Steve Archers Music Video Theory

Steve Archers theory on music videos includes things to look for in a music video.

Things to look for in a music video:

• Seeing the sounds 
• Narrative & Performance 
• Star Image 
• How the visuals related to the song 
• Technical Aspects 

• Steve Archer's Music Video Analysis

  1. Camera Work

  He realised that camera work is highly significant when identifying meaning in a music video, which is why it is highly considered and largely valued during production. Movement accompanies the performer or can be used to create a dynamic approach to the location. For example, the camera circling a performer as they perform in a remote location.
  
  

  2. The 'Close Up'

  The close up shot can be used to create intimacy and emotion between the performer and the audience. This technique also assists in selling the artist as a whole.
  

  3. Editing 

  The main focus with this technique is the pace of the transitions and the duration. The pace tends to create a mood for the music video and conforms to an element of the genre. For example, a rock music video would usually be fast paced due to the beats and pace of the song, which results in a quick pace of the transitions.
  

  4. Voyeurism

  This suggests that there is a voyeuristic view towards woman and the female body in music videos to please the male viewers. This can also be known as 'the male gaze', where characters are sexualized and the camera may zero in on female body parts.
  
  

  5. Technical Aspects 

  Archers technical aspects refer to:
  
  • Speed: created by the camera work and editing 
  • Beats: the rhythm of the song should match the speed/rhythm of the editing. 
  • Light & Colour: emphasizes the key moments within the music video, and helps to create a dynamic effect. Colour also helps to identify what genre the song is. 
  • Mise-en-scene: the setting and props contributes to the realistic side of the video, creating realism.