Planning Cinematography - Miss Georgiou

Cinematography is a key element of any media production; especially music videos. Different types of camera shots can be used in different parts of the video in order to elaborate upon a narrative, further develop upon the presentation of the artist or help the video comply to the conventions of the genre it belongs to. It is specifically key to the production of our video as it solely consists of narrative; with artist presentation being the most important facto of the video.

The first camera shot that we have chosen to incorporate into our video is the use of a panning shot showing the London skyline as a view from his office. This will be seen at the start of the video as the artist contemplates whether he should go out and enjoy himself, living the desirable party lifestyle; or whether he should stay with the comfortable and easy life he has with his girlfriend. The shot itself is utilised in order to show the setting of which the video is based; it shows the view across central London and presents the artist as being well respected within the area. This is seen from him later going out and enjoying the nightlife of London. The shot could be seen as being slightly conventional to the dance genre as it shows the artist as living a party lifestyle in the centre of London. This links to the genre as artist is presented as being central to the urban nightlife of which the dance music focuses around. The shot is used to show the artist as being a successful, well respected individual. This is done by showing his elaborate office and extravagant views.  The younger target audience may spire towards this success as the younger adults are mostly seen to begin their professional careers; this would help the artist build relationships with his audience. Finally, the shot can also be seen to relate to the lyrics as it shows him thinking about what his girlfriend wants and the lifestyle that he wants to lead, showing him to 'know' what she wants but him but also emphasising the fact that he is 'not that guy'. It can be further argued that, by showcasing the lyrics of the song, the shot is supporting the narrative style of the video by elaborating upon the artists success and party lifestyle in contrast to the life with his girlfriend. This show will need to be filming in the dark, with a lack of lighting we will have to take further care when creating the shot and walking around the camera, being sure not to tread on wiring or knock the camera doing filming.

Another significant camera shot that will be used is the over the shoulder shot used towards the start of the video when showing the artist to be looking at missed calls from his girlfriend. This is specifically used towards the start of the video in order to clarify the narrative, showing the artist to be thinking over whether he should stay with the girl and live the lifestyle she wants or whether he should leave her and live his vibrant party lifestyle. The use of a phone can be said to be conventional to the target audience of
the genre. This consists of teenagers and young adults; phones play a large role in society within these age groups and they can relate to this shot as it vividly presents this form of communication. This shot is not used to link in with the desirable successful presentation of the artist; however it could be seen as presenting him as relatable to the target audience. This is seen as it presents the struggle of couples trying to argue or dispute over the phone; this may be relatable on a large scale with younger teenagers of the current generation.  The shot evidently matches the narrative style of the video, subsequently challenging dance conventions, by again linking towards the lyrics  of the song as it shows the artist as debating over whether to comply to his girlfriends needs or live his own life.

Also, a shot that will be seen towards the middle of the video is the use of close ups, specifically seen when showing the iconography in a club. This may consist of shots, cocktails, expensive clothing or DJ equipment. This shot will simply be used in order to show the party atmosphere. It is highly conventional to the dance genre; this is due to the fact that this party atmosphere and party lifestyle that is presented in the shot is what the music is based upon. This shot itself is used to link the artist with this vibrant party lifestyle. It presents him as being a conventional dance artist, helping him appeal to his target audience as he presents himself as living a full lifestyle that younger fans may aspire towards. Additionally to this, the shot further builds upon the narrative of the video. It shows him as beginning to live his vibrant and exciting lifestyle over the comfortable one that his girlfriend wants. The narrative style of the video evidently challenges conventions; however, this side of the narrative also develops conventional aspects of the video by building upon the artists party lifestyle. It further presents him as being a conventional dance artist yet also being unique with his lyrics. We will solve any health and safety issues regarding the glass that could be used in these close ups by using plastic shot cups. They will be more colourful, making the video more aesthetically pleasing to the audience; plus they reduce the risk of cutting ourselves on broken glass. In addition to the the use of water for the shots could become slippery if spilt. It will mean that we will take further care when pouring the drinks.

In order to further link in with the narrative of the video, shots will also be used to show him moving on with other women as he thinks about leaving his girlfriend. This may be conveyed through the use of a shadow focus shot, showing the artist in focus in the background looking towards a female character. This is evidently used to develop the narrative and show the artist as trying to move on with his own vibrant lifestyle. It is also seen as being conventional to the dance genre. This is due to the fact that it shows the artist as enjoying the freedom of his new found party lifestyle as he pursues various other girls. It may be seen as relatable for the male audience as they aspire to be like him. The shot itself presents the artist as being good with women, confident and flamboyant within the party atmosphere; this is all done in order to develop the presentation of which the younger target audience can relate to and aspire towards. There is a lack of health and safety risks in this shot, however wi will keep glasses away from the actors to prevent any spillage.

Finally, one additional shot that will also be used within the video is a long shot showing the artist and his girlfriend kissing after a date; this will be seen in the flash backs as he tries to give reasoning for not leaving his girlfriend. It shows the intimacy between him and his girlfriend and creates an ultimatum over whether he should move on with his vibrant lifestyle; this will engage the audience. The shot itself isn't really coherent with the conventions of the dance genre, relationships and love interest is usually not focused upon. The shot does, however, present the artist as being sensitive in contrast with the successful and vibrant presentation throughout. This makes him more relatable to the audience and may appeal to the female audience as they enjoy following a love interest. This broadens his variety of fans, helping him relate to a mainstream audience. It finalises the narrative style of the music video as it shows him deciding over whether to live a simple life with his girlfriend or choose a vibrant party lifestyle of his own. This shot involves this use of the road for the camera man, it will mean that we will need an extra crew member to watch out for on coming cars in order to warn the cameraman to get out of the road. Although this may prevent safety issues, it will mean that the shots will requires multiple takes.