Creative Critical Reflection

 Creative Critical Reflection


With the goal of evoking nostalgia in adults and encouraging teenagers to cherish their youth, our music video had two objectives. Using a narrative format, we aimed our music video at young teenagers. 

The narrative of the music video was centered around four teenagers who are spending a day together, having fun and enjoying each other's company. We wanted to showcase the different experiences that teenagers can have in Dubai, and how those experiences can bring people together. Each location represented a different aspect of teenage life, and the cast interacted with each location in a unique way.

In spite of our best efforts, we were unable to find the right music to complement the narrative. My objective was to ensure that the final product met our expectations, so I conducted extensive research. After researching and listening various Indie songs on YouTube I finally was able to think of a song that'd perfectly fit the narrative. I had chosen the song "What Once Was" by Her's for our project. My fellow group members also liked the song and we were collectively sure this song coupled with our music video would complement the narrative perfectly.

Directing a music video can be a daunting task, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. For me, it was an opportunity to collaborate with a talented crew and create something that would bring joy and entertainment to people. 

The planning process for the music video was extensive. We spent weeks scouting locations, developing shot lists, and storyboarding the video. We wanted to make sure that we had a clear vision for the video before we started shooting. This helped us stay on schedule and make the most of our shooting days.

The first challenge that we faced was choosing the right locations for the music video. We wanted to showcase the diversity of the city and the different experiences that teenagers can have in Dubai. We chose locations that were both visually stunning and that offered a unique experience for our cast and crew.

Firstly we filmed at school. We wanted to capture the sense of community and belonging that teenagers can find in school. We had started our music video with the teacher dismissing the classroom. with the next shot being our cast sitting in the classroom, and hanging out in the cafeteria. 

Next, we moved on to the metro. We wanted to capture the sense of adventure and excitement that teenagers can feel when exploring the city. We had our cast riding the metro, looking out the windows, and interacting with each other having a chat while on the way home. We also had them walking around the station and entering and exiting the station as well. It was a way of incorporating most teenagers lives in Dubai and how they get around for school. The friends then see each other off outside the station. The metro provided a fast-paced and dynamic setting that contrasted nicely with the previous three locations.

Next, we moved on to the arcade. We wanted to capture the nostalgia of playing classic arcade games and the excitement of winning tickets and prizes. We had our cast play games like Kung Fu Panda, Spin the Wheel, and give a go at the Basketball Machine. The arcade provided a colorful and vibrant environment which suit the overall vibe of the music video.

Next, we moved on to the food court. We had our cast eating food together as we felt that's a crucial part in most hangouts. We also had them interacting with the other cast while talking and eating their food. The food court provided a colorful and vibrant setting that fit nicely with the music video.

We then moved on to the bowling center. We wanted to capture the sense of competition and fun that teenagers can experience when playing sports. We had our cast bowling, cheering each other on, and celebrating their victories. We also had them enjoying snacks and drinks and just having a good time together. The bowling center provided a lively and energetic setting that contrasted nicely with the more introspective locations earlier in the video.

After the bowling centre, we moved on to the gaming café. We wanted to capture the sense of community and camaraderie that teenagers can find when playing video games. We had our cast playing games like Krunker, Overwatch 2, and Valorant. We also had them drinking sodas and eating snacks. The gaming café provided a more laid-back and relaxed setting compared to other locations.

After the food court, we moved on to Expo City Dubai(previously known as Expo 2020 Dubai). We wanted to capture the sense of wonder and awe that teenagers can feel when exploring new technologies and innovations. We had our cast interacting with the electric cycles provided and also visit the Gardens In The Sky which is an elevating observatory deck. We took shots of us on the taxis and some vibrant night shots with the colorful lights glistening at the Al Wasl Dome.

The last location we used was the beach. We wanted to capture the carefree spirit of teenagers having fun and enjoying each other's company. The beach provided the perfect backdrop for this, with its turquoise waters and golden sand. We shot scenes of our cast riding around in electric scooters and sitting on sand and enjoying the view in front of them. We also had a GoPro to capture some POV shots of us riding the electric scooter.

One of the unique aspects of the music video was the use of lyrics as subtitles. We wanted to make sure that the lyrics were an integral part of the video, and that viewers could follow along with the story and the song. By using subtitles, we were able to tie the visuals and the music together in a cohesive way. It also allowed viewers to connect with the lyrics on a deeper level and appreciate the meaning behind the song.

Overall, directing the music video for "What Once Was" by Her's was an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to work with a talented crew and cast, and to showcase the beauty and diversity of Dubai. The use of lyrics as subtitles tied the visuals and the music together in a cohesive way, and the narrative of four teenagers spending a day together was relatable and engaging. The planning process was extensive, but it allowed us to stay on schedule and create a high-quality video. I am grateful for the opportunity to have directed this music video and look forward to creating more projects like this in the future.



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