Introduction to Music

To introduce myself to the production of music videos and the music industry, I decided to make a decision as to what my favourite song was that had a striking music video that was able to draw the attention of many audiences. By doing this, I am able to make an analysis of the mise-en-scene, lighting, camera angles/movement and sound to come to a conclusion as to what various techniques the producers used to make the whole production of the song so addressing towards the audience. By doing this, I am then able to gain some kind of awakening for the presentation of my group’s promotional music video.

Here is the single cover to Michael Jackson's single 'Smooth Criminal'.

- The long shot image of Michael Jackson with his arm in the air is in front of all the other images on the front cover, showing he is dominating the cover making that specific image of him the centre of attention. Also, light is shining on him from above making him appear to be ‘in the spotlight’ as usual and possibly ‘godly’.

- The way that the rainbow is placed directly behind the leading image of him that is placed at the front, could possibly symbolise his creative and wild imagination but it could also be a technique to draw children’s attention as it is very colourful and playful looking.

- The way in which there is a spaceship and children looking up at it could be a way of signifying that there is some kind of storyline to the song, however it could also be to catch the children’s attention as it is something you would see on the front cover of a child’s storybook.

- The range of different angled shots such as a long shot, close up and other angled shots could be a way of representing the different perspectives that people may have towards the song and the video. It could also be a way of showing the different perspectives that Michael Jackson includes in the music video as well.

- The white font of writing used is effective in standing out against the black background, making the name catch your eye when placed on a shelf next to other CD covers.