PROPS
PROPS Props are a hugely important visual element of a music video- in such short periods of time there are so many themes, narrative elements, and indicators of audience that must be conveyed through visual shorthand, like the use of props.
The concept for my music video is hugely relying on props as an element of visual interest, to decorate the scene, but most of all to convey all of the themes and aesthetics I want to feel very apparent in my video. The intention for me is to create a music video that feels very homemade, a compilation of home videos with a more intentional, perfected, and almost hyper real edge. Through the use of props I can set up these environments as well as developing audience understanding of the relationship between the character and unseen cameraperson, and of the mysterious and romanticised young girl.
Some of the props will simply serve as soft furnishings, intended to set the scene (cushions, blankets, backdrops), whilst some will serve this purpose as well as alluding towards darker themes, like obsession (photographs of actress), lust (cherries), heartache (classic novels). I have included some of the props on the following list as a very classic motif of moods like vanity and femininity, used in many media forms to signify a kind of classic and dangerous femininity that feels very alluring, for example, pink framed sunglasses, heart shaped lollipops, mirrors. The idea behind this is to play on these tropes, almost pastiche them, and to connote a sense of danger that is never actually fulfilled in that very typical way. The video remains a sort of shrine to their love, challenging this ‘dangerous woman’, femme fatale like stereotype- she may partake in these clichés, but she is a woman, and not a cliché.
PROPS LIST
◊ White blanket ◊ Fairy lights ◊ Pink bead chain ◊ Pink framed sunglasses ◊ Photographs of actress, many sizes ◊ Classic romance novels, e.g.: Lolita, Wuthering Heights, Othello ◊ Rose petals ◊ Pink satin cushion ◊ Dusky pink fur cushion ◊ Large pink cushions ◊ Pink heart shaped lollipops ◊ Pink backdrop ◊ Light bulb lights ◊ Large freestanding mirror ◊ Glass with straw, cocktail umbrella, stirrer ◊ Cherries