Research: Similar product research 15-Directing.

 Sam Smith, 'Leave Your Lover':
From looking at this music video I can see that it is important for your actors to look natural in their movements. For example in this shot the two actors are making direct eye contact and they appear to be absorbed in the communication. In order for the viewer to truly believe in the narrative the camera shouldn't be acknowledged. I will also make sure that my actors show appropriate facial expression. For example, in this shot the male appears to be making a joke to which the female actress responds by convincingly laughing. The proxemics of this shot (positioning the two close together) convinces the viewer of a close relationship. Both actors postures is slightly hunched so as to appear casual but not so much for them to express a introvert attitude.

The three actors in this shot appear to be having fun together. The camera is not acknowledged at all in this shot as they have their backs to the camera. I think this is an effective way to make the situation appear natural and therefore makes the viewer believe that the group are genuine friends. They are running with arms outstretched which suggests a sense of freedom and adventure. From analysing this video I can see that gestures are very important in creating meaning within the media. If I were to create a shot like this it should be controlled e.g. telling them exactly where to run from and where to run to. In order to make sure I can position the camera well enough to film the entire action.

The three are very close in this image. It is important that if I want to create a shot like this I try and make my actors feel comfortable as if the actors express any discomfort towards each other the viewer will not believe in their relationship.Although the woman is only on one of the mans shoulders the closeness of the group is shown through the gesture of the other man. He has been told by the director to place his hands on the woman shoulders to symbolise his continuing relationship with her, despite more people entering her life.

Placement of eye contact is also very important when attempting to create meaning. For example the mans eyes are still focused on the woman even though she is dancing with someone else. This could symbolise his constant connection with her at all times.

The movement of the arm across a persons body shows a tight embrace and therefore the closeness of their relationship. Although the two men are the focus of the camera; in order to create verisimilitude, the woman (who is still in shot) looks on laughing. It is very important that even though a person may not be directly involved with the action that appropriate reactions are still seen on screen.

Direct eye contact with the camera should only be made if the singer is singing into camera. facial expression shows a lot about the singers current mood with in the narrative. This is a good use of communication between singer and audience as we can see that he is saddened from his eyes. The singer in this video appears as though he is really singing live. This is achieved by using a recored track while singing and asking the actor/actress to sing along to the track.

Pointing to events that we can't see on camera allows the viewer to believe that the situation of the music video is real e.g. life is still continuing around the actors.

Sam Smith, 'I'm Not The Only One':
Obvious change in facial expression allows us to see changing mood. For example she is smiling and then this expression slowly changes to sadness. Without communicating to the viewer through speech. The actress still manages to convey that the emotion she shows to her husband is a facade and that she is truly emotionally damaged.

If you ask your actor or actress to cry on screen it is very important that it looks believable. E.g. like in this shot, the woman is hunched over and her face appears distorted because her concealed emotion is being released. The audience his allowed to experience this severe sadness with talented actors/actresses.





How this research has influenced my planning:

• Conventions: Actors/actresses shouldn't look into camera while performing actions which contribute to the narrative. 
• Show change in emotion with close-ups. 
• Direct actors/actresses to act in a very specific way. Tell them where to place hands, where to direct their eyes as well as what emotions to show, in order to show emotions, how to demonstrate a close relationship.