RESEARCH FOR MUSIC VIDEO: A short summary of the main points of Vernalis's theory, including links to videos that illustrate her ideas

Carol Vernallis studied editing and camerawork significantly in music videos. She saw that editing in music videos differed from film, one reason for this is because editing is used a lot more in music videos. Editing is used a lot more in music videos because, they appear to be disjuncture and editing tends to have a rhythmic basis closely connected to the song.
Her main points are:
- The videos usually disrupt the 'rule' of continuity editing, which is mainly found in film
- The camera usually moves in time with the music
- Editing may be recognisable to grab attention i.e wipes, special effects, credits etc
- The base track is used a lot in order to give the music video a structure
- The camera may move in time with the lyrics or music


Nicki Minaj ft Drake - Moment 4 Life

I chose this video because, I think it clearly demonstrates Carol Vernallis theory. Although it has a clear narrative and story, which is a 'Cinderella Story' the conventions of a music video is still portrayed in this video. 

Editing may be recognisable to grab attention i.e wipes, special effects, credits etc

In the opening of the music video the camera zooms out of a story book. Although this is not editing the audience are already given an idea of what the video is about. Obvious edits are used throughout this video. In 0:12 we see a pink wipe which is glittery and this links closely to the narrative as the video is very girly and has a Cinderella theme. Another obvious edit is in the ending, 6:03 the bouquet is thrown in the air however the petals fall into another scene. Lastly the video ends with zoom out in a cut out shape of heart. 

Jump cuts

There are many forms of jump cuts an example of one is in the beginning when she is putting on her 'glass slipper' this runs between 1:38 and 1:41. There are a number of jump cuts and match cuts when she is entering the ball. This signifies herself as a performer and her narrative character, because she is viewed from all angles, and from there we see her look directly in the camera which gives a sense of audience interaction. 

Camera moves in time with the music and editing moves in time with the beat of the song 

In the beginning of the music video when the music starts, it is very slow and calm. The camera moves in time with it and also moves slowly, and steadily through panning. The editing also moves in time with the beat of the song and we see this in 1.48 and this is also shown in 2.39 and she is in the exact same position which shows that some form of base track has been used which provides the video with a sort of structure and accordance to the beat. 

Artist and eye contact

Unlike most films where the characters do not have much audience interaction and look straight through the camera, music videos do. This links to Goodwin's theory. Throughout this video Nicki Minaj looks straight into the camera, this is usually whilst she is rapping. I think this is done because her lyrics are very significant and seem to be addressed to someone, this is usually whilst she is performing and it also challenges the role she is playing of an 'innocent Cinderella'. There are repeated shots of her and Drake who features on the track, and this is mostly close ups however, long shots are used to show her dress and his suit. 

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is not my favourite artist however, she is a clear example of an artist who abides by Vernallis's theory. Jump cuts and obvious edits are used a lot in her videos because, her persona is very theatrical and some may say mystical as she has a lot of ego's (which were seen throughout this video). Below are some more examples of videos of hers that illustrate Vernallis's ideas.