For my coursework, I am recreating the music video for Tumblr Girls by G-Eazy, adapting it to fit the aesthetic and themes of my fictional artist, Hadiya. My version of the video will focus on nostalgia, memory, and self-reflection, using a combination of media language, mise-en-scène, and editing techniques to create a visually engaging and emotionally resonant piece.
Concept & Narrative
The video will open with Hadiya sitting alone in her bedroom, scrolling through her phone and looking at pictures from summer. This moment sets the tone of reflection and longing, showing her reminiscing about past experiences. As the beat kicks in, the screen will transition into a montage of summer memories carefree days with friends, scenic views, long drives, and city lights. These moments will feel warm and cinematic, representing how memories are often idealised over time.
As the video progresses, there will be a contrast between the past and present. Hadiya’s current reality, dimly lit and quiet, will be intercut with bright, lively summer scenes. This juxtaposition highlights the passage of time and the feeling of wanting to relive moments that have already passed. The video will have a dreamy, almost surreal feel, with some shots intentionally blurred or distorted to mimic how memories fade and blend together.
Media Language
I will use various elements of media language to enhance the mood and aesthetic of the video. The colour grading will play a key role in distinguishing between the past and present summer scenes will have warm, golden tones, while present-day shots will be cooler and slightly desaturated to emphasise the contrast. Soft lighting and lens flares will give the flashbacks an ethereal, dreamy quality, while natural lighting in the present-day scenes will create a more grounded, intimate atmosphere.
The cinematography will include a mix of handheld shots to create a raw, authentic feel and slow-motion shots to enhance the emotional weight of certain moments. Some footage will have a grainy, film-like texture to replicate a vintage, Tumblr-inspired aesthetic, reinforcing the theme of nostalgia. Editing will also be crucial in maintaining the dreamlike quality of the video smooth transitions, crossfades, and overlays will be used to blend past and present, making the flashbacks feel fluid and immersive. Quick cuts during the montage will create a sense of energy and movement, while longer, lingering shots in the present will reflect the feeling of loss and longing.
Mise-en-Scène
The mise-en-scène will be carefully planned to reflect the emotions in the video. In the opening scene, Hadiya’s bedroom will have a personal, intimate feel, decorated with fairy lights, Polaroid pictures, and small personal items that suggest memories of summer. This setting reinforces the idea that she is stuck in the present, looking back at moments that feel distant.
In contrast, the summer flashbacks will be set in vibrant, open locations such as beaches, rooftop views, and neon-lit streets. These settings symbolise freedom, youth, and the excitement of summer. The clothing choices will also reflect the shift in time Hadiya will wear casual, relaxed outfits in the flashbacks, whereas in the present-day scenes, she will be dressed in darker, more muted tones, visually representing her mood and emotional state.
By combining strong visual storytelling with effective use of media language and mise-en-scène, my music video will capture the emotions of nostalgia and longing, offering a unique and creative interpretation of Tumblr Girls.
Her representation aligns with Stuart Hall’s Reception Theory, as audiences will interpret her image differently depending on their own cultural backgrounds. Some may see her as a progressive force in the industry, while others may challenge the idea of a hijabi artist in a genre traditionally associated with non-conservative values. Additionally, bell hooks’ theory of intersectionality is relevant, as Hadiya represents both gender and cultural diversity in a space where Muslim women are underrepresented.
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