Jess Glynne Music Video- Don't Be So Hard On Yourself

This side shot of Jess Glynne singing is a close up which is a common convention of a music video stated by John Stewart. The light in the background piercing through the window also shows focus on the main artist along with the close up which is demanded by record companies. We would like to have these in our music video as it expresses who the artist is. She is singing in the setting of what looks like a school this could be related to aspirational lifestyle as it is used as a prop. 

It is set in a deprived neighbour hood shown by the use of council flats in the background. This suggests that the narrative will follow the story of someone who is not economically privileged. This is the equilibrium as stated by Todorov as this is normal day to day life. We soon after learn that his dad has died which is the disruption as stated by Todorov. 

The use of a hand held camera gives the music video a sense of realism. The lighting in the room is chirascuro which connotes mystery. The darkness may also represent how the person is feeling due to his dad dying. The use of his dad being there in ghost form is a theme we want to explore in our music video. This is done simply by putting them in the same shot but it is clever as know that the man is already dead as seen in the previous shot. The dad is teaching the son how to use the drumsticks. The props used are an aspirational lifestyle as stated by John Stewart which suggests this boy wants to fulfil his dreams. The part when he sees his dad in ghost form helping him learn to play the drums shows the recognition of the disruption of his dad dying. 

The young boy then get rejected from drum practice. The dark lighting in the scene makes the audience empathise with the boy as he is not being able to show his talent and follow his dreams. But he still doesn't give up and his dad is helping him succeed by teaching him to play on the actual instrument. 

The shots also cut to the beat which is a convention of a music video stated by Andrew Goodwin. We aim to do this as it creates a sense of organisation and makes the video clearer to the audience. 

This shot shows the young boy in focus which puts him in the spotlight. He is aiming to do be in the marching band. I like this shot as it is a shallow focus which makes the shot really influential. 

This shows the young boy in the deprived area being beat up by older boys. The lighting again shows a sense of danger. The use of the wide shot puts into perspective the crime and deprivation of the 

area. He then tries to hide it from his mum which gives the audience the sense he is trapped and feels lonely. 

The contrast between the lighting and the idea of parallel editing suggests that the boy has now got his skills good enough to be in the band and that the two scenes are going to meet. 

This is when the boys is finally getting a chance to show his real talents. This also shows that someone from a deprived background can achieve their dream. 

This shows the attempt to restore as the two characters are resolving their issues and putting it behind them as the talent of the young troubled boy has shined above that. The fact that the boy is wearing grey already suggests he is part of the band as he matches with what their uniform is.

This is the new equilibrium suggested by Todorov as he is making a new start to his life. He has reached his dreams although all the tough things he has been going through. 

He then comes to terms with the fact that his dad is actually dead. The lighting in room seems brighter which may represent the boys change of mood towards his dads death. The wide two shot suggests that he knows he has lost something but he knows his father is at peace and is happy.

The extreme close up of Jess as the main star is recommended by the industry. They also cut to the beat which is needed for music videos suggested by Andrew Goodwin. The visuals also match the lyrics as she says about 'marching' and they are marching in the background, this is a convention stated by Goodwin.

 The boy then repeats the action from the beginning but this time is much happier as he has fulfilled his dreams with the help of his dad in spirit.

We also see him finally show affection to his mum after he shrugs her off for looking after him through out the music video which is another attempt for restoration.



I really like this music video. I think it has a good narrative of a deprived boy fulfilling his dreams. From this video I am interested most in the performance element and the idea of how the dead father helped his son.