Props and Costume
Props
Props in mise-en-scene often help the narrative and help to define a genre. They can also tell a lot about a culture and connote different messages according to how they are used within the story. I aim to keep props to a minimum within my music video (I will not use them excessively) so that the mise-en-scene is not distractive, overcrowded or confusing. The possible semiotic codes of each prop should be thought about in conjunction with my intended audience to ensure that I understand all the possible means of audience reception for my final music video.
Below are the props which I propose to use in my music video.
The Bike
The bike is essential for the actions of the cyclist to take place, naturally. I think that the bike should be as small to ensure that the planned falls are not dangerous for the actress (a 'backstage' health and safety note), but also to enhance verisimilitude; as a new rider, the cyclist would not be likely to use a large bicycle. The best colour for the bicycle, as such an important prop and as a symbol of the physical challenge, should be any which stands out against the proposed green, 'natural' background. Ideal colours would include yellow, orange and red.
The Helmet
A helmet is an important prop because it makes the sequence more realistic - the learner implements the best safety measurements for their 'real' task. Using a helmet also encourages the audience to take safety advice too, thus conveying a moral message or tip as well.
The Earphones
The runner's earphones are a stock prop when thinking about a jogger, especially nowadays. In this way, the character is formed as contemporary and perhaps more relatable to for the audience. It is a sign of the times and provides context.
The Coat
The coat of the cyclist is arguably part of the costume design, however early on in the music video it is planned that the cyclist take off their coat and drop it to the floor. From this perspective, the coat could symbolise the diminished fear and gaining of courage of the cyclist, who has always wanted to ride but has been too afraid to try it. It is also relevant that it is cold at the set tie of year, so a coat is expected to be seen.
The Water Bottle
Water is a requirement for any person taking part in physical activity, so the bottle of water in the video is used to enhance believability and remind the audience of the correct necessities for exercise or training. If the water bottle is branded, this is an ideal opportunity for product placement within the music video; in reality this would generate a lot of money for the record label.
The Remote Control
The remote control is simple and a necessity to show the source of the runner's inspiration. It is a simple device which allows the use of the television within the narrative (a television or other type of 'looking' device - such as a mirror - is often used within modern music videos, so the remote control would allow my music video to conform to this convention). The remote control could arguably symbolise the idea that the runner is in control of their own desires and aspirations and whether or not they choose to act upon their impulses to make their goals come true.
The iPad
Tablets and other devices are a fundamental aspect of the modern lifestyle, especially for people of the character's ages (and the audience demographic). By using an iPad, the music video would be kept relevant to the modern audience and thus more interesting and realistic to watch.
The iMac
The iMac, like the iPad, is a modern piece of daily equipment which the audience members are likely to own too. It is a device that the running character can interact with which clearly explains their future aspirations in a modern, relevant way.
Below are the props which I propose to use in my music video.
The Bike
The bike is essential for the actions of the cyclist to take place, naturally. I think that the bike should be as small to ensure that the planned falls are not dangerous for the actress (a 'backstage' health and safety note), but also to enhance verisimilitude; as a new rider, the cyclist would not be likely to use a large bicycle. The best colour for the bicycle, as such an important prop and as a symbol of the physical challenge, should be any which stands out against the proposed green, 'natural' background. Ideal colours would include yellow, orange and red.
The Helmet
A helmet is an important prop because it makes the sequence more realistic - the learner implements the best safety measurements for their 'real' task. Using a helmet also encourages the audience to take safety advice too, thus conveying a moral message or tip as well.
The Earphones
The runner's earphones are a stock prop when thinking about a jogger, especially nowadays. In this way, the character is formed as contemporary and perhaps more relatable to for the audience. It is a sign of the times and provides context.
The Coat
The coat of the cyclist is arguably part of the costume design, however early on in the music video it is planned that the cyclist take off their coat and drop it to the floor. From this perspective, the coat could symbolise the diminished fear and gaining of courage of the cyclist, who has always wanted to ride but has been too afraid to try it. It is also relevant that it is cold at the set tie of year, so a coat is expected to be seen.
The Water Bottle
Water is a requirement for any person taking part in physical activity, so the bottle of water in the video is used to enhance believability and remind the audience of the correct necessities for exercise or training. If the water bottle is branded, this is an ideal opportunity for product placement within the music video; in reality this would generate a lot of money for the record label.
The Remote Control
The remote control is simple and a necessity to show the source of the runner's inspiration. It is a simple device which allows the use of the television within the narrative (a television or other type of 'looking' device - such as a mirror - is often used within modern music videos, so the remote control would allow my music video to conform to this convention). The remote control could arguably symbolise the idea that the runner is in control of their own desires and aspirations and whether or not they choose to act upon their impulses to make their goals come true.
The iPad
Tablets and other devices are a fundamental aspect of the modern lifestyle, especially for people of the character's ages (and the audience demographic). By using an iPad, the music video would be kept relevant to the modern audience and thus more interesting and realistic to watch.
The iMac
The iMac, like the iPad, is a modern piece of daily equipment which the audience members are likely to own too. It is a device that the running character can interact with which clearly explains their future aspirations in a modern, relevant way.
Costume
I would like the two characters in my music video to look like a member of my music video's target demographic and psychographic group, so that the majority of the audience can relate to the characters within the narrative. By doing this, the main message of the narrative should also feel a lot more personal to the audience, resulting in a successful product across the board.
In total there would have to be three different costumes - one for the running character, one for the cyclist character and one for the performer. In many pop music videos it is common that the performer wears more than one costume, however I feel that keeping all three characters' costumes consistent will aid the clarity and distinctions between the different narrative/performance sections. It is vital that my music video's narratives are easy to understand for the audience, or the product would result in being unsuccessful.
Below are the costume ideas for my characters.
Character 1 - The Runner
The runner will wear casual, comfortable clothes which are suitable for physical activities such as running. This will ensure believability and create a character who is serious about achieving their goals. The grey hooded jumper is a garment which is commonly owned by most people, making the character relatable and relevant to their intended audience. The socks are an essential part of most costumes, however they should be plain so that they do not attract any excessive attention and distract the viewers from the narrative. The trainers could be branded for the same reason as the water bottle mentioned above; an opportunity to generate money from product placement and advertisement.
Character 2 - The Cyclist
The cyclist, as a beginner to the activity, should not wear specific cycling clothes for reasons regarding the verisimilitude of the narrative. Instead, they should wear comfortable, warm clothes that appear casual (something that the character may wear everyday). The style of clothing matches that of the contemporary era, ensuring that the audience can associate themselves easily with the character. The coat in the narrative acts as a prop at the same time as part of the costume, carrying symbolic significance, yet it is also necessary because it is likely to be cold outside during shooting (it has its practical reasons as well). The sweatshirt is an example of a typically casual garment that would be worn by a person of the demographic and psychographic of the character and the intended audience alike. Jeggings are also a contemporary casual garment.
The sheepskin boots are the perfect footwear for the cyclist; not only are they warm and comfortable and ideal for the terrain, they are also ideal in terms of safety. They protect the actress' feet because they are soft and they have no shoelaces which have the potential of getting caught up in the chain of the bicycle.
Character 3 - The Performer
In total there would have to be three different costumes - one for the running character, one for the cyclist character and one for the performer. In many pop music videos it is common that the performer wears more than one costume, however I feel that keeping all three characters' costumes consistent will aid the clarity and distinctions between the different narrative/performance sections. It is vital that my music video's narratives are easy to understand for the audience, or the product would result in being unsuccessful.
Below are the costume ideas for my characters.
Character 1 - The Runner
The runner will wear casual, comfortable clothes which are suitable for physical activities such as running. This will ensure believability and create a character who is serious about achieving their goals. The grey hooded jumper is a garment which is commonly owned by most people, making the character relatable and relevant to their intended audience. The socks are an essential part of most costumes, however they should be plain so that they do not attract any excessive attention and distract the viewers from the narrative. The trainers could be branded for the same reason as the water bottle mentioned above; an opportunity to generate money from product placement and advertisement.
Character 2 - The Cyclist
The cyclist, as a beginner to the activity, should not wear specific cycling clothes for reasons regarding the verisimilitude of the narrative. Instead, they should wear comfortable, warm clothes that appear casual (something that the character may wear everyday). The style of clothing matches that of the contemporary era, ensuring that the audience can associate themselves easily with the character. The coat in the narrative acts as a prop at the same time as part of the costume, carrying symbolic significance, yet it is also necessary because it is likely to be cold outside during shooting (it has its practical reasons as well). The sweatshirt is an example of a typically casual garment that would be worn by a person of the demographic and psychographic of the character and the intended audience alike. Jeggings are also a contemporary casual garment.
The sheepskin boots are the perfect footwear for the cyclist; not only are they warm and comfortable and ideal for the terrain, they are also ideal in terms of safety. They protect the actress' feet because they are soft and they have no shoelaces which have the potential of getting caught up in the chain of the bicycle.
Character 3 - The Performer
The costume for the Performer is not as casual as those for the narrative's characters. This is to ensure that the performance and narrative sides of the music video remain distinct from one another. Also, in pop music videos, the performer wears more extravagant costumes to portray themselves as more fashionable (fashion is a large aspect of pop culture). For my music video, I think that the performer should wear semi-casual items of clothing. A shirt/top with lots of detail (like a lace-looking material, for example) could be worn to separate itself from plain, casual garments. Plain leggings draw the attention to the detail on the performer's top. 'Try Everything' is a song written by Shakira, an artiste who is known for wearing denim frequently, so I have included a denim waistcoat into the costume of the performer to add the concept of intertextuality and external pop culture reference.
Overall, I think that it is important for the audience to be able to relate to the characters who they see in the music video, as this will create a more personal and familiar feeling for the viewers. This is welcoming and makes the video more comfortable to watch.
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