Representation + Mise en scene

Representation in my music video: Teenagers

The representation of teenagers in music videos can vary greatly depending on the genre of music, the specific video, and the artist's vision. However, some common themes and trends can be identified:

Youthful Energy: Teenagers are often depicted as having boundless energy and enthusiasm in music videos. They may be shown dancing, jumping, or engaging in other physically active behavior.
Romance and Relationships: Many music videos aimed at teenagers revolve around themes of romance and relationships. These videos may depict teenagers falling in love, going on dates, or dealing with the ups and downs of relationships.
Rebellion and Nonconformity: Some music videos aimed at teenagers may emphasize rebellion and nonconformity. These videos may depict teenagers breaking rules, pushing boundaries, and challenging authority figures.
Sexualization: Unfortunately, some music videos aimed at teenagers may also sexualize teenagers, particularly teenage girls. These videos may feature suggestive dance moves, revealing clothing, and sexualized imagery.

In my music video I decided to represent two teenagers in a relationship. It is very common to see many music videos featuring teenagers, representing themes of young love and relationships, often portraying the ups and downs of teenage romance. A clear example is my music video for 'To Build a Home'. You can see the two side of a being in a relationship.

Before break-up

The representations I have used I believe will attract my targeted audience very easily. I have targeted a young audience so this is why I decided to use these characters to appear in the music video. It is a calm and very beautiful song. The mise en scene fits very well with the narrative and, because of this, the audience may connect and feel the song more deeply.

After break-up

Mise en Scene in my video

(everything in the frame)

Based on the costume we can immediately know that the two main characters are very clearly representations of stereotipical teenagers. He wear a full black outfit while she wears a mixture of colours. The contrast in the outfit can be a sign that something between them doesn't work. Further in the music video her outfit changes. Through this the audience can understand her emotions better and maybe even feel reflected in a way. We can also know through the costume that the music video is set in the present.

Tha natural make-up and hair help create meaning and communicate the personality of the characters to the audience. This can also be considered a sign of youth. She changes her hair from being loose to caught in a ponytail, reflecting how things have changed for her after the break-up.

The use of props in the music video is minimal though extremely significant. At the end of the music video you can see how she removes the necklace she is wearing and then walks to the edge of where she has been sitting before and throws it with all her might. The seriousness and emotion of how she does this, undoubtedly reflects the meaning that necklace had to her. The audience can build up a theory that the necka¡lace used to be his.

The positioning withing the frame in the music video helps the audience understand the relationship between the characters. They can be seen, in the first part of the music video, constantly together and within the middle of the frame, as they are the main characters. In the second part of the video only she can be seen. In a way she follows the same pattern as the locations are very similar, but instead alone.

During most of the videoclip there is natural lighting. We can also see shadow lighting or backlighitng. The contrast between light and shadow create a sense of mystery. The light source is purposely placed behind the subject, creating silhouettes and a glowing effect on the subject. This helps reflect the theme of the music video and entertains the audience more effectively.