Research: Taylor Swift & Bridgit Mendler

By Aimee Watson

Mes en Scene From Taylor Swifts Music Video ‘22’

From Bridgit Medlers Music Video ‘Ready or Not’

As you can see very similar locations have been chosen for each of these music videos this is because the beach is used to demonstrate a young adventurous theme.

The choice of multiple, layered bracelets and the necklace in this music video reflects a chic and indie feel, this is again highlighted through the sunglasses and Polaroid camera. This use of props and costume helps to identify the genre of music as being pop/indie

In the video, very simple make up is used on the Artist with nude lips and neutral looking foundation. There is a main focus on only the eyes, through the use of dark eye makeup.

In the Taylor Swift music video, similar props of multiple layered bracelets and glasses are used to again highlight a ‘hipster’ feel. This is a popular theme in pop/indie music videos and therefore helps to identify the genre.

In ‘22’ the Hat is also worn by Taylor to further emphasise the chic feel. This use of costume and props appeals to a younger generation of teen to young adults, which is the target audience for these Artists.

There is use of very simple/natural looking makeup with only bold red lipstick used in some shots, creating a main focus on only one pat of her face (lips) .

From the ‘22’Music Video

From the ‘Ready or Not’ Music Video

Another prop that the two music videos have in common is the confetti poppers. These are a visual representation of fun and link in with the upbeat music of both the songs.

In these pop videos casting of ‘friends’ is very popular as it links in with the up beat music, and allows for the plot of the videos to be based on fun activities, again tying in with the fast pace and up beat music.

In ‘Ready or not’ the Artist is only seen to be wearing one outfit, as the video is based on one day of events. The loose flowing skirt and top are chosen in this music video as it links with the song, which is about how the girl is ready to live her life and have fun now.

However, in ‘22’ the Artist has multiple costume changes throughout. Commonly in music videos there are least 2 different costumes worn by the Artist. –The costumes chosen for this video vary from being simple to colourful and finally to a party outfit. These are used to represent young females at the age of 22 (which is what the song is about).

The outfits used in both videos also help to again highlight the genre of music (pop)

In both music videos there are multiple locations used. Each location is an opportunity to show freedom and fun, linking to the lyrics and up beat rhythm of the songs. -Due to using various locations both videos were able to have quick cuts, to and from different places helping the visuals to be kept up beat like the tempo of the audios. As well as this, the multiple locations provided more than one place for the Artists to lip sing.

Various camera angles are used, this means that cut aways have also been used, where by the same thing is shown from different angles (this includes lip singing as well as the story being told in the music video) –By doing this, the music video is made more visually appealing to watch. Also, by framing shots in various ways and using different camera angles and shots throughout the music videos, both the storyline and lip singing is made less repetitive and can be edited through use of quick cuts, which allows the visuals to flow well and match the beat of the audio. Furthermore, the use of handheld camera work, as well as static camera work means that the music videos are made to seem more ‘quarky’ linking in with the pop genre.