Visual & Audio References

Visual and audio references are a crucial part of pre-production, as they provide inspiration and guidance for the style, mood, and pacing of my music video. Since my project is inspired by Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted,” I have studied similar interpretive music videos, films, and visual media that convey introspection, dreamlike atmospheres, and emotional subtlety. This research ensures that my video maintains coherence with my creative vision and supports the song’s emotional tone.

For visual references, I have collected images and clips that emphasise muted colour palettes, soft lighting, negative space, and symbolic objects. For example, stills from low-key music videos and short films demonstrate how shadows and reflections can represent internal conflict, which directly aligns with my concept of fractured identity. I also referred to stock images and Pinterest collections that illustrate subtle composition, empty spaces, and minimalistic framing to guide the mise-en-scene and scene layout. These examples help ensure that every shot communicates the intended mood without unnecessary distractions.

For audio references, although I will be using the original song without adding any external sounds, I analysed similar interpretive music videos to understand how visual rhythm can match musical tempo and emotional beats. Observing how slow cuts, pauses, and transitions interact with music provided valuable insight into editing pace, shot duration, and scene timing. This research ensures that my visual storytelling is in harmony with Billie Eilish’s song, creating a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.

By combining both visual and audio references, I am able to make informed creative decisions that maintain consistency, emotional resonance, and stylistic authenticity throughout the music video.