Study Task 5 - Writing an Introduction [SAP]

How does music and animation combine to achieve storytelling?

I intend to investigate on storytelling through the symbiotic process of music and animation. Animated Music Videos from different origins and styles will be studied. Themes such as social issues and how it is represented through the medium of Animated Music Videos will be explored upon throughout the essay. As the source of medium is digital, wide range of secondary research will be conducted through deep dives in forums discussions, as well as existing articles written about the art of transformative  storytelling in AMVs. For primary research I can be messaging artist whom have experience within the field of storytelling and AMVs and self analysis of AMVs.

My findings will consist of the types of animated music videos in different culture, how the type of storytelling is varied as well as what if any, social issues are explored and represented. I predict that western culture will have a diverse way of representing social issues, using abstract forms of storytelling to represent the issues and conflict. In contrary to Asia, where it will be more raw and direct, using non abstract styles to story tell. 

For my practical outcome, I will be wanting to explore upon AMVs and make an animatic and combining visual imageries and music to synthesise in hopes to create a story that is able to convey both message and emotions.

QUESTION UPDATE: The Effectiveness of Storytelling in AMVs

(NSN, no date) ‘Storytelling is the interactive art of using words and actions to reveal the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener’s imagination.’ National Storytelling Network, an organisation dedicated to advancing the art of storytelling states. Storytelling is an ancient art form and a invaluable form of human expression. Presenting a narrative is an essential process of storytelling, a form of communication which breaks communication boundaries whilst being able to create a connection between the teller and the viewer. AMVs and animated music videos are notorious forms of storytelling which depicts a synthesis of both audio and visual. The marriage of fitting the visuals too the rhythm and mood of the song in AMVs encapsulates the atmosphere of the music. Simultaneously stimulating auditory and visually, giving the audience an enriching experience. Intrigued by the different types of narratives presented in existing AMVs, this research will dive deeper into the realm of various types of AMVs. Thorough analysis on the messages that are being depicted and represented and how their style of both aesthetic and choice of music can affect the effectiveness of storytelling in their respective media and methods.