Planning: Lighting and colour

Lighting and colour

The lighting and colour used in music videos are extremely important as they represent the themes and the atmosphere within the videos, for example, low lighting and dark colours reflect a negative atmosphere while high key lighting and bright colours reflect a positive atmosphere. Therefore, we analysed various music videos from various genres in order to gain a clearer understanding regarding lighting and colour. Below are the existing music videos that we have identified as having similar lighting and colours that we also want to include within our music video, some of these videos have also given us new ideas in the way they portrayed certain colours and captured the lighting, that we did not consider before watching the video. 

 Fine by me - Chris Brown

Lighting

The lighting in the 'Fine by Me' music video is low key throughout the video, which symbolises danger and the reflects the violent fighting taking place. The use of the low lighting also makes the overall look very interesting for the audience, as it increases the suspense and tension for them. The lighting in this video also includes top and back lighting revolving the character, enhancing the characters power and aggressive natures. Similarly, like this music video we will also use low key lighting during the fighting scene, when the male characters are fighting each other, which will enhance the danger and violence in the fighting scene and will be supported by top lighting, allowing the audience to see the male characters emotions clearly. We will also use this type of lighting when we capture the tarot reader, choosing her cards and using her power to connect with the male characters in order to accentuate her movements.

Elastic Heart- Sia

Lighting

Natural lighting is used within this video, promoting the purity and innocence of the two characters, suggesting they have nothing to hide. Similarly, we also want to use natural lighting on the males when they are in their situations, before they feel a connection with the tarot reader, in order to highlight the innocence of the males and the fact that they are innocent victims of the tarot reader, and have no say or choice in the tarot readers decision. 

Liquor - Chris Brown

Colour

In this music video the use of  purple and black colours are used in order to represent the power of the liquor and to enhance the mystery of the woman who spiked the male male characters drink. This creates excitement for the audience who cannot predict the outcome due to the negative connotations the dark colours reflect. Similarly, we will also use dark colours including purple and black to surround our artist when she is performing and the male characters representing mystery, wisdom and the power the artist has over the males in the music video. 

Kanye West Ft. Vic Mensa – U Mad

Colour

A dark red colour is used throughout this music video, in order to represent the violence, danger and the unpredictability of the characters. I really like this music video as it connotes all the themes we want to portray in our music video throughout the fight scenes (danger, negativity, violence and desperation from the boys). Therefore, we have also decided to use a dark red colour in the same way this video does to promote the themes in the same way, enforcing the same effect. 

Overall, the lighting and colour used in each of these music videos are effective in the way are used and portrayed. As a result, we have also decided to use similar colours and lighting in order to ensure our video gives off a similar effect, having the same impact on the audience. It is important that we follow these videos as they are successful as a result of them using these colours and types of lighting.