Music Video - Costumes

 

 The clothing worn by James' character represents the "alternative mainstream" fashion that fits the genre of music played by A Joker's Rage. Because this style of dress is so common amongst fans of rock music, it will easily attract fans as they will be able to relate themselves to the character. It also continues the simple yet effective theme that influences the genre of Garage Rock.

Choosing the clothing that was worn by Sorrel was much more difficult as there were several different options available that would still connote the same characteristics of "alternative mainstream" as the clothing worn by James. The final decision was made for her to wear something that would be fitting in the gig scene, that is no effort is wasted on flamboyance but the style of clothing is still relatively represented.

New Idea

The new idea I have chosen is based around the 1994 film by Danny Boyle, 'Shallow Grave'. The reason I have decided to do this is because it allows me to incorporate the techniques I learned while filming the opening to a thriller in my AS coursework, as well as referencing the origin of my band, the film being set in Scotland. To achieve this will be replicating scenes from the film.

Abandoning Old Idea

I have decided to completely change my idea as I believe that it does not fit completely with what I want to accomplish. For example, while my plan for the video was ordered to work well with the timing of the music, the story clashes with the style of music, as well as its tone, which is of a rebellious nature.

Another major reason for the change in my idea is that the three characters which were to appear in the video are all very one-dimensional. All of the characters meet a gender stereotype. The boy was portraying the underdog, a character mold used all too often in modern media. The first girl was portraying a character with similar traits to the typical head-cheerleader type from modern American films set in a high school. To complete this image, a second, angelic girl is featured to give the "hero" a way to find the happy ending.

Idea Storyboard

Original Idea

The idea I have come up with involves a boy/young man who is reminiscing about recent events that have happened to him, occuring in flashbacks that happen as he goes about getting up in the morning.

The first shot is a birds eye shot of him in bed. As the music begins, with a steady drum beat, he opens his eyes. Then the camera cuts to his feet moving to the floor, still in time to the opening drum beat.

As a guitar riff begins, the character is shown walking down a set of stairs in his house. The camera then cuts to a bathroom door closing, fading into the first flashback.

This flashback is of him talking to a girl in a public area, such as a park. In this, she is clearly shown rejecting him. The flashback ends and he is shown to be brushing his teeth

Another flashback begins when he spits his toothpaste into the sink basin. In this flashback he is talking to a different girl, who is much more accepting of his presence, indicating that they are in some form of relationship. As this flashback ends, the mian character is shown to be getting ready to have a shower.

A third flashback begins with a shot of the shower faucet being turned on. In flashback shows the first girl now talking to the main character, trying to convince him to leave the second girl for her. This flashback ends, showing him putting his shirt on after the shower.

As he goes back up the stairs, the camera centres on the bedroom door. The final flashback begins after he enters through the door and closes it. He is shown to be deciding between the two girls.

As the music ends his decision is made clear by showing the second girl in the bed.

Possible Choices

"Thin Black Jeans" by Silent Sundays

This song has made it to my final three options as I feel the song has good potential for a music video. The vocals are slightly reminiscent of Paul Weller of The Jam, as well as incorporating a more modern pop punk sound. The guitar riffs and drums retain a classic punk rock sound while also showing skate punk and indie rock influences. The song itself is short enough to be able to promote it alongside a music video without it dragging in the middle.



"Elegant War" by A Joker's Rage

The opening drum solo is vaguely similar to the opening of Disturbed's "Down with the Sickness" although with a rock sound rather than metal. The vocals are reminiscent of Jane's Addiction, with the band citing them as an influence on the band, Overall, the song is very solid and is currently my most likely final choice.



"Heavy Metal Josh" by Elephant Juice

As soon as the song starts it displays a strong influence of punk rock, specifically the UK style of punk showcased by bands such as the Sex Pistols. Similarly to Silent Sundays "Thin Black Jeans" the vocals seem to be influenced slightly by Paul Weller.

A2 Intro