Friday 18 February 2011

Our Response to the Feedback

The feedback from our teacher was extremely helpful as it allowed us to realise that we need to follows the techniques of the indie/rock genre. However, saying this, we also wanted to break the conventions.

The beginning shot is of Jack's feet, which pans to Tom's feet and then tilts up Tom's body. We particularly like this shot as it's different and something that the audience don't expect to see, thus breaking the conventions of the genre.

We did agree that the shot of Jack singing the lyrics was too long, therefore we have changed it to show shots of the other band members.

Thursday 17 February 2011

Feedback

We have started putting together all of our editing along with the song. We had done about 15 seconds, and showed Mrs Stone, below is the feedback that she has given us;
  • On 'shit' she expects the main characters to be introduced.
  • When Jack sings the first lot of lyrics, she thinks it's too long, and maybe we should introduce the other characters.
  • She expects to see quick shots of the band, showing authenticity.
  • Jack is the singer of the band, and the main person of the narrative and needs to sell the song as well as the band.

Adobe Premier

Below are a few photo's of the Adobe Premier software that we are using to edit our music video.





Tuesday 15 February 2011

Editing Process

We have begun editing the footage for our music video. We didn't realize how much footage we actually had from the two days that we filmed the band, which is good as it means that we have a lot more to work with, and we've decided that it's better to have too much footage than not enough, especially as it'll be quite difficult to get the band back together to do re-shoots as either location.

I personally think that the footage that we have is really good as we have you a small variety of cinematography, making our video seem a bit more interesting than using the same shots. 

The only part of our footage we may have to change is the footage from The Magnet Pub. We filmed this in the daytime as it was more convenient with everyone, however, I think it will look unprofessional having a dark performance and a bright narrative, therefore I'd quite like to darken the pub footage so that it will link to the performance better.

Monday 14 February 2011

The Cinematography We Will Use

Below is a list of the cinematography that we want to use within our music video:
  • Pan,
  • Tilt,
  • Zoom,
  • Close-Up,
  • Extreme Close-Up,
  • Medium Shot,
  • Two-Shot.

Cinematography Terminology

Pan
- This is when the camera is rotated to the left or the right, and at the same time the camera mount stays still.
- This is good for:
         - Revealing an entire environment.
         - Revealing a spatial relationship.
         - Introducing multiple objects in a close-up.
         - Simulating subjective view.

Tilt
- This is when the camera is rotated up ro down, and at the same time the camera mount stays still.
- It is a similar fuction to the pan, but isn't used as often.

Zoom
- This maginfies the subject, or reduces the subject.
- This can help to simulate a psychological process or a love story.

Close-Up
- This is a full face shot from below the shoulder line.
- It shows how the character looks and emphasises their facial expression.

Extreme Close-Up
- This shows only part of a subject, typically the face (e.g. eye/mouth etc.)
- It creates a powerful impact.

Long Shot
- This shot shows an entire body, and reveals any body movement.
- You are able to recognise the person, but you can also see the background and environment they're in.
- You are most focused on the atmosphere, the relationship between the character and the environment.
- It's also known as an establishing shot, and is usually the first shot of a scene.

Extreme Long-Shot
- This shot emphasises the environment, usually the subject is too small to be recognised.
- It tells you the location, the natural characteristics of the scene, the atmosphere etc.
- It also sets a general tone for the whole film/video.

Medium Long-Shot
- This shot descirbed the body language and movement of a character, and you are still able to see their facial expression.

Medium Shot
- This is the most widely used shot.
- It reveals facial expression and body language as well as the environment.

Two Shot
- This is when two people are placed in a shot together.
- It is most often framed as a medium shot or a long shot.

Editing Transitions

There are four types of editing transitions that can be used instead of using a simple cut to change from one shot to another.


3D Transition
   - This is when one shot gradually replaces another.
          - Page turn,
          - Door,
          - Spin.

Dissolve
   - This is the most common transition and is when the first shot gradually disappears,
     while the second shot gradually appears.

Wipe
   - This is when one shot replaces another following a 2D pattern,
     overlapping of 2 shots.

Fade
   - This is a dissolve between a normal image and a black screen.
          - Image-black = fade out.
          - Black-image = fade in.

Continuity Editing

Continuity editing is when you arrange a sequence of shots together to sugest a logical progession of events.


e.g:
In the first shot a person picks up an apple in their left hand, it's expected that the apple will still be in their left hand in the second shot.

Friday 11 February 2011

Auteur Theory - Richard Ayoade

Richard Ayoade is most famous for being an actor in 'The Mighty Boosh' and 'The I.T. Crowd'. His roles are always humorous, mainly playing a clueless interlectual.
However, he has also ventured into the music industry directing music videos for bands such as the Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, Kasabian, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Last Shaddow Puppets. Ayoade has used many of the same ideas in the videos, Crying Lightening by Arctic Monkeys, and Vlad the Impaler by Kasabian, as well as the other music videos that he has directed.
Firstly the use of dark colouring and lighting in the background suit both the beat and the genre of the music videos. He also includes surreal actions and movements and a storyline that is far fetched but makes sense when syncronised witht the audio of the song.







Auteur Theory

     The Auteur Theory was created by film theorist, Andre Bazin, and it was a cinematic movement in the 1950's. Directors that use this theory are generally acknowledged as being edgy and creative.
     It allowed the music video director to have a signature style that's unique to them. In most of the videos that they'll direct, there'll be similarities between the mise-en-scene, intertextuality or filming technique.
     They usually use a 'hook' which is were the director repeatedly uses an image. It draws in audiences and gives a recognisable image that they'll remember. The hook is usually a close-up of the artists face which means you're able to remember the artist or director.
     When a director uses this theory, they're given full control of the music video, and it allows them to be as creative as possible. They usually don't let the producers or artists get involved as the directors that use the Auteur Theory are highly respected and successful in their profession.

EMI

EMI stands for Electric and Music Industries and is a British music company founded in March 1931. It is one of the worlds leading music companies and is homes to some of the most successful and best known recording artists.

The artits on the label include:
   - Lily Allen
   - Bat For Lashes
   - Coldplay
   - David Guetta
   - Nora Jones
   - Katy Perry
   - Tinie Tempah
   - KT Tunstall

There's also a list of artists that fall under the altnerative/indie rock genre, these are:
   - Foo Fighters
   - The White Stripes
   - Blur
   - Gorillaz
                   to name a few.

Possible Things To Include On The Magazine Advert

  • Band/Artist.
  • Band/Artist name.
  • Title.
  • Pictures/images.
  • Colours.
  • Ratings.
  • Release date.
  • Record label.
  • Price.
  • Quotes/tag lines.
  • Small print/copyright.
  • Band logo.

Possible Things To Include On The Digipack

  • Band/Artist.
  • Band/Artist name.
  • Digipack title.
  • Producers.
  • Spine Title.
  • Tag line/quote.
  • Band/Artist logo.
  • Digipack content.
  • Age rating.
  • Bar code.
  • Small print/copyright.

Classification of our Music Video

With all the research that I have done on the BBFC website on Classifications, I think that that classification our music video would be given is a 12/12A. The lyrics of the song contain words such as 'fuck' and 'shit' but only once or twice, therefore to give it a classification of a 15 would be too harsh.
Also, the video won't have anything offensive within it. I think all in all we are following the guidelines for the 12/12A classification.

Classification Research: '15'

  • Suitable for 15 years and over.

Discrimination
The work as a whole mustn't endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole mustn't promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accesible and highly dangerous substances (aerosols/solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror
Strong threat and menace arr permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable Behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (hanging/suicide/self-harming) shouldn't dwell on detail whihc could be copied. Easily accessible weapons shouldn't be glamorised.

Language
There may be frequent use of strong language ('fuck'). The strongest term ('cunt') may be acceptable if justified bu the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex
Sexual activity may not be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence
Violence may be strong but shouldn't dwell on the infliction of pain/injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.



Information from: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Classification Research: '12'/'12A'

  • Material is suitable for those aged 12 years and over.
  • Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material that many parents may find unsuitable for their children.
  • 12A is for films. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult.
  • 12 is for video works. No one younger than 12 may buy or rent a 12 rated video work.

Discrimination
Discriminatory language/behaviour mustn't be endorsed by the work as a whole. Agressive discriminatory language/behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemmed.

Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and shouldn't be glamorized/give instructional detail.

Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be premitted, provided disturbing sequences aren't frequent or sustained.

Imitable Behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (hanging/suicide/self-harming) shouldn't dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons shouldn't be glamorised.

Language
Moderate language allowed. Use of strong language such as 'fuck' should be infrequent.

Nudity
Is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references shouldn't go beyond what's suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but shouldn't dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discretly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.


Information from: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/


Props Used For The Magnet Pub

  • Table and Chairs.
  • Bar.
  • Bar Stools.
  • Beer Glasses.
  • Pool Table.
  • Beer Pumps.
  • Sink.
  • Cloth.
  • Clock
  • Spirits.

Props Used For The Charles Ground Gig

  • Guitars
  • Drum Kit
  • Microphone
  • Microphone Stand
  • Amps
  • Set List
  • Lighting

Mise-en-scene for our Music Video

Props
   - Instruments (guitars/drum-kit).
   - Microphone.
   - Pool table.

Costume
   - Shirts.
   - Skinny jeans.
   - T-shirts.
   - Trainers.
   - Jacket.
   - Hoodie

Lighting
   - Dark lighting for the gig.
   - Brighter lighting for the narrative.

Make-Up
   - No make-up due to using four guys.

Sets
   - Charles Ground Football Club - gig.
   - The Magnet Pub - narrative.

Colour
   - A mixture of dark and bright colours, showing a contrast in feelings.

Mise-en-scene for the Alternative/Indie Rock Genre

Props
   - Instruments (guitars and drum-kits).
   - Microphone.
   - Bags/wallets.
   - Phones.
   - Glasses.
   - iPod.

Costumes
   - Leather jackets.
   - Skinny jeans.
   - Cardigans.
   - Plimpsoles.
   - Shirts.
   - Skinny ties.

Lighting
   - Dark lighting; emphasises the mood of the video.

Make-Up
   - Dark and mysterious.
   - Pale skins.

Sets
   - Basements
   - Pubs/clubs.
   - The streets.
   - Gigs with an audience.

Colours
   - Dark colours.

Tuesday 8 February 2011

Possible Fonts For The Digipack and Poster

Airmole Shaded




Astron Boy Video




Astron Boy Wonder




Bullpen 3D




Forte




Harlow Solid Italic




Screengem




Script MT Bold





Strenuous 3D




Velvenda Megablack

Joseph Kahn - Director

  • Raised in the suburbs of Housten, Texas.
  • Began his directing career as a teenager.
  • Moving to L.A in 1995, he became highly sught in the music video industry.
  • Today he's credited with launching and expanding the careers of many artists.
  • He's collected multiple music video awards.
  • In 1999, he started his own production compnay called Supermega, which is now housed by HSI Producations.
  • As well as music video, he's also directed television commericals for BMW, Ford, Vodafone, Budweiser, British Telecom, Bacardi, T-Mobile, Coors Light and a few others.
Music Videos
   - 50 Cent: Ayo Technology
   - Ashlee Simpson: La La
   - Backstreet Boys: Everybody
   - Britney Spears: Toxic/Womanizer
   - Chris Brown: Forever
   - Destiny's Child: Say My Name
   - Gwen Steffani: The Sweet Escape
   - Helping Haiti: Everybody Hurts
   - Katy Perry: Waking Up In Vegas
   - Kelly Clarkson: Never Again
   - Lady GaGa: Love Game
   - Maroon 5: Misery
   - The Pussycat Dolls: I Hate This Part/When I Grow Up
   - Sisqo: Thong Song




Syco Music

  • Operates under Sony Music and Simon Cowell.
  • The company rarely scouts for new artists, instead they are usually developed through T.V talent shows (such as The X Factor and Britains Got Talent).
  • Released "Everybody Hurts" which was the 2010 Haiti Earthquake charity single that featured a variety of artists.
  • Funded by record executive and television producer Simon Cowell in 2002 (Simon - SY Cowell - CO).
  • There are three departments: SYCO TV, SYCO Music, SYCO Film.
Current Artists
   - Westlife (2002-present)
   - Il Divo (2004-present)
   - Shayne Ward (2005-present)
   - Leona Lewis (2006-present)
   - Andrew Johnston (2008-present)
   - Alexandra Burke (2008-present)
   - Susan Boyle (2009-present)
   - Joe McElderry (2009-present)
   - Olly Murs: joint deal with Epic Records (2010-present)
   - Labrinth (2010-present)
   - Jackie Evancho (2010-present)
   - Matt Cardle (2010-present)
   - Rebecca Fergurson: joint deal with Epic Records (2011-present)
   - Cher Lloyd (2011-present)
   - Aiden Grimshaw (2011-present)

Previous Artists
   - Gareth Gates (2002-2006) dropped/left
   - Steve Brookstein (2004-2005) dropped
   - Bianca Ryan (2006-2008) dropped/left
   - Angelis (2006-2007) dropped/disbanded
   - Leon Jackson (2007-2009) dropped
   - Same Difference (2007-2009) dropped
   - George Samson (2008-2009) dropped
   - Rhydian (2007-2010) left
   - Paul Potts (2007-2010) dropped/left
   - Escala (2008-2010) dropped

Sunday 6 February 2011

Harold "Hype" Williams

Hype Williams was born in 1970, Queens, New York and has been an american music video director and film director since 1991.

 Style
- Signature Style: fish-eye lense, which distorts the camera view around the cenral focus.
- Placing shots in regular widescreen ratio, while a second shot is split and placed in the upper and lower bars.
- Style that combines a center camera focus on the artists/actors body from the torso upward and a solid colour background with a soft diferent colour light being shown in the center of the background, so as to give a sense of illumination of the background by the foreground subject.
- Uses animation in some shorts, creating a contrast to other shots within the music video.
- Uses a lot of voyeurism, which helps the audience to recognise the artist.
- John Perez is involved with the cinematography for a lot of the video that Hype has worked on, which means that he is able to rely on the same team as often as possible to get the end product he is aiming for.

Music Videos
- R.Kelly: I Believe I Can Fly (1996)
- Will Smith: Gettin' Jiggy Wit It (1997)
- TLC: No Scrubs (1999)
- Blu Cantrel feat. Sean Paul: Beathe (2002)
- Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx: Gold Digger (2005)
- Beyonce feat. Slim Thug & Bun B: Check On It (2005)
- Ne-Yo: So Sick (2005)
- Kanye Wst: Stroner (2007)
- Coldplay: Viva La Vida (2008)
- Beyonce feat. Lady GaGa: Video Phone (2009)
- Ke$ha: We R Who We R (2010)