Practise Exam Question

Explain one way in which music videos use media language to differ from each other. Refer to one example of contrasting media language in two music videos you have studied two support your answer.  

Music videos differ from one another through use of media language. Avril Lavigne's "Sk8er Boi" and Wheatus' "Teenage dirtbag" show this through use of camera work and mise-en-scene. Mise-en-scene is used in Avril Lavigne's 'Sk8er Boi" at the beginning of the music video, we see skater costumes and emo make-up to connote that this band represents alternative indie culture. They use handheld camera work for some of the video to make the video seem home-made and authentic. The video goes from handheld camera work into a computer screen where a poster for a music concert is being shared online, this is to  make the effect of a punk rock concert held by teenagers, so youth groups who identify with this are hooked into the video. Avril Lavigne is introduced by jumping into a high angle shot wearing typical skater apparel. We also see a skater boy spray painting graffiti, which links to rebellious youth culture.
                                                                                                                                                                 In Wheatus' 'Teenage Dirtbag' we see how mise-en-scene is used to connote that this band represents a more mainstream audience, with the main character being the star from popular american film, 'American Pie' , where he plays the average american teenager. We can also see this mainstream effect with the lead singer wearing an orange sports top, another generic American stereotype. The opening shot is a low angle medium shot, showing that this is a mainstream song.
                                                                                                                                                                     These two music videos differ from one another by using mise-en-scene to





Level 3 Example

Music videos use media language such as the use of colour to create different effects to fit the meaning of the song and the musicians image. Uptown Funk and If I Were A Boy use very different post-production techniques . If I Were A Boy has been desaturated in the editing process to create a monochrome effect. This effect helps to reinforce a serious narrative that is being explored. In contrast, Uptown Funk has a highly saturated look, where colours have been empathised in post-production, to create a more vibrant look that fits with the up-beat, fun song.

Examiners Comments

Two marks would be given for the opening sentence, which explains how much music videos use media language to differ from each other. Two marks would be given for the following sentences, which exemplify different use of media language in two videos. Two marks.