Planning setting and iconography

A setting is the context and environment in which a situation is set; the background that is visible to the audience. A location shooting is when filming takes place in an actual setting whereas a studio shoot is carried out in an indoor studio where a green screen may be used. The setting is a prominent element of the mise-en-scene as it conveys different emotions to the audience. In terms of music videos, settings are typically based upon the lyrics as suggested by Goodwin's theory in which the lyrics are parallel to the visuals. Therefore the setting of conventional music videos tend to coincide with the lyrics or potentially the emotion the lyrics aim to portray, for example a heartbreak may be illustrated by a female walking around on a cold night to signify her pain. Certain settings of music videos may be simple such as a room in which the artist is seen performing. This places emphasis on the artist as the audience is able to focus on the artist rather than the location. However other videos promote the location if it's significant to the meaning of the video. Therefore the setting is a vital element of a video and must be highly considered.

Iconography refers to a prop which conveys a  symbolic representation. It may have conventional meanings attached to it or may simply be a product that is being used in the video. Iconography is a significant element visible in music videos as it provides a representation of the artist. It may also act as a motif which reoccurs throughout the duration of the video. Therefore it may signify a certain aspect which contributes to the overall video. The iconography has to be considered as it allows the audience to gain a more in-depth understanding of the narrative or the concept present in the video. Therefore it must be chosen according to its connotation.

To highlight the performance aspect of the video, a black studio room will be used. The darkness of the room will be effective as it will place emphasis on the artist's presence; especially with the use of a spot light. The simplicity of a studio like room will also allow the audience to focus on the artist and his talent which therefore emphasises the performance of the song which will be referred to throughout the duration of the song. Although the setting won't consist of many elements, it will be effective in conveying the artist's talent and build tension as to what the video will consist further on.

In order to portray the relationship which the music video revolves around, an indoor house setting will also be used. A bedroom will be used to emphasise the intimacy between the male and female. This setting will be used in the scene in which the male and female are seen playing cards. A bedroom allows the male and female to be positioned on a bed to emphasise the proximity between the characters. The female will be filmed on the bed and so voyeuristic treatment of the female body will be visible, conforming to Goodwin's theory. The male and female will also be filmed together in an indoor setting to portray a relationship.

The performance and narrative aspect of the music video will be combined in an outdoor setting of a beach. The narrative in the video will consist of a flashback where the male and female are seen together and happy. However it will also be used to show the performance aspect of the music video where the artist will be seen performing. The location will be significant as it will show a contrast between a positive relationship and the impact on the artist of it ending. The pain felt due to the break down of the relationship will be displayed through the performance aspect, the use of close ups showing the artist's pain. The flashback will take place on the beach as well as in locations surrounding it such an arcade to emphasise the happiness once felt.

The most dominant element of iconography that will be used in the music video will be cards which have many possible connotations. Cards signify a 'game' which can also be related to the concept of a relationship as the male and female are on opposite sides. The use of cards will show the relationship at its best and worst therefore creating a contrast. The male and female playing cards has positive connotations and allows the iconography to be established. As there are numerous types of cards, they can be selected specifically such as a king and queen to portray the relationship. However when the break down of the relationship is initiated, the iconography will be used to illustrate this also.
The cards combined with fire will be used to show the relationship burning out. The cards built up will be set alight to show the relationship ending. This will be shown alongside the male and female arguing therefore displaying the literal and metaphoric aspect of the music video. Fire has powerful connotations of pain which is effective in displaying the emotions felt due to the relationship ending. This element of iconography will therefore be used when the strongest chorus of the song hits in order to create tension and excitement.

A guitar will also act as significant iconography as it is a stereotypical genre convention. It will be used to emphasise the artist's talent which is a vital element of his success within the music industry. The guitar will act as dominant iconography in the performance aspect of the music video which will be carried out in the studio room. As the artist will be isolated and surrounded by low key lighting, this will emphasise the guitar that the artist will be seen holding. A guitar is a prop commonly seen in music videos of the pop genre therefore the video will conform to genre conventions. Although it does not convey any hidden meanings, it is still effective in conveying the performance aspect.

The location as well as iconography chosen to be featured in the music video is used to portray the lyrics which conforms to Goodwin's theory. The theory aims to explain conventional videos therefore the music video will be conventional as it follows the theory. A generic convention of the pop genre is the emphasis placed on the narrative which will be followed in order to achieve a conventional music video. The concept of the narrative being a break down of a relationship is also typically used as it is evident in many videos of the pop genre. Goodwin's theory also mentions intertextual references. This will be used in the music video through the use of an I-phone which is also a form of product placement. The I-phone doesn't necessarily have strong connotations however it is simply used to illustrate the narrative i.e. the female receiving a message which connotes infidelity. Therefore the iconography as well as the location that has been involved in the planning of the music video has been highly considered in order to contribute to an effective video that aims to create an impact on the audience.

The mise-en-scene i.e. setting and iconography of the video allows the target audience to build a relationship with the artist. Through the setting, the audience is able to focus on the artist,for example the simplicity of the studio room allows the audience to focus on the artist and his talent alone rather than focusing upon the background. Flashbacks which take place in a bedroom setting allow the audience to see the relationship between the artist and the female therefore providing an insight into the artist's life thus forming a relationship between the artist and the audience. The iconography such as the burning of the cards signifies the artist's pain and therefore also displays the emotions felt by the artist, helping the audience to further develop their understanding of the artist.