Test Shot - Shooting Schedule

Test Shot Shooting Schedule:

Where: 
334 Cottingham Road
Apartment 40

Who:
Director - Holly Beaumont (Me)
Talent - Andrew MacIver 

When:
Sunday 17th November
11.00 - 13.00

Intentions:
To film a variety of test shots, using my storyboard a a guideline. I hope to begin at shot number 1 and finish at 10. Preferably focusing most importantly on shot numbers 7 - 10. 

Why?
I want to focus on shots 7 - 10 as this particular sequence includes a variety of cinematographic angles which is important to master when making a promotional music video to ensure it has a professional finish, this will help me gain experience and develop further when i come to creating my official video due to the fact that this will be my first time using the equipment. It will also be the first time that my talent has performed in front of a camera so this must be taken into consideration as there is a possibility that he may be camera shy as we begin.

Casting

With regards to talent for my music video. The characters consist of one male and one female with the male being the most predominant character within the video.

Male:

Name: Andrew MacIver

Age: 20

Role: "Boyfriend"

The reason I chose Andrew to play this role is because I feel he fits the role well, he has distinctive features such as bold blue eyes and strong cheekbones which work in combination to create the stereotypical 'look' of a music artist.

Female:

Name: Holly Beaumont

Age: 18

Role: "Girlfriend"

Due to the fact that the female role isn't used on a regular basis I decided to use myself to play this role as it is a lot more convenient regarding filming as it can be done there and then as opposed to hiring another character and arranging meetings/ times to film. 

Despite the fact that the female character has a clearly less significant role in the video in comparison to the male, the video would not make sense without her so contributes to the effectiveness of portraying the narrative to the audience effectively.

Roles/ Staffing

Here is a list of the roles I am hoping to fulfill as an individual. I am having to take on a lot of roles entwined into one due to the fact that the budget for the video is simply non-existent so I have to make do with what I have.

Executive producer -

I have to ensure I am able to manage finance, the time schedule in which I hope to complete things and who I want to be involved in my video. All of this had to be decided before I was able to go any further into the filming of my video

Writer -

Writers are responsible for developing the script from the concept they initially have to the final product. This is an important role that i must take on to ensure the creation of my video runs smoothly.

Director -

I have creative control of the production with regards to directing the performance of both my talent and crew (me). 

Production manager - 

Keeps on top of the day to day coordination of production, including facilities, equipment and post-production.

Storyboard artist - 

Works with producer/ director to produce a storyboard. In my case I have to review it myself and ensure I am fully happy with it before I decide to go ahead and fully develop it. I also provide myself with enough flexibility to ensure that if I was to steer away from my initial storyboard, I would still have potential to make my video successful as long as I am clear on how intend to achieve this.

Camera operator - 

Working as a camera operator, I am responsible for creating effective cinematography within my video to make it fluent and portray the narrative to the audience effectively, also including elements of performance within it.

Editor - 

The editor is responsible for selecting the best material to assemble into the final film, whilst incorporating sound and special effects if required. In my case I will not have to focus massively on sound effects due to the fact that the promotional piece I am making is a music video, meaning the predominant use of sound is my chosen song. Also, regarding special effects, I will not have to consider this as a result of my video focusing predominantly on simplistic values as opposed to using special effects as I feel as though this will overwhelm the sentimental message I intend to create.

I also aim to use Andrew MacIver to fulfill one of the main roles in relation to securing a successful music video creation...

Actor -

Andrew MacIver will be acting as the main source of talent within my video, he will be used as a massive attribute in ensuring the message of my video is portrayed effectively through both narrative and performance. 

I will also be acting as a source of talent within my video to fulfill a less significant role, I chose to use myself as it is a lot more convenient for me to feature within it as opposed to going through the hassle to find someone else to play a minor role. This is able to happen due to the fact that the shots I will be featured in uses a steady camera as opposed to camera movement, so I am not required to operate the camera whilst filming, it can be left on a tripod to film for the few seconds I am required.

Risk Assessment

These grids show the evaluation of potential risks that may occur throughout the filming process. The reason these have been acknowledged is due to the fact that I am now aware of the controls that can be made in relation to them, and the measures that can be taken to prevent them. Despite the fact that some things cant be helped, devising a grid such as this makes it easier to avoid making valuable mistakes.

Programme used:
Microsoft PowerPoint

Colour Connotations

I devised a chart to show the main color theme used throughout my promotional music video, the chart shows the predominant connotations that each colour portrays. This is effective as it gives me something to focus the relevance of my mise en scene on with regards to where to locate props and the message that I am portraying to the audience and whether I want that message to be subliminal or very obvious.

Programmes used:
Microsoft Powerpoint

Inspiration - Cinematography & Editing

In my study periods I took the time to research further into cinematography / editing shots to gain an insight into the broader range of elements there are. I decided to use YouTube and search the different camera angles and came across a video portraying these in a way that I enjoyed, courtesty of an American YouTuber, Hairodynamic.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:



This video helps me look further than standard, conventional mid shots used predominantly in music videos. It helps me when I come to create my video in relation to the fact that I can use different angles to portray a message effectively, in more depth, simply by changing the way that the camera is positioned.

EDITING:



I found this particular video, created by Hannah Lowings, useful as it helped me define the types of editing that I intend to use. It also made me aware of the different techniques that can be used for creating effective editing sequences, these can be interpreted into my music video to help it appear more fluent. The

Despite the fact that my video is planned to be simplistic with regards to the editing I choose to include (straight cuts & fades), looking at YouTube videos such as this one gives me an insight into edits that are different. This is effective due to the fact that it is always helpful to have more knowledge on production as I am now able to try out the different edits used within the tutorial in an attempt to make my video look even better than I originally anticipated. 

Usually I prefer to stick to my own ideas however I am willing to give the different elements of production a try as I will never know what is best for my video if I am not prepared to experiment with it.

Social Media used:
Youtube

Costume & Mise en Scene

Mise En Scene & Locations from holbeau

With regards to my current storyboard, I created a SlideShare to bring my ideas to life in relation to both costume and mise en scene. This particular SlideShare presents the prominent locations that I have in mind when contemplating areas to shoot. It shows the different intentions I have for my music video in relation to where I would like it to be shot and what I want my actor to be wearing in the filming process at different locations:

Each slide is conducted showing different elements within my storyboard:

Slide 1:
The first slide shows a basic male outfit used for sleeping consisting of shorts and a simple t-shirt in combination with socks. The location for this is the bedroom as the majority of scenes that require this attire are based predominantly around waking up/ getting dressed so is an effective reflection of the beginning of the day.

Slide 2:
This slide is similar to the first in relation to the fact that it is based in the same location, however, the outfit is different as we can now establish a contrast between the two outfits. It began as simple, basic and particularly slobby which has now evolved to a smart, formal and even serious outfit; connoting the idea that the reason for wearing it is particularly serious. Or the events that are to occur may be of a sensitive nature.

Slide 3:
This shows an adaptation of the second outfit, showing a coat and shoes now added to it. This  suggests that the artist is now leaving to which we cut to another location to shows the increasing climax with regards to the narrative. The location remains the same due to the bedroom being a conventional place for dressing. 

Slide 4:

This shows the mode of transport to the desired location, within my storyboard there are on average 7 shots that include mise en scene of this sort. It reflects that the artist is going through a journey, not just physically but mentally too...and he is taking the audience with him.

Slide 5:
Slide 5 shows the location that is responsible for the bulk of the narrative. We are introduced to this location around 2/3's of the way into the video, it helps us conclude our own interpretation of the narrative as a result of its suggestive features. The outfit remains the same as seen previously, this is relevant as it consists of outdoor, black attire which fits both the narrative and context. The black outfit links with both the loss of a loved one that is connoted throughout the video, and the end events; suggesting the main character commits suicide.

Slide 6:
The content within slide six occurs after slide 3, it consists of smart attire as we have previously seen the main character dressing so leads on in a linear format. Flashbacks are used in the clips that include this mise en scene, to help the audience grasp an insight of the videos narrative. Mise en scene consists of a kitchen environment, and burnt toast. This reflects the start of a bad day for the main character and is accentuated further through the use of a flashback to give the narrative more bulk.

Slide 7:
This slide shows similar mise en scene to the previous, however, we see a posh meal included. This is contained within the flashback that is used to show the main actor and a loved one sharing a meal for some sort of celebration. The attire shown in slide 6 is used one again after this one as it shows his snap back to reality.

Slide 8:
The mise en scene and location are exactly the same in both this slide and the previous, this is due to it being the same circumstances. The only difference is that it shows the females outfit. A black dress and studded necklace. This is used to reritorate the initial message of death despite the fact that we see her alive in the present shot. It supports the initial connotations of loss and maintains this despite the context it is given in.

Each slide works in combination with the sequence of my storyboard as it shows the order that the locations change and what they change to. Making this SlideShare made it easier to portray my ideas regarding mise en scene to the audience. The change of outfits throughout the video are also shown in individual slides in combination with the location they are likely to appear in; making it easier for the audience to visualise this.

Costume List:
MALE:

• Black Shorts, Plain Grey T-Shirt & Socks 
• Black Trousers, White Shirt, Black Tie, Black Pullover & Socks
• Black Trousers, White Shirt, Black Tie, Black Pullover, Black Formal Shoes & Coat
• Jeans, T-Shirt, Coat & Trainers

FEMALE:

• Black Midi Dress & Studded Necklace
• Jeans, Boots, Ribbed Socks, T- shirt, Scarf & Leather Jacket.

Programme used:

Microsoft PowerPoint

(Google - for pictures)

Animatic / Timings Issue

Extra Shots from holbeau

This SlideShare includes shots which were not included in the original animatic. This was due to the timings being confused as I realised that I had missed these shots out after continuing with the storyboard so I must take this into consideration when creating my official promotional device. Altercations will have to be made to ensure the timings are not changed massively; allowing the video to run as smooth as it does in my animatic.

Technology used:
Scanner  
SlideShare (www.slideshare.net)

Animatic

My animatic was created from my hand drawn storyboard to act as a form of planning and to give my promotional piece a sense of structure. The animatic contains an average of 60 shots. The timings were applied in a way that will be used to refer back to when organising the official clips that I will shoot, making it easier to create.

Technology used:
Scanner
Windows Move Maker

My Intentions - 21/11/13

My Music Video Intentions from holbeau

On 21/11/13 I decided to create a presentation to summarise my intentions at that particular time ranging from how i wanted to interpret existing theories into my work, to the location and outfits I am wanting to use when I decide to begin filming. 

This 'Intentions' presentation is the first step I am taking regarding ideas summary and making things a little clearer in my mind to help make the production process a lot easier form myself as I will have it in front of me. This will be updated if I encounter any issues throughout the process to make the changes I have made clear and the reason for doing so even clearer.

I devised a SlideShare in an attempt to summarise the intentions I have regarding the creation of my initial storyboard, showing the ideas that fuelled it and how I intend to go about achieving these goals.

Programmes used:
Microsoft PowerPoint
SlideShare (www.slideshare.net)

Audience Profile

I devised an audience profile to portray the target segment of my audience that I have concluded my music video as a promotional device is likely to appeal to. The statistics show that my video will appeal predominantly to females, this is reflected in my audience profile through the use of products which revolve around stereotypical female interests. Specific images which portray this are the use of make up and lipstick; cosmetics which are common in a stereotypical females life, mainstream shop names and snacks are also included which reinforces the mainstream elements of my video. However, the use of images such as 'Vans' reinforce the Pop/Rock genre that my video majorly intends to portray. These steer away from the mainstream elements suggested through the use of cosmetic products and high street brands, which brings a sense of individuality to my work. It also introduces the aspects of the video that will appeal to males through shoes, backpack and predominately male accessories.

HOWEVER:

Regarding music videos as a whole...

Statistically music videos, depending on the content, can appeal to 50% male and 50% female. However, the ability to both legally and illegally download both music videos and MP3 content can be held within those as young as the age of 10 years old and upwards. Many of the older viewers of music are likely to not be included within the D/E demographic that I stated above, but this is the demographic that I feel as though viewers interested in my music video are likely to be concerned with. Partly because it is from a students perspective (me) possibly suggesting that my ideas will be more relevant for those within the ages 16-25 as they are more relatable within that demographic, as opposed to those massively younger or massively older, simply through having things in common.

Technology used:
Microsoft PowerPoint
(Internet - for images)

Poll Results Analysis - Audience Research 3

This presentation was created to show the different elements I have researched regarding my target audience, the PowerPoint looks into my audience's gender, age, social class, background & interests which can all be applied to the development of my video in relation to keeping my target audience in mind. I decided to research my audience in lots of depth so I can gain a clear understanding of each dimension I am wanting to address in my video and how to go about doing this effectively.

Programmes used:
Microsoft PowerPoint
SlideShare (www.slideshare.net)

Audience Research 2

  To gain further audience research, I filmed Jodie's responses to the questions I was curious about. The reason I asked Jodie to be filmed is due to the fact that she is a prime individual to represent a particular segment of my target audience. The feedback I received from Jodie can now be put together with other existing feedback to be generalised as a whole.

When interviewing Jodie, the majority of her answers were what I desired, this is helpful as she can be used to represent a specific segment of my target audience and speak on their behalf. Her answers will also help me create my music video as they also act as a source of inspiration; encouraging me to think outside of the box.

Questions & Feedback:

• What is your favourite genre of music?

The feedback to this question was particularly useful due to this being the genre of the song I have chosen to create my music video to. Pop/Rock is a particularly interesting genre due to it appealing to a quite specific audience  as it is not particularly similar to either pop or rock as a singular genre, so narrows the audience base in comparison to these.

• Where do you watch music videos?

Jodie stated she watches the majority of music videos on the internet or on music channels, this is interesting as it helps me to consider the context that will be included within my ancillary texts, and the steps that will be taken to ensure the audience are to perceive the message I am portraying as a result of accurate representations of both the artist and the context within the song.

• Has a music video ever persuaded you to buy an artists album?

This answer stated that the music video can persuade Jodie to buy an artists album if the quality of it is very good. This is interesting regarding the fact that it gives me an incentive to make my music video the best quality possible, to ensure that the promotional aspects work in combination with the video's message to work as an efficient advertisement for the artist I am promoting.

• What is your favourite aspect of a music video?

The favourite aspect of music videos for Jodie, according to Sven Carlsson's aspects of narrative theory, is the element of narrative with subtle hints of performance. This answers works perfectly in combination with my intentions for my promotional piece as it will focus predominantly on a clear, powerful story-line  with elements of performance with regards to lip syncing at points throughout the video.

• What would you expect to see in a stereotypical Rock video?

The feedback received regarding stereotypical rock elements was that it is likely to have a predominantly dark atmosphere, this is then going to be portrayed through the performance and narrative of the video. Due to these being the most used elements regarding to Sven Carlsson's aspects of narrative theory. The performance element of the song is commonly shown through the use of stage performances and live gigs, with a strong narrative running through this. 

• What would you expect to see in a stereotypical Pop video?

Jodie said the elements she expects to see in a stereotypical Pop video is a lot of colour in combination with quirky outfits. These are likely to compliment one another and create a lighthearted theme to the video. 

• How often do you watch music videos?

Jodie states she watches music videos on quite a regular basis, this is interesting to know as it allows me to establish that my music video mustn't be repetitive or easily boring due to the fact that it is possible that it may be viewed several times throughout the day. It must be unique and leave the audience feeling as though they want to see it more as opposed to having to, whilst getting the urge to change over the channel.

• What would you expect to see in a video based on loss?

Black and white effects are expected in a music video based on loss, this is unique as it is not necessarily conventional of music videos to include different coloured shots so it is something I am keen on trying in an attempt to make my video as unique as possible, contributing to its promotional values.

• What type of fashion would you expect to see in a Pop/Rock music video?

Stereotypical fashion in a Pop/Rock music video, according to Jodie, is that of mainstream trends with a smart 'edge' to the outfit. This is good to incorporate with my initial ideas to show that I have taken my audience research into consideration.

• What colours connote sadness?

Jodie states that grey, blue, black and purple are all effective colours that connote sadness effectively. I was aiming to refer my video back to a grey theme which I am pleased came up within my audience research.

Technology used:
iPad

Social media used:
Youtube
'Capture' - an app that enabled us to upload our video straight to YouTube without editing.

Audience Research 1

Within the class, we were put into groups and were given the opportunity to ask questions in relation to our music video's regarding the queries we have. The answers helped me gain an insight into the demands of my target audience and the steps that I can take to fulfil them.

Questions & Feedback:

What is your favourite genre of music?

 The predominant feedback from this question was the element of Pop and Rock. This is the answer I was looking for as I am basing my music video around the Coldplay - The Scientist, which is predominantly of the Pop/ Rock genre.

•          Where do you watch music videos?

The answer to this question was both YouTube and the TV, this is interesting as it will give me more options when contemplating the media I will use regarding my ancillary texts. YouTube was the most favoured answer which reflects the uprising of the Internet and is now a lot more influential on peoples lives in comparison to 10 years previous.

•          Has a music video ever persuaded you to buy an artist’s album?

This allows me to conclude that despite the massive impact that a music video may have on an individual, it is not necessarily going to influence someone to buy the artists whole album; which is interesting to know. However, my peers also state that the odd time they may succumb to buying an artists album as a result of the video. This can be used as something for me to work upon and be used as an incentive to make my music video the best possible standard.

This particular r answer related to the Two Step Flow theory, implying that a music video, as a singular promotional piece, is not effective enough to persuade a viewer to buy the whole album. However, if a friend was to say to the individual how good both the video and the album is, they are going to be a lot more inclined to purchase the product due to hearing the opinion of someone who's opinion they value and trust. Due to the individuals been friends, it is likely that they both share the same interests, suggesting that all it takes is the direct promotion of a product from one individual to another that makes a product more consumable. 

•          What is your favourite aspect of a music video?

The narrative of a video is said to be the most favoured of the three aspects of narrative, according to Sven Carlssons theory. This works in my favour in relation to the fact that the theme of my music video is very heavily based around the aspect of narrative; with a predominant storyline running throughout.

•          What would you expect to see in a stereotypical rock video?
•          What would you expect to see in a stereotypical pop video?

Despite the fact that my video is based around Pop/Rock as opposed to Pop and Rock as a singular genre, I concluded that asking these questions would help with the creation of my music video with regards to the fact that I now know the elements to conclude subtly to create continuity and reinforce the ongoing pop/rock genre throughout the video. This is due to the fact that it is possible that the message may overwhelm the values of the song so can be reinforced by me in relation to Mise-en-Scene.

Technology used:
Standard camera
Tripod

Social media used:
YouTube