Lighting Notes

In music videos lighting is extremely important. Not only does it make it easier for the viewer to see the content in the music video but it can also help to convey a setting or a mood. For instance, dark lighting in a scene could connote danger and sinister plots, or could convey a flat, dull or sad tone. If bright lighting is used it can convey a happier, more light hearted atmosphere and connotes enjoyment and fun. The videos in the punk rock genre often use minimal lighting to connote anti-establishment behaviour and rebellion.

This Green Day music video has very dark lighting used throughout it, which shows it is of a darker, more sinister tone, which links to the use of drugs and violence throughout the video. 

This video from Owl City uses very bright and dynamic colours which connote a happy and friendly environment. It also shows that the members in the music video are enjoying themselves.

In our music video we are going to use darker, more naturalistic lighting which is generic of the punk rock genre. This will also help to emphasise the dark themes that are present in our music video. The naturalistic lighting will also help to create a realistic atmosphere in our video. However in contrast to the dark lighting of the performance shots, we will have slightly brighter lighting used in the narrative shots. The bar will have bright lights to connote a lively social atmpshere. Key details in the scene can be seen by the audience such as the cyanide being put into the drink.
When the camera focuses on a single band member the lighting used will be a bit brighter to emphasise their importance and bring the focus to them.

-Peter Godwin-