Research Into A Digi Pack Ad.

Feedback From Audience On My Ideas.

When thinking what I could do for my music video I instantly had all the ideas for it. However I wanted feedback on my ideas. So I sat down with one of my friends who is doing the same course as me receiving both her praises and criticisms.

Originally due to the of the version of the song I was using I found it hard to think of an opening scene. So in thinking about it I had decided to do the opening in a chip shop. Discussing this idea with Lucy we both found that we didn't like the idea and wanted to do something different but we didn't know what. With Lucy even calling the idea too low-budget. Instead of scrapping the idea we put it on the shelf looking for other ideas. Until Lucy told me to play her the song I found a different version which included a dialogue interlude, as if she was writing something. So I had the idea to shots of her writing in her diary on her bed instead an idea in which we'd both agreed with.

Another criticism was my idea to incorporate fireworks in the ending scene. Not that it wasn't a good idea, it was just the fact that it just wasn't practical. The idea of filming at night without the correct equipment is redundant. So I updated the idea; the idea of an isolated field with two lovers seemed more intimate than a sky full of fireworks.

However all of my idea were received quite well the idea of a simplistic video seemed suited to this song with the visuals being able to picture.

Treatment.

As I am doing a music video, I found it better to explain the synopsis instead of doing a story board. In the video I have broken everything down into verses using the chorus as a somewhat bridge into the next scene, showing the stages of a budding relationship. 

Summary.

I plan to provide visuals to the song I Like by Tink. This song is considered as an R&B song; something which I am very familiar with. Wanting to provide a positive message that R&B doesn't really want to portray. I want to celebrate relationships and not make it a mockery as R&B music videos normally do. For example, they normally objectify women and use half naked video vixens. Indulging in an expensive and fast paced life-style. Whilst some artist are trying to stray away from this typical perception  i.e. Jhene Aiko who I took a lot of inspiration from for my music video, this is the common theme. 

Most artists in the R&B genre are black. Men are usually seen with white women on their arms. Whilst black women choose black men usually as their love interests. I want to challenge the conventions and celebrate a multicultural relationship involving a white man and a black women, as this isn't usually shown in R&B in a positive light. In my textual analysis I analysed to R&B music video which featured a white male counterpart and both instances were negative. I didn't want to follow these aspects. I want to celebrate not warn interracial relationships, especially in young people. 

So in my music video the story is, a black girl and white boy are about to endeavour on a relationship; which is celebrated by all. Through the use of the verses I will show the stages of the relationship. Starting with the awkward friendship drifting into more, with them then wanting to get to know one another as individuals not as collective and then the complete comfortability between the two of them to make their relationship public yet still intimate and personal not on a physical level but mentally and spiritually. Just a genuine and natural connection.

Interlude:

At the start of the song you will hear the artist writing in what I perceive to her diary. About a boy she met. Originally I wanted this scene to be in a chip shop, however to me it seemed to be too forced. I want my video to be natural, realistic and mysterious. So I am going to go about it as she was describing the guys personality slowing building his character which she later introduces and this guy; and on that saying he is shown. I want the writing to be done in her room as a sense of vulnerability as relationships is all about having complete trust in someone else. 

Verse 1:

This starts with them holding hands to meet all of their friends. To show the start of the relationship, just trying to understand what one another is about and by doing this in a group setting it makes it somewhat more relaxed. It is all the friends just talking and enjoying one anothers' company. With just innocent glances at one another. The important scenes in this shot is the leading ladies singular shots. I want to use shots where she is talking directly talking to the camera, breaking the 4th wall acting as the narrator to explain what is going on the scene, this acts as a way of her removing herself from her happiness exploring how the feeling she has in the budding relationship differs from her previous relationships. In one of the singular shot I the leading man will appear as if to say the story is still going on and he takes her back to the story isolating her from her previous problems in relationship.

Chorus:

This is purely singular shots of her trying to summarise if her feelings are reciprocated. Showing her in the scene she was previously in the next one she will be and the white wall. The chorus acts as a way to transition into the next stage of the relationship.

Verse 2:

This scene signifies the idea of her allowing his guy to get to know her. Opening up to him. This is done by her allowing him into her house in her room. As young people especially boys it seems as if we all have one thing on our minds, however I want to stray from that and use the terms 'Netflix and Chill' in its original meaning. As a generation we are said to be consumed with our appearance, I deliberately made it so she looks some what 'basic'. This will signify the guy as getting to know her for what she stands for and falling for her being at because of how she looks. Again the important shots are her singular shots. Showing that she is in her isolated world talking to herself (the camera) the white wall signifies purity and innocence what relationships should be based on. Again like the first verse he enters these shots (her thoughts) but instead of him trying to take her away from them he stays there symbolising that he is trying to help her then deal with them. 

Chorus:

This is purely singular shots of her trying to summarise if her feelings are reciprocated. Showing her in the scene she was previously in the next one she will be and the white wall. The chorus acts as a way to transition into the next stage of the relationship.

Ending:

This doesn't include many words its mostly background music. This is a coincidence however I'm using it to express the idea that you don't have to be talking to someone to communicate. With them just being in one anothers company the are communicating. Showing and the ending a a complete circle of the start of an organic relationship.

Costume & Props in R&B.

Both costumes and props are very important when it comes to music video. It could lead to a sort of motif for the song. A perfect example of this is Aaliyah. Her style inspired other to remake or duplicate the look.

This is Aaliyah's outfit for her hit single in 2000 'Try Again.' Which was featured in the movie Romeo Must Die. As you can see her outfit excudes sexy confidence. This is done through her use of using a glitter bikini.

The silver choker she is wearing has symbolism behind it. Being a key element of black feminism, perhaps she wore this choker to established that no one owned her, because in the middle ages it was used as a form of bondage. Slaves wore them, signifying that ownerships over themselves. Another theory would be to platform her wealth. For example in the late 1700's chokers were worn as a cultural jewel worn by wealthy women.

This was a very iconic outfit. the same outfit featured on the single cover for the song. Even duplicated by other artists paying homage to the late R&B singer. As seen below you can see famous singer and actress Keke Palmer dressed as Aaliyah for Halloween even went as far as to recreating the music video for Try Again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRXtZKWhnXQ






The same outfit was recreated by Natal Verdi (Socialite) paying homage to Aaliyah on the anniversary of Aaliyah's death August 25th. Posted on her twitter she captioned it 'Aaliyah 'Babygirl' Haughton// Try Again video inspiration.'

Evolution of  Style In R&B

Rhythm and blues (R&B) is like a blanket term for genres such as, Motwon, Soul, Hip Hop, Blues, Rap and Trap Soul they all have similar element and with that similar styles. From Motown pioneers to R&B artists their style style have gone through the motions and gone through mutliple changes in its lifetime. This timeline is of the most memorable fashion statements in R&B.

1960's: Diana Ross reigned as the lead singer of the Supremes during this era, and glamorous gowns, wigs and heavy makeup ruled.

1970's:The hippie movement began heavily in the 1970s, so afros, over-sized earrings and sunglasses and bell bottoms were huge. Natalie Cole, who made many hits in the mid-1970s, also sported bohemian dresses, one-sleeved tops and a flip hairstyle.





1980's: Whitney Houston was one of the biggest breakout stars of the ’80s, and she sported many fashion trends of that era including shoulder pads, pantsuits, leotards and big, frizzy hair. For the male community, Run D.M.C. made Adidas the sneaker of choice (remember their hit song, “My Adidas”?) The sneakers were usually worn unlaced with over-sized, gold chains.






1990's: Denim, over-sized sweaters and t-shirts, leather jackets and leggings became popular at the start of the ’90s, and pop star Janet Jackson incorporated many of these into her wardrobe. Tattoos and body piercing also became acceptable during this time, and Miss Jackson proudly sported her nose and nipple rings.














2000's: Beyonce was one of the biggest fashion icons of this decade. initially as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, and then as a solo artist. Women began to wear more feminine styles including Daisy Dukes, low-rise skinny jeans, tunics worn with a belt, and knee-high boots. Straight and naturally wavy hairstyles were popular (Beyonce sported both) as well as cornrows (which Alicia Keys mainly wore during this era). Baseball caps, fitted tees and Nike Air Jordans became the stylish choices for men.









2010's and beyond: Edgy, funky fashion became huge in 2010. It was all about pushing the buttons literally from head (Cassie and Solange shaving their heads) to toe (spiky, 6-inch heels worn by Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj). We’ve seen military-inspired, sheer and lace clothing, cross-body bags, wooden heels, bangs, turbans and metallic nails make a hit in just the past year and a half. This era proves to be all about setting the trends, not following any: Rihanna and protage Willow Smith serve as the key trendsetters for this era.

Masclinity & Feminity in R&B Evolution.

1960's.

In the 60's the style was very classic, quite sleek in a sense. Male artists dressed particularly well,always being dressed in suits.Perhaps this is because in those time singing was seen as a hobby and they had other jobs. Another theory is that they dressed this way becuase of the racist attitudes in america at the time. For example, they performed for a predominatly white audience. This would make theem want to dress well to sort of say that, 'they belong here.'

Female artist wanted to look quite spohisticated. Wearing heavy make-up a jewellery seem very elgant. The same as them male artist they followed the style of they white audience to somewhat promote the same message.

Overall the style of R&B fashion in the 60's was to look very polished. Following the style of their white counterparts. To be taken seriously. The male style being labelled a doo-wop band fashion it was adopted by many. The female style being labelled as the starting fashion 'Diva.' Pionneered by Diana Ross.

1970's.

In the turn of new decade came the pro-black era. With male artist abandoning their sleek style resmenbling their audience, they decided to embrace their natural. Sporting their properly groomed afros and earth tones. Inspired by the motherland Africa.

The same with the female artists. They wore their hair natrually and also wore earth tones. However unlike the men they didn't dress to look simple they dressed to look a sort of modest sexy.

The 70's introduced the pro-black era into R&B. Leading many artist to embrace their lost heritage. By wearing earth tones and wearing their hair natrually. As seen with Chaka Khan and Bill Withers.

1980's.

The 80's were an introduction of sex appeal. With men wearing styles such as baggy trousers with no top and a torso or fishnet vest with jacket showing off their torso. Still wearing their natrual the traditional afro was abandoned and chemical treatments were introduced. Artists such as Prince and Michael Jackson sported such styles which involved relaxers and texturisers.

The 80's came with an introduction to weaves. RnB women ditched their natruals and gave into sew-in's. Still targeting sex appeal they somewhat adopted the same ideology of the male counter parts. Wearing tight clothing to show off their physique, fishnet tops etc in order to capture the same gaze. 

Overall the 80's came with a bang of pure sex appeal wanting to capture their audience with both their talent and appeal.

1990's

Artist such as Mary J Blige founded the fashion movement in the 90's called ghetto fabulous. With the hyperbolised accessories ('bling') and the baggy outrages jackets the R&B style was more about who can attract the most attention with their clothing. Good or bad. However a heavy influence in female R&B fashion world resemble those of an old school pimp. Perhaps suggesting that they could be just as good as the men if not better.

For men the idea of sexy had also taken in the form ghetto. The introduction of people wearing durags. The orgin of durags came from within prisons the the 70's usedto simulate hair growth but was then adopted as a fashion statement. Here came the cross between fashion for both men and women. They both adopted the wearing of excessive jewellery and wearing of dungarees.

The 90's is where sexiness was somewhat abandoned. It was transform. The R&B fashion in the 90's was used as catalyst for equality for both men and women they basically had the same style.

2000's

Sexiness came back in the noughties. Weaves were still monoplised by many in the industry. Even some turning to wigs to be versatile with their style. However artist such as Alicia Keys went back to the natrual hair movement even wearing cornrows which again aren't typically worn outside. Crop tops and low rise jeans were the basic fashion around that time worn by many females.













Basically the idea of sexy was back taking insirpation from the 80's men basically wore unbuttoned shirts exposing their torsos. Artists such as Sisqo and Ginuwine were very popular for this style.


The 00's was the basic restyling of the 80's going back to their roots and going natrual.

2010's

This decade was the introduction of gaining styles ideas from other places. A form of fashion liberal expression. New ideas were sets and old ideas recycled.