2. After choosing our track for the music video, Love Song by...., i decided to do
some analysis of current music videos. This will enable me to be aware of the
general conventions of a music video, which i can later apply and challenge
when making my own. Addicting by looking at R&B videos in particular as this is
the genre of my song, I will be able to familiarise myself with what is expected
and commonly shown.
The following sides show a few of the music videos I analysised, in total 4,
along with their common convections with I have highlighted through capturing
the specific moments in the video and an ending summary of traits in the R&B
genre.
3. Videos that I analysised in depth
As mentioned before, after watching numerous music videos, here are the main videos that I decided to
focus on in terms of finding out the general conventions of an R&B video. I have chosen these four as
they sound most similar to our song (the tempo and narrative) I will be creating the video for:
<<<Alicia Keys- No one
I chose this song as my first analysis as the song talks about the artist
having strong feelings for someone and not letting anyone get in the
way. This relates to our song, which mentions ‘your the air I breathe
and I can’t live without you’
Mariah Carey- We Belong Together>>>
This second music video narrative is about a broken relationship, however the
artist id declaring her love for her ex partner., similiar to our song ‘even though
we fuss and fight, i swear i’ll never leave you’
4. Videos that I analysised in depth
As mentioned before, after watching numerous music videos, here are the main videos that I decided to
focus on in terms of finding out the general conventions of an R&B video. I have chosen these four as
they sound most similar to our song (the tempo and narrative) I will be creating the video for:
<<<Alicia Keys- No one
I chose this song as my first analysis as the song talks about the artist
having strong feelings for someone and not letting anyone get in the
way. This relates to our song, which mentions ‘your the air I breathe
and I can’t live without you’
Mariah Carey- We Belong Together>>>
This second music video narrative is about a broken relationship, however the
artist id declaring her love for her ex partner., similiar to our song ‘even though
we fuss and fight, i swear i’ll never leave you’
5. Videos that I analysised in depth
As mentioned before, after watching numerous music videos, here are the main videos that I decided to
focus on in terms of finding out the general conventions of an R&B video. I have chosen these four as
they sound most similar to our song (the tempo and narrative) I will be creating the video for:
<<<Alicia Keys- No one
I chose this song as my first analysis as the song talks about the artist
having strong feelings for someone and not letting anyone get in the
way. This relates to our song, which mentions ‘your the air I breathe
and I can’t live without you’
Mariah Carey- We Belong Together>>>
This second music video narrative is about a broken relationship, however the
artist id declaring her love for her ex partner., similiar to our song ‘even though
we fuss and fight, i swear i’ll never leave you’
6. <<<Beyonce- Halo
The lyrics of this song deals with a woman who has had problems with her previous
relationships, and she explains that she has trouble trusting men. However, we meets a
someone who has changed her views on love and trust.
Usher ft Alicia Key-My Boo>>>
Like our song, this track deals with a relationship that may
be long distance, and despite being famous, the two people
in the narrative do not let that get in the way of their love
7. <<<Beyonce- Halo
The lyrics of this song deals with a woman who has had problems with her previous
relationships, and she explains that she has trouble trusting men. However, we meets a
someone who has changed her views on love and trust.
Usher ft Alicia Key-My Boo>>>
Like our song, this track deals with a relationship that may
be long distance, and despite being famous, the two people
in the narrative do not let that get in the way of their love
8. <<<Beyonce- Halo
The lyrics of this song deals with a woman who has had problems with her previous
relationships, and she explains that she has trouble trusting men. However, we meets a
someone who has changed her views on love and trust.
Usher ft Alicia Key-My Boo>>>
Like our song, this track deals with a relationship that may
be long distance, and despite being famous, the two people
in the narrative do not let that get in the way of their love
9. No one - Alicia Keys : directed by Justin Francis 2007
1 The music video commences with the close up of what we later
find out to be a gear. This is the first motif in this video, as
throughout extreme close ups of this image appear. Fades link these
shots, and continue throughout the whole song, creating a delicate
feel which fits the beat of the song and the lyric. The subtle fades
also make it feel as though you are blinking as and thinking about 5
1 the music as Alicia Keys sings directly to the camera
2 We are initially introduced to the artist, we is sitting in the middle
of a bare with sophisicated decorated theme, with big windows
(letting loads of light in on her). This could be done to focus our
attention on who the singer is (as r&b is very much focused on the
artist
3 There are many medium close ups in the song as we focus once
again on the artist and what she is singing. There is minimal make- 6
2
up, which is quite soft in order to continue the soothing theme of
the song
4 This shot reveals to the audience that the video is based around
the idea of Alicia Keys being on difference sets
5 Close- ups of the artist, which her lips almost in centre screen
and her eyes looking straight out the camera makes the viewer feel
like the artist is talking directly at them (building a relationship)
7
3
6 This sets mise en scene has instruments in the background that
are included in the song creating a band feel, even though it is just
her in the room- highlighting she is a solo artist. Her costume has
changed to be quite tight, and short revealing her figure
7 A close up of her playing the keyboard emphasises what the are is
known for
8
8 The second motif during the song appears here first- a watch
4
10. No one - Alicia Keys : directed by Justin Francis 2007
1 The music video commences with the close up of what we later
find out to be a gear. This is the first motif in this video, as
throughout extreme close ups of this image appear. Fades link these
shots, and continue throughout the whole song, creating a delicate
feel which fits the beat of the song and the lyric. The subtle fades
also make it feel as though you are blinking as and thinking about 5
1 the music as Alicia Keys sings directly to the camera
2 We are initially introduced to the artist, we is sitting in the middle
of a bare with sophisicated decorated theme, with big windows
(letting loads of light in on her). This could be done to focus our
attention on who the singer is (as r&b is very much focused on the
artist
3 There are many medium close ups in the song as we focus once
again on the artist and what she is singing. There is minimal make- 6
2
up, which is quite soft in order to continue the soothing theme of
the song
4 This shot reveals to the audience that the video is based around
the idea of Alicia Keys being on difference sets
5 Close- ups of the artist, which her lips almost in centre screen
and her eyes looking straight out the camera makes the viewer feel
like the artist is talking directly at them (building a relationship)
7
3
6 This sets mise en scene has instruments in the background that
are included in the song creating a band feel, even though it is just
her in the room- highlighting she is a solo artist. Her costume has
changed to be quite tight, and short revealing her figure
7 A close up of her playing the keyboard emphasises what the are is
known for
8
8 The second motif during the song appears here first- a watch
4
11. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
12. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
13. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
14. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
15. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
16. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
17. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
18. 9 The next transition reveals the setting of a nightclub
10 As the camera pans across the room, pass a silhouette
of people dancing, we are directed to Alicia Keys who is
against a wall. The camera keeps switching between the
two sets, which the pace of the edits and the duration of
9 the shots (mostly quick at chorus to build up pace since 13
audience already know what is said, to longer duration
shots for the verses to they can concentration on what is
going on)all at the same rate as the beat of the song
11 Again the light in shining directly on the artist to make
her stand out even in a crowded dark room. This is just
one example of a high angle shot, which is commonly used
throughout as she almost sings to us. This gives the
audience as little power over the female artist, as if looking
over her, creating a supportive attitude towards her
14
10
12 The motif recurs
13 The final set in designed to be outside on a quite street.
To match the lyrics we can see that it is raining. The idea of
the piano follows
14 A eyes shot later brings us back to the scene with a
group of people dancing Alicia Keys who is centre, and
dancing. The camera zoom in on the crowd, making the
audience feel they are viewing something that is perhaps
private 15
11 15 There are medium shots of her body throughout the
video as she dances
16 To end, the camera zooms out to reveal the sets are
contained in this gear shape, the recurring image, which
could be of a clock
12 16
19. We Belong Together- Mariah Carey: directed by Brett Ratmer 2005
1 We are introduced by a pan and long shot to a big house in what
looks to be a well kept area. This is typical of the r&b genre, as
1 5 people are normally portrayed as having big houses/cars
2 At first the audience is not sure of who the artist is, as we only
see her feet, and the silk around her drop as she walks. The room is
light, with no mise en scene except for curtains
3 The director then introduces us the who the artist os as she lie on
a bed, with just covers covering her body. White is perhaps used to
represent purity or innocence despite the fact that she is naked
2
6
4 Close ups are used throughout as the singer sings straight at
camera
5 The next room appears grand, continuing on with the theme, and
there is minimal decoration- a fireplace, plants and neutral colours
6 The camera zooms into Mariah Carey who is sitting by her mirror
as she sings, and does her make- up. This is typical of how women
3 are represented in r&b videos, spending time on their appearance
7
7 Close ups of her lips are used often throughout, which is centre
screened
8 The artist again sings, in a bare room, shown by a close up of her
face, putting all attention on her. Make- up is quite subtle and
typically, wind blows her hair making her appear delicate
4 8
20. We Belong Together- Mariah Carey: directed by Brett Ratmer 2005
1 We are introduced by a pan and long shot to a big house in what
looks to be a well kept area. This is typical of the r&b genre, as
1 5 people are normally portrayed as having big houses/cars
2 At first the audience is not sure of who the artist is, as we only
see her feet, and the silk around her drop as she walks. The room is
light, with no mise en scene except for curtains
3 The director then introduces us the who the artist os as she lie on
a bed, with just covers covering her body. White is perhaps used to
represent purity or innocence despite the fact that she is naked
2
6
4 Close ups are used throughout as the singer sings straight at
camera
5 The next room appears grand, continuing on with the theme, and
there is minimal decoration- a fireplace, plants and neutral colours
6 The camera zooms into Mariah Carey who is sitting by her mirror
as she sings, and does her make- up. This is typical of how women
3 are represented in r&b videos, spending time on their appearance
7
7 Close ups of her lips are used often throughout, which is centre
screened
8 The artist again sings, in a bare room, shown by a close up of her
face, putting all attention on her. Make- up is quite subtle and
typically, wind blows her hair making her appear delicate
4 8
21. 9 We see a full shot of the artist sitting, in centre screen. This is
done to show her body, in particular her legs and her pink silk long
cut dress. This highlights her femininity
10 Like in many videos i have analysised, the artist in showering as
they are singing. This could be done to show they are trying to
wash something, such as memories, or makes them appear pure
9 13
11 The make that the artist is singing about is introduced to us
subtly through short clips of him walking (done with both long/
close ups)
12 The audience later get to see that the singer is actually getting
married, however she is still singing the song
13 Many close ups of the artists body is shown, however the top of
the head is typically cut of instead of it being including in the frame
10 14
14 A flashback, shown in black and white, then justifies to the
audience who the artist is singing about, as a rose is captured in the
shot, symbolising love
15 A long shot of the artists body is occasionally used to show
their figure. Again the room is bare and light, and she is dressed in
white so we focus on her
16 The song ends with tracking shots, following the artist and her
lover as they run away from the scene of her wedding to another
man 15
11
Throughout fades, are used to link the quite long duration shots
and are edited to the beat of the music, apart from the chorus with
is quite. A dissolve is also used to create a faint transition
12 16
22. Halo- Beyonce: directed by Philip Adelman, 2009
1 2 3 4
1 The first shot fades in from black with a close up of the artists face. A bright light shines in from the window, a motif throughout, making her appear angelic
and relates to the title of the song
2 A high angle shot of the artists partner in soon straight away in this song, as he sleeps
3 A recurring shot that is used often in this video is off Beyonce standing in front of her partner, as the light shines on her face, while their is a shadow on his.
4 Extreme close ups of them holding hands, and many similar shots throughout show them being intimate
5 A bare room is used with plenty of light coming in is where the artist later dances
6 High angle shots of Beyonce dancing below shows her partner watching from above.
7 Another moment in shown of her being close to him as she plays with his hands
8 Like in the other videos I analyised, the artist’s lips are in centre frame as she sings.
Most shots are linked by the motif, a flash of bright light to fade us the next shot
5 6 7 8
23. 9 10 11 12
9 , 13 &14 Throughout, more scenerios of them doing stuff together are shown, to represent their love as being quite strong, as they appear dependent an each
other
10 Again, the shot is of them standing close together with her face lit up by the light, and his in silhouette
11 A point of view shot shows them lying down next to each other
12 There are often medium shots of the artists body as she dances
15 As the video is ending the artist is seen under water in a tight white dress. Typically in r&b, scenes are sometimes done under water as people swim as it is
maybe seen as a graceful activity
16 Finally close ups are used as the two get closer together with light flooding in form the background
Through the duration the camera appears to be shaky when it is filming the two standing together. This hand held camera makes it feel like you are actually there
amongst them
16
13 14 15
24. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
25. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
26. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
27. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
28. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
29. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
30. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
31. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
32. My Boo- Usher Ft Alicia Keys: directed by Chris Robinson, 2004
1 The music video starts in a dark room with light coming from a lamp
2 The first artist, Usher is introduced to us almost immediately, with a pan shot, as lies on the sofa singing
3 The second artist is then shown an screen via a high angle, lying on a bed. The mise en scene consists of a
chandelier, two lamps and neutral elegant decoration.
1
4 & 5 The camera then cuts to clips of Alicia Keys, panning her body and up to her face at a level shot. This
makes the audience feel that they are getting closer to the artist, while her costume, a red silk dress could be
used as a symbol of love or seduction (which relates to the song)
6 As the artist sings in while looking in a mirror, this could be used to highlight the fact that her lyrics are a
reflection on her love life and the picture on the mirror further stresses this as it shoes a moment of the
two together
2 7&8 The camera continues to switch between the two and their are numerous close ups of Alicia Keys lips-
a feature that many R&B music videos focus on. The male artist in the video is many in shadow, compared to
the female which is normally in light. This could be a representation that females are the main subject in
videos
3
4 5 6 7 8
33. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
34. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
35. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
36. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
37. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
38. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
39. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
40. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
41. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
42. 9 10 11 12
9 The rose in this shot symbolises love and is of a setting in which two people should be. This shot then switches to a shot a
fruit in Ushers house, showing that they are alike even though they are apart
10 Again, the artists reflection is focused on to show they are doing just this, reflecting on the situation
11 These next two examples are of instances where the female is made to look ‘sexy’ to appeal to the male audience. Using a
long shot to show off her body and clips of her playing with her hair illustrate the perception of women
12 Later on in the video, as the two are going to meet each other the camera does a match cut between the two walking 13
down the road, compared the masculinity of the mans walk with the femininity of the woman’s revealed legs. It also shows
then doing something at the same time
13 & 14 A low angle shot of Usher as he is taking off his hood to show this face, makes him appear quite dominant
15 The ending of this video is of the two singer together, in center screen as they embrace each other. This is the first time
they are together in the video and shows them as being one
Shots in this video are connected by match cuts, to the artist who is currently taking the lead in singing, and the pace of the
cutting matches the beat of the song
14
15
43. Summary
After studying these music promos i can now conclude the general conventions that most videos seem to have in common:
. The use of the effect, a fade, is used a lot in an R&B video to present a smooth change from each shot
. The R&B lifestyle is presented as being glamourous, as expensive items are placed in the mise en scene
. The pace of the cutting matches the beat of the music
. The is normally little mise en scene, sometimes a bare room with just the artist singing so that all attention is focused on them- R&B
music is about the artist and their relationship with the audience
. Light and shadow is used effectively when conveying certain meanings
. There are sometimes subtle matches of the words with the action seen in screen, in addition to more complex meanings portrayed by
motifs for instance
. The duration of shots seem to be long in the verses so attention is payed to the lyrics, while faster cutting is at choruses when the
audience is more familiar with the repetition of the words
. The females body is often used to appeal to the male audience, while the male appearing dominate for the female
. The artist and their lover is often together at the end of the video, creating a happy end
