Research & Planning- Music Video

For my “Back to Black” music video major task, I wanted to build something emotional, something that matches both the lyrics and the character’s journey.

The transformation that takes place in the video, the one I mentioned in my previous posts as well, is also what links the video to my digipak cover.

1. To achieve the planned mood, I researched music videos by artists who use emotional visuals really well:

• Amy Winehouse- the main inspirational figure

• Billie Eilish

• Lana Del Rey- for cold and vintage tones

• Banks

• Olivia Rodrigo- for young heartbreak themes

  
  

All of these artists have in common the ability to show emotion visually without overacting. I want my video to do the same, including symbolic gestures and scenes.

2. The entire video is rooted in winter colours, to be on the same note as the digipak:

• cold shades of blue

• greys

• deep black

• whites

  
  

I don't have in mind to use to much brightness and warmness, only for the first part of the story and video, where the 'introduction' takes place. I’ll also use natural lighting as much as possible, because winter light is naturally soft and dramatic.

3. The video follows three stages:

a) Perfect life until falling apart (Beginning)

The girl is first happy and future-directed until she becomes hurt and lost. These scenes are quieter and slower.

b) Breaking Point (Middle)

This is where emotions start overflowing: walking fast, crying, hands in hair, pacing, etc. Not extreme, but real enough to feel.

c) Becoming “Black” (End)

She turns cold and controlled.The camera becomes steadier, the poses stronger.

This final version of her is the same one featured on the digipak cover.

• Bedroom scenes:

  
  

Represents the private emotional breakdown that catches her by surprise. In this scene all actions and movements are symbolic and intimate.

• Bathroom scenes:

  
  

This is the main place where the transition takes place. This is also combined with the mirror scenes. In this time the character dies her hair a darker shade, changes her clothing style into a darker one and goes for a bolder make-up look.

• Street corner / outside shots:

  
  

Gives a lonely, cinematic feeling, especially later in the afternoon or at night.

4. To keep the video interesting, I want to use a mix of shots:

• Close-ups for tears, eyes, lips, expressions

• Extreme close-ups for emotional intensity

• Medium shots for body language

• Tracking shots when walking

• Over-the-shoulder during mirror scenes

  
  

The contrast between shaky and steady shots reflects her emotional journey.

--- Key Scenes I Want to Film---

- Crying on the bedroom floor

Messy hair, smudged eyeliner, low lighting. Represents the lowest moment.

- Close-up of hands with movement full of anger and rush when grabbing objects

Focus on physical expression of emotion.

- Wiping makeup in the mirror

Shows self-reflection and the breaking point.

- Final shot: her standing still or slightly moving, staring into the camera

This matches the digipak photo; controlled and dark.

5. Lighting Plan

a) Outdoor scenes will rely on:

• Blue hour for cinematic cool tones

• Overcast daylight for softness

  
  

b) Indoor scenes will use:

• a small lamp for warm contrast during emotional scenes

• natural shadows to avoid artificial film look

  
  

Keeping the lighting simple helps the video feel more personal and raw.

6. Editing Style

I’m planning to edit with:

• slow fades

• jump cuts during emotional scenes

• maybe light colour grading with blue tint

• slightly lowered saturation

• shallow depth-of-field focus

  
  

No effects that are too flashy. The story should feel real.

This music video is basically a visual diary of heartbreak transforming into strength.The planning helped me understand the emotion I want to capture: quiet pain, slow recovery, and the moment she becomes “black,” the colder and stronger version of herself.