Evaluating the rough cut of music video

As the editing process starts, from having all of our footage from our shoot day. We loaded up the editing software 'Final Cut Pro' in were all our footage would have been uploaded.
The process started with looking at all the indviavial shots of the different scenes. This process does take a bit of time, in which is time consuming as well as you are naming each of the shots and then putting them in to group. There were of course shots in which were rejected because some were either off centre, framing, composition or the lighting was not right. This does help you when coming to edit the video, as you will know were each of the shots are, instead of trying to search for each of the shots.
 But the shots in which may not come in use, they some part of the footage may come in use in the editing half way through. At this point we had chosen the good footage in which we do believe will make a good video.

As the process of the editing starts, we had to sync all of the clips to the beat of the music, again this task does take its time, as you need to make sure that this is done correctly, otherwise the beat of song won't match the clip.

We then started to edit the performance of the video first, in which means that then we can then slot the narrative part in afterwards. We did this with lay shots onto a timeline and then edit shot lengths. The editing does require you to order the shots in terms of a performance or narrative sequences or both. 

We then started to place markers down in which part of the clip we wanted to use, it was much easier when then bring the clip down to the timeline and then you can easily blade the clip afterwards.  

In our music video there are of course clips in which had to be repeated in order for us to cut the video. But we were able to create a video which had variation to make it an interesting video to watch, and I believe we have done that. 

The overall structure of the video there is more performance to the narrative, as a group we believe that the performance aspect of the video is much stronger. But I do think that we have evened out the editing to make sure that the video is not boring to watch. I do also think that we have employed continuity to the beat of the song and with also the mise en scene of the first draft of the video. 

So as finish the rough cut of our video, I think that we have got a understanding on were the video is going. But we had a problem with moving all of the clips out of sync, which will now cause lots of moving around. The performance part needs work on were there is a beat, it needs to be showed on the camera at that time. I do also still think that maybe that the narrative isn't spread out enough in the video, in which I want to play around with in the final edit.

Here is the rough cut of our music video... 

Shoot day Photostream

sophiastanway's photostream on Flickr.

Music Promo- Write up of shooting day

What did you do the day before, to set up for you shoot?

The day before shooting, we were unlucky to be able to get access to the studio space as the other group were longer than expected. So with not being able to build the set, we wanted to make sure that we were all ready for tomorrow, so making sure that we have all the costumes, props all together and in the different scenes. We did also checked with the lead actors, and making sure the items in which we had asked them to bring, and also making sure that they are both still comfortable with what they had to do the next day.

How did you feel when you woke up on the morning of the shoot day?

 

The morning of the shoot day, I was so excited, but of course I was quite nervous, because simply we had so many scenes in the studio to do, and because of this not being able to go on location in the afternoon. But in the back of my mind I knew that it was going to be day in which I will never forget and have great fun.

 

How well prepared were you when arrived for your shoot, what did you have to do before you could start shooting?

 

As a group we were so prepared when we arrived for our shoot, as each of us knew what costumes and props we were bring in, and I think this was great, as we were stressing out beforehand. The only thing we could of done before the shoot was to print some pictures of for the bedroom scene in which we had forgotten to do. We then of course had to set the scene with the bed sheets, and then get actors in to the different costumes and the make-up in which didn't take that long to do.

 

Describe what the studio looked like when you started shooting, how well do you managed to create the look of you concept?

 

When we arrived in the studio. The media tech team had set up a basis of our set, which consisted of three white blank walls, in which had door either side. This was great for us, as then we can make the set in to what we like. The bedroom scene was the best one in which we transformed from a blank space, as we had made it in a really cosy bedroom, with a bed, posters, pictures, bedside draw. We were all happy with the transformation as it look like it could of been Ellie's (main girl) bedroom.

 

How did you divide the roles on you shoot day, what roles did you play?

 

In the group we divide the roles up well, so that everyone had a chance at playing a role in different things. But most of the time Charlie Feeney was on the dolly and in charge of the camera. Mariella Bailey was taking some really useful notes when all of the shooting was happening. This was great for the group as now looking back on the day, we can refer to the notes. Liv Hawthorne was in charge of the play back of the music and she also was making sure that everyone was knowing what they were doing. I then was in charge of doing the make-up and costumes changes. I did also throughout the day I was taking pictures.   

 

What do you think personally you did well?

 

I think that making sure that we had everything in the right place in the right time to make sure that the shoot goes as smoothly as possible. I also think that I did well with my make-up skills in making sure that the cast look the best they could.  

 

What problems did you have on the shoot day, and how did you solve them?

 

The problems we had on the shoot day, was not having enough time to be able to go on location in the afternoon. This was such a shame, as we think that it would of made our video stronger. So instead of going on location we shot the band in the studio in the same set, but just with their instruments. We also had to cut out the classroom scene, as we were just didn't have enough time do to it. We did also have a problem finding people for the party scene, which meant that we were grapping people who were free to help us out.

 

What part of the shoot do you wish had gone better, and why?

 

I think the scenes in which we all agree wish had gone better and that is the party scene, as it just didn't look as realistic enough, and then of course we would of wished that we went to the location of the barn with the band.

 

How well do you think you managed your talent?

 

I think as a group we all did well at managing all of the cast members, and that is what made the shoot day as successful as it was. But I do think that my make-up skills was a great talent in which I showed off in all of the cast members.

 

What was the part of the shoot you enjoyed the most?

 

The shoot day was a great experience to have, and I enjoyed every bit of it. It was great to understand to over come issues and then sort them out, to make it work. But I did really enjoy shooting the bedroom scene and the band scene. Both of these scenes I believe our strongest, and hopefully it will all come together to look like a professional music video.

 

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in the edit?

 

I think that I am going to look forward to editing the band the most. But I am really looking forward to all the scene merging together, and hopefully if it all works out, it should look really good.

 

How well do you feel that your production group worked as a team?

 

As a team we have worked together really well, and there have been no issues with anything. I have really enjoyed working with the three other girls.

 

Are there any lessons learned that could help you make you make your next shoot even more successful?

 

The main thing I have learnt over this music video, is making sure that your time management is good, all of the work in which you do before, is really important when it comes to the shoot day, so taking on board on all the preparation.

Shoot day is tomorrow

THE SHOOT IS TOMORROW! As this day has been waiting to arrive, it is finally here. We still have bits and pieces to do, like get all the costumes and props all together and making sure we have everything. We also wanted to make sure that we had spoken to all our cast members and making sure they know the timings of when we need them.
It then comes down to tonight building the set in the studio space. We are quite lucky with not having a difficult set to but up, and we are lucky enough to have part of the set already up and ready to go.

CD cover opitions

 

Option one:

Front CD cover

 

 

 

Option one:

Back CD cover

 

 

Option two:

Front CD cover

 

 

Option two:

Back CD cover

Photo shoot

We did a photo shoot with the band in a variety of locations. We started of with going down in the woods, this was great with all of the autumn colours and the trees in the background. But we found that setting the band up, was difficult to show each of the band members in each of there own light. We then decided to go on the roof, which looked really good, but was it strong enough to be on a front CD cover. I think we got some really good shots in which we can use, but just made need some editing to them

Here is some examples:

 

 

 

Costumes Confirmation

New band name

Above is were we have chosen a name in which all of us like. We have also decided that this is the font in which we like too. As when we start designing our website and CD covers this is the font we will use. 

Health and saftey in the Studio.

The health and safety in the studio, is making sure that as the filming crew that we are safe at all times when shooting our music video.
We need to be aware that we are using expensive equipment, so we want to be sure that we take care when using this. So the rules in which we should consider is:

* Not having lots of people in the studio at one time, as this can cause accident to occur.
* All leads, litter, props and costumes should be cleared after use.
* Fixed lighting must not be adjusted
* All mobile phones should be switched off, or on silent
* Do not lean against anything, as some of the set may be firm to the ground, so could cause it to break.
* All bags, coats and personal belongings to be left at the back of the studio, as this will prevent anyone tripping up on any items.
* If you have wet hands, don't touch any of the electrical equipment
* Don't move any of the set, or lighting without any of the staff consent

One of the main hazard when filming in a studio can involve several people: Cameraman, lighting director, casting director, ect... So with all this action going on and working together, which is normally in a confined space which needs a lot of concentration. In this scenario it is quite easy to forget all the signal leads, power cables, lighting stands, props and camera tripods. So it is therefore important to minimise the risk of tripping over something by keeping all bags and cases at the back of the studio far way from the working area. Leads and cables should be routed in a way so as to offer minimal risk and if possible taped down. Although these rules are for the studio, they can equally be applied on location as well.

Test Shoot

On Monday Afternoon, as a group we arranged a time to do a test shoot. So we decided to chose our main singer of the band 'Harry Lawtey', this was a great opportunity to see what Harry looked like on camera and also his performance side. We did a short sequence with him lip-synching to 'Naive' which was playing in the background. Below is images of what I have taken of Harry lip-synching and then some locations in which we may want to use for our CD ditipack cover. 

Photo shooting for Digipack CD Cover

Today we have be preparing the photo shoot for the digipack CD cover, in which we have come up with three location in were we could potential do it.

The Studio:

The studio is were most people think of having a photo shoot, but in our case it is far to clean for the look of our band look. If we did have the studio look it would be the main focus on the band performing. We would have the band playing around, like the photo above to show the audience and fans the fun the band is having. 

The Roof Top:

The whole idea of having the band on the roof top was to give that whole edgey look to the band, in which could come around from the audience as a bit rebellious, but also having that peaceful, chilled look with their instruments. We are also very lucky at Hurtwood with the natural beauty around us, which means there are lovely backdrops of landscapes behind. 

The Woods: 

The woods was another option to consider, it was another classic location, as it is keeping away from the synthetic make-up and it keeping the band with the nature behind them. It also shows in this location in how the band are very chilled and relaxed band, so we as a group we were saying maybe with one of the band members smoking in the background. But this could turn the audience and fan members off with the smoking, as it may come around that the band were good, but turning in to a bit rebellious.  

Preparing for the Shoot Day



We are less than two weeks away, so we are finalising what the last few things need to be organised before the shooting day comes. Below is a good understanding of a list of making sure the shooting schedule is as smoothly as possible on the actual day.

 

We did have an issue in which is still undecided on what is happening. As we are shooting on a Friday, School finishes at 4.30, and as the shooting schedule is shown we are just not going to have enough time on location with getting there and setting up. This may lead to having to shoot on location on another day. But hopefully we can get all the studio work done in the morning, then have time to go on location.