Studying music videos!

1. What is the perpose of the lyrics in the song? Why are they useful?
   The lyrics are very important in a song because not only is it impossible to sing a song without lyrics, but the lyrics tell the story. It's the lyrics that people can relate to and that make a certain song centimental to people. It is also vital for making the video. The music video is made to connect with the lyrics of the song. If it's a very narrative based song, then the video relys on the lyrics to help get the story across.
2. How important is the video narrative and performance?
   The narrative of the video is really important because it there is a boring or non-existant narrative then the viewer would quickly loose interest. This also applies to the performance. The performer needs to be confident enough to make the video entertaining and the performance as convincing as possible.
3. Star image
   
   The star image is quite a vital aspect of a music video, because so many people watch music videos to see their favourite stars in different situations, different styles and sometimes different genres. Even if the artist isn't a favourite, their image is still important to people and their choosing whether or not to watch the video. It can also attract an audience - if the artist has a really bad image and is known for destructive behaviour then, to most people that would be very off putting. But stars looking happy and usually attractive is much more appealing to a broader audience. Adding to this - the artists can be inspirational and their image is a major part of that.
4. A) In terms of a music video, what is 'illustration'?
   The illustration is the story, told by the music. Which can create an emotional response from the audience. Sometimes this can be done just by the song/video itself, others it has some form of centimental meaning attatched to the lyrics or story of the song.
   
   B) In terms of a music video, what does 'Amplification' mean?
   Amplification is when the action/visuals emphasise the lyrics of the song. For example, if there is something mentioned in the lyrics about someone running - in the video the performer/star will be running.
   
   C) What is 'Disjunture'? and is it a good technique to use in a music video?Disjunture is when the action/visuals of the video have no relevance to the songs lyrics. This makes the video a little out of the ordinary and quite quirky. One example of a star that uses disjunture a lot this is Lady Gaga, she uses this technique in most, if not all of her videos. She is a big success and is known for being a little different, that is actually her trade mark - her quirky clothes, peculiar videos and over the top desings. So yes is can be a good technique to use in pop videos, but only for certain artists. Someone like Adele couldn't pull off what Lady Gaga does - she's too normal, as is her music. Here is an example of Lady Gaga using Disjunture; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I
5. A) What is meant by ther term 'Speed' in relation to a pop video?Speed is the cutting rate of the different shots in the video. The 'speed' would change depending on the genre of the music because pop video tend to have a quick tempo therefore the shots would be much quicker paced than a big power ballad - that would be much slower.
   Example pop video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1xs_xPb46M&ob=av2e
   Example power ballad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=pDxoj-tDDIU&feature=endscreen
   
   B) In terms of a music video what does 'Meat' mean?In terms of music videos 'Meat' is when close ups are used, close ups on the performer/musicians face sometimes the band are included in this too. This is done to show the full emotion on their faces more clearly. This helps much more to make the video easier to relate to and much more convincing.
   
   C) In terms of a music video what does 'Beats' mean?'Beats' is when the visuals are cut in time to the beat of the song. Whether it be that the shot ends to the beat of the song or the action in the video matches the beats.