Adding a touch of post modernism to the music video

After taking on the feedback from the rough cut and fixing this on final cut in IMovie i also felt it was important to add an element of post-modernism at the end to make it different.

I thought maybe our artist could kiss the camera or something to show she was breaking the conventional rules.

The idea of how it would work came from the Hollyoaks intro at 0.12 seconds. We liked the way this was done as it was different and i thought it would be a unique and subversive idea to include. 

Therefore we decided to find a glass window and put red lipstick on her and from behind the window film the kiss we had to move the camera around to ensure the reflection of the camera didn't show. After specifically placing the camera we got our artist to stand on a block and kiss the window around the marked area. 

As i knew what i specifically wanted and our artist was always very understanding and clear on our instructions this took only one take! 

I then went on and added this to the last part of our music video.

Photoshoot with my artist

Today I decided to have a photo shoot with our artist, which I would include in my website and magazine advert for the ancillary tasks. As me and Hannah both has a study period we decided to shoot the pictures then. I used various locations e.g. stage, 6th form garden and hall ways ect. 

I took the majority of pictures with Hannah but we joined by Vicky towards the end where we took the last few pictures. 

From my research into similar artists I was able to understand what type pf artist I wanted Hannah to resemble. Foe example artists such as Beyonce and Nicole Scherzinger who are all of the Pop/Rnb genre. Therefore before the shoot i decided to bring a range of clothes so Hannah could wear these in the shoot. 

I had carefully picked the clothing as i wanted her to resemble this young, fun, edgy, girly girl. Furthermore i also used random locations to add to the effect of me wanting to present her as this 'edgy girl' hence the wooden backgrounds and pictures outside. 
On the other hand she loves her music and can be quite down to earth when shes not on stage and at home, where she plays on her piano. Here are some of the pictures I took and the main ones used

This picture was actually taken at a party we want to with Hannah and thought we could use it as well.

Feedback from showing our audience a rough cut

Here is a rough cut of our music video. Today we decided to show this to our audience and get their feedback.

   

This is what they said:

• Overall they really enjoyed it
• It was a little repetitive the part on the stairs
• We need to change the dancers clothes

Taking the audience feedback on board we dicussed after the viewing to our audience about what we could do.

We had filmed a second location  of the second bridge (shots at the back gate) of the song i.e. at 2.44 minutes and therefore decided to include them shots instead.

Editing Part 4

After editing the different sections of our music video, i decided to put this together as i had worked on majority of the editing and put everything into one final project and rendered the sound. 
Some of the lip syncing needed redoing so i decide to fix this. After putting this all together I thought it was time to show it to our audience to get some feedback. 

Editing Part 3

After doing the shots with Hannah at the back gate, i came and uploaded this and began to edit it on final cut. Only four shots were needed therefore this was really simple to edit as i changed each shot after every 'o'la o'la eyy' and this was repeated four time.

I used my storyboard to help me, however i decided to change the shots from my storyboard as i found it wasn't very effective and was boring. As i had taken extra shots including close ups some of these worked more effectively and therefore i decided to use them. 

 In the meantime Vicky was editing the stage. 

Day 4 Filming at the back gate

At school today we i filmed the 'bridge' of the song.

We were suppose to do at the front gate however it was too busy. Therefore we went to the back gate which in fact looked better.
We shot midi shots from left, right and centre of  Hannah and also added shots of her footsteps walking off. We also needed a close up shot of her singing to the camera so we filmed this too.

Finally we had everything we needed filmed! 

Creating A Twitter Account For My Artist

Today I decided to make our artist a twitter page and follow people who I believe would be her role model or of interest to her.

This includes - artists such as Beyonce, Nicole Scherzinger as well as TV shows such as the X factor.

I am also going to link our twitter page to my website to help promote the artist. I also want to keep up with the new social media sites to ensure I reach out to our audience and use the same means of communication as they use in their everyday lives.

I was pleased that i came up with this idea and created this by myself.

Ancillary Tasks

I have decided for my ancillary tasks i would like to create:

• A website for my artist
• Magazine Album Advert for my artist

I have decided to produce both of the following on my own and have decided to do my own research and planning including:

• A photoshoot with my artist
• A plan of what I'm doing
• Research into similar artists and the conventions
• Audience Expectations
• Audience Feedback
• A twitter account for my artist

The information i gathered from the survey i conducted will also help me to make various decisions.

Day 3 Filiming on the stage

After school today we filmed at school in the hall, on the stage.

We arranged for our dancers to meet at 4.00 to film the dance scene along with our main singer.

We asked everyone to arrive dressed to save time. Once everyone was here me and Vicky set up the equipment. I also learnt how to do the lighting so i went to put on the stage lights whilst Hannah and the dancers practiced.  

After this we began filming we took many shots and filmed the dance many times, we used our planning notes and research to help storyboard the type of shots we needed, this helped save time and understand the shots needed.

I filmed shots such as:

• Close ups of shoes, faces and jewellery - Use of motifs and iconography  (Goodwins Conventions)
• Establishing shots to introduce the setting - Various locations 
•  Low angle shots to mix up the shots - being creative with the camera

On a whole the filming was successful. 

I have also decided to stay after school on Monday to upload the filming from the camera on to IMovie.  

Editing Part 2

After filming the chorus at the train station with the dancers and  Hannah as well as verse 2 and 3 with Hannah. I uploaded this on to the mac and opened a new project. I thought it would be best to open each section of the song in a new project then put it all together at the end  to speed up the editing i.e. we could both work on the different projects as the same time. 

I edited both verses 2 and 3 whilst Vicky edited the tunnel. 

I found editing verses 2 and 3 quite simple as i knew i wanted to include many shots where the lyrics would match the visual. For example, walking gun - where i put a shot of Hannah walking then next shot was Hannah holding her hands in the position of a gun. My story boarding helped me to film these shots. Furthermore this was also conventional in music videos. 

Painting the stage wall

One of our locations for some of the dance shots in the school stage. The back wall was originally painted for a Willy Wonka production, however we wanted it black to fit in with the conventions of a cool and up-to-date music video for our shots so have re-painted it.

Editing Part 1

Today i stayed after school and uploaded the filming from Maria's apartment onto IMovie. Whilst this was happening i began to download the song so it was ready. After uploading the footage onto IMovie i began opened a new project, moved the footage into the new project which i called 'house shots av' and decided to watch it through and start cutting parts i didn't want.

Using my storyboard i was able to see what shots i needed. However i had a change of mind. Instead of starting with Hannah opening the door into the house i began with close ups of items around the house for example the shoes, nail polishes, canvas, flowers ect. I added markers to try and change the shot on the beat. This was tricky at first but i began to become familiar with the beat.

Day 2 Filming in the tunnel

Today we filming in the tunnel at Denham Station. We met up at a dancers house as it was a few minutes’ walk away and discussed again what was going to be happening asked if everyone had everything they needed. We was all set and walked over, they were dressed so we were on time.

The dancer began rehearsing with Hannah whilst me and Vicky set up the equipment such as the tripod, dolly and the cameras and ensured they were in the right mode.

After this we began filming. I started off doing the establishing shots; we did this a few times to ensure it would be right. After this I did midi shots and then lots of close ups on Hannah and her jewellery such as her watch and necklace. Furthermore I did close up of the dancers face and low angle shots of everyone. After this we thought it might be cool to use the silluet and I filmed this as we thought it looked cool. I also did backwards tracking with the camera using the dolly, of the dancers walking towards the camera as well as doing a long shot from behind as they walked off. Also I thought it would be good to have a shot of the dancers and Hannah walking past the camera whilst we stood on the side to show them going past. We were happy with the shots we got and  we thanked the dancers and said goodbye. As finished earlier than scheduled we were able to go to the train station with Hannah to do the other shots.

After a quick change of clothes and a lunch break me Vicky and Hannah went into the train station and on the platform filmed verse 2. Verse 2 included many close up shots of actions so they matched the lyrics with visuals for example the walking gun and secret bomb. I again filmed midi shots and establishing shots as well as some tracking backwards as well.

After Hannah has a quick costume change we decided to film on the bridge verse 3. I did shots of Hannah from on the platform whilst she walked up the bridge i.e. a close up of the shoes, walking across the bridge whilst I stood at the platform and zoomed in. Also I then went to the other side and filmed her walking towards the camera. As it was not raining we couldn’t show her wet hair, however we did have a back-up plan and used took shots of her with an umbrella so we could make it look like it was raining.

Also as the train went passed Hannah I stood in front of it and sang the line ‘I’ll be rolling like a train’. 

Weather - Filming Day 2 - Tunnel and Train Station

On Saturday we are wanting to film at Denham Station in the tunnel with Hannah and the dancers and train station with only Hannah.

Luckily it is not forecast to rain at all on Saturday but unfortunately will be quite cold (7 degrees) so we have let all the dancers and the singer know to bring warm clothes to wrap up in for when we are not actually filming. There is also a cafe near by so we can get some warm drinks.

Shooting Schedule

Saturday 23rd November - Tunnel

Friday evening - pick up cameras (ensuring they are fully charged), tripod and speakers from school

Saturday:

11.30 - Crew members arrive at Denham station and go to tunnel to set up

12.00 - one crew member stay with equipment in tunnel and other go and collect singer from the train station

12 - 1.00 - film shots with singer only

1 - 1.15 - break

1.15 - 1.30 - set up ready for dancers arrival at 12.30

1.45 - 2.30 - film the dance sequence once through (allowing for re-shoots)

2.30 - 3.30 - lunch for all at cafe (bring equipment and money with us)

3.30 - 4.30 - film dance sequence 3 times (including close-ups of dancers and singer)

5pm - pick up for dancers and singer

5.15 - pick up for crew members

(If time do shots in the train station with Hannah only, if not then arrange another day)

Equipment List - Tunnel

We sent this as an attachment in the Facebook group chat so everyone was aware of what they needed to bring.

Crew members:

• Cameras X2 (fully charged) 
• Tripod 
• Speakers and iPad (for playing the music) 
• Umbrella's (incase it rains) 
• Money (for hot drinks and food) 
• Phone (fully charged)
• Storyboards 
• Notepad and pen 
• Snacks 

Dancers: 

• Come with outfit on (leotard, tights and converse), make-up done (heavy but natural, fake eyelashes, natural lips, eyeshadow) and hair done (messy ponytail, black hair tie). No jewellery except pearl earrings
• Bring hairspray, hairbrush, spare hair tie, clips etc. 
• Coat/ warm clothing for when they are not dancing 
• Phone (fully charged) 
• Money (for drinks, snacks, lunch etc) 

Singer: 

• Come with outfit on (leather leggings, crop top, statement necklace, hoop earrings, heels), make-up done (heavy but natural, fake eyelashes, eye-liner, red lipstick, red nails) and hair done (down and wavy) Clothes for the train station are already with crew in a bag.
• Coat/ warm clothing for when we are not shooting
• Phone (fully charged) 
• Money (for drinks, snacks, lunch etc)

Filming Day 1 - Apartment

Today was the 1st day of filming.

Whilst planning i decided one of the location we would use would be the an apartment to show Hannah's lifestyle. So we began filming here. I used a friends house as after observing several locations i believed this was the ideal one! 

We decided to film during our study periods as it me, my friend Maria and Hannah were available.


Whilst i was setting up the Hannah was getting ready. I had to set up the tripod for our establishing shots and high angle shots.

Using our risk assessment i also had to make sure everything in the house was safe and items were out of the way to prevent anyone from falling over and ensure all the items were in the correct location of the house i.e. the shoes in the right place.

 I also had to be very specific, putting them in height order and ensuring the colours were put together. after i did this i decided to take close ups of the shots in the house such as flowers, shoes, pictures. After this i decided to do the shots of Hannah in the mirror as this looked cool.

Later we were joined by Vicky who then helped to do some of the close ups midi shots in the kitchen whilst i did shots of Hannah including high angle low angle and many close ups especially of her singing and the alcohol for the lyrics - 'Breaking the rules'. I also used to shot reverse shot to film Hannah walking into the house.

Planning the first day of filming - (apartment location)

To ensure tomorrow is successful everything needs to be fully prepared therefore I spent today's lesson organising the following things:

Who we needed for this shoot – Hannah only (Popstar)

Mise en scene – Clothing – crop top and jeans

Where/location – Maria’s (Our friend) house as she lives round the corner from school so it no transport arrangements were needed. Also her apartment is very modern and quirky which appeals to our target audience. Asked Maria if we were able to use her house for a few hours and ensured it was tidy with the relevant items out we needed.

What’s happening – filming the beginning of our music video here. Initially we had the idea of ink in water however we decided to change this as this may be a bit boring and although we didn’t want a narrative throughout the story we decided to make some of the video match and have some of it mixed it up.

When – Period 5 and 6 and we were to continue into lunch. Seeked permission from our teacher to see if we were allowed to go in our study periods, luckily this was granted.

Items needed – 2 camera’s and a tripod, shot list, storyboards and risk assessments. Collected equipment and took it to Maria’s after school today so it was all set for filming tomorrow.

-   

Potential editing and video effects idea

Whilst watching the video ‘You know it’ featuring Nelly Nicki Minaj and Pharrell it gave me some editing ideas with reference to changing of shots.

The editing was done quite cleverly as shows changed using different transititions. This added effect to the video as it was unique and made the video quite eye catching. This may be something we could use in ours.

Also the video is in black and white which is different and the ‘splash’ of colour in each clip is quite effective as this is not usually done. We may also decide to use this as it may add some contrast into the video making it more attention-grabbing and fascinating as people will watch it many times we need it to be very memorable.

Filming Dates Sorted

After discussing with Vicky and Hannah, these are the proposed filming dates:

• Tunnel: 23rd November
• Stage: 29th November

We Facebook messaged the dancers and they we all able to attend!

We are also filming the shots at the apartment with Hannah on 20th November during our study periods as Me and Hannah are both free at the same time.

Bits and Bobs to do

Today we had little bits and pieces to do. relating to our music video planning.

Here is a list of what we did:

Went to see the art teacher to ask about the painting the background of the stage as its themed with the last musical the school produced and this wouldn't fit in with our music video. Therefore we had to make the necessary arrangements to fix this.  

Then we went to Junior House to collect the smoke machine. However this was not working unfortunately so we are unable to use this!

We also contacted the Bursar to inform her of when we were filming. 

Storyboarding the bridge of the song

The bridge of the song is:

O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye

Read more: Ciara - Livin It Up Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

This occurs twice. Therefore i storyboarded two different things happening for each one. 

Storyboarding Verse 1

Here are the shots i story-boarded for verse 1. These shots are going to be at our friends apartment and will be the first verse of the song.  As our music video is performance based it doesn't tell a narrative. Therefore we have tried to use simple but effective locations which we found in our research and also from our audience. 

Keeping in contact with the dancers

I kept in touch with our dancers through Facebook as we didn't go to the same school. 
Our main contact was Holly.
Here is a picture of the group chat I set up.

At first we asked them of possible filming dates. 

We had conversations with Holly before setting up the group chat of our ideas. With reference to clothing, as they all do GCSE dance and the costume was basic there wasn't a problem with them not having the right costumes which was good.

Also they were used to rehearsals as well as performing routines over and over again which was a advantage to us.

After finding out when our artist, Hannah, and the dancers and all crew can make it we will confirm the dates and times and inform all on the relevant details needed.  

Planning costume for the dancers

Looking at dancers clothing in music videos, for example Beyoncé’s singles ladies they are wearing leotards and tights we thought this would look good for our artist to wear as well.

I thought it would be best if the leotards of the dancers stayed black whilst Hannah wore bright colours to stand out from the dancers. As in many music videos the main artist is always differentiated from others i.e. in Cheryl Cole’s ‘Fight for this love’ she is wearing a white top and sequenced harem pants whilst the dancers are wearing all black with a splash of white

 I think this would be best for chorus 1 – in the tunnel.

I think this would be best for chorus 1 – in the tunnel.

Carrying on the colour idea, for chorus 2 - the stage I think the dancers should wear black crop tops and black leggings.

As both costumes are dull I was think the of asking the dancers to wear jewellery the same colour as Hannah to show a link between the two.

Shoes for both locations should be flat high top converse as these would be easiest to dance in and I want the look to be edgy.

Stage make up in all music videos - conventional – Pink or Red lipstick to stand out.

Planning our artists costume

From our audience research and idea of what Hannah’s personality would be like I decided to dress Hannah in the season’s latest fashion and wear clothes from Topshop as most of her target audience clothes are from here. Therefore we want her to represent the  audience.

As crop tops are the season’s hottest trend and as spring is coming, I thought it would be nice for Hannah to wear these thought the music video. Also we looked it magazine such as Cosmopolitan to see what types of items are in. This is what we found:

Must have’s included:

• Biker boots
• Crop tops
• Statement jewellery
• Midi rings
• Heels with the cuffs
• Pastel colours
• Leather trousers

Converse are shoes most teens wear so this might be good to wear in some scenes.

I did think of a dress however this is not really ideal for a performance based music video. 

After having an idea of what we wanted Hannah to wear we decided to go home and look through our cupboards to see what we had that match the criteria. 

Also biker boots look really cool and have been advertised in many magazines lately.

Converse are shoes most teens wear so this might be good to wear.

I did think of a dress however this is not really ideal for a performance based music video. 

The next day we all brought in what we had found and had narrowed it down to the following:

• Pastel pink velvet crop top with black leggings (On the bridge in the train st)
• A high neck black crop top and black leggings – but we would include gold statement jewellery and midi rings (Inside the train st on the platform)
• A blue cami with wet look leggings as we didn't have leather trousers (Stage)
• A floral crop top with blue jeans (For the apartment and tunnel shots)
• A blue checked shirt with a black skirt (For the ending of the song)

Most of the items worn were from Topshop! 

Risk Assessment - Stage

Here is the risk assessment i conducted for my stage location. Again after completing this by myself i discussed with the others. 

Risk Assessment - Tunnel and Train Station

Today i decided to conduct my risk assessment for the tunnel and train station location as we are filming here in the next few weeks. Here is what i did. 

After completing this by myself i discussed this with my artist and teacher.

Storyboarding Verses 2 & 3

After story-boarding verse 1, i began on verse 2 and 3. Looking at the lyrics, there are many lines in the song that have potential for actions to be made from them. Also as it is one of Goodwin's conventions 'lyrics matching visuals i tried to incorporate it into my planning. Furthermore i also used shots that i learnt from my 9 frame analysis of Beyonce's 'Love on Top' such as high angle shots - which i am going to use when Hannah says 'I got you' as well as using conventions such as close ups of jewellery to show motifs and iconography and close ups on lips singing.

Verse 2 

 Verse 3

I was pleased with my storyboarding as i was able to come up with good shots. 

Storyboarding the tunnel

Here is my storyboard for chorus 1 and we are going to be repeating this part for chorus 3 where I am planning on filming in the tunnel with the dancers.. As our audience liked this location we have decided to put this in twice. Also in many music videos the same location is used more than once in the song. We are going to try this and rough cut it. If this doesn't work i will find another location for the 3rd chorus. My ideas for some of the shots storyboarded came from my video analysis of Ciara i.e. where tracking and panning was used as well as high and low angles shots used in Beyonce's 'Love on Top' . 

What i found out from the survey

After making a survey for my target audience by myself, i then had to gather the information and analyse my findings. This is what i found out:

  

90% of our target audience was female suggesting the video would need to feature motifs and iconography that they could relate to them such as jewellery and fashionable clothing.

The most used social networking site was 'Twitter' suggesting to keep up with our audience we needed to make one as well for our artist.

The majority our our target audience seem to be aged between 15-21 years old.

The most read magazine was 'Cosmopolitan' suggesting when we make our album advert for a magazine it should be for one our target audience regularly reads. 

Just over half of our target audience likes to eat Nando's.

The majority of our target audience describes their style to be either 'girly' or 'latest trends' giving us ideas of what style of clothing our artist should wear.

Approximately a third of our target audience shop at Topshop. This suggests may be we could get Hannah to dress in clothing from this shop.

Over two thirds of our audience like to go shopping on the weekend. 

When asked the question, 'Who is you favourite artist?' Answers included:

• Beyonce
• Ciara
• Katy Perry
• Cheryl Cole
• Nicole Scherzinger 

Storyboarding for the stage

Today I decided to storyboard the shots we were going to take on the stage (for chorus 2). I decided to add a variety of different shots to add effect. I used my research from our audience expectations and nine frame analysis to help me decide on the shots. 

The Survey for our target audience

Here is the survey that I am going to be sending out to find out about my target audience. It includes 10 questions based on the type of things I would like to find out about my audience.

                                             

Creating a survey for our target audience

To find out more about our target audience I decided to go on to Survey monkey to create a survey to people who listen to RnB/Pop music to learn about similar characteristics they may share.

I believe this will help me when creating my music video and magazine advert and website so I know what types of things to include. Furthermore it should help me to understand the consumers I am marketing to and the best way to attract them and relate to them.

Location Planning - Stage

We explored how are dancers would be positioned on the stage with reference to the blocks and where our singer would be. This helped us with our story planning of what type of shots to include.

Location Planning - tunnel

We decided to visit the Railway St in Denham as this was a possible location to film. We also took the cameras to video our location as seen below, detail is also given in the following video on what would be happening in each part.  

Breakdown of the song

After gatehring all our ideas and presenting them to our audience and getting their feedback, this is what we are going to be doing for each part of the song.

Intro:

Ohhh ohhh
Yeah, yeah

For this part we are going to be putting ink into water and using effects on final cut to introduce the song.

Verse 1

I don't believe in much
But I believe in you
I don't believe I can't
'Cause I don't follow rules, hey
I see your star so bright,
No one can dim that light
No one can cross you out, but you

The first verse will be filmed at our friends apartment.

Chorus 1

And I, I, I
Living on borrowed time
And I, I, I
I'mma be gettin' mine and
And I, I, I
I'll be wrong if I don't try
I Don't know when my next meals coming
All I know is I'll be running
I, I, I
I be livin' it up, I be livin' it up, yeah
I, I, I
I be throwin' it up, I be throwin' it up, yeah
I, I, I'll
I'll be playing it cool
'Cause a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do
Making up my own rules 

The first chorus is going to be filmed in the tunnel in Denham and we are going to have dancers for this.

Bridge 1

O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye

Add effects (Further detail to be included in the storyboard)

Verse 2 

I have my doubts in love, but I know it's true
I don't have many friends, but I got you
You are a walking gun
You are a secret bomb
Something no one can take from you

Filming in the train station 

Chorus 2 

Ohh, I
And I, I, I
Living on borrowed time
And I, I, I
I'm gon' be getting mine and
And I, I, I
I'll be wrong if I don't try
I don't know when my next meals coming
All I know is I'll be runnin'
I, I, I
I be livin' it up, I be livin' it up, yeah
I, I, I
I be throwin' it up, I be throwin' it up, yeah
I, I, I'll
I'll be playing it cool
'Cause a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do
Making up my own rules

We are again going to have dancers for this chorus but we will be filming on the stage at school.

Verse 3

I'mma live life to the fullest
I'll be speeding like a bullet
I'll be rolling like a train
I'll be dancing in the rain

This is going to be in the train station, mainly on the bridge.

Chorus 3

I, I, I
I be livin' it up, I be livin' it up, yeah
I, I, I
I be throwin' it up, I be throwin' it up, yeah
I, I, I'll
I'll be playing it cool
'Cause a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do
Making up my own rules

We are repeating the shots from chorus 1 (in the tunnel) as this is only short and is described to be our best location. 

Bridge 2 

O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye,
O'la, o'la aye

Filming at the front gate in school.