There are lots of conventions for the Metal genre. One significant convention is the use of the band itself playing. One example of this is a video I have previously analysed, KoRn - Love and Meth. This video makes great use of the band performing the song, along with the cinematic-esque twist of the narrative in the video. Modern Metal Music Videos often have some form of twist upon their videos, to coincide with 'modern times' in which more technological methods of recording, and making music itself is 'taking over' older, more 'conventional', acoustic methods. An example of a 'unique' Metal Music Video is Slipknot - Killpop (2015). This video plays with the idea of 'duality' through Mise en Scene, the actresses face paint which shows a black and white side. As well as the clever use of mirrors and overlaying, using transparency.  This is unique as it used to be rare for Metal videos to follow any form of narrative, as they typically just contained the performance element of videos. I will heavily use my band for the majority of my music video, to stick to the conventions of Metal whilst simultaneously using a brief narrative, to break away from some of the conventions to make my Music Video stand alone from all the others; make it unconventional.

The use of the band in KoRn's video for Love and Meth.

The use of editing, and mise en scene within Killpop by Slipknot to create the idea and theme of duality within the narrative of the Music Video. 

Research into Music Video Industry

The production of music videos is dependent on the genre of the song. For example, a Metal music video would require a lot of band performance, whereas a Pop music video would need a lot of rehearsing because of dance routines etc. However, apart from some acute examples (OK Go – Here It Goes Again), music videos of all genres tend to be edited post production, just like a film. This entails cutting, pasting, and general screen effects to make the video unique to its genre and unique in general.The purpose of a music video is that it is a method of promoting a Single, or an album. In other words, music videos are a method of advertising and therefore, increasing sales for a band, and the video production company. They also provide the song and its accompanying video to a wider audience. For example, someone might see the music video on a music video channel, such as MTV, and the like the track and decide to purchase the single.

One example of a famous Music Video director is Jonas Akerlund. His Music Videos, such as Rammstein- Mein Land are famous, and well received due to their unique tone, and clever use of Intertextuality. One example of this is in the video for Mein Land, towards the end of the video, the band begin to wear face paint, similar to that seen on Brandon Lee in the iconic film The Crow, in which the actor was tragically shot dead during filming. Therefore, the use of his face paint in the video is a method of acknowledgement, and pays homage to the actor. Another famous Music Video director is Hype Williams. Known also for his distinctive style of video, for example, his video for Kanye West’s song All of the Lights was well received by audiences, and critics.

Between £50,000 and £500,0000 is spent on the average Music Video. The most expensive Music Video to date is Michael and Janet Jackson’s Scream. The total cost of this video was around $7,000,000 at the time of production. An example of a low budget Music Video is OK Go’s Here it Goes Again. This mainly consists of treadmills and the camera, budget wise.  

In the modern day, Music Videos can be accessed in a number of different ways, including channels, such as MTV, and online, on websites, such as YouTube, and Vimeo. 

Intertextuality

Intertextuality is the relationship between different forms of media, including, film, music, and even literature.

One example of this is the Music Video for Wait and Bleed by American Nu Metal band, Slipknot. The video mirrors scenes from Stanley Kubrick’s cult classic, The Shining. Scenes include the famous ‘one shot’ tricycle riding scene, and the bar scene. Also, the famous shot from the film which shows the word ‘murder’ written in blood on the door, is mimicked by having ‘Slipknot’ written instead. Another example of Intertextuality is the video for Skrillex’s Bangarang. Oddly enough, this is based on the children’s tale, Peter Pan. This is because of the references to the video’s Antagonist’s hook for a right hand, which mirrors that of Captain Hook (the main antagonist of ‘Peter Pan’).

Intertextuality is used because it can make connections between different forms of media, such as content and background. This helps to create relationships between different media forms for audiences, this can further lead to more sales, for other media forms, due to the references to other forms of well-known media. An example of this is people might buy the Suicide Squad Soundtrack, solely based off of an interest in the accompanying film.

I may use a little amount of intertextual references in my music video. However, the few references made will be directly linked to conventional references made by other bands of the metal genre, an example may be the ‘over the top’ style of Rammstein's music videos.  

Laura Mulvey's Music Video Theory

The ‘Male Gaze’ theory is correct in saying that in music videos featuring women, the low camera angles, and ‘sexualised’ Mise En Scene are used to objectify women. This is often done from a heterosexual man’s perspective, which obviously, sexually objectifies the women. As mentioned in Andrew Goodwin’s theory, this is more common within more ‘radio friendly’ genres, such as Pop and some Rap Music Videos. An example of this is Jennifer Lopez – On the Floor Ft. Pitbull. The video for this song objectifies ‘J-Lo’ seeing her through high camera angles which are used to sexualise herself, whilst the male in the video (Pitbull) simply watches her.

Mulvey also mentions the idea that another part to the Male Gaze Theory is that women, typically, are portrayed one of two ways in music videos, as an innocent, helpless person, or as a ‘whore’, (The Virgin/ Whore Dichotomy). An example of an innocent portrayal of women is the video for the Arctic Monkey’s I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor, which shows a woman, as a prostitute. However, despite her occupation, she is simultaneously portrayed as innocent, and weak, as she is constantly taken advantage of. As well as this, the Mise En Scene in the video (Costume etc.) shows how she doesn’t want to be a prostitute, but has to be to stay stable, financially. On the other hand, an example of women being portrayed as ‘Whores’ is the infamous video for Robin Thicke’s hit single Blurred Lines. The ‘unrated’ version not only shows the women as completely topless, but also dancing sexually and ‘getting intimate’ with the males in the video.    

The 'Male Gaze' theory will not apply to my Music Video, as it will not have any female actors. 

Andrew Goodwin's Music Video Theory

Music videos and what they contain are based on the typicality of the genre of music. For example, Pop videos will contain choreographed singing and dancing, to reflect the upbeat tone of the song, whereas, a Metal video would typically show the band performing, as Metal is seen as about the music itself, and the meaning behind it. Also, Goodwin’s theory depicts the idea that the content of the video is usually reflective of the lyrics, or deeper meaning(s) of the song itself. This is done via contrast, and direct links, for example, Korn’s ‘Spike in my Veins’ is about the media, and its stereotypical reflections, and to add to this, the video for the song contains screenshots of controversial news stories, which makes the video appear to be a protest video.

As well as the lyrics, the overall tone of the song is paralleled with the overall look of the video. For example, if a song is very upbeat, such as a pop song, the video will incorporate bright lighting, with colours that have positive connotations. On the other hand, a song with a darker meaning’s video might have dark lighting, and a more serious theme throughout the video.  An example of this is the Netsky remix of ‘Everyday’ by Rusko. The songs positive tone is reflected by the ‘rave’ shown in the video, where everyone is happy, and dancing, which has positive connotations. A contrasting example of this is ‘Mein Herz Brennt’ by German ‘Neue Deutsche’ band, Rammstein, the overall dark outlook of the video is reflected by the dark lighting, and the serious expression shown by the characters in the video.

In addition to this, there is a need, by the record label, to have lots of close ups of the band/ artist as a form of marketing. This is because artists become very marketable, and having them appear dominantly in a video instantly makes the artist and therefore, the video more recognisable to viewers. This could lead to further sales of albums/ singles, which will result in a boost in revenue for record labels. An example of this is Justin Bieber who is very marketable and is therefore, shown through lots of close ups. However, a contrast to this is Sia, who is never shown via her face fully in a video, but this is her own, successful, marketing technique.

Through most videos, the ‘Male Gaze’ stereotype is acted upon. Because of this, it is very popular to sexualise women in music videos, across all genres. Where it is stereotypical of genres such as Rap, or Pop music to sexualise women, it happens in all genres, even unexpected ones, such as metal, as seen in the original video for ‘Engel’ by Rammstein. In the video for ‘Engel’, the female is presented as mystical, yet sexual, as presented by her blue contact lenses, pet snake, and bikini outfit.

Some videos include intertextual references within them, to other forms of media, such as films, or games. This is mainly done through promotional material. One main example of this is Aerosmith’s ‘Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing’. This song was capitalised upon by the creators of the film ‘Armageddon’, as, being the films ‘theme song’, the video for the song included clips from the film, and the narrative of the video, was parallel to that of the film, and integrated well. Another example of this is Linkin Park – ‘What I’ve Done’. The video for this song includes clips from Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers’, which the song appears in, and is used as a form of promotional material for the film.

My Target Audience for my Music Video

This is a Prezi showing my analysis of the music video for Primus - Tommy the Cat

This is a Prezi showing my analysis of the music video for Rammstein - Mein Herz Brennt

This is a Prezi showing my analysis of the music video for Korn - Love and Meth

This is a Prezi showing my analysis of the different types of music videos which are the most popular, and the most regularly made.

Copyright Permission Letter

Dear Universal Music Group,

I am an A Level student and I am writing to you, to request permission to utilise the early Rammstein single, Engel.

The purpose of this is to create a music video which will contribute greatly to my Media Studies A Level course, based off of a chosen genre, and song. Also I will produce an album cover and a magazine advertisement for the artist of the track.

The video, cover, and advertisement will only be viewed by myself, my Media Studies teachers, and the OCR examination board, and will never be used for any profitable purpose, due to only being viewed and produced in an educational context.

Your label and Rammstein will be credited throughout the project as the owners, and authors of the song respectively. Included in the project will be a copyright notice, which will include words from your label, and even the band itself. Details regarding what you would like to include in this copyright notice should be sent in detail to this address to be included in the final product.

I look forward to hearing your response to my request,

Regards

Isaac Brady

My A2 Advanced Portfolio Blog

In this blog, i will be researching, and developing my own music videos around the genre of metal, and more specifically, Nu Metal, a genre which incorporates a 'rap' like twist on the conventions of metal. I will also produce a single cover, and advertisement for my chosen song, and accompanying video.

Primus - Tommy the Cat

Primus - Tommy the Cat from Mark Kohr on Vimeo.

One final video which inspires me is 'Primus- Tommy the Cat'. It incorporates the stereotypical darkness of Nu Metal videos, but adds a comical twist. Although it will be difficult to merge the comedic nature of this video, with the serious themes of Korn and Rammstein', i will try to incorporate elements of both. I will also avoid the cartoon section of this video. The live action section of this video makes use of the shaky cam technique, which gives a frantic feel to the video, which is common within many Primus music videos, due to the crazy and weird nature of the band.

Rammstein - Mein Herz Brennt

Rammstein Mein Herz brennt from Rammstein on Vimeo.
This is another video in which i will draw inspiration, there is a common theme of darkness, between this and 'Korn- Love and Meth', and therefore, i will try to incorporate darkness to the best of my ability. Also, based off of this, i may need actors to portray a band for the video. The video follows a simple theme with rare use of effects, with the majority of the video's focus being on the band itself through the story of an urban legend of an asylum; a Boogeyman- esque character)

Korn - Love and Meth

Korn - Love & Meth (Director's cut) from GiovanniBucci.com on Vimeo.

When i think of Nu Metal, one of the first bands to come to mind is Korn. I really like the concept of the video, with its theme of being controlled, and although, without most of the expensive effects and the band itself, i would like to emulate this idea.