Music Video (2)- Using Planning Documents

During the Pre-Production process there were a number of planning documents that had to be created such as a storyboard, shooting schedule and a risk assessment, to name a few. These documents would then help me to film my music video because I would just have to recreate these drawings from the storyboard. The risk assessment allowed me to be aware of any of the dangers that may occur whilst filming, by completing this, I could then avoid any of these potential dangers.

When I had to go to each location, I read through the documents to get a clear picture of what I needed to do in the upcoming filming session. In addition, when I was on set, I instructed the two artists on what they had to do whilst filming.

As part of the Pre-Production process, I had to create a rushes log, which is a table of all my footage which describes how long the shots are, what are the shot types and whether they're effective. I filled out the rushes log after each filming session. I looked back at my footage and considered whether it was effective or not, by doing this it allowed my to judge what shots needed to be filmed again as they weren't up to standard. Furthermore, this made me more focused and determined for the next time I filmed parts of the music video as I needed to make sure they were going to be excellent pieces of footage.

First Draft of my Music Video

I am impressed with my first draft of my music video because the lip synching and the performance within the video is effective. However there are still a lot of parts that need significant improvements. For instance, after the first three shots of the different pieces of clothing, the screen turns black for a few seconds and this is because there is a gap between the first bit of footage and the rest of it. Furthermore, towards the end of the music video there are a few shots that stay on screen for a prolonged period of time and the same shots are repeated. Therefore, I need to go back to the work and ensure that all my footage that I filmed is used within the music video and the cutting between the shots are made effective and appealing. Lastly, the song goes on for much longer than what I needed it to; so I need to cut the end of the song which is not needed within my work off.

First Edit of Music Video- Evaluation

It was essential that my music video had to have an artist lip-synching along to the lyrics, a variety of shot types and at least 3 different locations. These necessities were followed and I ensured that all the conventions were included. I knew that having these in my music video, it would be successful and professional. My music video at the moment is a long way from completion but so far I have managed to include a majority of the conventions. However to make sure my music video is professional by the end of the process, I need to film footage in other locations and if I do this my music video will look extremely appealing and interesting for the viewer.

Uploading Music Video Footage- Evaluation

After we filmed all the relevant pieces of footage we had to edit it on a piece of software called Adobe Premier Pro which would allow the footage to be created into a successful, professional music video.

In order to edit our footage we had to upload my it onto the Mac. I ejected the SD card out of the camera and put that into the back of the Mac, in the USB socket. Then when the memory card appears on the screen, I opened this up so I could see it. I then opened up the 'local student share' folder and after this I had to copy and paste it from the USB folder into the 'local student share' folder but I had to make a new folder so I could put the footage in here.

When the footage was uploaded, I imported it into Premier Pro and this allowed me use this software to edit the footage into a successful music video.

Music Video Production

What did you film?

I filmed the two artists lip-synching to the lyrics of our song and various cutaways. We intend to film in different locations but at the moment we have only managed to film in one location. 

When did you film?

We first filmed on the 16th October 2014, we filmed a few cutaways and some lip synching. On the 21st October we re-filmed some shots as they were out of focus but we managed to correct this the second time we filmed. The 23rd October was the date which we managed to make some real progress to completing the first location as we filmed the rest of the required pieces of lip-synching from the two artists. 

What went well?

There are many good parts to the first few bits of footage we have created. I have made sure that the heads of the artists are in the frame at all times. We were very prepared to film as we booked the equipment prior to the day which we wanted to film. 

What could you do better?

The artists could open their mouths wider to make the lip-synching look more effective. By doing this, it will make the music video look professional and capitative. I also think that a range of camera angles and shot types would make the music video come across as more appealing because at the moment there is just one shot type used (mid shot). 

What have you learnt so far?

By filming so far I have learnt to be organised with the equipment by booking it before the day we film and to plan ahead on what we what to film in that time slot which we have. 

Audience Research- Vox Pop film

1. What is your opinion on cyber-bullying and do you think it still happens today? I found out that all the volunteers believed that cyber-bullying is wrong and they think that it still happens in today's society.
2. What media platform do you watch adverts on? For example, on television, online and on your phone. The majority watch adverts on the television as they're more frequent on this media platform.
3. What TV channel do you watch the most and why? The results for this question were varied as each volunteer gave a different answer. They included; E4, ITV, MTV and BBC Three.
4. Would you rather an advert on cyber-bullying be humorous or serious? All the volunteers, with one exception, believe that an advert on cyber-bullying should be serious as it is a serious topic.
5. What time would you usually watch TV? For many of the volunteers, their answers differed. However the time slot that they all would watch television was between 7-11 and the most common answer was 8 o'clock.