planning - Narrative

Linear narrative with symbolic imagery 

My music video follows Goodwin’s theory by combining performance, narrative and symbolic visuals that illustrate the lyrics and construct Darius’s authentic worship artist identity while using editing and close-ups to match the song’s emotional progression.

Thematic Arc

1. Isolation → bedroom, darkness, “lifeless” guitar

2. Calling → light, movement toward purpose (light)

3. Personal renewal → solo performance on field 

4. Action and pursuit → running after cloth

5. Discovering purpose → returning to your calling with a different mindset

6. Integration into daily life → car worship scene 

7. Community and celebration → group singing 

1. isolation

The opening scene will be set in Darius’s bedroom with low key lighting, creating a chiaroscuro effect that suggests isolation, confusion and spiritual emptiness. The mise-en-scene is intentionally minimal to direct audience attention toward the artist and the guitar, which operates as a symbolic prop. 

Darius holds the guitar in a cradling position, as if it were a lifeless body. This visual metaphor represents

• His disconnection from his purpose

• His temporary loss of faith and identity as a musician

• The idea that his gift is dormant rather than active

This aligns with the lyrical themes of "Haina de Lauda" which focus on transformation from heaviness to praise. God’s promise of never abandoning us and our faith accepting him, because God says I am his child then that is what I am.

Lyrics

Când eu eram singur

Tu mă priveai

Cu ochii în lacrimi mă așteptai

Ai alergat înspre mine

M-ai sărutat cu iubire

Din noapte Tu m-ai scos

Mi-ai dat un nume nou

Mi-ai spus, sunt fiul Tău

Acum eu sunt fiul Tău

His posture should be slightly slouched, movements are slow, and eye contact is avoided. This communicates denial and internal struggle without dialogue, relying on non-verbal performance codes.

Lighting 

The introduction of a motivated light source (a ray entering the room) functions as the turning point of the narrative

Symbolically, the light represents 

• Divine guidance

• Clarity and purpose

• Spiritual awakening 

When Darius looks up toward the light, it visually signals the moment of realisation

2. calling

Transition to the Field 

The movement from the bedroom to the open field should be executed as a match on action of his feet leaving his bedroom and walking onto the field. This maintains continuity. 

The field represents 

• Freedom 

• Renewal 

• Reconnection with faith and music

• Openness (contrasting the enclosed bedroom)

Costume as Visual Coding 

Dark clothing in the bedroom → suggests heaviness, doubt and loneliness

Beige/light tones in the field → suggests purity, rebirth and peace 

This is a clear example of binary opposition which is a structuralist theory, developed by Claude Levi-Strauss, it is used to structure narratives and influence the viewers perception by contrasting two opposing concepts. 

By beginning again with the guitar case and focusing on the instrument, it creates intertextual continuity with the previous music video. This helps establish Darius as a sincere and authentic artist whose music is tied to personal and spiritual experience. 

4. Personal renewal

Darius is alone in front of a microphone, the microphone functions as an icon of testimony, he is now ready to publicly praise. 

Media Language:

Wide shots → to emphasise scale and freedom 

Slow push-in → to focus on Darius 

5. Action and Pursuit

The cloth operates as a recurring visual motif.

Its movement away from Darius suggests

• Something he must pursue

• A calling or message

• The idea that purpose requires actions 

• Reinforcing the song “Haina de lauda” the cloth is the first piece of his new clothing

This creates a quest narrative, making it more interactive and entertaining

6. Integration into Daily Life

Car Sequence 

The car scene with Haina de Lauda playing through CarPlay 

(I was inspired of Olivia Dean's music video “So Easy”, her album title is hidden throughout the video on objects, like books in a bookstore)  

It also shows that worship is not limited to a stage, it continues in daily life. 

6. Discovering Purpose

The message on the cloth 

Is a narrative catalyst for the final gathering. Close up of Darius reading and reacting creates emotional motivation, creating audience engagement. 

Return to the Field 

When he returns and his friends are waiting

This represents 

• Restoration 

• Community

• Collective praise

7. Community & Celebration

Jumping and singing shows authentic joy through performance codes rather than scripted dialogue 

Credits Sequence 

Behind the scenes style montage which 

• Slightly breaking the fourth wall

• Presents the group as a real faith community rather than actors