Wix Updates

Unfortunately the past week I've been unwell and had not been able to do any more work on my project, however I am now back and have finally gotten 2/3 of my ancillary photos! For the "About The Band" page I now have header photos of both Olly and Hollie, which have bee edited and placed on the page. For them I also have photos for the CD cover which will be edited in Photoshop, which I plan to put together next lesson. Jordan, the remaining actor will have photos taken this wednesday (as due to January exams he's been unavailable). 
I also hope to take photos of the band together, and maybe a short video of the band interacting with the fans in a 'behind the scenes' interview style video.

I have also contacted each actor/member and asked them to write a short bio about themselves for the website to give the "about the band" page a more realistic feel, which hopefully will be finished this week.

These are the header photos: (Sorry for the pixilation)

Updates

So after the past couple days Media has been on the back burner due to exams, but I have been slowly getting my website together! I've now editing the theme so the orange and white colour scheme is consistent with the whole website. I've also added in a 'lyrics' page, so fans could have the option to 'sing along' to the song and links to official twitter, facebook and myspace pages of the GIVERS.
I'm planning to add a news feed/page and a page for my music video. Over this week I've also planned some photo shoots of the band where I'll be taking photos for the 'gallery' page and for the CD cover. 
Unfortuantely, again because of exams, some of my band members are unable to spare time for photos, which is why my ancillary tasks are a bit behind. After next week I should be back up to speed though. For my website I'm also planning to adda mock up interview of the band, just as more info/interactivity 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

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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!

Scary Phone Calls, COMPLETE

YES. An hour later, I phoned Marketing for Banham Zoo and the assistant, who had already received my email from early in the week, has allowed me to film in Banham Zoo! I'm allowed to continue with my original plan, but the only problem that she had was if I tried to sell the footage/photos I take within the zoo. This wasn't something I was going to even contemplate anyway so everything is fine!
OH YEAH. 

This also means I can continue with my storyboards and finish them by next lesson!

Scary Phone Calls.

So today I phoned up Banham Zoo and asked for their permission to film within their zoo. The assistant on the line asked me what I would be filming, and for what reason and then directed me to another phone number which I needed to call in order to obtain their permission. At this moment I'm unsure whether they will allow me to film or not as this number went straight to an answering machine so I will try again later today, or tomorrow.

Just an Update on Today's Lesson!

Today I continued with my storyboard, I've now finished all the scenes for the beginning instrumental part of the song. Whilst storyboarding, I've realised how many shots must be taken in such a short amount of time to look effective, so currently I have 17 'boards for the first 30 seconds. Unfortunately I cannot draw anything more from this point on-wards because I plan to use the 'Banham Zoo' location, but there is a risk that I may not be allowed to film within their zoo. 

So, I have sent an email to Banham explaining my situation and my aims and am awaiting a reply. If they say yes, then I can continue with the zoo idea. If they say no, I'd have to put 'Plan B' into motion, and use different date scenarios within Bury St Edmunds. This would also be the most cost effective second option, but hopefully still look authentic. If not, I'll have to quickly brainstorm some other possible locations for a realistic looking music video.

Fingers crossed the zoo says yes!

Locations: Banham Zoo

The main setting for the narrative of my music video is with 'Banham Zoo'. I've chosen this zoo as it is very close to home, so will cost little to get there, can entrance fees will be free due to Tesco Vouchers. But the main reason of choosing this zoo is because of the variety of animals and the possible film opportunities it presents. The zoo has many opportunities to get up close to the animals, like the meerkat or giraffe feeding experiences, which could present some awesome shots for animal close ups and such.

"Meerkat Feeding Experience"

"Giraffe Feeding Experience"

Banham also has an interactive area were visitors can get close to goats and pigs, which again, presents more chances of close up animal shots, and also scenes involving the characters for the narrative. The Zoo also has a "Birds of Prey Demonstration" where eagles and vultures fly around a paddock above the audience. This could be a great chance for shots, but I'm unsure if this particular event is running during October, as the website is unclear. 

But what I'm most excited about, is the chance to film Ring Tailed Lemurs, face to face, with no fence or glass separating them. This area of the zoo is called "Lemur Encounters" which is where you can walk about this small area and interact with the lemurs. This could incredible for the narrative, and great for animal close ups too. 

                 

Overall the zoo has many good points and excellent chances for filming. I'll definitely try and use this location for filming, if allowed. I've just sent off an email to the zoo asking permission to film there, stating my objects of the day. Hopefully Banham will contact me back soon so I can continue my storyboarding of the Zoo section. 

Here is a link to the website of banham zoo if any additional information is required/wanted/curious about!

 http://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/Default.aspx

Media Concept Presentation

This is a presentation containing my original ideas in detail that I presented to the class.

Stop Motion Practice

TAA-DAAA

During last media lesson, I practiced using stop motion, as I want to incorporate it into my music video. Here I used lego characters and a toy car to make a short video of a woman being scared of a ghost. The lego base plate moves a bit during the film, but I think overall I did this quite well for a first attempt. I was using the method of connecting a HD video camera to a macbook and taking individual pictures, which for this practice task proved very effect. Although, when filming my music video, I think I may use a different technique, of taking lots of photos non-stop on a DLSR camera, as I want my characters to build a tent and 'den' area without stopping. This should also give the effect that time is passing more quickly, which is effectively what I want to achieve. 

My Song for my Music Video!

Givers - Up Up Up

This is the song that I have chosen for my music video. It's upbeat, happy and very summery, and I feel I can make a great music video for this song. It's super fun.