Analysing a Student Video

04. Emmanuel, Ariadna, Yuksel, Joshua from 283goswellg on Vimeo.

I've chosen to analyse this student video as the genre is similar to the genre we're doing. The camera shots and editing show features I think would add a lot to our video. I also like the aesthetic of the shots, and their use of symmetry and colour, making certain artists in the video stand out where necessary. The video also follows a clear narrative relating to the song and the lyrics specifically.

In the first shot, there's already an advanced use of editing. As the camera pans behind the tree, the camera shot changes the position of the artist. His outfit matches the amount of grey in the setting, while still making him stand out with the bright clean colours. At the beginning of the shot panning from his feet up, we see his legs, standing apart. This perfectly frames the church in the graveyard, while the trees on each side frame his legs. This shot is clearly well thought out, and improves the video. This is what I want to add to my groups music video, as it looks very professional and aesthetically pleasing. At the end of this shot, the image fades to white as it pans up, to the sky. This relates to the idea of death, the surroundings, and lyrics.

The colour grading makes the video look really clean. Theres a nice contrast making the trees in the background darker, creating a nice contrast with the rest of the shot. There is a close-up of the artist looking distressed or upset, this goes perfectly in time with the lyrics "I saw my mums heart break'. This is consistent throughout the video, making it very easy to follow and making it engaging for the audience.

We are then introduced to the other artists in the video, again, the shot is framed so that the artists are framed by buildings or trees, ect. I also noticed that the video includes a range of jump cuts that change in time to the music, this looks really good and shows the audience more.

As there are three artists, the costume compliments that by having one person wearing a contrasting outfit. This adds to the atheistic of the video, and doesn't distract from the amount of artists. For the next chorus, there is a different artist singing. For his individual shots, there is a shot of him in the middle of two roads, this is a very symmetrical shot. There are also jump cuts as he's singing, and slow motion,  giving the video a dramatic effect, as it's quite a dramatic song. Throughout the shot changes the artist is wearing the same white t-shirt, making the shots easier to adjust to, adding synergy.

Overall, the video is consistent in the quality of effects, editing, and mise-en-scene. The genre is very clear.