A2 Media: Preparatory Task Research for Advanced Portfolio B 2/3

Pharell Williams- Happy

Lyrics:

It might seem crazy what I'm about to say
Sunshine she's here, you can take away
I'm a hot air balloon, I could go to space
With the air, like I don't care baby by the way

Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do

Here come bad news talking this and that
Yeah, give me all you got, don't hold back
Yeah, well I should probably warn you I'll be just fine
Yeah, no offense to you don't waste your time
Here's why

Happy, bring me down
Can't nothing, bring me down
Love is too happy to bring me down
Can't nothing, bring me down
I said bring me down
Can't nothing, bring me down
Love is too happy to bring me down
Can't nothing, bring me down
I said

Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness i

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do

Happy, bring me down
Can't nothing, bring me down
Love is too happy to bring me down
Can't nothing, bring me down
I said

Because I'm happys the truth
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do

Can't nothing, bring me down
Love is too happy to bring me down
Can't nothing, bring me down
I said

Interpretation:

The lyrics of the song attempt to spread a positive message which is shown through the use of the word "happy" which is repeated throughout majority of the song as a reminder to the audience to stay happy. The song also mentions how you can get put down and your happy mood is ruined instantly whereas this song reinforces how love will help keep the happiness maintained.

Synopsis: The video is about the different type of individuals of all ages and skills.
Throughout the video we witness several individuals with various different roles coming together. From the lyrics we are able to identify that the song is based on leaving a positive influence on everyone and also demonstrates the enthusiasm through the song as it uses a mainly performance base idea. The use of the performers being different ages is quite powerful as the viewers acknowledge the fact that happiness isn't felt by a particular age group or a certain individual but can be felt by anyone and the video uses several individuals as an example.

Conceptual, Narrative or Performance?

The music video uses a performance based idea throughout the video as each performer is doing a form of dancing. Using a performance based idea instead of conceptual works well for this song as dancing is known to be a stress reliever and because the song attempts to spread the message of being happy it goes well with the theme. I also think unintentionally the song can be narrative as it combines several individuals together sharing happiness and because they all are different from each other it forms an understanding that each individual deserves happiness.

Themes and Motifs:
The themes are of enthusiasm and sharing positivity through the things that you enjoy and are skilled at.
Staying happy and do what makes you happy in other words get rid of the negative and surround yourself with the positive.

Editing:
The video portrays each individual as important and they are utilised through the cutaways and different locations to reinforce that you can go to the places that make you happy. The cutting pace of "happy" goes in time with the lyrics which is quite effective as it builds the enthusiasm as it gets closer to the chorus. As the song is quite upbeat it is important to make the cutting rate fast so it allows the viewers to engage with the song better.

Camera:
In terms of camera, panning and tracking is used in the beginning to set the location so that it sets the scene for the audience and it follows a simplistic structure which works out to be quite effective. Throughout the video we are shown a repeated sequence of panning, tracking and establishing shots to show the surroundings of each individual performer and how it relates to their life. Lip sync is used in the whole video as it implies that no one is singled out and everyone should sing it.

Mise-en-scene:
The video uses different occupations and ethnic groups to target everyone and that everyone deserves the right to be happy. The song utilises the contrast of dark and bright colours quite well to show the comparison of bright colours having a connotation of positivity and dark colours having a connotation of negativity. Additionally the use of the clothes help make an assumption about the kind of role/occupation each individual has for example the business men/ people working in a professional environment are seen to be wearing suits and the choir staff are wearing cloaks which are usually worn in a choir.

Target Audience:
There isn't a specific audience for this video, infact it's aimed at everyone that seeks happiness. The target audience are encouraged to buy the record as it is attempts to target every viewer as it repeats 'you' trying to engage with the viewers and making them feel appreciated.

Ideas we can use in our own video:
I like the use of cutaways as it helps display a lot of different events and I think it will be a good idea to use in my music video.
I particularly like the use of colours in attires to display the mood and themes of the song, I think it's an effective way to get ideas across and it also helps represent the types of characters.
The use of establishing shots to show the entire scene.

A2 Media

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Preparatory Task Research for Advanced Portfolio B 2/3

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