Types of shots in a Performance Music Video

As part of our music video is performance based I have decided to research performance music videos by an indie/rock band Foals to get an idea of what type of

shots are used. I picked out certain shots which I liked and think it will go with our video.

Foals – My Number

Shot 1:This is a medium side shot of the lead singer. The audience are also shown which shows that this is at a gig.

Shot 2:This is a close up of the lead singer. The background is out of focus which draws all the attention to him. The camera is just above eye level to the singer.

Shot 3:Each band member had a medium shot of their face and part of their instrument. This shows people who may not know the band members their faces.

Shot 4:An extreme close up of part of an instrument. This is out of focus while another band member is in focus.

Shot 5:In this shot part of the instrument is in focus while the band member playing the instrument is out of focus. In the shot the focus then changes and the band member goes into focus. This could show what the instrument is and who is playing it without it all being in focus at once.

Shot 6:Close up of the drums from a side shot. This is a more interesting shot then just straight on.

Shot 7:Front on close up of just the top of the guitar.

I then decided to look at one of The xx’s music videos which is much slower, more like our song choice.

Other than the shots being quicker, one main difference between the two was that The xx one has

more longer panning shots.

The xx - Crystalised

Shot 1:As this is a studio performance and not a live gig there is no audience to film. Therefore there are many front on shots of the full band.

Shot 2:Close up of just the guitarist hands playing the guitar.

Shot 3:Close up of the male singers face.

Shot 4:Camera pans from right to left showing the whole band. This lets you see each member of the band more clearly and gives the video a variety from just straight on.

Shot 5:Medium, of centre shot of male singer. Although we can see other band members the camera zooms into his face which shows the focus is on him.

Shot 6:Close up of female singer. Goes from being out of focus to in focus.