Draft Music Video

Behind the Scenes Video

Floor Plans

The first image shows the floor plan for the first drama studio shoot with my actor Natalie. I have drawn a birds eye perspective to clearly see the layout. The plan was very simple and wasn't as complicated as industrial filming where multiple cameras and lights are used. I wanted to achieve a black background with the actor completely standing out from it. This was achieved by placing lights behind to give a slight spotlight effect and the diffuser which was placed in front of the actor- not too far, so that when I film her, the face will be completely lit up.

The second image is the floor plan was also for the drama studio but this time with the ballerina, Holly. Once again this plan is drawn out with a birds eye perspecitve. The floor plan is very similar to the previous one however there less equipment used as this time I wanted to film a ballerina silheouette. The outcome was really good. The placing of the lights was very important for the shoot. The light at the back had to be moved from one corner then into the centre. Both takes with the back light in different places were both good.The light on the side gave the performance a hint of light, however the centre light put the performer in too much light and focus, but footage at the end where she faces the light was the best. Both places for the lights worked fantastically.
The floor plan also includes the performance space and the steadicam space and additional information.

Actor and Model Releases

Here is evidence that I had taken permission from both of my performers on whether I was allowed to film them and use footage for my music video and images for the ancillary tasks.
I had to ensure they read and signed the contract/releases before I could film them. Additional information was also included such as email and phone number just in case for contacting for re-shoot or for emergence cases.
It is always right to get permission from the actors and models before you film or take pictures of them. If permission is not taken then there can be issues.

Storyboard

 

 

 

These 6 storyboards showcase my planning for my music video. It features what type of shots I want to achieve and include into my music video. Another part of what makes this a successful storyboard is the detail of what shot and where. I decided to include each shot name, location and how long the edit/length of shot wiil be, as when it comes to filming my music video, my storyboard will be my guidance sheet to follow so that I can achieve what I always planned. The third box briefly tells you what part of the song the shot will be featured in. For a detailed indication of what part of the song, I have included the lines of the songs to be more specific. It's a great plan for me and to stay focus on my idea rather than changing ideas dramatically.

I think the storyboard has helped me more in progression of a clear idea. I hope to follow the storyboard throughout the producing and editing phase. As my music video balances more towards a performance root, it was hard to think about what type of performance and shots because I feel like some parts are repeated on the storyboard and the fear is to not repeat scenes in the music video as I want to display a meaning narrative behind the performance. I want o create a message of strength and determination through the use of a ballet performance. - I will hopefully visually portray that through the gradual build up of both performances (ballet and singing).

Ballet Performance Shoot - Production log #14

Production Log Video from Geeta Gohil on Vimeo.

Behind the Scenes of Ballet Performance

Contact Sheets from Photoshoot 1

 

 

I have made 2 contact sheets of images which I took while filming in London. I thought it would be a good first take to see how the images will come out in the same location of the where the music video was shot. I think having images in the same locations as where the music video was shot is a good idea becuase it will create this sense of consistencey however I don't want to repeat the image/look of the actor again. There are some images which stand out to me for instance: the last few are good where the actor is leaning and looking away and looking at the camera.

Props List

The props list features all the equipment, costumes and the potential styling needed to be done for my shoot. I specifically listed out what garments I want to build a costume for the music video. With my main actor, her outfits changed from the indoor and the outdoor shoot, as it needs to be suitble for the environment we were in to shoot.
For the ballerina performance, I've asked performer to wear a leotard to emphasis the 'ballerina' image.
Styling was also very specific. I listed out the make up I asked my main actor to wear and for the ballet performer.
All the potential equipment is also listed out needed for both filming and photoshoots.

Progress

This is my first post on my visual progression of my music video. On the timeline, I have already placed all the footage I have shot into different tracks and attempted to match the lip syncing with the audio. As you can see, from the top track on the timeline, I have started to edit out the video by watching it and then using the 'razor' tool to cut split the video from one part to another. On the left hand side, I have imported all footage from both the outdoor and the indoor shoot. To be more organised, I categorised them into folders of locations for instance 'Studio Shoot' or 'Tower Bridge Shoot'.

 

Raw Footage 2

Behind the Scenes of Video Shoot (Drama Studio)

Here  is a quick behind the scenes video of my first scheduled video shoot in the drama studio.
In this video you will see me shooting many takes of my performer. There were different camera angles and equipment used in order to achieve at least 5 different takes.

Raw Footage

This raw footage is one of the takes from my music video shoot in the drama studio. I used the Steadicam to achieve extreme close up shots of the performer.

Personnel Details

Equipment Borrowing

This document portrays all the essential equipment that I needed during my filming. I had to ensure that I wrote specific details on the production and the use of the equipment. Dates were also stated in when I needed the equipment and for how long.

Starting to Shoot Music Video - Production Log #13

Over the half term, I came into school to shoot my studio scenes of the actor, in the Drama studio. It took me roughly around 2 hours to shoot all kind of shots. Before the actor came in, I had set up the equipment such as the lights, diffuser light, camera and tripod for behind the scenes and another camera and tripod to take the footage. I also got the music ready so that when it came to shooting, all I have to do it press play rather than shuffling around and wasting time to find the song on the spot and waiting for it to load. Other equipment I had to set up beforehand was the steadicam, as when it came to shoot with the steadicam, I only had to adjust the camera, once again to save time. Once my actor arrived at the location, I went through my ideas and what I want to achieve, I gave her some ideas and directions on what to do when I’m filming her. The first take was a mid-shot, however it didn’t come out well, firstly because of the lighting; there was too much exposure and the frame was out of frame, however this gave me a heads up to understand what I need to do for the next take. I roughly took around 10-15 clips of my actor performing however all of them are different in terms of shots and angles. I think the studio shoot was very successful, as the outcome of the footage was very impressive. The clips were clear and the lighting adjustments were exact. I was achieving a black background and the singer standing out from it. The main equipment which helped me achieve a clear view of the actor was the diffuser light.

Photographs of Chosen Locations

 

 

 

 



These images are the final locations where I shot my music video. There are many outdoor locations such as Southbank, Tower Bridge and near the london eye where there are really good scenes. I have to use both the tripod and the steadicam to achieve the best footage. These weregood locations in where I capture the visulation of urban. Asmy video is a performance based music video, the Drama Studio  was the essential location to shoot the performance of both the main protagonist and the ballet performer.

 

 

Artist Styling

The powerpoint talks about what certain outfits and make up looks I have planned for my actor and ballet performer.

Filming and Editing Schedule

The blog post shows all the days I’ll plan to film and edit my music video. The dates were matched with the performers availability. I sat down and went through all the possible filming I need to do and when I can plan to edit the footage. This schedule will enable me to stay on track with this project and ensure that everything is consistent.

Location recce

Drafting Process of Ancillary Task (Magazine Album Advert)

 

 

These images are my first drafting of my magazine advert. I used InDesign CS6 to product this layout. As I have used InDesign CS6 previously for my AS coursework, I believe I am more confident in using this software to produce my ancillary tasks. Also I have developed my skills in using InDesign by learning new tasks such as in today's lesson (23rd October) I learnt how to draw a star on InDesign. At first I was struggling to find the star shape and drawing it out, however there is such a simple step to achieve this. You have to hold down the 'rectangle tool' and then click the 'Polygon Tool'. Draw the shape out but hold donw the mouse, press the 'space bar' and then using the Up, Down, Left and Right on the keyboard. If you press 'up' the points on the shape increase, if you press 'down' it will decrease the points. Press the 'left' or 'right' button to make the points shape in or out. To multiply them press the 'space bar' and then press the 'right' button as many times you want to multiply the shape.

 

My first draft took me 5 minutes to produce. It was a quick template which then I typed in the information soon after. In the first draft, I didn't add any text however this was my rough visualisation of how I want my magazine advert to look like.

Later on the day, In my free time I completed it by adding the reviews and adding text. In addition to that I re-arranged the texts and sizes of the text. I also created an alternative layout for this page which was another new skill I learnt instead of copying past from one page to another and having to re-arrange everything which can be time consuming.

 

I like the gradient effect I have used on the text 'Katy B' and 'Little Red' as these have to be outstanding for the reader.

The typography used on the text at the bottom only is on words which need to be standing out. 'Out Now' is capitalised to make it stand out to the reader also in bold and in itallics. Itallics and Bold are used on the name of the song as well.

Risk Assessment

This is a document to show proof on the risk assessment I have undertaken. I listed out all the potential risks and hazards, details of what could happen, ways to minimise the risk and last of all who would be responsible with this risk.

Storyboard and Magazine Advert - Production Log #12

Production Log #12 from Geeta Gohil on Vimeo.

Shot List

Planning Tasks - Production Log #11

In the Monday's single lesson (13th October), I completed a easy task which took me nearly the full lesson. I chose to do a task which hasn't been mentioned. This task has been beneficial towards my planning of the music video. First of all, when it comes to create the storyboard, the breakdown of the song can help me in knowing which part I can easily match footage to the chorus/verse/bridge. Another benefit of this task is to know the timings of the chorus and verses.

In the double lesson on the 16th October, I started working on my shot list. I have gradually started to plan out my music video.
The shot list has been the hardest planning task for me because I have to be very specific with which type of shot it is, when it will be featured, the length of the shot and details of the shot. The process itself is very long. I have a clear visual idea of what my music video will be like.

My organisational skills has been improving by ensuring that I clearly plan out the lessons as well plan out what I need to do in my free time. After completing all research tasks which had to be carried out. My time management in the beginning wasn't good as well becuase I didn't which tasks to carry or I spent too much time on one task to make it look good, however after being told that each task has a priority it made me understand that certain tasks only need half an hour to complete or more than a lesson to work on to get it to a '4'.
At the end of completing all my research taks I am more organsied and have good time managment when it came to start my planning tasks.

Breakdown of Chosen Song

I decided to breakdown the song into different parts. I listened to the song and wrote down the timing of when the music changes or the verse goes into the chorus or a bridge is entered into the song.
This task will help me plan which part of the song will have the performance and which part will have the narrative footage. This is a task which is not compulsory to do however i thought it would be ideal to do something like this because when it comes to editing, i know roughly on where I want each shot/scene to be and match it up.

Equipment List

This document portrays all the equipment which I require to shoot my music video. The equipment which I have listed out will be used in both studio shoot and outdoor shoot.

Improving Research Tasks - Production log #10

6th October /9th October

I started to refine few tasks in order for them to reach the proiority.

There were few research tasks which had more proirity over few. I ensure that they reached the top marks. In my blogpost I made sure that I spoke about the purpose of doing this task and how it will help in when it comes to planning.
This week has been more about improving all the tasks for the research rather than jumping straight into the planning.
For homework, I will be aiming to do a storyboard to start off the planning. I also need to search for potentail actors and performers for my music video.

Throughout the past 5 weeks, my organisation skills have improved. I have been planning out each week of tasks which need to be completed during my lessons and for homework.
In addition, my time management skills has been put to the test. Each week I have aimed to complete tasks before starting the next tasks of the next week.

Contact With Artist

This is an email I send to Rinse Recording Label (Katy B's Record Label) to request a permission to use her song 'Crying for no Reason' for my music video coursework.

In this email, I have explained the read why I will be using the song and reassured them that no copyright infringement is intended. 

Proposal and Contact with Artist- Production Log #9

29th September - 2nd October
Now that I have finished all my research tasks, I am going to be focusing on the planning tasks while I plan out my music video.
The first task to start of the planning phase of my coursework was the proposal. The proposal indicates my final idea of what I want my music to be. There were many sections which I had to fill out. They include: Brief, what is my aim for this coursework, description of my intentions, target audience and similar products. This proposal will give a rough indication to others on what my work will look like however I had a second look at the proposal and improved it by adding more specific detail on what I want to achieve at the end of the project, with specific lists of equipment . This shows that I have thought through on this project and what my aim is.
In my free time, I emailed Rinse Record Label in requesting to have permission in using the song ‘Crying For No Reason’ by Katy B. I ensured that I briefly told them who I am, what I do and what my sole purpose is in using the song.

Revised Proposal

I decided to look at my proposal again and clearly write the proposal. I included details of the aim and what i want to achieve for my music video. The description of my intentions was changed slightly as I listed out equipment for instance, so that as a producer I specifally know what I want.

Proposal

Audience Research

I researched into my target audeince which my media product will be aimed at.I ensured that I get the correct information. I researched into their interests, characteristics, Age and which Gender would have more focus in the music video.

My audience are mainstreamers and aspirers, also they would classify as individualists as well. They go with the flow however they want to show the world that they are different. They fit in the social category of C2 D E. The target audience would watch my music video watch their favourite music artist perform or listen to their favoruite song and for entertainment/escapism. 

By watching my music video the target audience are building their personal relationship with the aritst and the people around them who also watch the music video as they have the same common interest as other viewers, and it would also be a controversial topic for them to talk about that can build up the popularity of the music video.

Work I Admire and Equipment- Production Log #8

22nd/25th September 2014

This week I have been focusing on completing tasks and ensuring they are once again at a top standard.
I researched into work which I admire. This task has helped me get clear visual ideas of what I want parts of my video to be. 

On thursday, I focused on researching equipment that I will use when shooting. This task will be helpful for me to understand why I am using this, How I will use it and what it does. I looked into the type of camera used, Lighting equipment for photoshoots and footage, locations, softwares I will be using when it comes to editing footage and producing the ancillary tasks, 
Audience Research and Moodboard was two extra tasks I set myself to do for homework. With my audience research, I made a moodboard on what they like and dislike and some text on the side which clearly states who the audience are what they do.

Over the past few weeks, I have been refining my organisation and time keeping skills as I have been listing out tasks which have to be completed at a certain time period.  Each lesson I aim to complete at least one task to make sure that I don't waste time after finishing a task and get into my planning earlier than scheduled. 

Equipment

Channels/Festivals

Channels
MTV 

MTV (originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American basic cable and satellite television channel owned by the MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, a unit of the Viacom Media Networks division of Viacom. 
 

The channel is headquartered in Los Angeles, and is a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. Launched on August 1, 198. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by television personalities known as VJ’s – Video Jockeys. In its early years MTV's main target demographic were young adults, but today, MTV's programming is primarily targeted at adolescents and teenagers.

MTV has got numerous sister channels in the U.S. and affiliated channels internationally, some of which have gone independent. MTV's influence on its audience, including issues related to censorship and social activism, has been a subject of debate for years.

As of August 2013, approximately 97,654,000 American households (85.51% of households with television) receive MTV.

The first music video shown on MTV was The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star". This was followed by the video for Pat Benatar's "You Better Run". 

The original purpose of MTV was to be "Music Television", playing music videos 24 hours a day, seven days a week, guided by on-air personalities known as VJs, or video jockeys. The original taglines of the channel were "You'll never look at music the same way again," and "On cable. In stereo." Although the original MTV channel no longer plays music videos 24/7, several of its spin-off channels do, including MTV Hits and MTV Jams. In addition, viewers can play music videos on-demand at MTV.com. MTV continues to support a broad selection of music videos on its international channels as well.

4Music 

 

4Music is a music and entertainment channel in the United Kingdom and available on some digital television providers in the Republic of Ireland. The channel launched on 15 August 2008, replacing The Hits. It is the only Channel 4-branded channel within the Box Television network. It is available on Freeview, Virgin Media, Sky and Smallworld Cable. On 2 April 2013, all Box Television channels went free-to-air on satellite, apart from 4Music which went free-to-view.

 
4Music has coverage at both festivals during the Summer, with highlights repeated frequently throughout the Summer. The channel also has stages at both events. At T4 on the Beach since 2007 (renamed the "T4 and 4Music Stage" in 2010) and at the V Festival since 2005 (then known as the "Channel 4 Stage", renamed to the "4Music Stage" in 2008).
T4 on the Beach ended after T4 closed down on 30 December 2012.


Festivals

The festivals which I have research are the top 3 festivals in the world.

1. Donauinselfest

Donauinselfest (German for Danube Island Festival) is attended by 3.2 million people (last recorded in 2013). This is the world’s biggest festival which takes place in Vienna, Austria.

There are over 2,000 acts that perform at this festival. There is a mixture of acts that perform from different countries. There are up to 21 stages around 20 areas. The festival itself lasts for three days, its impressive how 3 million attend this 3 days festival. The festival has been lasting for 30 years and million have gathered on a 6.5 kilometre stretch of the Danube Island in Vienna to listen and see the biggest names of Austrian Music to perform. The festival also has international acts from Italy and Sweden.

2. Mawazine

Mawazine is a festival which is help in Rabat, Morocco, with an attendance of 2.5 million people – last recorded in 2013. There are 7 stages with roughly around 90 acts. This festival is huge but not as well known. The Line-up consists of African artists – specifically those from French-African artist. There is a small amount of huge international names that perform. Rabat has been vistited by top aritsts known globally such as Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie. In 2013, Rihanna headlines the festival. The festival has been beating its own attendance record, breaking the million mark for many years running now.

3. Summerfest

Summerfest is a festival held in USA, Wisconsin. This is the only USA festival in the top 3. This festival is attendenced by 800K-1million people. In 2013, the attendance recorded was 840,000. With over 800 acts and 11 stages. They have the standard array of stages: one for the main players, one for the up-and-comers, one for the locals, and then a few for different genres like electronic and rock

It hold a Guinnessbook of world records for holding the title of the world’s largest festival. The festivals line up include FUN, A-Track, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and more.

In 2013 The Avett Brothers/Violent Femmes were the opening headliners. This year Bruno Marks and Lady Gaga are opening headlines.

Research into Genre

Below are two videos of R&B songs which have been produced, sung and performed by different artists in different decades.

Present Day (2014) - R&B songs now are more neo-pop and have a lot of beat to it rather than focusing on real vocals and harmonies. Auto tune is used more commonly and effects to give effects to the vocals and the music itself.



A R&B song in the 90's - Songs in the 90's are more focused on the vocals and harmonies.

Analysis of Ancilary Task (Digipack)

This is a digipak which I own and have decided to analyse in depth on how it made me purchase it and what is featured insides. By analysing this digipak I can understand the conevntions and features of what needs to be in a digipak and consider them when it comes to making my own digipak for my coursework.

First of all, This cardboard digipak features a CD, a booklet which has the songs lyrics and in-depth information about who produced the song and who was behind in producing and making the songs and more, and there is the cardboard cover itself which has the album track list at the back alongside the institution information and the front - or mainly known as the album front artwork.

The Booklet inside has got many images which relate to these of the digipak. The colour scheme is consistent and features the colours of Red, Black, Gold, Silver and Grey. There is a whole set of artwork in the booklet and inside the digipak which gives the product more of a consistent flow and not have odd random bits of text and images in random places.
Lyrics and extra information is featured inside the booklet for people who purchase the digipak and want to know more about the song or learn the words to a certain song or read personal messages the artist has written to all the people they have mentioned - from producers to family members to fans.

The digipak follows the conventions of a digipak which is that it's a cardboard, it has a gatefold, CD and a booklet.


 

Moodboard and Video Montage

This moodboard features images which I have been inspired for my music video. There are images of locations which I may possibly use to shoot my music video. Images from music videos are the style I want to achieve for my music video however adapt it in my style.




 
I also created a video montage of all the music videos that have inspired me to get an idea. The music videos which I have used all have one thing in similar. There are either some parts or the whole music video is a performance based music video. The video montage roughly views the clear idea I wish to create for my own music video. 

Work I Admire

These 3 music videos have some elements of performance and narrative into the music video. I like the concept of having a black background and having something like bright lights in contrast. In achieving that i would need to use green screen or use a spotlight instead.

In Rihanna's music video 'diamonds'. I like the black and white tone used throughout the music video. The the close ups of the artist singing in between the music video with a ray of light flickering between is something I would like incorporate into my music video. In achieving a similar look to those close ups, I would have to use the drama studio and the spotlights.

In the Airplanes music video, the silhouette of Hayley Williams while she is performing with the background of the different lights and stardust lights is also something I liked.

The Script's Hall of Fame music video have me the inspiration of having a ballerina in my music video. The dance performance will give a sense of emotion to it. I admire this music video as it's very unique and has got a message behind it. The music video narrates about 2 peoples lives. Both are failing however they persevere. The boxing guy, used to get beaten up first and now is a champion and the girl who is deaf does ballet however people are very judgemental towards her, she doesn't let that affect her. She stuggles in her audition however she ends up being a ballerina and performing a lead role.

Influence in Style

Analysis of Anciliary Task 2 (Magazine Advert)

This is part 2 of the Ancillary Task, which is part of the main task which is to create a music video.
I researched into 3 different genre artist's music advert. Each of them have similar features and follow the codes and conventions of a advert however they all differ in the way they are presented, especially with the appearance of the aritst and cover image of the advert.

Research into Other Music Video Directors

Production Log #7 - Ancillary Tasks Analysis (Digipak and Magazine Advert), Influence of Style, Research into R&B and Channels and Festivals

18th Septmeber 2014

This week consisted of aiming to finish off my research tasks, however there were few tasks which I have to improve and get to the a certain leve3l. Few of my taska are on 2/3 and the priority of the tasks are a 3 or a 4.

With my Ancillary tasks, I completed to research another digipak, I only have 1 more digipack to analyse and discuss the conventions of them. I research and analysed three magazine adverts of a music album. I chose three different magazine adverts from different music genres. I analysed Jessie J, Lana Del Ray and Coldplays Adverts. They all follow the same conventions however the presentation of how they capture the audience's attention is different.

Another task which I set myself to complete in lesson was Influence of Ssyle. As the chosen genre of music I have chosen is R&B, I researched fully into how certain influences has changed R&B and which influences are currently affecting the R&B genre.
I also research on the history of R&B music and how it was developed. The work also consisted on information about artists as well who are notable for their R&B work. Few influences of R&B is Technology - Auto Tune, electronic equipment, synthesisers have become popular and has given R&B more of a modern electronic theme to it.

Alongside with this task, Researching into Genre was part of the task, I created a different task for this research task. I mention few points on the history of R&B, how it's developed into a declined genre now in the music industry. While doing this task, I have really understood the concept of the R&B genre and what is needed to be categorised into that genre. With this task, I posted to music videos with the task so that I could portray the difference between the R&B music in the 1990's and R&B currently. I chose Boyz II Men and compared their music to a current R&B artist, Chris Brown with his new sinlge 'New Flame'. They both completely differ. Boy II Men have more focus on the vocals and harmonies whereas Chris Brown has more electronic modern effects  with Auto Tune to make vocals sound like they are echoing.

Another task which I compelted during my free time was researching into Music channels and Festivals. This task would have been the easiest to do, as I knew plenty of music channels that I watch and can talk about. I chose two well known music channels; MTV and 4Music.
I also researched into Festivals. There are many music festivals around the world however I researched into the top festivals in the world. The top 3 festivals which I researched into were Donauinselfest (Vienna, Austria), Mawazine (Rabat, Morocco) and Summerfes (Wisconsin, USA).