Crowds and street parties

I managed to drag these two videos up from the depths of my memory. how old school. anyway, i somehow remembered they had street party scenes, which could be of some use.

Avril Lavigne - sk8er boi

(from 1.34)

• people running in direction of performance, in between cars
• band performing on car
• on-lookers watching from windows
• swinging on road signs

Geri Halliwell - It's raining men

• (2.33) stair shots
• (3.16) (4.20) onlookers hanging out windows, london streets, cars, crowd takeover

Music Video 3: Short Stack, 'Princess'

This video has good examples of performance shots.

(0.12 and throughout) The singer moving in and out of the still camera, diary-room style.

(0.35) The low and wide, off-centre angle

(0.56) The microphones facing inwards

I also like the bunny, the mexican and elvis!

Music Video 2: Lady Gaga, 'Just Dance'

Shot grab: 2.33 - 3.05

I chose this particular section of the video because...:

• The sped up shots add texture and pace to the video, create a slightly disillusioned effect, and i'd like to use them maybe at the beginning or end of the video to represent maybe a flash-back or a vision.
• The bodies. I like the close-ups of the bodies, the small snippets add to the intimate party vibe and conform to the typically voyeuristic nature of music video. I'd draw on these shots if i decide to include a crowd/party sequence.
• Dance/Movement. The Wombats' track definitely needs lots of dancing. The stuff in this video is far too choreographed, but i do like the cut aways to Lady Gaga posing.
• The camera work incorporates a wide range of angles; low angles when showing intrusive and close up shots, high angles when widening the shot and showing the whole room. I also like the hand-held moving shots which occur throughout the video, making the audience feel a part of the action.

The main inspiration I've drawn from this video is the costume and props used. I think they're a bit too flashy at times for the indie genre, however I like the idea of using lots of random props - red indian hats, big glasses, blow-up whales, disco balls, animal costumes... I think this fits with the celebratory theme of the track, the idea of letting go, forgetting their worries, embracing the irony, and generally being WILD.

Music Video 1: Black Eyed Peas 'Let's get it started'

Shot grab:

Between 0.28 and 1.00

I'd love to be able to incorporate the opening shot sequence where the camera pans in a semi-circular motion, whilst the artist stays in shot. This could work with any performance shots, moving between guitarist, bassist and drummer. It would also work in crowd scenes, the camera drawing the audience's attention back to the visual hook/performer.

I like the movement it adds, the smooth transition it creates between shots, and I'd like to learn how to do it with the camera and editing equipment available. It would definitely work well with the speedy tempo of the track.