Analysis of Pitbull Ft Marc Anthony - Rain Ove Me (Using Goodwin's points)

Pitbull Ft Marc Anthony – Rain on Me:

The video that I am going to be deconstructing using Goodwin’s points is Pitbull ft Marc Anthony “Rain Over Me,” as this video also depicts genre characteristics, relationships between lyrics and visuals and depicts a dance routine between both singers. I chose to analyse this particular video as there are some visual ideas that I am hoping to replicate and create myself.

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics

Throughout the music video there are references made depicting the genre of the song, however the most powerful scene in the video that illustrates this is when the video reaches 1:26. Pitbull and Marc Anthony perform what resembles a mini stage performance where they are exemplified dancing on screen in the rain whereby there moves are sharp, fun and fast paced due to the frames cutting between each other exceedingly quick. The dances that both singers perform in their music video portray an element of hip-hop which is the genre characteristics of their video.

 2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals



"Out of my mind/so let it rain over me"



In this particular music video there is a distinct relationship between the lyrics and visuals as they are amplified. This is depicted in the chorus when Pitbull and Marc Anthony sing “I’m rising so high, out of my mind, so let it rain over me.” When you watch the dance routine to the lyrics that both Pitbull and Marc are singing you begin to see how they dance according to what they sing. For the lyric “Out of my mind,” Marc raises his hand to his head and begins to point and turn his finger to show that he is out of his mind. Additionally, they do the same for the lyric “so let it rain over me,” as they both raise their arms into the air and the rain suddenly begins to fall down upon them depicting this; lyrics and visuals work exceptionally well together here.

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals

The video begins with the sound of a helicopter flying overhead even though it does not make an appearance in this scene, yet a few seconds later a light, mellow electro tune is heard very softly in the background as Marc Anthony sings the beginning lines of the song. However, moments later the tune begins to increase and get louder as the song progresses and a stronger upbeat, base drum is heard overpowering the main tune as the camera shots speed up according to the individual beat of the song. This goes together with the bright, powerful images, that is, close up’s of Marc Anthony’s face and the dessert landscape that Pitbull is depicted dancing in; music and visuals work nicely here.

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work.



(At 0:52)



Pitbull and Marc Anthony are promoted as being the main stars of the music video. They are each represented by the use of close ups of their face which clearly allows the audience to feel a though they can connect with them as they feed off their facial expressions and emotions. Particular close up’s portray the singers confidence, attractiveness and charisma as they stare into the camera providing the audience with a warm, gentle smile and they will sometimes use their expression to show a slightly cheeky side of themselves by raising their eyebrows and making signals towards the female dancers; which is sometimes a continuing motif throughout the video.

Notice the bright, natural sunlight reflecting onto Pitbull’s face, drawing attention to his facial expressions giving the audience the impression that he is confident, perhaps a little naughty and cheeky.



(At 1:03)

Additionally, notice the mixture between the high and low key lighting which is projected in this shot as the backdrop is dark with just a glimmer of light shining in from behind the singer and his female accomplice as well as there being some high key lighting beaming onto their faces – which contradicts the previous close up. Here we see a sassier, mischievous persona as we see a more playful side to the singer. 

(At 3:07)

5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking and voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

The video focuses on many close ups of the female dancers – not only of their facial features, but mainly focusing on their physique; therefore using the women as a sexual objects. With the camera capturing the female dancer’s body the directors and producers are the flaunting the girls sexuality to help sell the video as it will capture the audiences attention. Additionally, in the video there is use of screens within screens whereby wire-framing is used to import two different videos displaying two different scenes of events and importing this onto one screen. For me this makes the video a worthwhile watch as it is interesting, dissimilar and captivating.

 (At 2:46)

 (At 1:24)

(At 1:06)



6. There is often intertextual reference (to films, TV programmes, other music videos)

In the music video one of the female dancers is depicted as a silhouette dancing in front of a special effect that makes up Marc Anthony’s face using lights and consists of rain falling down upon it. The dance moves used in this scene are sharp and slightly robotic due to the frames changing and zooming in onto one another and this particular clip is an intertextual reference to a TV programmes opening titles called “Tales of the Unexpected,” whereby female dancers are displayed as silhouettes’ dancing in front of backdrops that consist of fire and water.

 (Tales of the Unexpected)

(Pitbull ft Marc Anthony - Rain Over Me. At 2:22)



Analysis of Pixie Lott - All About Tonight (Using Goodwin's points)

Pixie Lott – All About Tonight:

The video that I am going to be deconstructing using Goodwin’s points is Pixie Lott’s new single “All About Tonight” as it demonstrates genre characteristics, relationships between lyrics and visual and depicts stage performance. I chose to analyse this particular video as there are some visual ideas that I am hoping to replicate and create myself.

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics

When the video reaches 45 seconds Pixie Lott’s dance routine appears on screen where her moves are sharp, elegant and fast paced due to the frames changing and being cut quickly. Each of the many dance routines that Pixie performs throughout her music video shows an element of electropop and dance-pop which are the genre characteristics of her video.

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals





"You can feel the heartbeat/

tomorrow doesn't matter when you're

moving your feet"

Throughout the music video there is a distinct relationship betweenthe lyrics and visuals as they are amplified. For example, in the chorus Pixie sings “Yeah the night is alive, you can feel the heartbeat, let’s just go with the flow, we’ve been working all week, tomorrow doesn’t matter when your moving your feet, it’s all about tonight.” When you watch the dance routine to the lyrics she’s singing you begin to see how she dances according to what she says. For the lyric “you can feel the heartbeat” she places her hand across her heart to depict the phrase. Additionally, she does the same when she sings “tomorrow doesn’t matter when you’re moving your feet” as she starts to lift her feet into the air and point down towards it; lyrics and visuals work nicely together.

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals

The video begins with a light electro upbeat tune for the introduction of the song which sounds as if the beat is going to increase as the song progresses. This goes together with the vibrant, bright, slightly faded images, that is, features of Pixie’s face and the night life setting of America as they fade into each other in the subsequent shots. Both sound and vision work well together here.

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work.

Pixie is greatly promoted as she is portrayed as being the main person of the video. Clearly, she is represented by the use of close ups of her face and some areas of her physique. The close ups of the singers face allows the audience to connect with her as they feed off her emotions and facial expressions. Particular close ups depict her sweetness and lovability as she beams into the camera showing off a friendly, warm smile which is a continuing motif throughout the video and we immediately remember that is she is a young, sweet girl having fun.

Notice the bright lighting beaming onto Pixie’s face, exaggerating her features – giving the impression that she is a joyful person and we feel her cheerfulness.



(At 1:10)

Notice the mixture between the high and low key lighting which is projected across the singer’s face which slightly contradicts the previous close up. Here we see a more sassy, rock – chick persona as she looks less sweet and more mischievous.

(At 1:19)

5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking and voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

The video often focuses on many close ups of Pixie’s body – not only her facial features, but particularly focusing on her legs. Using her as a traditional role as a sex object. According to reports, in music videos and advertising, women’s bodies are used sexually and focused on by using close up’s to sell the product as it will capture audiences attention hence why in this music video, the camera continually focuses on Pixie’s legs to flaunt them to the audience.



(At 0:13)

(At 0:20)

 (At 1:20)





Myspace Research on JLS:

As part of my myspace research, I decided to look into JLS and explore the music page to find out the band branded and positioned themselves and how their music genre was made obvious through the design of their page layout. I was also interested in investigating what music, videos and comments they posted on their profile.

What content do you find?

While browsing through JLS’s myspace music page I came across a comment posted broadcasting the name and details of their new single “She Makes Me Wana” and giving directions to the link that they can download their new single at, that is, iTunes.

Additionally, the band also have a links box at the top of their profile page providing their fans with links to their other websites such as their official facebook, twitter and flickr pages.

Similar to most music pages, JLS have a photograph of themselves along with their statement JLS signature which is often branded and displayed on their music albums/singles and on their other merchandise.

What evidence of branding and positioning can you find?

Whilst browsing through their myspace page I came across quite a few things that had been posted by the band to show evidence of them trying to brand themselves. For example, the band has an area on their music page depicting the dates and locations that the band are going to be on tour or appearing at events. However, the band has posted a comment explaining to their fans that at the moment there are no upcoming shows or events.

Furthermore, the band have a small section on their music page which allows their fans to listen to their songs, albums and playlists by selecting one of the following links. It also lists the amount of times the song has been listened to and viewed. In addition, JLS have also imported their new single “She Makes Me Wanna” official music video and the CD cover for it.

Is the music genre of the artist made obvious through the design?

Although it can be quite hard to depict the music genre of the artist or band through the design of their myspace music page; I believe that JLS have managed to illustrate this exceedingly well, due to the fact that whilst the genre of their music is ‘Electro/Powerpop’ - if you look at the colours the band have decided to use for the layout of their profile they have decided to use bright neon colours such as pinks, greens, yellows and oranges which begins to create that electro/pop vibe; successfully portraying the music genre of the artist through the colours and contrast of their profile design. 

The Saturdays "Notorious" and Jay Sean ft Lil Wayne "Hit The Lights"

Jay Sean:

Jay Sean’s video “Hit The Lights” is set between three different settings, one is set in what can perhaps resemble a club where people are both sitting around and standing, the second setting is where Jay Sean is depicted standing on a stage with floodlights gleaming behind him and the third setting is prominently set in a pink/purple room where all the dance sequences occur. When listening to the lyrics of his song, it discusses how the people in the club will be drinking and dancing until the morning, explaining how their enjoying their lives and enjoying a good night out together which is illustrated in the dancing scenes of the music video. Jay Sean also sings “put your lighters in the air, let em burn into the night,” whilst singing this line, the music video depicts lighters being lit and burning into the sky. The lyrics clearly fit with the music video exceptionally well.

The genre of this song is said to be dance-pop, R&B, and hip hop which I believe is cleverly achieved in his official music video due to the fact that Jay Sean uses special effects and lots of bright electric lights which are depicted flying in and out of different shots of his video which goes in time with the beat and tempo of the song, illustrating that Jay Sean thought carefully about how he could make it possible for the genre to be portrayed successfully in his music video. To me the bright electric lights resemble features that might be incorporated and added to a dance-pop music video!

As said previously, a music video is meant to provide pleasure for the viewer and to keep them interested so that they are encouraged to watch the video again and to perhaps get other people interested in the video if they haven’t already seen it. I believe that one of the shots that achieves this is that halfway through the song there is an instrumental bit and there a few shots which depict Jay Sean standing on the stage which the floodlights gleaming behind him, yet what makes this scene look exceptionally effective is the fact that these shots become fast paced and jump cuts are used to build up the excitement. Additionally, not all the shots are the same so it will jump from a close up to a long shot to an aerial shot and so on giving this section of the music video a real buzz about it.

One of the shots which happens to be my favourite throughout the music video is when Jay Sean and his dancers are showcased dancing on stage but the camera jumps in and out between them so one minute it will flow between close ups and mid shots and the next minute it will change to a long shot. Additionally, what makes this shot look so appealing to me is the fact that bright electric lights are used again but this time there are of the three primary colours, that is, red, blue and yellow and each one flicker in and out in the beat of the song.

I believe that this video is narrative and performance based as the narrative highlights how Jay Sean and his friends are celebrating having a good night out clubbing. Whilst, at the same time Jay Sean is depicted performing as he dances on stage either by himself or with his back up dancers clearly putting on a performance. However, all in all it is all of these features which happen to make “Hit The Lights” a successful music video.

The Saturdays:

The Saturdays official video “Notorious” is set between two settings, the first section of the song takes place in an office where all five girls are depicted sitting at desks answering phones and stamping pieces of paper with the phrase “Notorious,” drawing attention to the name of their single. Whilst the second half of the video is set in a club where the girls change out of their business wear and into their party clothes where they head off onto the dance floor dancing and singing the night away! When listening to the lyrics of the song I realised that the lyrics did link in well with the official video. One lyric which depicts this is “I’m a gangster on the dance floor,” which is highlighted when the girls are showcased dancing on the dance floor waving their hands in their air and moving about. The lyrics in the song are said to illustrate that the band are enjoying and loving life, they like to go out and enjoy themselves, however they can still work hard and have a naughty side to them. The lyrics of the song have also been described as being quite playful.

Additionally, the genre of this song is said to be dance-pop, electropop which I believe is definitely achieved and portrayed in the official video as each girl in the band begins to move in time with the electropop beat, for example when the girls walk out of the elevator for the first time, the camera changes to a close up of the girls legs and shoe, yet the footage begins to slow down and each time the girls step forward this goes in time with the beat demonstrating that the band thought carefully about how they could portray the genre of their song in the official video.

Music videos are usually designed to provide pleasure in order to keep the viewing audience interested and watching so that they would be encouraged to re-watch the video over again. I believe that The Saturdays achieve this by slowing down some of their shots, as said before, the walking shot after the girls leave the elevator. Also, there is a shot about a minute into the video where Vanessa is seen sitting at her desk singing into the telephone yet she repeats the lyric “I l-l-love this track,” and the shot jumps as she says ‘I l-l-love’ which makes the footage seem more exiting and enthralling as it is unusual.

One of the final shots in the music video happens to be my favourite for the reason that the girls are dancing about on the dance floor in their party clothes and the camera starts to jump between each of the girls as they each sing separate lines of the chorus. Yet, what makes this scene look remarkable is the fact that rather than switching between each of the girls one shot after the other, the producers have decided to use wire framing and have incorporated two sometimes three images onto one screen where each individual shot is doing something different. For me this makes the video a worthwhile watch. It’s interesting, different and captivating.

I believe that this video is narrative and concept based as the narrative discusses how the girls are enjoying their life and that they can work and achieve good things in their career but at the same time they know how to go out and have a good time. Whilst the concept of the music video, is slowing down the speed of a shot and using wire framing.

Lotus Project:



Radiohead Mash Up – Take On Me:

Our third preliminary exercise involved us using Radiohead’s official video for their single “Lotus Flower” and choosing a brand new song of our choice use that soundtrack to re-edit Radiohead’s video in order to show off the skills we had learnt over the past year, demonstrating how we could edit and place segments of the official video and make sure that each shot fit in with the beat of the song.  Additionally, we were able to use the ‘reverse’ technique and speed the images up again in order to make the video appear more gripping. We also wanted to be able to show off our ability of being able to create and use special effects in order to make the video seem more imaginative and creative.

The screen grab highlighted to the right of the screen illustrates where both Khushel and I experimented with the video timeline and used a pen technique to either decrease and increase the lighting of the image, allowing us to create a shadowy effect. You are able to achieve this effect by copying the original video and pasting it onto another timeline for example V1 and V2, making sure that one video is slightly over lapping the other. By tweaking the levels using the pen technique you can then create second delays so one video will start a few seconds after the first one has started therefore creating a shadowy effect since you had previously tweaked the lighting levels. (SCREEN GRAB TO COME OF TIMELINE)

In this screen grab we decided to use one of the special effects provided to us on Final Cut Express, that is, ‘Mirror Effect’ which does exactly as it says. It splits the image in half and mirrors it on the other side of the screen, duplicating the image. We thought that this would be a creative, interesting and artistic effect to use as it would bring something different to the video and perhaps capture more people’s attention.

Finally, we used a ‘blinking’ technique whereby two of our selected shots depicted a fast paced blinking effect which made the shots seem more exciting and enthralling. It also makes the footage appear to be playing faster than it really is which thankfully fit in well with the beat of our audio. This effect definitely was one of my favourite effects to use as it amplified the visual image.