The Song - Why I chose it

Originally I was going to choose to do my friends song (Flaming on Top of Me) for the following reasons:

• Poignant and emotive topic
• He knows the song better than anyone - would be able to authentically lip sync
• Passionate about the song/project = easier to work with

However there are also numerous disadvantages which has lead me to choosing another song:

• Quality of music and recording could be better
• Artist may attempt to control the music video
• I feel the song I have chosen is a better song in general

The other song I considered:

I was contemplating using this song (discovered through watching the film Billy Elliott) for the narrative of one persons life (see Prezi post: Initial Ideas). While listening to the song I can see how it would work perfectly with my music video idea. This idea is similar to the following commercial:

However, I soon discovered how difficult it is to achieve this effect while looking professional, I would need to either go to the 1930's or to 2090 which I have not got the budget for. In addition, I would need roughly 4/5 actors of different ages who look the same - not easy to find.

Therefore I wanted to purse a 'doable' music video idea, one that was realistic regarding my time scale and budget (including actors available to me). I always wanted a poignant narrative and I feel the following one is both poignant and realistic:

A character who has lost his loved one. Because I am a fan of the band 'Biffy Clyro' either the song Machines or Folding Stars came to mind. The lead singer's wrote the two songs soon after his mother past away so they are about coping with the death of a loved one.

So I listened to both and compared and contrast them:

Whilst I want my music video to be emotive I also want it to me powerful and moving. In addition, Folding Stars uses many more instruments which could be an advantage to me. The topic of the song is appropriate and I feel the meaningful song gives the music video a strong backbone to work with, the song itself will aid the music video.