This is the Animatic of the story board for our music video project
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Videos for inspiration
I found out that the video for invaders must die by the prodigy uses a similar frame skiping technique i've been looking for. it's not exactly the same but a very similar idea, here it is
Model Release Form
Back up plan
Our original plan was to shoot at the soul tree in town, and most of the story board was planned for this. However we quickly realised the soul tree was no longer an option when they said they wanted £200 to be able to use the building.
Our back up plan was to use the corner house down newmarket road as we have connections with them and would be more likly to be able to use it cost free or at least alot cheaper.
But once we had our 1st session at the junction and were shown what we would be able to use there, we decided we would have to be stupid to not use that space. So we organised with simon from the junction and confirmed the use of the junction for our shoot.
the option for the corner house was still there had the junction plan failed in some way.
Our back up plan was to use the corner house down newmarket road as we have connections with them and would be more likly to be able to use it cost free or at least alot cheaper.
But once we had our 1st session at the junction and were shown what we would be able to use there, we decided we would have to be stupid to not use that space. So we organised with simon from the junction and confirmed the use of the junction for our shoot.
the option for the corner house was still there had the junction plan failed in some way.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Music video rough cut
Here is the rough cut of my music video, i'm very happy with the out come so far and have had alot of very positive feedback on it. My teacher Nick said he was very impressed and thought that the crowd shots were really well shot. However he did say that the starting shots (before the music) wern't necessary and that with such a prominant drum beat it would be much more effective to continue to cut on the beat through out. here we have cut to the beat but not sorted out the opening scenes.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
The process of making a music video
Last year we had a talk from two professional music video directors, Jake and Jim. In the talk they went through the process of how a music video is made.
1. The record label or band (if unsigned) releases the track to potential directors and production companies.
2.The directors that are interested 'pitch' for the track with their ideas and concepts, they have come up with bassed on the brief from the record company and the music track they have listened to.
3. Then the record company chooses the directors pitch they want and allocates a budget, which can be as small as £100 to as big as £250,000 depending on the artist, genre and director. The producer looks after budget and arrangements for the process- a percentage of the budget is allocated to this role
2.The directors that are interested 'pitch' for the track with their ideas and concepts, they have come up with bassed on the brief from the record company and the music track they have listened to.
3. Then the record company chooses the directors pitch they want and allocates a budget, which can be as small as £100 to as big as £250,000 depending on the artist, genre and director. The producer looks after budget and arrangements for the process- a percentage of the budget is allocated to this role
4. Director of Photography and art director(production designer) then join the team. It's the art director's job to oversee the planning for the look of video, they must scout for locations and plans the shoot location.
5.Then everyone (artist, director etc) meet at the shoot location and the video is shot usally in a single day
6. It's then time for the off-line edit where an editor assembles all the footage with out effects over a period of a few days; the record company and artist may want to see it and suggest changes.
7. Afterwards is the online edit when the editor adds all the special effects and tidys it up for a final version.
8. Fianlly the finnished product is deliverd to the client and if it is to their standards then its released.
Steps 1-8 may take as little as 3-4 weeks these days as budgets have fallen and demands are greater.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Editing Photos
Various screen shots of editing the music video.
A screen shot of editing the blue screen shots of tom together.
Capturing the footage into Final Cut.
Filming thursday 15th
These are some photos taken on set at the Junction on thursday 15th
Me directing Becky
Alex filming Becky and Melinda
Rosie performing infront of the blue screen
Me directing Becky
Alex filming Becky and Melinda
Rosie performing infront of the blue screenFilming Wednesday 14th
These are some photos we took while filming Becky dye her hair at her house.
Me getting a zoom shot on becky rinsing the dye
Me getting a zoom shot on becky rinsing the dye
Filming Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th
On wednesday the 14th after college, Alex and I went and collected clothing, props and equipment, before heading off to our actresses house. When we arrived there we got to work filming the introductory scenes for the music video. These involved the girl (Becky) looking up the band Betty on MySpace, before seeing that they have a gig coming up. When she reads this she jumps straight into the act of dressing up in an 'emo' fashion.
This took a while to film, as we had to film her dying her hair. This was one of the more impressive points about the video, is she genuinely dyed her hair black for the video. So after filming her on her computer, Sam and I went about filming her dying her hair black, trying to use the long time it took to dye to our advantage as we could set up some good camera shots. We shot lots of footage as this was one of the parts in our video that it would be impossible to shoot twice. The cost of the dye was around £12.
After this we filmed Becky putting on the more prominent items of the emo style. Showing the audience clearly what she was doing. We referred to the storyboard a lot. This was to get all of the shots, making sure we didn't miss any.
Today, on thursday the 15th, Alex and I arrived at the Junction at around 11 o'clock. We sat around for a while and discussed the storyboard. It was useful being there before the others as it allowed us to liaise about the storyboard and plans for filming and organising the (up to 25) people coming to be the crowd for our shoot.
Other diploma students began to arrive later on (nearer twelve o'clock). Alex and I were able to go and get the first peek of the studio where we would be filming and were quite pleased with the results. It was set up nicely and the venue looked professional. James set to work filming his music video which gave me and Alex time to look around and scout for other locations (that would work in the storyline of the video). By the time we had located these it was almost half past one and a fairly large crowd was gathered outside, waiting for us to tell them we could film.
Several people also helped us to go and find other people that may be able to appear in our film. Due to lack of time, we only gave each person My model release form (contrary to our previous plan to give each person both Alex's and mine). Once we had those filled out it was almost time to film.
Alex went back in to the studio to find that James was just finishing up. One of the most difficult parts of doing this was keeping the crowd interested while we were waiting to go inside to film. During this time a few of them got bored and left. If this happened too frequently then we'd lose the crowd, thus ruining part of our music video. To prevent this from happening, we tried to keep at least one of us outside at all times to talk to people and not let them feel bored.
When James finished, alex came outside and called the whole crowd over to the doors, I then gave a quick safety briefing, making them aware of all the cables etc around. We then lead them into the studio. They gathered around the stage quickly and efficiently, making the procedure quicker and making Alex and my life a lot easier. We were able to get started very quickly. The crowd were perfect. They did exactly what we'd asked them to, they were lively and looked like they were having fun.
This left Alex with the task of making it look good. So far in the project, he has acted as the lead camera man, because he has a steadier hand with me organizing everything, as I'm more organised. With both of us giving our input on direction and editing. I think that we have worked well in this team and have no complaints on how things have gone so far.
I feel Alex was very succesfull with getting good camera shots, and managed to make it look like a real concert venue, with more people then were actually present. As well as getting effective music video-esque footage of the band in performance.
After we had finished filming in the studio, we left the main building and headed to the bar. Through a stroke of luck it wasn't locked and we were able to use it to film. This was great as it added a new depth to our video that we weren't sure we could get filmed, due to the bar normally being locked.
Filming here was easier than having to use a different venue and we were able to get all the shots we needed relatively quickly as we only had a small number of people to organize and there was no one else waiting for their turn to film. As a result Alex was able to take more care in getting good shots filmed whilst i directed.
We filmed in a variety of locations today. Including the junction corridors, the studio, the bar and the girls' toilettes
This took a while to film, as we had to film her dying her hair. This was one of the more impressive points about the video, is she genuinely dyed her hair black for the video. So after filming her on her computer, Sam and I went about filming her dying her hair black, trying to use the long time it took to dye to our advantage as we could set up some good camera shots. We shot lots of footage as this was one of the parts in our video that it would be impossible to shoot twice. The cost of the dye was around £12.
After this we filmed Becky putting on the more prominent items of the emo style. Showing the audience clearly what she was doing. We referred to the storyboard a lot. This was to get all of the shots, making sure we didn't miss any.
Today, on thursday the 15th, Alex and I arrived at the Junction at around 11 o'clock. We sat around for a while and discussed the storyboard. It was useful being there before the others as it allowed us to liaise about the storyboard and plans for filming and organising the (up to 25) people coming to be the crowd for our shoot.
Other diploma students began to arrive later on (nearer twelve o'clock). Alex and I were able to go and get the first peek of the studio where we would be filming and were quite pleased with the results. It was set up nicely and the venue looked professional. James set to work filming his music video which gave me and Alex time to look around and scout for other locations (that would work in the storyline of the video). By the time we had located these it was almost half past one and a fairly large crowd was gathered outside, waiting for us to tell them we could film.
Several people also helped us to go and find other people that may be able to appear in our film. Due to lack of time, we only gave each person My model release form (contrary to our previous plan to give each person both Alex's and mine). Once we had those filled out it was almost time to film.
Alex went back in to the studio to find that James was just finishing up. One of the most difficult parts of doing this was keeping the crowd interested while we were waiting to go inside to film. During this time a few of them got bored and left. If this happened too frequently then we'd lose the crowd, thus ruining part of our music video. To prevent this from happening, we tried to keep at least one of us outside at all times to talk to people and not let them feel bored.
When James finished, alex came outside and called the whole crowd over to the doors, I then gave a quick safety briefing, making them aware of all the cables etc around. We then lead them into the studio. They gathered around the stage quickly and efficiently, making the procedure quicker and making Alex and my life a lot easier. We were able to get started very quickly. The crowd were perfect. They did exactly what we'd asked them to, they were lively and looked like they were having fun.
This left Alex with the task of making it look good. So far in the project, he has acted as the lead camera man, because he has a steadier hand with me organizing everything, as I'm more organised. With both of us giving our input on direction and editing. I think that we have worked well in this team and have no complaints on how things have gone so far.
I feel Alex was very succesfull with getting good camera shots, and managed to make it look like a real concert venue, with more people then were actually present. As well as getting effective music video-esque footage of the band in performance.
After we had finished filming in the studio, we left the main building and headed to the bar. Through a stroke of luck it wasn't locked and we were able to use it to film. This was great as it added a new depth to our video that we weren't sure we could get filmed, due to the bar normally being locked.
Filming here was easier than having to use a different venue and we were able to get all the shots we needed relatively quickly as we only had a small number of people to organize and there was no one else waiting for their turn to film. As a result Alex was able to take more care in getting good shots filmed whilst i directed.
We filmed in a variety of locations today. Including the junction corridors, the studio, the bar and the girls' toilettes
Video shoot requirements at the junction
Here is the Email that alex and i sent to simon telling him what we needed for when we were filming in the Junction:
Day:
We want to film on thursday the 15th.
Setting:
We would like the set to look just like a standard music venue:
Stage, two microphones, a table for DJ equipment (laptop, mini keyboard and mixer 20x20cm). There will only be two people on the stage.
Black backdrop.
We may possibly want the use of smoke (dry ice) effects in the video.
Standard and/or blue & green lighting
A strobe light if possible.
A stage, and room for a crowd of 25 to look large. (Space constriction using black curtains to make people more compact)
If possible, the use of mirrors to give the illusion of a larger crowd.
Setting:
We would like the set to look just like a standard music venue:
Stage, two microphones, a table for DJ equipment (laptop, mini keyboard and mixer 20x20cm). There will only be two people on the stage.
Black backdrop.
We may possibly want the use of smoke (dry ice) effects in the video.
Standard and/or blue & green lighting
A strobe light if possible.
A stage, and room for a crowd of 25 to look large. (Space constriction using black curtains to make people more compact)
If possible, the use of mirrors to give the illusion of a larger crowd.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Target audience (stereo typical fan)
The typical Betty fan would be A seventeen year old girl that attends sixth form college, with a 'Preppy' style. Her main interests would be going to indie cinemas such as the arts picture house to see more cultural films, going to local gigs and listening to bands like Pendulum, Crystal Castles and Noah and the Whale.
She would happily change her style to fit in with different groups of people and be fairly 'Middle Class'
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Shoot plan for Thur 15th
Shooting the main video on Thursday the 15th
Where - the junction 3, bar, and rear car park
When - Thursday 15th 12 - 5 pm
Who - Me, Alex, Becky, Tom, Rosie and 27 extras.
What - Filming the crowd shots, and narrative.
shoot plan for Wed 14th
The Plan for the shoot on wednesday is like this;
Where - Beckys house
When - 4pm - 6pm
Who - Me, Alex and Becky
What - Filming opening shots and becky dyeing her hair
Monday, 12 October 2009
Videos for inspiration
I found this video by a student at Hurtwood house and thought it was a very cool concept, some parts of it are done very well although the amps spoil the look and make the background animation look shoddy.
Videos for inspiration
This video captures the artistic style i want to re-produce when making our music video
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Videos for inspiration
This is the video for Peices by Chase and Status Ft Plan B.
I took inspiration from the narritive in the video, it tells the story well, fits the song and keeps you interested to see what the Ex-Girlfriend is going to do and how he reacts.
Equipment and software list
The equipment Alex and I will be working with consists of :
- Sony HVR-A1U HD DV video camera at a cost of £1600
- Mac G5 desktop computer £1900
- Canon ixus 75 digital camera £150
- 4 x 3meter green and blue screens £50 each
The Software we will be using will include :
- Final cut express
- Adobe After effects
- Adobe Photoshop
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Ideas for Imagery
This is a screen shot from the music video 'Friends and Foes' by Isaacs Aircraft, i saw this shot and really liked the focus on the keyboard and the angle it's shot from. it's a very effective shot, showing everything the keyboardist is doing while somewhat concealing his identity for that shot and keeps the back ground out of focus to bring your attention to the keyboard
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Junction visit #2 thursday 8th October
We were at the Junction again today, we had a discussion with Helen and Ed about how they market the Junction and it's events.
As Helen put it, Marketing is basically telling the right people about the right things at the right time = Profit.
General notes :
- Job is pretty hectic
-There is usually only around 2 or 3 days a year with nothing on
- Each event is marketed with a different technique
- The Junction, corn exchange and arts theater work together so not to put similar events on at the same time
- Xmas time is the hardest time of the year
- Main target audience is 13 - 30
- Convince the people to buy things they don't need!
- Research is KEY to the success of selling the tickets!
What the job involves:
- Keep the staff updated on what's on
- Take from emails what information they need for the promotional items for the events etc
- Type up brochure info
- Tell the box office when tickets can go on sale
- Must not put tickets on sale too early or too late!
- Work out how many posters etc are needed for the event
- Contact local press for promo stuff
-Work out how ticket sales went post event and figure out if they need a different tactic next time
Some of us also went upstairs with Simon the tech manager to discus what we need in the way of time and equipment, Alex and i told him that we need:
As Helen put it, Marketing is basically telling the right people about the right things at the right time = Profit.
General notes :
- Job is pretty hectic
-There is usually only around 2 or 3 days a year with nothing on
- Each event is marketed with a different technique
- The Junction, corn exchange and arts theater work together so not to put similar events on at the same time
- Xmas time is the hardest time of the year
- Main target audience is 13 - 30
- Convince the people to buy things they don't need!
- Research is KEY to the success of selling the tickets!
What the job involves:
- Keep the staff updated on what's on
- Take from emails what information they need for the promotional items for the events etc
- Type up brochure info
- Tell the box office when tickets can go on sale
- Must not put tickets on sale too early or too late!
- Work out how many posters etc are needed for the event
- Contact local press for promo stuff
-Work out how ticket sales went post event and figure out if they need a different tactic next time
Some of us also went upstairs with Simon the tech manager to discus what we need in the way of time and equipment, Alex and i told him that we need:
- Blue/green screen
- Stage with 2 mics
- Blue and Pink stage lights
- Black curtains
- A table for Tom's DJ equipment
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Ed Lovelace
Today Ed Lovelace, an ex longroad student and now profesional music video director came in and talked to us about how hes got the where he is and what it's been like.
Ed was a student at longroad from 2000 to 2002 and did the same course work as is done now in the media studies a level, but had to edit on Imovie and the cameras cost about £1200 for the same quality you get for about £100 now.
After long road he went to Bournmouth university from 2003 to 2005 and had profeshional tutors from the media industry who directed things like harry potter
After Uni Ed went onto work for a music video production company called creation with who he made videos for Cut pink with knives and Gallows for a budget of £100. The video for Abandon Ship by Gallows won best music video at the MTV awards and Ed got instantly recognised.
he left Creation and joined Pulse films with who he made videos for Cage The Elephant on a budget of £40,000.
Ed is Part of a directing duo called D.A.R.Y.L with Pulse Films. D.A.R.Y.L have made videos for Gallows, The Subways, Funeral for a Friend, Hard Fi, Lethal Bizzle and others
http://www.pulsefilms.co.uk/daryl.html This is their profile on the Pulse Films website
He is now making a feature film called werewolves across america on a budget of £10,000, its about a guy called Viking Moses who left home aged 14 and has been touring america with his band for 16 years solid
Ed was a student at longroad from 2000 to 2002 and did the same course work as is done now in the media studies a level, but had to edit on Imovie and the cameras cost about £1200 for the same quality you get for about £100 now.
After long road he went to Bournmouth university from 2003 to 2005 and had profeshional tutors from the media industry who directed things like harry potter
After Uni Ed went onto work for a music video production company called creation with who he made videos for Cut pink with knives and Gallows for a budget of £100. The video for Abandon Ship by Gallows won best music video at the MTV awards and Ed got instantly recognised.
he left Creation and joined Pulse films with who he made videos for Cage The Elephant on a budget of £40,000.
Ed is Part of a directing duo called D.A.R.Y.L with Pulse Films. D.A.R.Y.L have made videos for Gallows, The Subways, Funeral for a Friend, Hard Fi, Lethal Bizzle and others
http://www.pulsefilms.co.uk/daryl.html This is their profile on the Pulse Films website
He is now making a feature film called werewolves across america on a budget of £10,000, its about a guy called Viking Moses who left home aged 14 and has been touring america with his band for 16 years solid
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Shoot plan re-visited
After finding out that the use of the soul tree, although a perfect venue, was out of the question due to the cost. We had to settle for the corner house which was going to be more difficult. however after our visit to the junction and Simon telling us all the possibilitys there were with the venue we decided that the junction 3 is the perfect venue with being able to black out and light in any way we want. i cant plan exactly when i want to shoot before i know when the junction is actually free.
Friday, 2 October 2009
Thursday, 1 October 2009
The Junction (#1 1st october)
Today was our first of many visits to the Junction (a very popular cambridge music, theater and comedy venue). The visit was an introduction into the venue it's self and what we will be doing throughout the next 8 or so weeks.
When we arrived we were greeted by Simon (head of eductional links with the junction) and introduced to the rest of the staff. We were then given the grand tour and shown every room in the entire junction complex. starting off in J1, the main and original building. J1 is used for bands and big club nights. we then went into J2 which is a much smaller room and is used for theater and comedy nights and some smaller club nights, it also opens up for some of the big clubnights like Warning (which uses J1 J2 and upstairs). We were then taken upstairs and shown the 3rd room which is sometimes used as a practice room for some bands and often used as another arena for music on big club nights like Warning and Uprizing. We were then shown all the ofices etc and told about how the venue is run. We were also shown what is called J4 but actually known as J3 because there is no J3. This room is a studio space and used for band practices, dance workshops and other such things. This room is 10m by 20m and this is where i will be shooting my music video.
After the tour we discussed what each of us have planned, what we want to use the venue and what we wanted from the junction. For our video alex and i are making the most of whats on offer and using kirks green screen and shooting a live performance in the studio room and using the bar area for a few shots also.
When we arrived we were greeted by Simon (head of eductional links with the junction) and introduced to the rest of the staff. We were then given the grand tour and shown every room in the entire junction complex. starting off in J1, the main and original building. J1 is used for bands and big club nights. we then went into J2 which is a much smaller room and is used for theater and comedy nights and some smaller club nights, it also opens up for some of the big clubnights like Warning (which uses J1 J2 and upstairs). We were then taken upstairs and shown the 3rd room which is sometimes used as a practice room for some bands and often used as another arena for music on big club nights like Warning and Uprizing. We were then shown all the ofices etc and told about how the venue is run. We were also shown what is called J4 but actually known as J3 because there is no J3. This room is a studio space and used for band practices, dance workshops and other such things. This room is 10m by 20m and this is where i will be shooting my music video.
After the tour we discussed what each of us have planned, what we want to use the venue and what we wanted from the junction. For our video alex and i are making the most of whats on offer and using kirks green screen and shooting a live performance in the studio room and using the bar area for a few shots also.
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