Music Video!

AND HERE IT IS! My most likely finished version of my music video! I hope you all enjoy it!

Wix and it's difficulties

Today, I've been playing around with Wix again, trying to figure out what I can do, and it's limitations. I've tried to focus on completing the "gallery" page, by adding freeze frames of actual footage from the music video, but for some reason, Wix will not let me upload them! I've saved them on to a digistick and going to try again at home, to see if this makes any difference. I'm still trying to get to grips with how to use the site, and coming up with ideas for other pages and the layout. Hopefully over the Christmas Holidays I can sort this out, and then take some photos with the band for the Website.

Lost Costume Photos, FOUND

So before filming started, I had a long conversation between myself and my main girl character, Taylor, about costume ideas. We took some photos, but unfortunately I had lost them, UNTIL NOW!

So I got Taylor to try on some "indie/hipster" inspired clothes that would represent the music genre, and relate to the target audience of the music video, which included patterned leggings, big earrings and charity t-shirts.
Here some of the initial ideas that we thought of:

With these three first photos, I really like the white t-shirt, as it resembled classic tattoo's, which ties in with genre and target audience, but the dark jackets would take away the effect of the music video being set in late summer, even though we'd be filming in November. I liked the leggings as well, as many of my target audience would be familiar with the aztec pattern, and probably own a pair themselves.

But unfortunately, when we paired them together I still felt like the "summer" effect would be a strong, as the costume lacked colour, and was mainly black and white, sometime I didn't want. I also wanted Taylor to stay warm in the freezing temperatures, because if she became too cold, it would show through the film, and again, the summer effect would be lost. Also I didn't want her to become unwell.

After much debate we settled with a light grey hoodie, which would keep her slightly warm, but wasn't dark enough to take away from my desired effect. 

We also decided to add very large gold heart earrings, a small detail, but hopefully connoting that Taylor was in love, due to the heart, and was very happy, as gold is a good wealthy colour. This could also be a "gift" from the boyfriend, which again, could show how the couple are happy; the key emotion I want to convey.

Finally we found these, very bright orange jeans, which completes the outfit! Combined together, the costume looks happy, bright and very summery, as orange is highly associated thorough the sun (Setting or rising) which is hot and bright during summer, and therefore giving the costume a summery vibe!

When filming, Taylor did wear the hoodie during all shots, as the weather dropped considerably during filming week. I still think that she conveys the right emotions though, and feel the grey hoodie takes nothing away!

Video Blog about Wix and Ancillary Tasks

Mise en scene in a CAR

So whilst fine combing through my music video I noticed that the "in car scene" was a bit dark, so you couldn't see the strategically placed mise en scene to make my mum's car more of a young boy's car. I placed a rugby ball, several hoodies, a rucksack, a girl's handbag and makeup splayed across the back seats. By editing the contrast and brightness you can now see some of the props I've placed, which hopefully will have the desired effect of suggesting this is Billy's (The boyfriend) car.

And in today's lesson..

I THINK I finished my music video?! However, I still would like to get the opinions of teachers, class mates and non-media students in case there are errors or improvements that could be made. I've just finished editing all scenes colour by saturation, contrast, brightness and tinting orange. Hopefully this is it for the music video, and I'll be uploading a copy of the "maybe finished" version soon. I'm waiting so I can upload it to Vimeo though, because I would like the best quality of footage to be judged, since YouTube cuts down on quality. 
Watch out for the video and please comment your opinions! All criticisms are welcome!

and again!

To keep a summery vibe throughout the music video I've now decided to alter the colour of almost every single shot, I've just tested it out with the 'scenery' shot and I think the effect is great.

The shots, although good, were lacking in colour and vibrance, and to really get my audience in a happy summer mood I've changed the tint, to an orange, and saturated the photo to the maximum allowed, and here is the results!


BEFORE:

AFTER:

Editing againn

So todays lesson I've been tried to add another "light leak" effect on to my music video, but more colourful. I had the same issue with opacity so by changing that down to '35', you're still able to see the footage and the light leaks.

I wanted this effect so that the footage would look more summery and have a happier vibe to the music video. With the light leaks being bright colours such as yellows, oranges, reds, pinks and purples, I'm hoping the audience will feel happier and and 'lighter'. I just want a fun atmosphere, and I think the light leaks will help achieve that.

Audience Response to the Draft!

So earlier today I recorded a first response of an audience watching my draft, overall they seemed to really enjoy it so far, which is good!

   

                                      

There are some sections which are a tad long and not as interesting, but hopefully today I'll start editing these to make them better!

Draft 1 of my music videoo :D

Here it is! My first draft of my music video, Givers - Up up up!

Editing againnn

So I've found some clips to create a "camera light leak" effect, but unfortunately, with the base colour of those being black, it cuts out the rest of the footage when overlapped. I've tried to correct this by using the brightness and contrast wheel on the base footage, along side the 'arithmetic' effect by using an orange tint. Although the footage now is dimmer than previously desired, I think if I can edit all the factors enough, I might solve my problem. 

Messing around on Photoshop

In todays lesson we were looking and playing with photoshop! We used some basic tools like the 'magic pen' and 'lasso' tool. 

This is what I ended up with at the end of the lesson, pretty awesome if I do say so myself! It's given me a lot of ideas for my ancillary tasks, especially for a digipack idea involving balloons. Lots and lotssss of balloons!

Editing Updates

Been a while since my last blog post, but that's because I've been out filming, like a very busy bee. All the filming is officially over! The final day of it with Taylor and Billy went perfectly, weather held until the very last shot, and unfortunately got a tad foggy, but otherwise I got all the shots I wanted and more!

The long and testing task of editing has now begun also. To start with I just wanted to have all the video footage in place, so I didn't have to worry about cutting to the beat later. I've the last 20 seconds to complete and then I can start adding my effects! 
I have already done a small amount of editing, by using a spilt screen technique during a chorus.

I'm working on trying to get my hands of a 'camera light leak' effect also for the tent sequences, or during the zoo, but so far that's proving unsuccessful.

To be continued..

PROBLEM SOLVED!

After many phone calls and reorganization, the original music video idea for Givers-Up up up can continue! Filming at Banham zoo will continue you tomorrow, but only I will be going to get the animal and scenic shots while the weather is good. Then next thursday I will be going back to Banham zoo with both actors (Taylor and Billy) to film the shots containing them. 
Although this is going to take more time and pressure for the editing deadline, I would much rather persevere with this idea than change it at this point in time.\

Hopefully these days will go smoothly with no issues or problem like the previous days.

Filming so far, and my list of problems.

Over half term, filming didn't go quite as planned. During monday, my narrative actors were filming the 'tent' scene, which would last a total of 10mins. Unfortunately, it decided to rain half way through filming, and with wet props, no other filming could take place. 

Tuesday was the day for filming of the 'band' scenes and possible auxiliary task photography. One of the actors/band members didn't turn up, and the footage taken during that day was of a poor quality, due to the actors lack of seriousness, so this might have to be re-filmed. There are also slight continuity errors within some shots, but some is of a 'usable' quality. 

Friday was meant to be the big filming day set at Banham Zoo, which was problem free until both actors had calls the day before from where they work, telling them they had shifts. With it now being November, it's getting darker earlier, and the zoo now shuts at 4pm, giving me less time to film. But my main concern is the actors availability, as college and work commitments have given me 3 days this month that one of the actors are free; all a Tuesday. Unfortunately these dates are too far away, so either both actors will have to free up some time within the next two weeks, or they must be replaced immediately so filming, and re-filming, can continue.
The car originally used in filming may also be indisposed, as the owner is having an operation on the 12th November, so other travel arrangements must be made.
Hopefully next lesson will prove more productive.

Final Cut Express Practice - Green Screen

Earlier this year we had to try out different effects from Final Cut Express, and I was given Green Screen. We decided to transport Chris to the other side of the world, via green screen!



                          

Weather Issues.

Half Term's weather forecast for Banham, and Bury.

My orignal plan for my narrative filming was to film on Monday and Friday, and by checking the weather in todays lesson I've noticed an issue. Friday's plan for the Banham Zoo location is still okay, and with the chance of sunshine was something I dared to hope for.

My issue is with the filming on Monday at the Tent location, as that will be filmed outside near sunset/evening. Looking at the temperatures and the costumes I have planned, I don't think it will be warm enough for filming to take place as a possible 5C is far too cold to stay outside for an hour or so. Luckily, Wednesday is warmer with a possible 12C, although there is the risk of hitting 0C. It's a risk to change the days of filming, but I think it will be easier for my actors to perform in a warmer situation, so Filming must change from Monday to Wednesday.

Little Mix - DNA (Goodwin)

Little Mix are a good girl band to look at for example of Goodwin. Since they are a relatively new band, and have only produced a couple music videos, they have yet to develop a 'style' or 'motif' of their own, but each band member does have a certain outfit/costume styling. Rather than having the same outfit duplicated, each member has a version of an outfit style, for example, Jade (purple hair) has a more 'cute' version whilst Leigh-Anne (black hair) has a more 'urban' version. This could be seen as a visual style which fits in to Goodwin's Six.

Little Mix also demonstrates the typical characteristics of their genre, girl pop band, which is a synchronized dance routine, which all members contribute to. Again, the band are dressed similarly, but all have their individual styles.

The music video also presents many close ups of each band member, which is a main point in Goodwin's Six, and also, by watching the music video, there is a strong link between music and visuals, like cutting to the beat, which this music video demonstrates very well. There is also a link between lyrics and visuals, with the narrative of the song, and singing about loving someone you don't want to and 'DNA'.

Here's the music video to see the relationships stated above.

Lady Gaga - Bad Romance (Goodwin)

Lady Gaga is a prime example of an artist that follows the Goodwin Six. As a female artist, she is seen in a voyeuristic way, by wearing underwear or very small outfits. This also ties into the narrative of her music video, as she is being 'sold' to wealthy Russian men.

In this screen shot, Lady Gaga is also performing a dance routine with back up dancers, which is a stereotype from Goodwin, as well as her being voyeuristic.

In saying this, the music video also contradicts Goodwin, or at least change what he means when he talks about voyeurism, as there are shots of Lady Gaga wearing little of no clothing, which shows her as being anorexic, not the traditional object of desire. Lady Gaga is famous for being controversial. 

The music video also includes many close ups of the artist, another point from Goodwins theory, but again, some shots are controversial, but this could be seen as part of Lady Gaga's motif, as she often sticks to outrageous and controversial outfits, narratives and inspirations.

Here's the music video so you can see all these features/points from Goodwin in action.

FILM DATES.

After many texts, calls, skype chats and emails, I've finally managed to organise all my actors and sort out days when they are available for filming. So far the filming dates are as followed:

MONDAY: Practice set up of 'tent time lapse' scene, then if there is time before the sun sets, filming said scene with narrative actors Taylor and Billy.
Location: Karen's House

TUESDAY: The 'band' scenes and auxiliary photographs are to be done all tuesday with no exceptions with actors Olly, Jack, Jordan and Hollie.
Location: Dad's House

WEDNESDAY: Reserve day if tuesday's plan falls through or if some scenes are unfinished.

FRIDAY: Zoo scenes and car shots to be filming during this day, all filming within the zoo MUST be done this day as I cannot return to this location afterwards. Extra shots must be taken as a precaution. Car scenes can be done other days earlier in the week if time allows. Will include narrative actors Taylor and Billy.
Location: Banham Zoo and A14

Hopefully all the scenes will be filmed and ready for editing after the half term. I've given myself an extra day on wednesday just incase weather ruins scenes (e.g, the recent fog for 'tent' scene). If the weather is bad friday, I will have to film 2 weeks later on a saturday, which will only be done if the weather is extremely bad. Friday's filming MUST happen.
The camera so far is booked for the whole of half term, and hopefully it will stay that way, giving me more leverage if things go wrong. Wish me luck!

Time Lapse Practice

Yesterday's lesson was practice day! I've been trying to find camera which had a time lapse effect already on them, but failed in finding such a function on any available cameras. So yesterday I tried to 'cheat', rather than taking photos every second or so, I decided to see what a sped up video clip would look like. I was hoping this would create the same effect I was looking for, and luckily, SUCCESS. By changing the speed to just over 8000% I was able to get the effect I was after, and reduced 37 minutes into 30 seconds. Here's the product of my hard research and work. (Sorry for the quality, YouTube decided to be a silly and reject the higher quality video.)

The director of GIVERS - Up up up

During todays lesson, I decided to do some extra research into the original music video of my song, and did some digging on the director, Tim Nackashi. He's not a director I know of, and his music videos are not made for very famous people either, although he has a very artistic and beautiful style in which he creates moving image.

The first music video that stood out for me was by OK Go - WTF?
It's a very simple performance and concept based music video, having only the band shown in a assume a white room. But the way he uses colours throughout the video is rather spectacular, and on some occasions dizzying. Such a simple ideas by using the colours of shirts have created an awesome background.

OK Go - WTF?

The next video by Nackashi is for Fools Gold - The Dive, which personally I am in love with. The use of colours and effects are so beautiful, it's really given me inspiration for my own music video when I reach the editing stage. The style of this video is magical, just see for yourself, I can't explain the video and give it justice. 

Fools Gold - The Dive

Controversial Music Video

The music video I have chosen to look at is RUN DMC and Areosmith - Walk This Way. When this was first released, music culture was very divided between rockers (fans of areosmith) and Hip Hop fans (like fans of RUN DMC). Both stereotypes hated each other because of their music tastes, and at the time, not many artists/groups were like RUN DMC as black people then did not get the same amount of air time that white rock bands did, like Areosmith. 

That is why this collaboration breaks the boundaries that were constructed by fans and revolutionized way of thinking about rap music, as it was the first to hit the top 5 on Billboards Hot 100. The music video represents this divide of stereotypes by having RUN DMC in one room complaining about Areosmiths loud music in the other room; separated by a thin wall. The battle of music begins and RUM DMC then show the others what they are about, antagonizing each other and representing the hate between their fans. When Steven Tyler breaks a barrier through the wall this could represent them breaking down the boundaries and getting along with each other, because the next shot is the two bands performing on stage together. In this scene you can also see stereotypical fans of BOTH bands there, together, proof that Areosmith and RUN DMC succeeded in what they wanted to do.

        

The MEGA story board.

This is the big storyboard for the stop motion/time lapse tent scene. I've labelled each item/prop that is included, but in this you can see how I envision this scene to be.

This is will be set at 'Karens House' which will serve as the lead girls back garden, where the couple will proceed to make this 'den' area I have drawn above. This idea of this scene is to represent that 'happy place' all couples have, like alice's wonderland. I want the scene to be shot during the evening/sunset and shortly after at night, but I want a soft lighting effect. To create this I will use the fairy lights to give the illusion of this soft lighting, but I will be using high powered industry lights.

Introducing my gorgeous and fabulous actors!

As far as my character roles are concerned, I have two characters for the narrative, and four, maybe five (if I can find another musically capable person) for the band. 

For the Narrative, the girlfriend and boyfriend have been selected! They will be played by real life couple Taylor Cockram and Billy Ruston.

If feel they both can portray the level of happiness and charisma I envision for my music video, and as they are a couple, the romantic side of some scenes should come more naturally and look more realistic. 

As far as the band members are concerned, the current line up consists of:

Harry Withers, guitarist

Jack Golding, guitarist

Hollie Bailey, singer

And Olly West, drummer

Shot Lists

Here are my final shot lists! Here I've written props, location, camera shots and angles and other information. 

Concept Based Music Video

A concept based music video is a often used to describe videos that have no narrative or performance. Often these types of music videos have deeper meaning that are symbolic to the lyrics or mood of music or trying to convey a message its audience. Although some concept music videos have no meaning and make no sense which is the primary objective. But what they all have in common is their experimental use of editing, shot types and choice of mise en scene. My example of a concept music could be read in many different ways, which I think is the main aim of concepts'. The audience can translate what they see into seemingly random images or a deep meaning. 

Narrative Based Music Video

A narrative based music video is usually like a short film, it has a beginning, middle and end. The video will normally have some visual link to the lyrics, or theme  of the song, my example is Katy Perry - Part Of Me, who has broken up with her boyfriend and joined the marines to show her independence. Usually the artist or frontman of a band will perform the lead within the narrative, like in my example, but this is not always the case. When other actors are performing the roles its often a hybrid music video by having the artist/band perform instead of acting; so they're still shown in the music video. The only exception to this is a music video by Owl City, which is only a boy making a racecar. 


 

Performance Based Music Video

Traditionally, performance based music videos are done on a stage, and are stereotypical of the rock genre, like 'Bon Jovi'. They often have close ups of the frontman, lead guitarist and other attractive members of the band. Although all members are shown, usually the more good looking ones get more screen time to please their female fans. Also with performance music videos, often the audience are shown, as if to insinuate you are apart of the crowd enjoying the band's live music. This can be seen in the Bon Jovi video I've selected as an example. Because they are from a 'glam-rock' era/genre the band also costumed very flamboyantly, with multi coloured scarfs, very tight fitting patterned trousers and ridiculous jackets. Not every performance video will be dressed like this, but usually there is some form of 'stage outfit' involved.

Storyboards!

Finally finished all the storyboards! Lots of images are repeated so a couple of them are written, but I tried to detail these as much as possible, so when I go to film, I know exactly what I need and want. The nature shots are the only real vague 'boards as I can't really predict what the animals will do on the day, but I know I definitely want to film:
-Penguins
-Howler Monkeys
-Fur Seals
-"Lemur Encounter"
-Red Pandas
-Meerkats
-Otters
-Snow Cat
-Cheetah
-Tigers
-Leopards
-Giraffes
-Birds of prey
-Maned Wolves
-Zebras 

By filming so many, that way I can choose the better shots or do some fast editing cuts to the music (If the majority of the shots are good).

On the third 'board on 7/7 I plan to draw a detailed single 'board for the whole stop motion sequence (with the tent) so I can have an accurate picture including all my intended props. The box allocated wasn't big enough for a detailed picture.

Audience Research

So before planning my music video I created a questionnaire to gather research from my potential audience for my music video product. The questionnaire consists of 11 questions which will all affect my decisions when creating my products as they must appeal to my target audience.

Music Video Questionnaire

1) Please circle appropriate: Male/female
2)Age?
3)What genres of music do you generally listen to?
4)What was the last song you listened to?
5)Do you often watch music videos? If yes, why?
6)How do you get your music? (E.g. download, CD)
7)Circle appropriate: Do you like fast paced or slow paced?
8)What music video features do you think would be most effective?
-Narrative
-Performance
-Concept
-Performance and narrative
-Concept and Performance
-Mix of all three
9)What do you think makes a good music video?
10)What the CD/Poster of a song make you what to buy a song more?
11)What is you current favourite band/artist?

See results here in this SlideShare!

Audience research results from Pickwicken


Here are some quick photos of the hard copies of my questionnaire:

And a copy of a facebook message questionnaire:

age: 16

What genre of music do you generally listen to?: I don't really have a particular genre, i will listen to rock, metal, rap, pop,indie
What was the last song you listened to?: Dissolve me by Alt-J
Do you often watch music videos, if yes why?: Yes, I do. I like to see what they do with the song whether they act out a scene or its just a concert of them singing or messing around
How do you get your music(e.g download, CD)?: Either Itunes or Spotify then youtube for videos
Do you like fast or slow paced music?: Depends on my mood. Fast when I'm happy but then when I'm a bit under the weather it would be slow.
What do you think makes a good msuic video?: A good story line to it.
Would the CD cover of a song influence whether you bought the CD?: Definitely, if it has an appealing cover t make me want to buy it more. Iron Maiden for example have very good covers and I like to just look at the covers.
What is your favourite artist/band?: I haven't really got one really s:

Based from the research I have gathered through the questionnaires I can now summarise the "ultimate fan" for GIVERS, my chosen song. 

The ULTIMATE FAN (drum roll please)
The fan shall be male, and have a wide music knowledge and taste with alternative and indie music, such like Alt-J, Foals, The Lumineers, You me at six, Iggy Azelia and others. He would typically be dressed in turned up jeans, an indie branded ombre faded tshirt (Friend and Foe Apparel or Urban Outfitters) with boat shoes. He may have a habit of wearing fat peak hats or large beanies, again by another indie clothing label. He'd have a job in a non mainstream shop, possibly in a music store or book store. He could have several tattoos if he's old enough, all from a traditional "sailor Jerry's" style. He'd be heavily involved in a friend circle of social life, spending a lot of time outside in the sun, maxin' and relaxin'. He's also be with a long term girlfriend (so he can relate to the music video!) who is like him, but female (The FEMALE ultimate fan). His personality would be friendly, outgoing and the life of the party, or in his case camp-out as summer is clearly his favourite season. 

Tent Location

Location: Dani's back garden.

These photos are for the location of the 'tent' scene, although I am unsure on which angle to choose from for the tent and object placement. In a later post I shall show you my exact plans for the tent location and mise en scene placement, ect.

Here are the photos!