Music Video Reseach - Deconstruction

As part of our research prior to the production of our music video, we did a task that involved deconstructing music videos. We were split into two groups: one group had to count the number of cuts used, and my group had to count the number of set ups, and the number of shots that were medium close ups and in.

The first music video that we deconstructed was 'One' by Ed Sheeran. As soon as the music video started, we realised that it was very difficult to distinguish between the different set ups, due to the fact that the camera wasn't set on a tripod, so was constantly moving. Although we couldn't be certain due to the movement of the camera, we counted roughly 17 set ups, and approximately 64 cuts. The amount of cuts was quite low, however it fitted the pace of the music video: something that will be very important when it comes to editing our own music video. Although there was only 64 cuts, 58% of these shots were medium close up and in. From this, we could see that it would be very important to film a lot of close ups during production to ensure that there is that connection between the artist and the viewer.

The next music video we deconstructed was 'If You Wanna' by The Vaccines. The pace of this song was far quicker than that of the Ed Sheeran music video, so we expected the pace of the music video to reflect that. Yet again, the camera had a lot of movement, making it quite difficult to notice the different set ups. However, this trend between the music videos made us realise that when it comes to our own music videos, we should avoid using a tripod at all cost, only using it for wide shots if necessary. Using a tripod can make the music video feel very flat, and loses the connection that you get between the artist and the viewer from a music video that has movement. We counted roughly 23 set ups, and about 132 cuts, with 60% being medium close ups and in. The use of such a high number of close ups makes it easier for the viewer to connect with the artist in the 3 minutes that the are watching the music video.

McBusted's 'Air Guitar' had a total of 19 different set ups, and 153 cuts, of which 64% was medium close up and in: an even higher number of medium close ups and in than the previous two music videos.

The final music video we watched was Royal Blood's 'Little Monster', a song which follows the genre of rock, which was clearly represented in the editing and pace of the song. There was roughly 15 set ups, however there was over 200 cuts, and 73% of these were medium close ups and in. This proved that the edit of a music video must fit with the pace of the song itself.