Focus Group

In order to help me have a wider research about what the consumers like and dislike, I got together a focus group who all have very different visions and opinions of what they like and dislike in music video. By doing this allowed me to see the bigger picture, and gave me the opportunity to look into depth of what I could do to my music video in order for my music video to be eye catching for my target audience and for those in my focus group; as I also wanted my music video to attract those who are outside my genre category. When asked what is their favourite music video, one individual mentioned she liked the music video ‘White Noise’ by Paris. The reason for this was because of the use of concept and the different effects used to make the music video attractive, making the whole music video seem edgy as well as having an old theme effect to it.

Another person said they liked the music video ‘Hotline Bling’ by Drake due to the choreography used, which made the whole music video stand out. By comparing both these music videos I could tell they were completely the opposite, this is because of the different genre, theme, effect, camera angle etc. By researching this I realised I could add the old effect to my music video, as the whole concept I want running through my music video is flashbacks of the girl when she was young as this would create a great atmosphere and keep my audience intrigued.

Another question that was asked was what they like and don’t like in a music video. The young boy mentioned he does not like sexual concept music videos, but does like it when artists include themselves in the music video representing their music and themselves. This was agreed with the rest of the focus group, this told me that they liked the idea of the artists themself being involved. This can be something I can consider in order to get all consumers to buy my album and watch my music video. The focus group also mentioned that they enjoyed watching music videos that told a story and had a meaning behind the lyrics, as that’s what really gets them on edge.

The focus group were given a brief explanation of what my music video storyline was about, they understood very well how the music video was going to flow. They were asked what could be included in the music video to emphasise the storyline and make it an interesting music video for my target audience. Some said including a father figure would really show superiority and play the whole role out well and to make sure to show the young girl from when she was young till now, in order to show she has overcome her past and is strong. Another person mentioned keeping the scar on the young girl throughout the music video to show the long lasting effect of abuse. This gave me an idea of using this in my music video, including what my focus group have said in order to ensure I implemented the feedback I was given to make sure it ticked the boxes for my music video and followed through with the genre, theme etc.

They were also asked whether they liked the idea of the storyline. There was good feedback upon the storyline, everyone within the focus group said that the storyline related to the reality in society and showed a real insight of some peoples lives. It was also said that it had a true meaning behind the lyrics and was not a random storyline that didn’t add up. I was very happy with the feedback I got from my focus group because I wanted to ensure I implemented the reality to my music and that was seen through by my focus group by just giving a brief explanation; making sure it had the right effects, theme, costume, location in order for it to link with my storyline and actually tell its story not just verbally but visually too. Lastly, my focus group were asked where they would think the location would suit for my music video, some said toilet, public streets and school. These locations allowed me to have a greater idea of what my focus group were looking for and what they thought would go well with the music video.

By interviewing my focus group, it allowed me to open my mind and go into depth about the whole storyline as I wanted to make sure every detail emphasised everything of the young girl. By getting a second opinion from my focus group helped me develop more ideas and understand what I should and shouldn’t include in order to make my music video effective. By gathering all this information it has given me a greater understanding and insight of what I can do to make my music video stand out to my audience, executing the finest details and raising awareness of abuse. Also, making sure everyone is aware that abuse is not ok and it is something women in today’s society are still trying to tackle. I want my music video to be able to empower every individual, allowing some people from my target audience to relate to the story to make them feel comfortable and show them they can be strong and get past abuse. Not only that, listening to the opinions of my focus group helped me greatly of how I am able to make my music video a great success.