Pre-production Genre Research

Here is my genre research. my group has chosen Pop for our music video. We will now research various media texts from within this genre so that we can understand the codes and conventions 

Typical Genre Conventions

here are some images of those conventions. 

 

Here is my research into 6 music videos:

1.  we can't be friends - Ariana Grande (2024)
2.  Maps - Maroon 5 (2014)
3.  party 4 U - Charli Xcx (2020)
4.  beauty & a beat - Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj (2012)
5.  Everything has changed - Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran (2013)
6. The one that got away - Katy Perry (2012)

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we can’t be friends

Ariana Grande

2024

target audience
The target audience is mainly young adults aged 16–25, especially fans of pop and R&B who enjoy emotional storytelling and cinematic visuals. It appeals to people who have experienced heartbreak or emotional loss and connect with songs about love, memory, and healing.
The video also strongly appeals to fans of the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” since Ariana’s video directly references the storyline and visuals like the memory erasing clinic, the emotional flashbacks, and the theme of wanting to forget love. the viewers who know the movie will recognize the deeper meaning and symbolism behind these elements which would add another emotional layer.
It also targets Ariana Grande’s loyal fanbase, who often follow her artistic growth and personal themes especially the fans that has been long following her life and relationship with her now ex husband (who the song was written about) because they wan’t to know what caused the split of their marriage from her pov. These fans also appreciate her shift from typical pop visuals to something more mature and narrative driven. The video’s soft aesthetic, emotional lyrics, and symbolic storytelling appeal to an audience that values her vulnerability and also her cinematography.

Representation
The representation of femininity in this video is emotional but not weak she is shown as vulnerable yet independent, which challenges the stereotypical representation of women in pop music videos as overly sexualized or dependent on male attention. Her natural makeup, simple white costume reflect a more modern and empowering ideology of womanhood. There’s also a representation of emotional repression and mental health, as the story is the idea of trying to forget painful memories instead of processing them. The mise-en-scene of the sterile, futuristic clinic and the use of white lighting create a cold, emotionless atmosphere, which represents how society often pressures people to “move on” quickly rather than express vulnerability.
also it represents both an individual experience of heartbreak and the social group of young women dealing with emotional recovery and self identity. The video constructs her as someone trying to erase the pain of a failed relationship through the narrative device of a memory-erasing clinic, inspired by the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This connection represents a shared cultural understanding of love and loss which shows how heartbreak is a universal experience.

Camera
There are many close-up shots of her face, which focus on her expressions and let the audience see her sadness and vulnerability. This is typical in pop music videos because it keeps attention on the artist and builds a personal connection with the viewer. During the flashback scenes, medium shots and tracking shots are used to show movement and make the moments feel natural, almost like real memories. These shots often feel handheld or slightly unsteady, which connotes warmth and nostalgia, as if we’re watching her past through her own eyes. In contrast, the wide shots in the clinic scenes are very still and symmetrical, creating a cold, distant feeling that matches the emotionless environment. The contrast between the moving shots in the memories and the static framing in the clinic visually represents the difference between feeling alive in love and feeling numb after losing it. High-angle shots were also used to make Ariana look small and fragile, suggesting she’s powerless in the situation, while over-the-shoulder shots let us see things from her point of view.

Mise-en-scene 

The setting of the clinic is minimalist and sterile, with white walls and cold lighting that symbolises emotional emptiness. This contrasts with the warm flashbacks, where soft light and cozy spaces represent comfort and genuine emotion. Ariana’s costume reflects her mental state in the clinic, she wears plain, neutral clothing that shows vulnerability and loss of identity, while in the memories she’s in brighter, more natural outfits that shows freedom and happiness.  The colour palette shifts from cool, desaturated tones to warm, reinforcing the difference between numbness and love.

sound
The sound in the video matches the story and emotions very well. The soft, emotional melody reflects heartbreak and regret, which fits the theme of lost love in the video and The lyrics, about trying to move on from a past relationship, connect directly with the visuals of flashbacks and memories, making the story easier to follow

edit
      Cross-cutting between the clinic and the flashbacks shows her internal conflict which is trying to forget but still holding on. Soft transitions (like fades and blurs) mimic the way memories dissolve over time.The pacing is slow , reflecting emotional heaviness rather than action. Color grading separates memory (warm tones) and reality (cool tones).
The final fade-out as she leaves the clinic represents her uncertain future she’s “forgotten,” but not completely healed.

conventions conformed

The video includes lip-syncing and focuses on the artist’s facial expressions, which is common in pop music videos to help viewers connect with the emotions. it is also clearly high production value because the set and the camera work is very neatly done. It uses narrative storytelling. the aesthetic which is soft lighting, pastel colors, and stylish cinematography fits modern pop video trends and adds a polished neat look.

 conventions subverted 
Instead of featuring performance scenes or choreography, the video focuses entirely on narrative and acting, putting the story at the center. It avoids the typical pop “glamour,” with no flashy outfits, big dance numbers, or product placements. The story has a melancholic, open-ended tone, which is unusual for pop music videos that often finish on a happy or confident note. Overall, it feels more like a short psychological film than a commercial music video, emphasizing storytelling over the artist’s star image.

what do you like/dislike?
I really like this music video because it’s based on my favorite movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I love how it explores heartbreak, regret, and memories, just like the film, and it’s the kind of storytelling I want to include in my own music video project. What I dislike is that people who haven’t seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind might not fully understand or appreciate the references and emotional depth in the video, which could make parts of the story confusing for them.

Maps

Maroon 5

2014

target audience
The music video primarily targets teenagers and young adults aged 15–25, with a slight lean towards female viewers due to the romantic themes and Adam Levine’s celebrity appeal. The audience is likely to have an interest in mainstream pop-rock music and cinematic storytelling. It particularly appeals to viewers who can relate to the theme of regret and realizing the value of someone only after it’s too late, as shown by Adam Levine’s character cheating and then desperately regretting it after the girlfriend has died. This makes the video emotionally engaging for audiences who are reflective about relationships, breakups, or personal mistakes.

Representation
The video represents romantic relationships, grief, and male accountability, showing how Adam Levine’s character experiences the emotional consequences of his past mistakes. The female character’s death shows her as vulnerable, and showing traditional gendered representation of women as passive and in need of protection, while he is active and heroic in his desperate search and regret. The narrative also represents universal themes of loss and remorse which highlights social and emotional experiences many young adults can relate to, such as heartbreak, guilt, and the realization of what is truly valuable in a relationship. Through facial expressions, body language, and narrative action.

Camera
Close-ups focus on Adam Levine’s face showcasing his regret, guilt, and determination. Medium shots show his movement through the city, helping the audience follow the action. Tracking shots follow him as he runs, creating a sense of urgency and involvement. Wide shots establish the urban setting and show his isolation, while low-angle shots make him appear determined and heroic.

Mise-en-scene 
The urban city streets at night, combined with rain and neon lights, give the video a dramatic and tense atmosphere. In contrast, the party scenes use brighter lighting, crowded spaces, and energetic settings to show a lively, social side of the characters’ lives, reflecting the distraction and ignorantness before the accident. Adam Levine and the female character wear casual, modern clothing, making them relatable, while props like cars, street signs, and party decorations emphasize both the journey and the social world they inhabit. The combination of all these help show the contrast between carefree moments and emotional tension.

sound
the sound is Diegetic because you can hear footsteps, cars, and party noise, which adds realism and help the audience feel immersed in the urban setting. it’s mixed with the actual song maps playing. the lyrics matches the music video in a way but it doesnt feel like it because its the man singing it when it should be the woman because the storyline is that the woman’s the one being betrayed.

edit
Quick cuts during the running and chase sequences create a sense of urgency and excitement, reflecting Adam Levine’s desperation. In contrast, slower cuts and longer shots during close-ups highlight emotional moments, allowing the audience to focus on his regret and grief. Parallel editing is used to show Adam searching through the city while intercutting with scenes of the female character in different locations, building suspense and connecting their experiences. The editing rhythm also matches the tempo of the song.

conventions conformed 
The video follows several typical pop music video conventions. It has a clear narrative storyline about love, loss, and regret, and includes performance elements, showing Adam Levine singing integrated into the story. The urban nighttime setting, contemporary clothing, and party scenes are also common in pop and pop-rock music videos, appealing to the target audience

conventions subverted
the video subverts conventions by making it look like a thriller chase sequences and placing the female character in real danger, which is less common in standard pop videos. It also emphasizes narrative tension and suspense over dance or purely performance-focused sequences, blending romance and action to create a more cinematic experience 

what do you like/dislike?
I really liked the cinematic feel of the video, especially how the party scenes contrast with the tense chase through the city t keeps things exciting and interesting. On the other hand, I didn’t like that the female character not having justice she deserves.

Party 4 U

Charli XCX

2020

target audience
young adults aged 16–30, especially those active on platforms like TikTok. The song's themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability relates to teenagers especially in this modern age of “hook-up culture” “situationship” etc in Gen z.

Representation
The video mainly represents the Gen Z social group thats focusing on their experiences with modern relationships and hookup culture. It shows the emotional side of what it’s like to want real connection in a time where love feels temporary or performative. The social issue being represented is how social media and modern dating culture make people feel lonely and unfulfilled in casual relaionships even when they seem confident or popular. her character reflects the individual who gives too much in a relationship and ends up feeling ignored, which connects to how many young people feel in these times.

Camera
Close up shots is seen throughout the video when Charli is sitting in the car and singing directly to the camera. this captures her sadness and frustration, letting the audience see her emotions up close and making the performance feel personal. Wide shots is seen in the desert scenes near the end, where she’s walking alone in an open space. The wide frame makes her look small and distant, representing isolation and emptiness after everything that happened. Low angle shots used at the end when she stands in front of the burning billboard. The camera looks up at her, making her appear more powerful and showing how she’s taken back control of herself. Tracking shots used when she walks away from the car and later when she moves toward the billboard before setting it on fire. This showcases her movement and symbolize her emotional journey from heartbreak to getting herself back again.

Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene that really stands out in Party 4 U is the contrast between the dark, messy party and the bright, empty desert. The party scene, with flashing lights and red cups, feels like something you’d see in a typical pop video, but instead of looking fun, it feels isolated and sad which is not typical in the pop genre. Then the desert scene opposes that. it’s quiet and open, showing how she’s trying to escape all the fake party energy. Her polka dot dress pops against the desert background, keeping that pop star look that converts with the pop genre but also showing how out of place she feels.

sound
The sound in Party 4 U matches the lyrics really well, even though the visuals seem really abstract. The non-diegetic music is slow and emotional, which creates a dreamy atmosphere that reflects the sadness and longing in the lyrics about love and distance. Her auto tuned vocals give a futuristic pop style, but the emotion in her voice still feels raw. while the video isn’t a literal match to the lyrics, it still connects emotionally and visually to the same themes of love, emptiness, and regret.

edit
The editing in Party 4 u uses slow pacing and long takes to create a calm but emotional feeling. The video moves smoothly between the party and desert scenes, almost like flashbacks or memories, which gives it a dreamlike state of mind feeling. The cuts match the rhythm of the song, keeping it connected to pop style, but the slow pace goes against the usual fast, energetic editing in pop videos. This makes the video feel more emotional and personal, that focuses on her state of mind instead of performance or dance like usual conventions of pop genre.

conventions conformed
conventions conformed to includes performance shots of Charli xcx singing directly to the camera which is something often seen in pop videos and her costume and overall style fit the pop image too (her polka-dot dress). The use of color and lighting also follows pop conventions which keeps the visuals eye catching and focused on the artist. Even though the tone is softer, it is still centered on Charli as the main star, which is typical for pop genre mvs.

conventions subverted
the music video also breaks several pop genre conventions. There’s no choreography or group performance, and the pacing is much slower than most upbeat pop videos. Instead of showing luxury, energy, or flashy outfits, it focuses on loneliness and self-reflection. it feels more personal and experimental because of the quiet, minimal setting which shows this music video as more emotional and a different side of pop. it does not follow a narrative storyline either but more towards conceptional.

what do you like/dislike?
I really liked how Party 4 U didn’t follow a clear storyline because it lets the audience interpret it in their own way and Since there’s no clear narrative, people can connect the visuals and lyrics to their own experiences or emotions, which makes it feel more personal. I also liked how the video used simple but powerful visuals to show emotion instead of using flashy effects or dance scenes because i feel that is too basic.The only thing I didn’t like was how slow it felt at times, but I think that’s meant to make the audience reflect rather than just watch passively. 

Beauty & a Beat

Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj

2012

target audience 
The target audience for Beauty and a Beat is mainly teenagers and young adults, around 13–21 years old, who enjoy upbeat pop and dance music. The mv also appeals to both male and female audiences, especially fans of Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj, who were both huge pop icons at the time. It connects to people who like the party lifestyle, social media, and fun visuals. the bright colours and pool party appeal to a more youthful audience that like having fun and living in the moment. also justin bieber fangirls because in this mv he was seen as a teen idol and was every teenage girls celebrity crush

representations 
Beauty and a Beat represents youth culture in a way that perfectly fits the pop genre, showing energy, fun, and confidence. The pool party setting, bright colors, and playful atmosphere all reflect the idea of young people living freely and enjoying life which is something often seen in pop music videos. Justin Bieber is shown as the ideal pop idol, confident, attractive, and surrounded by fans/models which connects to how pop music often sells the idea of being fun and desirable. Nicki Minaj brings her usual bold and “baddie” atitude , which adds that mix of empowerment and glamour that’s common in pop. they make the pop world look exciting like the kind of life everyone wants to have.

camera 
The handheld-vlog style filming makes it feel like the audience is part of the party, which connects to fans who like the idea of being close to their favorite celebrity and living that fun, social media lifestyle which fits the fun and social vibe of the pop genre. There are also lots of close-ups of justin biebers face and performance, highlighting his charm and pop idol image, while wide shots show the huge, chaotic pool party around him. The camera movement is fast and lively, matching the beat of the song and keeping the fun and excitement throughout the video.

mise-en-scene 
The mise-en-scene in Beauty and a Beat shows the fun, “over the top” party lifestyle that pop music often celebrates. The pool party setting, with bright colors, lights, and crowds of people dancing, creates a sense of energy and freedom. Everyone’s wearing casual, summer clothes, which makes it feel young and relatable, while Justin stands out with his stylish look that fits his pop-star image. Nicki Minaj’s bold outfit and makeup add a glamorous touch that fits the pop genre. The whole setting looks fun and chaotic, but it’s also controlled in a way that keeps Justin and Nicki as the focus to showcase their lifestyle.

sound 
The sound and visuals in the mv match really well. The non-diegetic pop/dance track is upbeat and full of energy, and the video reflects that with a fun pool party and fast camera movements. The lyrics talk about having a good time and living in the moment , “we’re gonna party like it’s 3012 tonight” which perfectly fits the visuals of people dancing and celebrating. The electronic beat and catchy melody make the whole thing feel exciting and carefree, just like the message of the song. Even though it’s clearly staged,it doesn’t feellike it when you’re watching it while listening to the song because everyone is just having a great time and it makes the audience feel like they’re actually part of the party.

edit 
fast-paced and energetic, which matches the upbeat rhythm of the song. The video uses quick cuts between shots of Justin, Nicki, and the crowd to keep up with the tempo. The editing sometimes syncs with the beat, especially during the drop, which is a common convention in pop and dance videos. There are also a few longer handheld shots that make it look like the footage is being filmed in one continuous take, adding to the “home video” or social media feel. The fast editing keeps the energy of the song and helps sell the idea of a wild, unforgettable party which is exactly what the song is about.

conventions conformed 
The Mv follows a lot of typical pop music video conventions. It’s mainly a performance-based video, with Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj performing directly to the camera while surrounded by dancers. The party scene set around a swimming pool which gives off a fun, carefree summer vibe matching the pop genre’s focus on fun and escapism. Even the storytelling opening at the beginning showing the “leaked footage” hooks the audience before it jumps straight into the music, which keeps it entertaining and fits mainstream pop videos.

conventions subverted 
the mv subverts conventions. Instead of looking professional / high quality and staged, the video is made to look like it’s filmed on a handheld camera, almost like Justin recorded it himself. That makes it feel more personal and fun, like we’re watching a real party instead of a planned music video. The fake “leaked video” idea at the start also makes it seem more real and different from the overly perfect style of pop genre. This gives the video a mix of casual and glamorous energy that makes it stand out from other pop videos.

why do you like/ dislike it?
I really liked how Beauty and a Beat used a handheld camera style, which is very uncommon for pop videos. Most pop videos are super polished and staged, but this made the party feel real and personal and like we were actually there. The video also feels like a celebration and shows the energy of youth culture. this is one of my favorite music videos of all time because its very fun and different from most pop genre mvs. i didn't like how the mv is set during night time because there would be so much potential during day time it would feel more like summer. Overall, analyzing this video helped me see how the technical elements can create a mv that is immersive, while still showing the artist’s personality.

Everything has changed

Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran

2013

target audience 
Everything Has Changed targets teenage girls aged 13–19 who enjoy romantic pop music and follow Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. It also appeals to young adults up to around 25 who like emotional love songs and storytelling in music. also Fans who are interested in first love, friendship, and nostalgic feelings since the video focuses on a sweet, innocent romance. The school and childhood settings, along with the gentle acoustic melody, make it appealing to audiences who enjoy sentimental and heartfelt narratives rather than fast-paced, party-focused music videos.

representations 
Everything Has Changed represents young love and friendship through the experiences of two teenagers getting to know each other. It focuses on the social group of school teens which shows their emotions, curiosity, and innocence as they explore a new relationship. The video also touches on universal themes of growing up and discovering feelings which many viewers can relate to. Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran themselves are represented as approachable, sincere, and emotionally expressive pop stars, making them easy for fans to connect with.

camera 
There are lots of close-ups on the kids’ faces, which showcases their curiosity, excitement, and awkwardness as they explore each other’s world. Medium and wide shots show the school and playground settings, giving context and making the story feel relatable to the audience. The video also uses some tracking shots to follow the kids as they run around and interact, which keeps the visuals playful/ heartfelt. Overall, the camera focuses on intimacy and emotion rather than flashy angles, making the audience feel connected to the characters and the storyline.

mise-en-scene 
The mise-en-scène in Everything Has Changed really highlights the innocence and curiosity of young love. The school, playground, and park settings reflect everyday spaces where real connections happen, making it relatable and nostalgic. there are Small details, like the kids drawing with markers on their faces emphasize their childlike innocence and playful/silly side while later scenes where they tattoo each other show a slightly rebellious exploration of identity. The warm yellow lighting/colour grading creates a nostalgic, cozy feeling like “awe”.

sound 
The lyrics talk about noticing and connecting with someone new, and the video shows exactly that through the kids exploring each other’s world. The song is non-diegetic, with, melodic vocals creating a gentle, heartfelt atmosphere that reflects the sweetness of young love.

edit 
It uses long takes and cross-cuts between different playful scenes, like the kids dancing in the gym under the stars on the ceiling and hanging out inside their forts and huts, allowing the audience to focus on their interactions and emotions. The slow pacing matches the calm rhythm of the song, giving the video a reflective, heartfelt feel rather than a rushed one. Unlike fast, flashy pop editing, this style emphasizes on the genuine connection between the kids and how they both found eachother. helping viewers experience the innocence and excitement of young love.

conventions conformed 
The video follows pop music video conventions through its clear narrative storytelling, showing young children forming friendships and discovering each other, reflecting the song’s theme of connection and change. The video uses everyday, relatable settings like classrooms, playgrounds, and homes , Pop videos often use relatable or recognizable locations to connect with the audience, especially younger viewers.

conventions subverted 
The video subverts typical pop conventions by focusing entirely on children acting out the story instead of the artists performing or lip-syncing. There are no glamorous outfits, staged performances, dancing or flashy choreography. instead, the narrative of the music video relies on realistic, everyday interactions to convey the emotion. This gives the video a more authentic, grounded feel compared to the usual pop music video style. the colours are really not extravagant aswell its mostly very soft but still colourful. its not popping too much its just very sweet and simple which subverts usal pop genre music video conventions.

why do you like/ dislike it?
I really love how this music video isn’t basic like usual pop music videos. it tells such a beautiful and touching story. Every time I watch it, I feel so in awe and heartwarmed. listening to the song while watching the story makes me feel warm, loving, and peaceful. It’s simple, but it has a way of making you feel emotional in a way. The only thing I dislike is that Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran barely appear.

The one that got away

Katy Perry

2012

target audience 
The music video mainly targets teenagers and young adults, ages 15–25, of all genders, who enjoy emotional pop ballads about love, heartbreak, and nostalgia. Fans of Katy Perry and audiences that connect with dramatic love stories, life choices, and “what if” scenarios are especially drawn to this video. The video also appeals to people who enjoy cinematic, narrative story telling music videos rather than just performance based ones. and katy perry is known for having narrative cinematic music videos rather than performance based.

representations 
I think that the video represents people who has experienced lost love, regret, and nostalgia, its following a woman as she reflects on her first romance. Their relationship ended after a fight, and although he later regretted leaving her, he tragically died in an accident. Through a series of flashbacks, the video shows their happiest moments together, the heartbreak of their separation, and the way those memories continue to shape her emotions decades later. It captures the universal experience of love and loss and the grief and reflection, and the ache of remembering someone who will never return.

camera 
Tracking Shots, The camera follows characters through various settings, such as the parties showcasing them having fun and how in love they were at that moment in time. lastly, over-the-shoulder when the young couple is painting together or looking at the wedding veil, the camera peeks over the shoulder of one character so we experience the intimacy and connection between them. High-Angle shot At the beginning slowly pans over a modern house, symbolizing isolation and loneliness. This contrasts with the cozy apartment shown in the flashback, highlighting the emotional distance between past and present. Close-Ups focus on the elderly Katy Perry, capturing her expressions and emotions. These intimate shots allow viewers to connect with her feelings of regret and longing.

mise-en-scene
Props like the wedding veil, paintings, and red paint symbolize love, conflict, and memories that stay with the characters. The elderly katy perry present day home is much cooler and more muted, reflecting her loneliness and the loss she feels. Costumes also show the passage of time like the young couple wears casual, playful clothes, while the older woman wears simple, muted outfits, emphasizing maturity and reflection. the two canvasses/ paintings/ paint showcased that the young couple had shared interests and connected on a deeper level with art. 

sound 
The sound does not really match with the lyrics in terms of tune/ melody because its more hip and upbeat while the lyrics and the story are very heartbreaking. but the Lyrics like “In another life, I would be your girl” directly connect to the flashbacks of her and her first love, showing what could have been if things had gone differently. The music supports the visuals by making the memories feel more nostalgic and emotional, helping the audience feel the heartbreak and longing that the woman experiences.

edit 

Juxtaposition is used throughout by cutting between the bright, happy flashbacks of the couple’s youth and the muted, lonely present of the elderly woman. This contrast emphasizes how much she has lost and highlights her regret and nostalgia. Smooth fade-ins and fade-outs show that the flashbacks are memories, while cross-cutting connects past happiness with present sadness. During emotional moments, like the boyfriend’s accident, slow-motion creates the drama and makes the audience focus on the tragedy. also, The timing of the cuts matches the rhythm of the song, helping the story flow more naturally and keep the audience emotionally invested

conventions conformed 
The video follows several typical pop music video conventions. Katy Perry is the main focus in some parts and lip-syncs to the song, which is common in pop videos to connect the artist with the story. It features a car, flashbacks, and narrative storytelling that clearly shows the plot from beginning to end. The theme of love and heartbreak is central, which is typical for pop ballads, and the story emphasizes emotions in a way the audience can easily relate to.

conventions subverted 
the video subverts conventions through the contrast between the song and the story. Although the song has an upbeat pop melody, the narrative is sad and tragic. Normally, pop videos match happy music with happy visuals, so this contrast would surprise the audience. It features an elderly protagonist, which is unusual for pop videos that normally focus on young adults. lastly, The ending is tragic instead of happy.

why do you like/ dislike it?
I really love this music video because it’s exactly the kind of emotional, story-driven style I envision for my own music video project. I love the heartbreak story and the theme of regret, especially how it doesn’t have a happy ending, which makes it feel more realistic and emotional. The use of flashbacks to show past memories is something I want to include in my video aswell because it makes the audience really feel what has been lost. i don’t have any dislikes about this music video except for the aged make-up look on katy perry as the elderly woman, it looks very unrealistic and uncanny

Genre Research - Music Video by lamiya zara

reflection: 

overall, doing this research has been so much fun, but also extremely tiring but it’s given me a ton of new ideas for my own project. I’ve seen so many new perspectives to interpret lyrics and turn them into visuals that create a pop music video. Watching The One That Got Away and We Can’t Be Friends made me super excited because they dont feel like pop videos but they’re like mini movies full of heartbreak, regret, and memories and that's something i really want to do for my project. It’s inspired me to think about how I can use flashbacks, storytelling, and little visual details in my own music video to make it feel more emotional and cinematic. I feel way more motivated now and have a lot more ideas than before i started this research. I can’t wait to start the whole process and experimenting with these ideas myself.

Research: Song choice & Permission

 Here is how we chose our song and got permission to use it before it gets restricted for our music video project. My teammate kristine created this blogpost however I chose the song choices.

Song Choice

Before we were allowed to select a song, our teacher informed us that our choice had to be contemporary meaning it had to be related within the past five years. I found this quite challenging because before starting this project, I had planned to create music videos using songs from the past ten years. This meant that my original ideas would not qualify and would not be accepted for the examination. Because of this, I had to explore more recent music and research for suitable replacements.

 

We decided to work within the pop genre, focusing on relationship based storytelling. Since we already had a clear vision, we mainly needed to find a song that matched it. We looked for something cinematic with a strong sense of tension in the relationship, We also preferred a sad tone rather than a happy one, which led us to focus on Electro Pop as it best fit the mood and idea we wanted to create. Here is how we developed and finalised our song choice. First, we discussed in class and selected our top five most potential song choices.

1. party 4 u - Charli xcx (2020)

Benefits	Drawbacks
It has a lot of emotional tension, making it easier for us to showcase strong emotions	It feels very party like, which is not the direction we want our music video to focus on
The meaning behind the song relates to toxic relationships, which gives depth to our concept	Some of the lyrics may be inappropriate or difficult to connect with our project
It feels very cinematic and has a good tone for a storytelling music video	The concept may require a bigger budget, especially if we include party scenes.
The lyrics are very storytelling helping us plan and connect our shots clearly	The contrast between the party vibe and deeper meaning could make the message confusing.

2. David - Lorde (2025)

Benefits	Drawbacks
It has a lot of emotional beats which works well for our opening scene	The song only has one strong part at the end, making it difficult to build progress in the beginning
It has a cinematic feel making it ideal for our concept	It would be difficult to include performance elements since the song is mostly instrumental
The song does not have an existing music video allowing us to be more creative and avoid copying others	The song’s duration may be too long, which could increase filming and editing time
The music has a lot of meaning giving us the opportunity to include multiple connotations in our work	The song might not be suitable for storytelling making it harder to present our intended vision

3. ceilings - Lizzy McAlpine (20223)

Benefits	Drawbacks
The song has a very soft melody which is simple and easy for us to work with	The song is not intense or toxic “enough” so it may not strongly highlight tension or conflict
It has a lot of storytelling in the lyrics allowing us to connect them to our vision and narrative	The ending of the song is not very clear or impactful which could make it harder to conclude our video
The calm tone can help us create a more emotional and intimate atmosphere	Because the song is soft and slow, it may be harder to keep audiences engage
The song allows us to focus more on visuals and acting rather than the actual singing performance	The pacing of the song may limit our ability to include dynamic or fast changing scenes especially in fights

4. we can't be friends (wait for your love) - Ariana Grande (2024)

Benefits	Drawbacks
The song has a lot of toxic meaning which we can use to connote our toxic relationship meaning	The song is quiet soft making it harder to create very dramatic or intense scenes
It has a modern and relatable theme which can engage the audience more	It does not fully match our theme as we want more toxicity rather than a sad relationship vibe
The song has a clean, soft, and simple structure making it easier to plan our scenes	It may be harder to build a strong storyline since the song learn more towards performance
The music video provides inspiration for our own project, making it helpful for generating ideas	Someone else in the class is using a similar artist, which could make our project seem less original

5. Shapeshifter - Lorde (2025)

Benefits	Drawbacks
The song has very tense music which is good for dramatic scenes in our music video	The lyrics are quite odd and unsettling which makes them challenging to work with
The theme makes the story deeper and more meaningful not just a simple break up story	The song is quite long, so editing may take more time and require many clips
The song feels unique and not mainstream which can help our music video stand out	The song is not in the pop genre, so it may be less simple and harder to execute
The theme of toxicity matches our vision well	The song doesn’t have an official music video that can be analysed for its meaning or use as inspiration

After considering the pros and cons of each song, we shorten our list and used a spin wheel to help us decide. We wanted a song that best fits our vision and could be used in a similar way to our original choice. The top three songs, David, Shapeshifter, and Ceilings, were all very cinematic and visuals, helping guide our storyline through the lyrics while the melody enhances the emotions we want to show. Since we agreed that any of these songs would work well, we used an elimination round on the spin wheel and finally decided to use "Shapeshifter" by Lorde

"Shapeshifter" by Lorde is a song bout identity, change, and emotional toxicity in relationships. This strongly fits our cinematic vision, as we want to show intense toxic tension while also focusing on personal growth. The song enhances our storytelling because the melody and lyrics support the emotions and visuals rather than distract from them. We want the audience to focus on the narrative, using the music to strengthen the atmosphere. Through our star, we aim to show that change is necessary and possible, she learns from her mistakes and grows into a better person. Her journey sends a clear message to the audience that we should reflect on our actions, learn from our flaws, and strive to become better versions of ourselves. Overall, we were all satisfied with this choice because the meaning of the song perfectly supports our vision and helps build powerful cinematic visuals,

Permission

Shapeshifter by Lorde is produced under Universal Music Group and released through Republic Records. In order to use this song for our Cambridge A Level Media Studies Component 3 project, we made sure to notify the record label that we were requesting permission for educational use. We contacted Republic Records to request a licensing agreement that would allow us to use the song appropriately. We shared for the offical contact details through their offical website and sent an email clearly explaining that our project is strictly for academic purposes. We also reviewed the information on their website regarding licensing for projects to better understand what is permitted.

Following the required procedures to license the use of the song, I (Kristine) was the member responsible for contacting the records label to help obtain permission. I ensured that we reached out properly to secure licensing approval so we could use the song for our project.

Since this is a unserious school project, we do not expect any financial benefit or formal response. However, taking these steps is important because it shows that we respect copyright laws and the rights of the artist. By attempting to gain permission and researching the licensing terms, we are avoiding potential copyright issues or restrictions on platforms such as Youtube and preventing any misunderstandings about the misuse of copyrighted content.

Classwork: Summary of first project

 At the start of the school year in Media Studies we did a small project. It helped us prepare for bigger projects like this one. Heres a summary of my project that I've done.

crime documentary summary by lamiya zara

Pre-production: Preliminary Research

 This blogpost shows my Preliminary research

Weekly Progress + plan

 This blogpost shows my weekly progress during the whole music video project process.

week 1: this week our teacher mr nick introduced us to our music video project and put us into groups. my original group placement was with my friends kristine, gusde and maisie. we had a disagreement about our genre because kristine and I were leaning towards pop but gusde and maisie werent. so we decided to bring this matter to mr nick and decided to switch groups with some of our other friends. my group now is kristine, mila and I. we decided on pop for our genre and watched multiple music videos 

week 2: This week we were introduced to media ecology. we also did our media research and continued it. I worked on my research and so did my group. we finally confirmed our genre which is pop and started brainstorming. my teammate kristine and i already had our ideas in our head and we just need to choose a song. we were debating on either Lorde, Addison Rae, or Charli xcx.

week 3: This week we still continued our genre research and i was a bit behind because i procrastinated during the weekend so i had to use a lot of my time this week to finish it because the deadline was approaching. my group and i finally decided on a song and we picked "shapeshifter" by Lorde. I was very happy with this decision because that was actually the song i picked out. the three of us picked two songs each and did spin the wheel. and the end we didnt really agree to what the spinning wheel decided so we just did a vote. 

week 4: This week we did the statement of intent and had a deadline for 2 days because Mr Nick really wanted us to take statement of intent seriously which we all did because there was a short deadline. we also got the papers for storyboard and my group decided that it would be my task. I'm actually a little bit scared of this workload because i've never done storyboard before and I don't think i'm able to do it as great because i'm not good at drawing either. anyhow, i will take upon this challenge because this year i really want to step outside my comfort zone.

week 5: this week we did Location scout and risk assessment, this task is going to be easy to complete because my group and I already have a clear idea on the scenes so we just need to find places in Bali that match those scenes. my group continued with our mood board as well. i love doing mood board because it makes it easier for us to see the vision brought to life. mood boarding is very fun to make too because we get new ideas everytime we go on pinterest.

week 6: this was the last week before deadline on monday. my group and i decided to meet up at starbucks in icon mall to finish up with all the group assignments. we all got it done but i was still not finished with storyboard. my goal for before monday is to complete it. i already know storyboarding was going to be hard but i know i can do it. i hope my drawing skills get better.

reflection: I do not like doing weekly progress because it's so time consuming for no reason. i'll admit it does help set goals and i only hate it because i procrastinated all the other weeks so i hope next term i can stop like actually stop procrastinating on doing weekly progress because it makes me waste so much time when it's near the deadline. This whole pre-production stage i felt was one of the greatest moments in media for me because for the first time ever i didn't have to stay awake with kristine until 4am doing our media. we actually didn't procrastinated at all only a little. the storyboard and lyric sheet was a bit time consuming though, it took up most of my time because i did 5 pages. the lyric sheet was easier but it was still hard to take all these ideas from my group and combine it so that its a compromise and everyone's happy and okay with  the decision. genre research was the most time -consuming because i procrastinated so i had to stay up until 5am for two whole days and got little to no sleep. my teammates are really great as well we all help eachother and there is no conflict at all. I think i just need to work on practicing with past papers and read a little bit more about the theories so that i can fully understand them and apply it during the exam.

My Team

 These are my teammates & their blogs for this project

Kristine's blog: https://kristine-regentsmedia.blogspot.com/

Mila's blog: https://eileen-regentsmedia.blogspot.com/

Brief

 Here's my brief for my music video project

Final Submission

Here is my final submission for this documentary project.

FINAL VIDEO

FINAL THUMBNAIL

CR: Critical Reflection

 Here is my self-critical reflection essay for my documentary project.

CR 1 - How do your products represent social groups or issues?

CR 2 - How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?

CR 3 - How do your products engage with the audience?

CR 4 - How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?

Critical Reflection

For our media project, my group created a crime documentary called The Cult of the Living World and a thumbnail. The documentary follows a journalist who secretly investigates a mysterious cult that claims to support environmental causes but is involved in kidnapping and violence. The thumbnail and documentary were designed to work together to give mystery and suspense. Branding in media studies is about creating a clear identity so audiences can recognise and connect products.its about things like colours, fonts, visual style, sounds, and repeated themes that link them together. Strong branding is important because it makes a product stand out and helps audiences know what to expect. In our project, we used branding to connect the thumbnail and documentary. Both focused on mystery and secrecy, which fit the cult theme. The thumbnail shows a blurred figure in the woods, which acts as a hermeneutic code because it makes audiences question who the figure is and what they’re hiding. fig. 1 This links to the documentary’s handheld, low lit footage, where the shaky shots create the same unsettling tone. fig. 2 I was partly inspired by Wild Wild Country (Netflix), which used cult imagery and archive footage to build its brand identity. Stuart Hall’s reception theory also applies here, since audiences can decode the hidden leader differently, some may see her as dangerous and unpredictable, while others may read it as cult secrecy. Keeping her hidden across both products kept that mysterious tone consistent. Before making the documentary, I researched conventions of crime documentaries to see what makes them effective. They were interviews, archive footage, handheld shots, diegetic sound, and low lighting to create tension. We used many of these, but also challenged some to make our project stand out. Most crime documentaries and cult stories show male leaders, which links to Laura Mulvey’s male gaze theory where men are seen as powerful while women are sidelined. By making our cult leader a woman, we subverted this expectation and gave her the position of power, which makes her more unsettling. I was influenced by The Blair Witch Project for its handheld style, especially for the secret footage of our journalist character. Wild Wild Country also inspired the use of interviews and cult imagery, which helped us mix realism with mystery. My research into real cults showed how chants and rituals are important, so we added a Latin chant scene where the journalist slips up and gets caught. fig. 3 Overall, my research helped me balance conventions of the crime genre while adding twists to feel different. We aimed our documentary at late teens to young adults who enjoy true crime, horror, or spiritual stories. We designed it with them in mind, using Netflix-style conventions but adding darker touches to attract paranormal fans. The thumbnail’s blurred figure and rough police sketches work as hermeneutic codes, sparking curiosity about the cult. In the documentary, we blurred the face and distorted the voice of the journalist’s partner in an interview. This made audiences feel like they were being trusted with hidden information, while also building suspense. According to Uses and Gratifications theory, our product links to surveillance by informing audiences of the cult’s crimes, while the eerie style keeps it entertaining and shareable. Mixing horror visuals like shadows with crime conventions like interviews and archive footage kept our audience engaged and made the cult seem more disturbing. Our documentary represents three main groups: the journalist, the cult members, and ordinary people. The journalist is represented as brave and determined, willing to risk himself to uncover the truth. Handheld shots and secret camera angles put the audience in his shoes, making the investigation feel tense. The cult members are shown as threatening and mysterious through shadows, chanting, and distorted sound, which makes them feel unpredictable. Everyday people are represented as scared or cautious, reflecting how communities react to disappearances or dangerous groups. The main issues we explored were cults and environmental extremism. The cult was “green” and pro-environment, but we showed how their message was twisted into violence and control. fig. 4 This links to real world debates about how serious issues like climate change can be exploited by dangerous groups. We also used stereotypes of cult imagery, like candlelight rituals and forest gatherings, because these visuals are familiar and signal “cult” to audiences.