Reflections on meeting Jake Wynne (the director)

I was truly motivated and impressed yesterday after meeting our director. He has great experience and is a perfect example of a passionate kid who becomes a top director.

He's produced muisc videos for various top-level artists, including Robbie Williams , Stereophonics and Geri Halliwell:



His Dad (an actor) appears in lots of his music videos which is quite interesting and illustrates that their is some freedom in directing as Jake was able to use any actor as long as they suited the role.

He has definitely motivated me in life (not just Media), as a Latymer School child has become so successful doing something he loves.

I can't wait to work with him and our Prelim Task is going to be completely exhausting (so i better get a good sleep before) but a fantastic experience...I now truly hope that I get a main acting role :)

Applying the 10 rules of a music video to 'Party Rock Anthem'

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

LMFAO's genre of music is described as electro hop, which is a fast and upbeat genre of dance music.

This video is directed by Mickey Finnegan and choreographed by Quest Crew(top dance troupe) members. It is a parody of the 2002 film ''28 Days Later''.

The song recieved great feedback and peaked at number 1 in several countires accross the globe.


1. Instant impact!
The audience is immediately part of the music video, and a unique movie-like line is scribed accross the screen stating, that LMFAO were put into a coma after excess 'party rocking', which immediately sets up the video and the song title is immediately used. It takes a while for the song to actually start and the producers effectively delay the song to create a dangerous, but hilarious environment. Lots of dramatic sound effects/fonts are used to make the video feel like a big movie and we instantly want to know whats going to happen after their single is released into the public.

2. Non-linear editing
Unlike movies/tv-shows, continuity is not followed in music videos. The 180 degree rule for example is broken on numerous occasions as the camera switches between places to preserve the upbeat theme of the song. The camera also often cuts between shots of very small angles, which is often disorientating on TV, however works effectively in music videos. Shot order is not controlled in this video, and this is effective as it allows a fast pace to be maintained and action to be quickly cut into. For example at 4:03, the camera cuts from a Long Shot to a Close Up of the dancers' shoes moving.

3. Repetitions
Repetitions are often used in music videos to cut back to a certain action or event which the theme of the song revolves around. However in this video, repetition is used minimally as 'progression' is important in this music video and it is unique as it has a story-line and almost feels like a Hollywood Blockbuster. Although towards the end, repetitions are used when the camera cuts back to Lauren Bennett singing in low-key lighting.

4. Strong sense of artist identity
The majority of songs by LMFAO are to do with joking around and just having fun and appreciating life. They are a very comical duo and their outfits + haircuts are often illustrated by this as I immediately laughed when seeing them after first hearing their song. The fact that this video revolves around the idea of being 'taken' by music and in particular this song is hilarious, but it also builds up the status of the song, as it is HUGE plus the dancing/shuffling theme makes the audience want to just get up and dance, which is the genre of music that LMFAO like to achieve.

5. A Performance
This music video is a huge performance, its expertly produced with amazing lighting and a huge appeal. Lots of geniusly clothed people are included, for example 'Jesus' appears and even dances + a strange box-headed thing is also seen dancing. The mass dance routine is an example of a big performance, and the audience is likely to learn their dance.

6. Visual Pleasures
This video is full of visual pleasures. The locations shot at are beautiful and the effects are professional. Smoke is used and abandoned smashed-up cars are also applied which are visual pleasures. Lauren Bennett is an attractive female and she is seen clothed in skimpy clothing which is a visual pleasure to male watchers, but also the variety of dancers are enjoyable for the audience as I always love spotting Jesus.

7. Wow Factor!
This huge-scale production definitely has the 'wow' factor. From dancing robots to dramatic action shots to comedy, this song has it all and uniquely applies a dramatic movie Hollywood blockbuster feel into a music video. It definitely makes the audience feel good as it has such a happy effect especially illustrated on the faces of LMFAO.

8. Provoke a reaction
Having a dancing jesus is always controversial and a talking point, which is likely to cause uproar and also positive feedback :) The movie-feel of the video is likely to halp attract promotion by word-of-mouth as people tell their friens about the absolute genius that is this video. It also illustrates a parralel universe where the population is sucked into a monster that is 'dance', this is a unique idea and will always provoke a huge reaction.

9. Works on different levels
It's not just a light-hearted video, it also conveys the idea that the world is changing and could become this massive dance-off! The expert performances from the dancers will appeal to the audience, and the action genre (particularly at the start) will appeal to others on different levels. However, the overall theme is a massive feel-good dance involving lots of shuffling.

10. Pop Culture
Pop Culture is conveyed through fashion in particular. The idea of males wearing tight trousers is illustrated, and people are dressed in very futuristic and impressive, but stylish clothing. The afro-male is shown wearing white-framed tinie-tempah like glasses and these are becoming increasingly stylish, so the production company uses fashion as a way of attracting a larger audience and appealing to them.