Production- Film Improvement Areas

I plan to filming again next week I need to find  a day that the pit will be free as next week there are a lot of events going on so I will struggle to find a free space.
I need to re-film what I have already as I feel the quality needs to be improved.
My own personal target is to leave the camera alone when its on the tripod so I can get static shots without any movement or interruption.
With the filming that I have done already I'm so pleased with the outcome as I think I could achieve a professional performance music video.
The lighting, setting and characters look so like the genre I'm focusing on.

Areas I need to Re-film and Improve
- Door opening, smoothly no one walking past or canteen posters in the background
- Dancers walking in, in unison and at the same pace.
- Variety of shots of walking down stairs
.. From above the pit and from across the room.
-Make sure there are no objects that are in view (Improve Framing)
- Improve shot stability- Make sure I don't have a broken tripod that wobbles
- Use a dolly for opening
-Get a shot of a film light turning on
- Dancers choreography in time, and matching the tempo of the music.
- Dancer C Maddy scene on pointe, going up and coming down without wobbling
- In focus and correct framing for close up shots of Bradley
-USE TWO CAMERAS next time as it was so difficult with just one.

Production- List for next film shoot

I was quite organised last time I filmed , but I found a problem with connecting my ipod into the speakers I found that I had to go back and fourth constantly. So next time I'm going to bring my portable speakers so I can carry them around the room without having to be running back and fourth.
Equipment List

• Portable speakers
• SD cards 4x
• HD Camera
• Dolly
• Tripod
• ipod

Costume List

Bradley

• Blazer
• Brogues
• White Shirt
• Black skinny jeans
• Sunglasses

Dancers

• Black long sleeve dresses
• Head Garments
• Ballet shoes

Production- Rehearsal

Tonight I have booked the pit for an hour to do a rehearsal with the three ballet dancers. I have asked them to bring their costumes and I have supplied the props.
I'm doing this early so if there are any changes that need to be made it wont be a problem and it will not be something that I will have to worry about or sort out last minute.

I have asked them to bring any black dresses and leggings that they have got we will decide together what is suitable and make sure they are happy with what they are wearing. I have also bought a spare black dress and ballet shoes if one of the girls needs either. Rather than creating a ballet dancer look I want a sleek vintage look like the dancers in the Hurts and Duran Duran videos are, they are not strictly dressed for that particular era but the clothing is very dramatic and eye catching and will work well under a white spot light.
Like the Pixie Lott music video 'Gravity' I am trying to achieve a simple black and white theme.
I want the dancers and the vocalist to be the main focus and not to be to distracted by the back ground
I could have done this in a studio but I like the setting of the Pit it has a really industrial look and is a unique setting that will allow me to create a variety of shots.
 By having a rehearsal just with the dancers tonight will allow me to work out any problems that I may face. I want the girls and myself to have a clear understanding of the stage directions and of the dance. The girls have danced in a dance that I choreographed a few years ago and are fast learners. I just hope I have enough time to choreograph and work round the space successfully.I will be making notes of any changes and possibly change my storyboard if I feel that particular areas are not working in the rehearsal


My plan is to use the whole of the pit for the dancers as I want create different levels and angles. I want a variety of footage that I can play around with afterwards because beforehand I have have to little film and its very hard to work with. I am mainly focusing on the quality of their performance as it is a bit part in the video. I am aiming for clear and synchronised movements using levels and possible some interesting lifts or footwork.

Production- The Fascinators

After a week of searching I have managed to purchase my fascinators

I originally wanted to buy some netted Pill Box Hats which is also featured in Wonderful Life the Hurts video

"A pillbox hat is a small women's hat in a simple, understated style. Pillbox hats were immensely popular from the 1930s through the 1960s, and they continue to be worn today by some women, in addition to styles which have diverged slightly from the traditional pillbox. Many hatstores carry pillbox hats in a variety of colours and styles".

Even after a week of trying to find a Pill Box hat I found that they were far to expensive to buy each one was retailing at £50-£200 and considering the fact I have 3 dancers there was no way I could keep in budget or afford to buy 3 hats just for a music video. I searched on ebay and gumtree to try and find one but they were equally just as expensive. I had a brainwave yesterday and remembered that they do slightly cheaper versions called fascinators head garnments. Because my rehearsal is today I needed something pretty fast. I went into a shop in saffron walden and found some retailing at £7 each which is a significant difference unfortunately they only had 2 of them so rather than have all 3 dancers in unison. Bought a little head piece which also looks like the fascinator.I wanted a fascinator because I thought they are a quite dramatic. The Hurts have used them and so has Duran Duran. So I wanted to make that link.

Production- Props

This is just a few places were the prop was used in the music video. It does work quite well and because the wood is light it does stand out. I would have preferred the leather chair but I think this worked well.

Production- Costumes

As my singer is going to be the main focus of the video I will refer to an intertextual reference with the costume I plan for main singer to be in a black suit with high buttoned shirt.

Its the little details like an earring a top button done up and shirt cuffs folded up that summarise the 'Hurts look'.The hurts resemble the gaunt, starving artistes masquerading as stylish Italian models. The look is so very much sombre and monochrome.The angular haircuts, the prominent cheekbones, the darkly lit black-and-white settings, the pained stares into the middle distance which is exactly what I want re-create with my own video these are typical conventions of synth pop genre texts.

The reason why I chose Bradley to be my main singer is because he resembles this look as it very individual he is perfect for the look and already owns these style clothes as he wear them on a day to day basis. He is skinny and has an edgy look. I'm very pleased that he agreed to be in my video as he fits the profile perfectly

Bradley costume list

• Blazer
• High buttoned shirt
• Earring
• Black Skinny jeans and Black trousers

Dancers costume list

• Long sleeve shift dress
• Fasinators 2x
• Head piece 1x
• Ballet shoes 3x
• Black tights 3x

Production- Finished Story Board (40 TO DO SCAN IN!!)

Unfortunatley I split milkshake all over my story boards but some survied. I had 11 A4 storyboards in total I will try and re do the storyboards that got covered.

Roland Barthes- Narrative theory

Roland Barthes developed a concept that every narrative is interwoven with five codes that drive one to maintain interest in a story. The first two codes involve ways of creating suspense in narrative, the first by unanswered questions, the second by anticipation of an action's resolution. These two codes are essentially connected to the temporal order of the narrative.

The Hermeneutic Code
The hermeneutic code refers to plot elements of a story that are not explained. They exist as enigmas that the reader wishes to be resolved. A detective story, for example, is a narrative that operates primarily by the hermeneutic code. A crime is exposed or postulated and the rest of the narrative is devoted to answering questions raised by the initial event.
The Proairetic Code
The proairetic code refers to plot events that imply further narrative action. For example, a story character confronts an adversary and the reader wonders what the resolution of this action will be. Suspense is created by action rather than by a reader's wish to have mysteries explained. The final three codes are related to how the reader comprehends and interprets the narrative discourse.
The Semic Code
A seme is a unit of meaning or a sign that express cultural stereotypes. These signs allow the author to describe characters, settings and events. The semic code focuses upon information that the narration provides in order to suggest abstract concepts. Any element in a narrative can suggest a particular, often additional, meaning by way of connotation through a correlation found in the narrative. The semic code allows the text to 'show' instead of 'tell' by describing material things.
The Symbolic Code
The symbolic code refers to a structural structure that organizes meanings by way of antitheses, binary oppositions or sexual and psychological conflicts. These oppositions can be expressed through action, character and setting.
The Cultural Code The cultural code designates any element in a narrative that refers to common bodies of knowledge such as historical, mythological or scientific. The cultural codes point to knowledge about the way the world works as shared by a community or culture

I looked at the song by The Wanted-Glad you came I thought it represented the semic code because it showed a group of young men having fun and partying in Ibiza. The music video I think was all about the visual aspect the fact camera shots and split screens help to really draw the audience in to what the music video fits the fast pace tempo of the music so you can relate what you seeing to the music your hearing.
There are so many sterotypical elements in the music video for example

• Young men-Group partying together
• Lots of young girls surrounding them

The sterotypical celebrity lifestyle is really infulenced in this music video all the mise-en-scene like the yacht, designer clothes and cars are in the video and the setting reflects what us the audience imagine to be paradise. The whole video is about us watching them have a good time on the island.

Planning- Equipment List

-Actor
-Dancers
-Cameras
-ipod
-Speakers
-Storyboard
-Tripod
-Dolly
-4x SD cards
-Costumes
-Props

Research- Better than love

After looking more into music videos that the Hurts have created I have recently discoved that they have actually made a music video to one of my favourite hurts songs better than love and it features ballet dancers.

I was really intrested to study and see how they get such good footage of the ballet dancers in motion

This shot on the left for example is a great shot for movement as the audience are completely focused on her you can tell this because the pianist and the woman have been blurred out in the background.

Its a wonderful shot and I am definatley considering including a shot like this in my film. Especially the blurred background its a nice subtle effect but shows clear intentions she really looks like she is connecting with the audience.

Comparred to another dancer in the video which has been filmed from the side the postion and stance of the dancer is clear but she has no connection with the camera. Against the dark background she really stands out in her leotard and tutu.

Im not so sure about this because I want the dancers to connect with the audience as much as possible.

Planning- Lip Syncing

I'm hoping that lip syncing wont be to much of a problem my main character Bradley does have a lisp, so to help improve this when filming he is learning the lyrics really well, and also I thought it might be a good idea to film it slowly and then speed it up when editing.

Planning- Dance Formations

Planning- Dance Moves

Planning- Costumes

My main character's costume (Bradley's) would be in the original style of what the Hurts wear already. I have kept this the same as I don't think it would be a good idea to change it because it is what works already and because its such a niche genre I think it would be a mistake to change the existing conventions to drastically. I think to represent to genre its important to make sure my character is in the right dress code. For example in a Saturdays music video they wouldn't be wearing smart clothing they are more likely to wear tight and bright clothing. As I am working on a budget I was lucky that Bradley has most of the items on my costume idea, He owns a grey fitted blazer, white shirt and brogues. To add a more modern twist I decided that instead of suit trousers something like black skinny jeans would be more modern and on trend. The earring is a key accessory as most synthpop have a single ear piercing luckily Bradley has both ears pierced. I really like this idea the brogues are my favourite as they are on trend now but also represent an old fashioned style shoe.

 The first design idea is very much like Duran Duran's girls in the music video my own way. The girls in the video are Spanish and are in striking flamenco dresses. I really like this idea as its smart but I would adapt it more to suit my genre but still have references to the Spanish theme in Duran Duran for example, The 'Bun' up do is very much a Spanish look but I would adapt to and add a fasinator to suit my genre the 'Bun' up do is not only smart but practical for the dancers to be dancing in. Instead of the flamenco dresses I would make my own 3 Bell skirts out of netting and satin, the netting gives the volume and the satin would give the skirt a classier look as I don't want them to look like tutus . To keep costs down I would ask the girls to bring black vest tops to wear tucked into the skirt. The vests would give the dancer look as arms and neck would be bare and give a demure look but I'm not so sure it would be as classy. As the vests would be tucked in to avoid creasing or ruffling when dancing I would provide a thick black or red ribbon 'Sash' to hide the joining of the garments. This would make the costume almost appear as a dress, a much cheaper way then buying dresses. 

I had two designs for the dancers as I wanted them to be a part of the selection of their costume as I wanted them to choose something that they would be comfortable in. Both dancer costumes suit the genre so it was a choice between the two. I have decided to go with this style as I ended up spending a lot of money on my AS production and for A2 I wanted to budget myself and not spend very much. The black long dresses the girls all had but I have a spare exactly like this image. I prefer the more fitted dress and practically I don't think I would be able to make the other dresses in time. I decided that for the second costume idea that I would put the girls in black tights. I don't want anything to revelling as it is not the style of the genre. The black tights will make the pale pink ballet shoes much easier to see on camera and will go with the black dress. Although I would love to use the first design, the second is not only more practical but is what the dancers would feel most comfortable in.

Planning- Props

I didn't want to over complicate my music video and as far as props, I only have one thing that I would consider using. In the Pit (My filming location) there is an old rocking chair that I think would look really good in the music video. I did originally want to use the old vintage leather chair that is also in the pit but unfortunately it was recently thrown out which I am really disappointed about it looked just like the picture on the right and the old style chair would have really suited the genre.
I will have to make do with the rocking chair it wont be as effective but its a better choice of chair than a modern school chair. As is a very pale wood I'm hoping that it will show up well on camera.

Planning- Starting StoryBoard

I have started the storyboard for my video in rough. I have drawn up in pencil so I can rub out any mistakes if I need to and added all the different types of shots that I want to add in my film. I have played the song over and over and added the duration of each shot length, transition and planned lighting. I know it fits in with the song because I've timed it through accurately.
I wanted to get the storyboard done early so I know exactly what i'm doing when it comes to the actual filming. Which was something last year I didn't prepare properly and I really struggled with coming up with ideas on the spot. I now know if I plan it early I will have time to focus on the quality of the shots and will have plenty of time to change or edit when I need to.

Now that I have decided on having a mix of dancing and vocal performance I think a the mix of these two acts will keep the audience engaged but also give an clear understanding of the genre type. I am now sure about filming in the pit as it has the industrial look I want but also because of the levels of flooring it will allow me to have a full range of shots. My personal target for this project is to be more experimental with the types of shots that filming and the quality of them. Last year my shots were experimental but didn’t flow and the quality was very poor this time round I will be using a dolly and a stand. I’m hoping to use at least  two cameras this time  so I can get different angles of the same performance so I don’t have to keep repeating it. I plan to film as much as I can so I have plenty of film to play around with.

Planning- The Pit

These are some photos of the Pit at SWCHS were I plan to film my music video taking photos has helped me to plan things better on my storyboard as I can see what the space is and can copy any shots I would like accurately onto my storyboard. It also allows me to be realistic with spacing and design the best floor plan I can for the Dancers.

I thought this would be a great angle to film the entrance of the dancers proceeding down the stairs to join the main singer (Bradley)
As the pit is on two levels it is great for filming.






The image on the right is what it looks like from the lower level

its shows how unique the room is. This is a great place to film the Dancers coming down the stairs and possibly and interesting shot of Bradley from lower floor height with the girls coming into the room behind him this would set the scene and allow the audience to understand the settings and see the dancers come in to the room. Rather then them just popping up out of no where. Obviously the chairs, speakers and frame that are in this picture wont be there as there is a black curtain that

This is the ceiling which I think is one the best features of the room is a really unique square with a square window and has the same abstract look as the room that Better in Love by the Hurts is filmed in. (The picture is bellow)

I want to record as much of the features of the room as possible and really use the space its a bonus that there are already black curtains to surround the lower level so I haven't got to worry about any random objects or posters in the backgrounds of my music video

This is a screen shot from the 'Better than love' music video but the Hurts as you can clearly see there is a structural likeness between the two rooms. The pit has a stairs down to a lower level as does the room in the Hurts video its unfortunate that the stairs are not as steep as the other video but its quite a likeness.
As is the bricked walls and the unique lighting. The Hurts video location may be a bit more rough and suited than mine but I was quite lucky to find two rooms quite as similar.

Ancillary Task- Completed and Comparison

Ancillary Task- The Strangers

Last Wednesday the 9th of November our 'The Strangers' came to our school to perform which gave a chance for us media students to have a go at filming their performance. We worked in groups and chose our songs that we wanted them to perform and with 3 cameras experimented with shots to record successful footage of their performance. Something that we later on edited on the Macs to create our own performance music videos.

The Strangers are a synth pop band that has 3 members. 1 singer 1 electric drummer and 1 keyboard player. The resemble the band the Hurts. Their music is quite electronic



In our group was Annie,Frank,Jess,Michael,James and me we looked at The song if I found love

Their orginal music video...

Problems that our group encountered

·         Strangers turned up nearly half an hour late which messed up each groups filming slots.

·          After The Strangers turned up it was at least another half an hour to set up the equipment and do sound checks

·         Our group Only had three SD cards it would have been better if we had four because we could have used another camera which would have allowed more footage

·         We decided that ‘If I found love’ was the song we wanted to film them performing the problem was that they song they performed wasn’t the same as the one they had previously produced on YouTube so when it came to editing the film it was very hard to lip sync with the original song.

·         The pit was a bit awkward to film in as it was a bit cramped with everyone in there. The Strangers set up their equipment right in corners so this restricted Framing and lighting and also the range of shots that we could achieve.

·         One of the cameras was not turned on, one of the members of the group accidently didn’t turn the camera on when filming and that camera being right at the front we couldn’t get valuable footage

•  The cameras had to move with the performers, which proved very difficult they didn’t seem to cooperate when we were filming so we had to film round what the performers were doing.
  

Planning- Actor and Dancers

Main Character- Singer

I have chosen a boy in the year bellow called Bradley Howe.

Bradley is a A level drama student and is fantastic in his field. He is a very confident and very versatile with any character he plays.

He has the exact look I am after.

He is a tall skinny boy who dresses in the same form as the artist’s I’m focusing on when asking Bradley about being in my music video he was happy to help

Getting a costume for Bradley isn’t a problem, as he actually owns all the items I was hoping him to wear.

Bradley I know will be trustworthy and reliable, him being a drama student actually works in my favour, as he knows how to work any lighting and offer me any advice as a second opinion. I know he will be great to work with.

He is very photogenic and I’m very pleased he wants to take part.

The Dancers

I originally wanted my dancers to be professional ballet dancers and my friend outside of school being a professional ballet dancer in Birmingham I thought I had it sussed for her friends and her to help me for my music video.

But thinking about it realistically the travel costs would be immense and I could not guarantee their commitment as they all have such busy schedules as they have exams coming up.

I did dance for GCSE and in year 11 and had three girls in year 8 who did a dance for my GCSE final piece that I choreographed. As they girls are now in year 10 and grown up I thought it would be a great idea to ask them as I have already established a relationship with them and they are very hardworking.

I asked the three girls who accepted the offer.

I will have to supply them with any props but as I asked them to only bring a black dress each and they have their own ballet shoes.

Madeline one of the dancers has now started on Pointe which is a fantastic extra that I can add into my music video as she is still learning, she cant perform any advanced moves but can get onto point confidently which is all I really need.

Planning- Lyrics

Time waits for no one
So do you want to waste some time?
Oh, oh tonight
Don't be afraid of tomorrow
Just take my hand
I'll make it feel so much better tonight


Suddenly my eyes are open
Everything comes into focus, oh
We are all illuminated
Lights are shining on our faces, blinding


Swing me these sorrows
And try delusion for a while
It's such a beautiful night
You've got to lose inhibition
Romance your ego for a while
Come on, give it a try


Suddenly my eyes are open
Everything comes into focus, oh
We are all illuminated
Lights are shining on our faces, blinding


We are, we are blinding
We are, we are blinding


Suddenly my eyes are open
Everything comes into focus, oh
We are all illuminated
Lights are shining on our faces, blinding


We are, we are blinding
We are, we are blinding

When I see these lyrics I think of a stage performance like a dance or singing performance in front of a huge audience and I know from being on stage performing dance and drama that its scary that the audience can see you so clearly as you hightlighted by the stage light but you lok into a black space as you cant see the audience because you are literally blinded by the lights. I really like the idea of showing this.
Like showing a stage production I dont even have show an audience I just want the audience to see the reactions with the lighting.

I like the idea of the Singer and one of the dancers communicating together cause you see in some music videos for example.
Brianstorm by the artic monkeys they have atleast 15 dancers and they are just there for any accessory they dont interact with them they are purley there for show.
Compare to something like Beyonce- Single ladies she works with the two other dancer to make a triete its completely focused on her and the dancers they both get jut as much screentime.

Time waits for no one
So do you want to waste some time?
Oh, oh tonight
Don't be afraid of tomorrow
Just take my hand
I'll make it feel so much better tonight

So there I could have the singer literally singing to the dancers as if they were on stage together and in the verse Dont be afriad of tomororw jsut take my hand, literally the singer takes the dancers hand I could exentuate this by including something like a lift or motion to show they really are communicating.

Suddenly my eyes are open
Everything comes into focus, oh
We are all illuminated
Lights are shining on our faces,blinding

I really like the idea of being experimental with the lighting especially is I decide to film in the pit I have the use of lots of stage lights from the celing that I should make use of. I would definatey use a white spot light as it will show up the most as its will be a black and white film.
I could really enhamnce on the lyrics at blinded with extreme close ups of them squinting at the light.
Im quite lucky this is a short and sweet song. it isnt to long thought I do think it is a bit repetivtive in some areas but I will try and make this intresting by included lots of different shots and not repetiting on areas.

I personally think that the lyrics are a narrative itself they tell a story and I can just go along with it in a performance. So I am going to produce a performance music video and let the lyrics do the talking to the audience I dont want to overcomplicate things. With like relationships and drama, The song is not complicated so im going to leave it that way.