Treatment Sheet

TREATMENT: PROPOSAL FOR MUSIC VIDEO

 

Proposed Title/Song: Ellie Goulding Figure 8 

Synopsis of song lyrics: Figure 8 has a moody vibe and is paired with heartbreaking lyrics. Its about an intense relationship in which the female character was promised that they'd be together forever and it doesn't work out the way she'd hoped as he leaves her and she struggles to let go after giving everything to that relationship. 

 Storyline: The video will reflect the lyrics of the song but with a twist to the plot which, when revealed, will hopefully come as a shock to the audience. The relationship portrayed will be of a failed relationship, throughout the video we will see the relationship play out in what the audience expects to be real time with all the good and bad aspects of a real relationship. Towards the end of the video it will be revealed that the all these aspects of the relationship we saw were all in the female characters head. This leaves the audience questioning is she leaving in the past? or did the relationship ever happen? 

Characters: Obviously, since the video will be centered around a couple there will need to be a female character and a male character, additionally there may be some extras playing family members and/or friends. 

Setting (time and place): The video will be set in modern times in recognizable locations. It will be mainly focused in a domestic location so a home the couple share but flashbacks and when the character is finally letting go some scenes may be outside reflecting her freedom. 

Length (time and shots): There will be no introductory narrative but the end may drag out a little passed the end of the song therefore the video should last around 4 minutes just slightly over (approx. 4:10) 

Format: Mini DV 

Style:

Genre, mood, influences, claims to originality: The genre of this song is Pop, however I think due to the moody vibe of the song it's almost has an Indie feel to it also. Elements of it will be quite dark as the audience will be in the mind of the main character and her state of mind is questionable at times in the video, however this will be softened by the sense of release, serenity and closure at the end and some of the flashbacks will be heartwarming and give it a nostalgic feel. 

Camerawork/ type of shots: There will be lots of long shots of the main characters and tracking shots to follow them as they sing the song and following the narrative. There will also be close ups of certain aspects linking the visuals and the lyrics. 

Length of shots/ editing: This video will feature some long takes to reflect the mood and style of the song but it will also feature quick jump cuts so the editing cuts to the beat of the song. 

Movement and action:  The artist will mainly be seen in the same domestic scenario but will often be seen walking as if following somebody (i.e. the focus of her infatuation) 

Visual qualities 

Shape,light,colour: This video will be shot in both black and white and colour, I think this will add to a nice dynamic to the video as it will create contrast be interesting for the audience and will reflect the underlying darkness of the video. The colour of the costumes will be mainly monotone with splashes of colour which will standout more due to the lack of colour throughout. Inside the house many props will be used. There will also be props used to link the lyrics to the visuals. 

 

Handling of narrative: The narrative will use montage editing so the audience will need to work out the storyline . Clear sense of climax as the ending is revealed, twist at the end to keep people watching. There will be use of flashbacks and the storyline will create an enigma around the characters and the video itself. 

Technical audience: The target audience are main streamers who take comfort in media products that are not particularly challenging. They are aged between 16-35 and are both male and female. Due to the genre of the video not being straight pop but interwoven with other genres means that fans of that genre will also enjoy it. 

Technical aspects 

Production methods: As I am working on my own on this video I will  be acting as director and focusing on lighting, props and all other aspects of the production. 

Equipment: Plenty of cameras, tripod, lighting- both natural, artificial and with coloured filters and editing equipment. 

 Locations/ studio: Outside locations around the local area, Addicted to Dance Studio in Harlow may be used and I will be shooting in my friends house as she has a basement which I think will be perfect for creating the mise-en-scene I have in mind. 

Resources 

People (who does what): Two main characters- male and female. (There may be extras to play friends and/or family members). 

Time: Rehearsal time plus performance. Limited time available to shoot performance scenes.

Budget 

Cost: Relatively cheap, as I will be using equipment I already own or borrowing what I don't have. 

 

Rationale: This video will help to open up my artists fanbase and will stand out as its not necessarily what people would expect from a pop video and the unusual twist will hopefully broaden the fanbase of the video. Although the genre is pop the video is quite dark and has a different theme to it and this will draw people to it and create a buzz around it.