Construction Sliderocket

Dark Room Lighting Experiment

In the shot below we filmed in a dance studio which was used as a dark room effectively, this allowed us to experiment with dynamic lighting using a spotlight and a cover over it. Then we used the cover to allow certain amounts of light to be released and projected onto our performer Rae, at the same time we were moving the light in the movement of the music.

bad test shots

 These shots are supposedly the black studio shots for our music video (testers). The mise en scene of the shot is not what we want and does not emphasize the artist in any way like we would like it to. The back ground is supposed to be completely black with a light glowing on the figure. As we used small ordinary lamps, a shadow has formed behind me which does not look effective especially for a music video. The image is slightly pixilated due to the low level lighting and unfortunately this is not the actual black studio we were hoping to use and so we just played around with/practiced the placing and performance. However, my placing within the shot is way to simple and basic for a house genre. I am not in costume, hair and makeup making it difficult to get the full effect.

Construction

whilst setting up the white studio scene, we had to prepare the white sheets and ensure they had no creases which could be picked up on the camera. These images show i and my group ironing the sheets to make the shots exactly how we wanted them.

We were fortunate enough to have a dolly track to help up with our filming. We placed the camera on a tripod which could be moved backwards and forwards on the track. This meant we could have smooth transitions for this particular scene/location of shots. To the right of this image is the edge of a massive filming light we were also lucky enough to borrow. This was the main lighting and gave the shots a high level glow on the artists face.

I held up a white piece of paper to help with the adjusting of the lense against a white background. By doing this, jacob could play with the brightness of the camera and to make our shots the way we wanted them to look.

These are a few of the lights we had to light the white background. They gave a bright effect to the shots as they reflected off the white. They also highlighted the body image of the female figure which is a common theme with in our music video.

 We played around with the monochrome effect out 

doors infront of a brick wall for an urban effect. 

These are only testers for our album with the incorrect 

costume. We played around with the natural lighting to 

create a natural feel to the image.

This is the set up of the white studio before the massive 

white sheet was pinned up for the background. You can see the

 tracking device we used for smooth 

close ups and distant shots.

permission

 

This is an email to the head of the drama department (Mr Walsh). The email includes us asking for permission to use the dark drama room for our black studio scenes/shots within our music video. It is important for us to book the location so that we are not disturbed and so the owner is aware we are on this specific location at that particular time.

advertisement ideas

talent release form

As I, Rae, will be the only person/talent with in our music video i have signed a talent release form to confirm and accept that i am happy to be a part of it.

CD covers

MY IDEAS:

these are images i have drawn that could perhaps be included in our CD album cover. I played with many ideas that could relate to the theme of being male domineering, parties and also 'out of this world'. Each somehow connote the lyrics in the song of our chosen choice and also suit the genre of house.

We have decide we do not want the artists face to be on the cover as it would be unconventional of the house genre to do so. The Image we are most likely to make our front cover is a black and white photo of the artists bare back. The features such as the spine and shoulder bladeds will be visable to add phantasmagorical affect on the audience. Over the image will be the groups logo and name.  transparent circle revealing the bare back behind it with the name 'Reverb' in a basic font. 

Another image, perhaps to be used on the back of the album is a red cup placed on a tube station bench. This symbolises the theme of parties as these specific cups are commonly used for alcohol. With the use of lip stick around the lip it is obvious the cup belonged to as dressed up girl. Everything around the cup will be slightly blurred making the cup the main focus. It will be placed to one side of the mise en scene allowing the viewers to be able to see the background. The Tube station location creates a sense of the end of a night out and the cup has been left behind when the girl is traveling home. A list of the songs and numbers will be in a black font on top of the red cup so that they stand out.

I have drawn a planet to emphasize the idea of being 'out of this world'. We would like the girls style to almost be goddess and controling which can be represented with the use of a planet. It is also an image that best suits our genre. Dark colours and stars give the album a dreamy effect. 

In one of the images of the red cup for the back of the album there is the effect of smoke around it. This is something our target audience (teenages) tend to be associated with as it is likely they smoke or find it an attraction. It gives the image a reckless/careless atmosphere whilst also making the cup the main focus instead of blurring the back ground mise en scene.

 GEORGES IDEAS:

Final Animatic

Final Animatic from George Dennehy on Vimeo.

This is an anamatic of the story board I and my group created to represent the shots that will be included in our music video. We have placed the images to the music to show where we would like each shot to cut and change to the next. We have also taken the time to edit the music to roughly how it will be for the actual video as it was far to long before. When the music is exact, the animatic will be adjusted to the beat properly. Most shots are in black and white while the party scene is in colour to really emphasize the idea of coming alive. With black and white studio shots the costume we have chosen will stand out and be effective for our artists image. The phantasmagorical body shots of the artists belly and legs are revolving shots which only appear every now and again but are obvious that the camera is actually rotating around the body as it dances, however this cannot be very well portrayed with the use of a still shot anamatic. There are various close ups, mid shots, high angle and low angle, a range of lighting, locations, costumes and also effects that will make our video interesting for the viewers.

Shooting Schedule

This is our shooting schedule. here we have planned the days which we will be filming on along with which props, costume and equipment we will be using.

costume and props

ROUND SUNGLASSES:

These sunglasses show both that the artists image is stylish and also has a hint of retro. This is a prop for our music video as it is symbolic of our artists image to the audience. We can see traces of old fashioned styles which can he associated with the genre of house music. They also allow the audience to feel as though the artist is dressed up which can fit with the theme of partying seen briefly in our music video shots.

SILVER DISCO PANTS:

Silver disco pants will stand out well above the black studio shots i and my group have planned to include in our music video. They are skin tight which helps emphasize the idea of alluring men and being domineering. This type of clothing can seem flirtatious which we feel relates with the lyrics of our chosen house music song. Again they fit in with our scenes as these 'disco' pants can be associated with partying. They fit in with our genre of music and best suit our artist image.(I have not yet bought this product so am unable to take my own picture).

BLACK TURTLE NECK CROP TOP:

This is again another alluring and retro style item of clothing to fit in with our artists image and to create a party  feeling for the audience. This will look best in the white studio shots. We chose  this piece of clothing as it is simple and could effective. Its plain features create a  natural but glamorous touch to  our artist along with the  plain silver tight disco pants.

 RED PLASTIC CUPS:
We have chosen a red cup to be a prop in our music video as it holds connotations of drinking and parties. These cups are commonly seen at specific partying environments and are something young people (our target audience) can understand. This may also be one of the images in our cd cover to symbolise a night out. The cup will be placed on a bench at a tube station to highlight that the young teenage artist has been out and is now traveling away from the party.

dr marten boots, lights, versace top.

post 6 - concept

anamatics

post 5 - image annotation

We will not copy the exact image of this artist, however this is similar to how we would like our main face of our video to be portrayed. With provocative clothing, feminine features and smart unique clothing to make her stand out and appear powerfull. The bindi could symbolise religion and relate to the idea of the artist being a godess to men whilst her long natural hair could conote that she is still an average woman.

Post 4 - lyric annotation

LYRIC ANNOTATION

Flying, climbing,
This is what I feel when I'm reverse skydiving,
Neptune, shining,
Frying all the elements as they're combining,
Rewind, timing,
This be the contract for sky I'll be signing,
No concern for wining or dining,
Wind so blue that it might be blinding,
All that I know is I won't be minding

You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me

Flying, climbing,
Giving me a smile, that's the inverse of crying
Upwards, mining
My dress seems like a ruby and the stars be aligning
Sky that's shining
Angles that I'm turning on continue refining
No concern for eyes that are prying
Spell my name with lighting and keep rewinding
All that I know is I won't be minding

You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me

Flying, climbing,
This is what I feel when I'm reverse skydiving,
Neptune, shining,
Frying all the elements as they're combining,
Rewind, timing,
This be the contract for sky I'll be signing,
No concern for wining or dining,
Wind so blue that it might be blinding,
All that I know is I won't be minding

You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me
You don't have to jump to fly with me

You don't have to jump to fly with me

 With words such as 'flying' 'Neptune,shining', 'wind so  blue that it might be blinding' it gives a sense of a 'out of this world' and abnormal feeling. As she sits on what appears to be a throne in the original music video we are led to believe she could be a goddess looking down on her followers. 

The main character allures and controls her audience through the use of sexual references with in the lyrics. she could be seen as a feminine and is an archetype. Although there is no literal evidence of the lyrics being sexually natured but each can be related. However, these notations are not inappropriate but could play a big role in our video.

'you don't have to jump to fly with me' could symbolize that she is higher than other people but that they don't necessarily need to be at her height to be part of her flock. These lyrics appear to be flirtatious. My group decided that the artist may be domineering over men in particular.'flying, climbing' both refer to being high which could emphasize this idea of power.

My group could show these ideas with locations such as on top of tall buildings representing height, red lipstick to show feminism and perhaps richness/danger and also editing of dreamy images being played in rewind to connote the lyric 'rewind,timing'.

'This be the contract for sky sky ill be signing' again is another reference to the artists high status as it means that she owns the sky. We feel each lyrical meaning can be shown through unique images and editing. 

flowing dance moves may highlight theme of flying which is sung throughout. Having the main face of the video dressed in dark skin tight clothing and lip syncing may have an impact on the audience as it is flirty and can create effect with the meaning of the lyrics as we read.

The repetition of lyrics particularly in the audience can be shown through repetition of shots. Each word can have a specific image in which may emphasize the meaning and also to make it relate to the audience.

Post 1 & 3 - initial ideas and song details

REVERSE SKYDIVING - HOT NATURED (SHADOW CHILD REMIX)

 

Post 2 - Roles in Music Video

ROLES IN MUSIC VIDEO:

This gif shows the roles which as a group we decided to contribute to the music video. Being the more experienced and knowledgeable in the group we decided Jacob would be best suited as the director.We also assigned Jacob to the role of sound, lighting, camera with George and lastly Editing along with the whole group. Me and Meg are taking on the role of mise en scene. This includes choosing unique locations that will have a meaning and costumes that show our initial theme in the music video. The lighting is a big part of a house music video as it can create vibes for the audience. A low level lighting could make a dark feeling whilst bright flashing high level lighting will create a complete opposite atmosphere. Camera people are in-charge of the different shot types and angles to make the video interesting. We decided that the editing will be a group effort. This includes cutting the shots on beats and adding any layers over the top for impact.

Album Convention Analysis

record label research from chosen genre

Audience feedback analysis

GENDER:

The feedback we received appeared to be mostly from male students. Females 41% and males 59%. This means that most of what my group will be working from will probably be male orientated as the female percentage falls lower.

WHAT GENRE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO:

From the people we ask to fill out the survey the range of genres that people favouritise vary. The most popular genre appears to be Indie with a percentage of 27%. The smallest percentage of 2% shared with 7 other genres such as hip hop, drum and bass, old school, house, punk, trap&rap and most genres in general. This gives our group an opportunity to show individuality and creativity in our music video which will be focused on the genre of House. Dance and old disco both share a percentage of 5%. These two genres are very similar to house music as they use electronic noises and synth's created not only through instruments but also computerized. Brit pop is alone at 3%. A lot of artist land under the genre of pop which is why i feel it is the second highest percentage of 24%. It is an easy option to choose to favouritise as although all artists are unique and may not necessarily feel as though they are pop, it is the artists name which puts them there. R&B was chosen by 7% of the people we asked to complete the questionnaire.

HOW OLD ARE YOU:

60% (which is over half) of the people that filled out our survey were the age 16-25. This means that we will be focusing our music video creation on the majority of the amount asked which luckily are our target audience. 

DO YOU LISTEN TO HOUSE MUSIC:

The majority (82%) of people we questioned happened to say yes to listening to house music which is convenient for me and my group as it means each will be willing to watch our music video. The 38% who said no are most likely those that favouritise indie, rock etc which does not affect us. 

HAVE YOU SEEN HOUSE MUSIC VIDEOS:

Again, 82% admitted to watching house music videos and named the ones which they did. The most popular seen house music videos are from disclosure as they are in the charts.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN HOUSE MUSIC VIDEOS:

The feedback from this question is most effective in the making of my groups music video. From what we have been told is most expecting means we can be unique whilst also satisfying our viewers. The two highest things expected to be seen in house music videos are Dancing (36%) and unsure (32%). Although the 'unsure' percentage is not much help, the rest makes up for it. Clubs, money, house parties, kissing, girls/women all share a minor percentage but could play a big part in the video if they appear. The mostly things that we will include and which my group have been influenced by from other house music videos are dancing, girls, raves and other conventional images which will most likely be unique.

DO YOU KNOW OF ANY HOUSE ARTISTS:

From looking at the questionnaire answers myself it would appear the most popular House artists known of are Disclosure and Alunageorge. The percentage that said yes(82%) is higher than those that said no (28%)

Questionairre

RESEARCH ON CHOSEN GENRE

ANALYSIS OF MUSIC VIDEOS FROM CHOSEN GENRE:

Hot Natured ft Anabel Englund-sky diving:
This music video follows most of the conventions from my groups chosen music genre deep house. The video in no way has a specific narrative to it leaving the audience to watch the women/character lip syncing. The artist who created the music is not seen whilst the singer featuring in the song is the main focus. In the background there are mesmerizing  images that attract the viewer and are aesthetically pleasing to emphasize the meaning of the lyrics. The mise en scene rarely changes. The cutaways are irrelevant locations which cut on and off the beat. Bright colours are used to high light the happy feeling this genre of music commonly gives off. This is typical of modern house music videos. The point of house music is to make you feel like dancing along. Throughout this video the singer seductively moves/dances to the song whilst lip syncing the lyrics. This both amplify's the lyrics and makes the audience feel inspired to move. Keeping  the camera work the same in the duration of the video makes it  easier for the viewers to follow. With disjuncture images there is rarely any set order to follow, meaning the camerawork is one of the only stereotypical convention from all other genres of music videos.



Disclosure ft London Grammar - Help me lose my mind:

RESEARCH ON CHOSEN GENRE

RESEARCH ON CHOSEN GENRE

MOOD BOARD:

With in this mood board there are images from the genre of house music. Each share the same quality of uniqueness which makes them stand out. These are all artists that are an option for my group to create a music video for. 

Goodwins theory

GOODWIN'S THEORY:

Goodwin's theory focuses on 3 main aspects. These are, illustration, amplification and disjuncture.

ILLUSTRATION:

MUSIC- the shots always cut to the beat.

LYRICS-  images illustrate the genuine meaning of the lyrics and create a clear narrative with occasional cutaways of the artist performing.

IMAGE- the artist is usually singing/dancing/playing instruments dressed as would be expected

EXAMPLE: TAYLOR SWIFT

This is a good example of ullustration as the narrative clearly follows the lyrics and illustrates the meaning. however, the artist does not typically perform with in shot but does play the role of a character within the whole video. 

AMPLIFICATION:

MUSIC- the shots cut on the beat but also occassionally off to emphasize specific features.

LYRICS- the images amplify the song but do not nessarily relate to the lyrics. 

IMAGE- the artists tend to take on fictional roles within the video and play the main character in the narrative.

EXAMPLE: MILEY CYRUS 

This is an example of amplifictation as the images appear to show the object in the title which amplifys the lyrics. The artist plays the role of an emotional character and lip syncs the lyrics to the camera. the images do not nessarilly create a clear narrative but do create a story for the audience to pick up on.

DISJUNCTURE:

MUSIC- the shots cut off of the beat.
LYRICS- images that do not relate to the lyrics are used. This only usually happens if the artist is aready well known and are willing the take risks.
IMAGE- takes on the role/style which is the complete opposite of their original image.

EXAMPLE:DISCLOSURE FT ALUNAGEORGE

There is no obvious relation between the meaning in the lyrics and the images seen. the shots cut off beat regularly. The artist is not seen within the video meaning they are willing to take risks with their image. 

Carol vernallis theory

CAROL VERNALLIS THEORY:

This prezi presentation explores and explains Carol vernallis' theory of music videos and highlights the main aspects.



Analysis of low budget video

ALUNAGEORGE-YOU KNOW YOU LIKE IT:

With the video set in only one location (an old empty swimming pool) the filming costs would most likely be low. The amount of people/extras with in the video are what makes it interesting. Throughout it there are numerous dance routines which take place all inside and outside the empty pool.They also dance is large groups as if they are partying which is something teens can relate to.This is what appeals to the viewers and the target audience. Each dancer has a similar hip hop style about them which tends to be associated with a younger generation. The clothing/costumes are probably the only price the makers had to pay, however, even these are probably already owned by the dancers. Kooky abnormal clothing with bright colours stands out above the mise en scene and the plain pastel blue of the pool. The images seen do not necessarily link with the lyrics but do emphasize the meaning by intriguing the audience. By the artist traditionally lip syncing and making eye contact with the camera, it pulls the viewers in and makes them feel as though the artist is interacting with them. This genre of music is electronic pop. During pop songs the artist typically performs in the video. Here the artist does so as recommended conventionally. Most shots are cut to the beat. Some of the editing is more creative such as the boy standing in what looks like a corridor. The editor has made it seem as though he is turning and moving towards the camera but quick jump shots with him facing in different directions. They have also doubled his figure as though he is looking in a mirror. Images of shadows dancing also appear. These add effect to the video. 

GREEN DAY-BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS:

The video begins with the three band members pulling up in a rustic old car in what looks like an abandoned location on worn out road tracks. Tumbleweed rolls across the road which is most commonly associated with deserted areas of the world. Over the image is an old fashioned effect which again creates a rustic effect to the mise en scene. As they step out of the car we see they are wearing black and white suits. The smart costumes contrast with the atmosphere of the video. The kicking of the car makes the band appear tough to the audience. They then walk nonchalant towards the camera. We then see cutaways of the parts of the car and legs of the band members. Here we see their style and image that they like to be associated with. As the lead singer is face on with the camera his make up becomes visible. The make up makes him seem scary and timid. Conventionally, the artist begins to lip the lyrics whilst making eye contact with the camera. The first lyrics we hear is 'I WALK A LONELY ROAD' which very much relates to the images seen previously. Images of more abandoned locations such as huts and trees create a lonely and open enviroment. All of the images suggest that somebody once lived in these areas. Throughout the video the audience are constantly reminded  that the theme of the song is about being lonely. Every now and then shots of an open space are revealed adding an effect of vulnerability on the band. 

analysis of rock video

FOO FIGHTERS-PRETENDER:

This is an example of a simple and basic music video with all the conventions. The simplicity adds a lot of effect and makes the band stand out. The location is set in what looks like a warehouse with the band in front of a red screen. This colour may be used to symbolize the personality of the band (dangerous, blood, harmful). The large space around them and their placing with in the images makes them seem loud as they are managing to fill the whole room with noise. The high level lighting contrasts with the mood of the song and the meaning behind the lyrics. Different shot types make the video interesting to watch as we see the band from many different angles. The singer is regularly face on with the camera lip syncing into a microphone. Performance from the band is typical of rock genre videos. The eye contact makes the band seem as though they are interacting with their audience. However, this simple technique means that the video can appeal to any sort of audience from any age group. Each band member are constantly jumping around and on an instrument. We are constantly reminded of the genre of music that it is through the bands actions. Shaking of the head is common to rock bands. They are wearing smart/casual clothing and have not made much effort towards looking good in the images. From this the audience can feel their attitude. 

pop video analysis 2

  

ONE DIRECTION-WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL:

This video advertises a typical teenage boy band. A group of young adolescent and good looking boys represent their image and style using casual stereotypical teenage clothing and a location that invites the target audience in. As the beginning of the music starts a close up of a hand on a steering wheel is tapping to the melody. The boys are then seen standing on a cliff edge from a high angle. They are throwing stones in the water which emphasizes their age group. The first singer is sat on the right side of the shot, this gives the audience a clear view of the location which is a beach. The singer is lip syncing and making eye contact with the camera to entice the viewers. Many cross dissolves show a numerous amount of cutaways of the boys at the beach as well as a journey there.
 Throughout the video the band are continuously associating themselves as fun people. Running towards the camera and jumping around with one another whilst also lip syncing the lyrics. Each band members personality becomes clear. Although the lyrics do not necessarily link with the images in the video, the meaning of the lyrics remain obvious. As the video continues, a group of girls are seen in more of a gender specific car also travelling to the beach. It becomes clear that these are the girls the boys are each singing about. As the group sing particular lyrics such as 'the way that you flick your hair', a cutaway of a girl flicking her hair comes on the screen. This is both effect and highlights the meaning of the lyrics.
Pointing at the camera whilst singing 'YOU' creates interaction with the bands audience. The mise en scene has been carefully thought through during the making of this video. With the use of lighting the band members heads appear at the bottom of the screen in a dark shade almost like a shadow but with the sky still visible above them. This is effective as it extenuates the instrumentals with in the song whilst they clap and hum along to the beat.
As the night draws in a camp fire comes into the images. This seems fun along with the group laughing and taking pictures. All of the images are things that teenagers can relate to making the song target its audience well. 

Analysis of a pop video

KATY PERRY - TEENAGE DREAM

This first shot in the video sets the location of an outdoors open area. The artist is seen wearing sun glasses and her hair is blowing in the wind. The open space and wind in the hair highlights the idea of freedom which is a connotation of teenagers in general as they enjoy freedom. 

As the artist begins to sing her face appears and she is lip syncing. This is typical of a music video. The way she is handling her hair makes her seem child like and young. Although she is wearing glasses it seems she is making eye contact with the camera which drags in the audiences attention. 

The next shot reveals the artist sitting next to a man. This relates to the lyrics of the song as she is singing about a male that makes her feel young. The male is the driver of the moving vehicle.

This cutaway appears to be of the male she is with in the car. It is as if they are revealing his back ground and life style to the audience to help the audience relate to the video.

This is again another cutaway consisting of the male in the video working out. This may appeal to a younger generation as being fit can sometimes be an  asset for boys. It also gives a better insight to the person the artist is singing about.

Cutaways are a convention of music videos and tend to land on the beat of the song. This is a cutaway of some keys hanging from the ignition. It fills the gaps in the lyrics where the video may not relate to the lyrics.

Here the artist is lip syncing whilst throwing her arms in the air. This may be again to symbolize the idea of freedom associated with teenagers.

The image above is a shot of the front of the car. The mise en scene in this shot shows a long road ahead through a windscreen. This could symbolize a teens future ahead of them.

As the chorus kicks in and the artist sing 'young forever' she throws her arms up and but this time more abruptly. It emphasizes the lyrics she is singing.

As the artist then sing 'YOU' a shot of the driver pushing his foot right down on the accelerator as hard as he can. This could connote how fast life goes when you are having fun which tends to be often when you are young. It also gives the audience a dangerous/wild feeling as though the artist is free.

This is another shot of the artist behaving like a reckless teen yet again. She is attempting to hold hands with a group of teenagers in the car next to hers. The people in the other car are wearing fancy dress and behaving childishly to sell the video to its target audience.

In this shot we can see a large group of people. Their placing within the shot makes them seem perhaps mischievous. The term 'gangs' tends to be associated with teenagers much like the meaning of the lyrics to the song.

BRIEF

BRIEF:

During year 13 media lessons i will be creating a promotion package for the release of an album. The genre of the music the album will contain will be chosen by  me and my group. The promotion package will include a promo video, a CD cover made using cardboard and finally a magazine advertisement all showing the artists name and image. To create the above advertisements i will need to research thoroughly examples of already famous/well known artists and how they advertised their music. I will annotate music videos and learn the conventions. 

Class Music Video

Lip Sync Homework

'IF ITS LOVIN' CONVENTON ANNOTATIONS