Planning cinematography

Cinematography refers to the art or technique of motion-picture photography i.e. filming. This refers to the way in which footage is filmed and the effect it achieves. Cinematography depicts varied emotions on the audience, depending on what camera shots and camera movements are featured. It must therefore be carefully considered in order to create an affective music video that appeals to the target market. It is a fundamental aspect of a music video as this in simplistic terms is what the audience views therefore having a great impact on the overall success of the music video. Cinematography determines what is inferred to the audience i.e. the narrative, concept and performance elements of the video. From what can be seen, the audience is able to interpret the visuals into their own understanding. Cinematography also ensures continuity of a narrative as the audience is able to follow varied shots which have denotations as well as connotations. The way in which the production is filmed enhances the viewing experience for the audience as a selection of camera shots provides enticement whereas a production filmed with limited shots would be too simplistic and in turn would fail to attract viewers. The cinematography is able to present the viewers with the mise-en-scene, artist image and the location. It must therefore be planned in depth prior to production in order to assure all members of the group are aware of what is being shown.

The cinematography that will be used in the video will vary in order to provide a wide range of shot types and movements. One of the most significant shots that will be used will be a close up. This shot will be used to show the artist whilst performing. A close up shot is able to show the artist's facial expression and therefore convey his emotions to the audience. This enables the audience to form a relationship with the artist on the basis of gaining an understanding of his experience which is conveyed by the lyrics. Close ups will also be used to place emphasis on the guitar which is an important feature of the performance. The iconography underlines the artist's talent therefore displaying one of the reasons for the artist's newly established fame. It also conforms to Dyer's paradox in which the artist must be both ordinary as well as extra ordinary. The down to earth image of the artist shown by him performing with a guitar follows the image that has been already set for the artist and makes the artist seem ordinary yet extra ordinary due to his talent. 

A panning shot will also act as vital cinematography. This camera shot refers to the movement of the camera from one side to the other. It displays many elements in a single movement therefore enabling the audience to receive a wide shot. A panning shot is effective as it presents the mise-en-scene effectively, establishing the location. The location will be emphasised through the use of a panning shot. The location will be the cliff top which has been selected in order to create an impact on the viewer and therefore provide a pleasurable viewing of the music video. This type of shot will show not only the location but the artist which is the main focus of the video. A panning shot may also be used in the black studioroom, panning around the artist to signify him being surrounded by his thoughts which he aims to put across to the audience.

Long shots will also be used throughout the music video. To provide the audience with a variety of camera shots, the artist will be shown through mid shots, close ups and long shots. A long shot allows the audience to receive a full picture of the artist. This will simultaneously emphasise the emotions felt by the artist, the artist's talent and the costume being worn. A long shot displays the artist's body language which infers emotions as well as characteristics such as confidence or an introvert personality. As the artist holds the most significance, is is vital that the artist remains as the main focus throughout the music video. This is conventional of the pop genre and so the video is more likely to appeal to the target audience who have an interest in the artist. 

A mid shot will also act as a dominant camera shot that will enhance the visuals of the music video. It will be used on various occasions. A mid shot will be used to display a flashback of the artist and his love interest playing a game of cards. The cards act as significant iconography and a mid shot is able to illustrate their importance as not only this is visible but the male and female also. This therefore emphasises the relationship between the two individuals as well as establishing the iconography. It also displays the female whose presence is not necessarily stressed in the video due to artist having most importance, A mid shot will also be evident when the artist will be performing in order to display him as well as the guitar. 

The use of cinematography is conventional of the pop genre as the camera shots specified are commonly visible in videos of that genre. Long shots and mid shots are extremely common due to them being quite simplistic yet effective in displaying the narrative. Close ups are also re-occurring camera shots due their ability to illustrate individuals and therefore their emotions as well as elements of iconography which every music video has. A panning shot is also conventional of the pop genre as it presents the audience with a wide shot of a specific location. This is a dominant part of the mise-en-scene of a music video, especially when it has an underlying meaning. All the shots chosen have been selected for a specific reason that is somehow linked to creating a visually appealing video that appeals to the target audience. 

The cinematography enables the audience to build a relationship with the artist. This is because the audience is then able to understand the narrative which aims to reflect the lyrics. All the shots will be somehow incorporated with portraying the artist. A close up especially has the ability to show the emotions felt by the artist, allowing the audience to relate and therefore form a relationship. A long shot shows the artist facial expression as well as the costume worn which conveys meanings due to its colour. When the male artist is shown with his female love interest, the audience gains an insight into the artist's personal life which also allows the audience to feel closer to the artist as they have a more in depth understanding. The cinematography is therefore a fundamental aspect of the music video as it enables the audience to receive an effective viewing experience as well as gain an understanding of the artist and the lyrics.