Coursework: Summer Project 2026
1) Research: TikTok videos
TikTok Video 1 – Narrative: Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please”
The TikTok trend surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” often uses a clear beginning, middle and ending. Many creators establish a relationship or situation at the start before introducing a problem or unexpected event, usually leading to a humorous ending. This can be linked to Todorov’s narrative theory, as the video begins with an equilibrium, followed by a disruption and then a resolution. Because TikToks are short, the narrative needs to be communicated quickly through captions, facial expressions, gestures and the setting. This keeps the audience interested because they immediately want to understand what is happening and find out how the situation will end. The familiar song also helps audiences understand the tone of the video. I could use this in my own production by creating a simple narrative that introduces a character and conflict quickly, before ending with an unexpected moment that encourages the audience to keep watching.
TikTok Video 2 – Camerawork: Tinashe – “Nasty”
Tinashe’s “Nasty” is commonly used on TikTok for dance and performance videos, meaning camerawork is important for showing the performer’s movements. Medium and long shots are particularly effective because they allow the audience to see the choreography and body language. The camera may remain at eye level, making the performer appear confident and allowing the audience to feel directly involved in the performance. Some creators also use close-ups to emphasise facial expressions and attitude. Camera movement can make the video feel more energetic, particularly when the camera follows the performer or moves closer during an important part of the song. This works well with the rhythm because the movement of the camera can match the beat. The use of direct address, where the performer looks directly into the camera, also creates a connection with the viewer. In my own production, I could combine close-ups, full-body shots and moving camerawork to create an energetic performance.
Billie Eilish’s “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” is often used alongside emotional or personal TikToks, meaning the mise-en-scene tends to create an intimate atmosphere. Lighting is often soft or natural, which makes the videos feel authentic rather than highly produced. Costumes are usually casual, helping the content appear relatable to the audience. Locations such as bedrooms, streets, holidays or outdoor spaces are also common, creating the feeling that viewers are being shown a genuine personal moment. Props are generally simple and are not the main focus, allowing the people and emotions to remain central. The close positioning of people within the frame can communicate friendship, love or closeness. These choices fit the emotional tone of the song and contribute to Billie Eilish’s softer artist identity. For my own production, I could use mise-en-scene to establish the genre through colour, lighting and costume. A consistent visual style would also help create a recognisable brand for the artist.
TikTok Video 4 – Editing: Tommy Richman – “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” link
The “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” trend demonstrates how editing can be used to create excitement and maintain the audience’s attention. Many TikTok's using the song feature quick cuts and transitions, particularly when creators change their clothing, appearance or location. The editing is often synchronised with the beat, creating a strong relationship between the music and visuals. This makes the transformation feel more dramatic because the audience begins to anticipate when the next cut will happen. Juxtaposition is also important because two contrasting images can be placed next to each other to show a clear difference. The short length of TikTok videos means that several shots can be used within only a few seconds, creating a fast pace. This encourages audiences to watch the video again because the changes happen quickly. I could use similar techniques by cutting on the beat and using match cuts or transitions between different locations. This would make my production feel more modern and energetic.
TikTok Video 5 – Music Video Conventions: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” provides a strong example of music video conventions being adapted for TikTok. Andrew Goodwin suggests that music videos often have a relationship between lyrics and visuals, and this can be seen when creators perform actions that match the rhythm or meaning of the song. Performance is also central, as TikTok users often dance, lip-sync or directly address the camera. This creates a connection between the artist and audience while also encouraging participation. Carpenter’s star image is another important convention. Her glamorous styling, playful personality and confident performance help create a recognisable brand identity. The song has also become associated with specific movements and trends, meaning audiences can recognise the content immediately. TikTok therefore transforms the traditional music video into something participatory, where fans can recreate the artist’s performance themselves. I could apply Goodwin’s theory to my own production by including performance, a clear artist image, lyrics that connect with visuals and choreography that audiences could easily recreate.
TikTok Video 6 – Visual Effects/Intertextuality: Sabrina Carpenter – “Short n’ Sweet”
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” TikTok promotion demonstrates how visual effects can be used to strengthen an artist’s branding. TikTok created an interactive experience connected to the album, allowing users to engage with effects inspired by its visual identity. This means the audience is not simply watching promotional content but actively participating in it. The use of recognisable colours, graphics and imagery creates intertextuality because the TikTok content connects with Carpenter’s wider album campaign
2) Planning: THREE TikTok video treatments
TikTok Video 1 – Music Video Promotion
1) Artist and song: Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
2) New artist name: Lila Monet
Treatment:
The TikTok begins with Lila Monroe sitting alone in a café, looking bored while the opening of Espresso plays. The camera starts with a close-up of her face before quickly cutting to a wider shot when the beat drops. Lila then starts performing a short section of choreography, using confident movements and direct eye contact with the camera. The editing will be fast-paced, with cuts matching the beat of the song. Different locations, including the café, a bedroom and a street, will appear throughout the video to make it visually interesting.
The colour scheme will use warm pinks, creams and browns to create a fun and pop aesthetic. The final shot will show Lila looking directly at the camera before the screen displays the song title and artist name. The video will encourage viewers to listen to the full song and recreate the choreography.
TikTok Video 2 – Soft Drink Promotion
1) Artist and song: Tate McRae – greedy
2) New artist name: Lila Monet
Treatment:
The video opens with Lila walking into a room looking tired after rehearsing. She notices a can of the featured soft drink on a table and picks it up. As she takes a drink, the beat of greedy begins and the lighting changes from dull and dark to bright pink and purple. Lila then performs a short dance routine while holding the drink.
The product will remain clearly visible without making the advertisement feel too obvious. Several close-ups will show the can, including one where Lila places it directly beside the camera. Quick cuts will be used to match the rhythm of the music. Text will appear on screen saying “Need a boost? Try it yourself.”
The ending will show Lila taking another drink before pointing towards the product. The final screen will contain the artist’s name, song title and soft drink logo. The aim is to make the product feel connected to Lila’s energetic and youthful image.
TikTok Video 3 – Trend/Behind-the-Scenes
1) Artist and song: Due Lipa – Houdini
2) New artist name: Lila Monet
Treatment:
This TikTok will use a behind-the-scenes format to make Lila appear more relatable to her audience. The video begins with Lila preparing for a music video shoot, showing her getting her hair and makeup done. Text appears saying “POV: you’re about to film your first music video.”
The video then uses a series of short clips showing Lila choosing an outfit, practising choreography and joking with the production team. The clips will be edited quickly to keep the pace entertaining. The Houdini instrumental will play underneath the footage, with some natural sound from the backstage environment included.
The final section will show Lila performing the choreography successfully after several funny failed attempts. This creates a humorous contrast and makes her seem more authentic rather than presenting her as a perfect celebrity. The TikTok ends with a short extract from the finished music video and text saying “Full video out now.” The purpose is to promote the artist while building a stronger relationship between Lila and her audience.
3) Statement of Intent
The industry context is the contemporary digital music industry, where social media is an important tool for promoting artists and their music. TikTok allows artists to reach audiences directly and encourages users to share and recreate content. One of my TikTok's will also promote a soft drink through product placement, showing how music artists can work with commercial brands for advertising and sponsorship. I will exploit digital convergence by linking my products together. The TikTok videos will promote the music video, while the music video will reinforce Lila’s visual identity through the same colours, costumes and performance style. Hashtags, song clips and captions can direct audiences towards the other products. This creates a connected promotional campaign across digital media and helps build Lila Monroe as a recognisable artist. For this I will be targeting explorers. This is because explorers have a motivation of discovery and new experiences. This means that they are energetic individuals who would be keen on trying new things. This means they would be keen on trying my new soft drink. This target audience would help my soft drink gain more popularity and would then attract more attention from mainstream audiences. this would then help my soft drink to become worldwide and popular everywhere.
4) Ignite presentation
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