meeting about lighting

 In todays lesson we met with the lighting organiser to explain to him our ideas, and want we want to achieve in the video with lighting and just generally in the video. He thinks that the video will be very effective and will be successful however with the aura scene he thinks there will be difficulties with the lighting. As he thinks it will be very time consuming which is not good as we need as much time as possible shooting, this will be a waste of time so he suggested practising and experimenting with what we want to achieve so we have a brief understanding for what we want. He suggested that placing a screen behind the shack for the projector, and then when we are done with the shack scene we will take down the wood and use the screen for the aura scene. This will create a quick change over and less time setting up the scene. 

This is a Gobo this is what he told us would really help when we shoot the aura scene. The Gobo simply changes the shape of light, making it clear you can create patterns and shapes using this. I have never used one before but I am going to practise using one in the studio before the shoot day as it will really add a cool element to our video and put emphasis on the auras so I want it to look good. He also explained that it will be useful using a soft focus by lowering the shutter speed to create a blurred dreamy type shot of the auras. With the auras we realised that we need to decide colours and create a colour palette which will suit the video and its style. With this we also need backup choices for it incase the colours are not how we pictured so we need lots of options for this. 

The Band outfits

 Today I browsed for outfits for each band member, I want the whole band to look smart but still casual as they are a band. I want them to look smart as this will imply a contrast with the band and Kate in their vibe and style. This idea will put emphasis on her and make her stand out as she is the main singer, and we want the attention to be focused on her not the band.

Today I found images for what I have in mind for David the drummers outfits. I know what kind of clothes he likes to wear so I chose something fairly similar as this will mean he is comfortable and we won't have to spend any money buying many items. It would simply be a colourful wooly cardigan on top of a white top. Then any trousers preferably black but denim jeans will be alright as well. To add to the look I was hoping to include either sunglasses or a hat as this will add to this element of cool.

This is the outfit inspiration I have found for Max the guitarist, I think this is a smart bu still casual outfit and using the colour green represents that hippie element which I still want to include but not be the main focus. Having plain trousers which I imagine he will have will again take away the focus from him and put it to the singer. I also want Max to wear a blazer as out of the band I think he would defiantly suit a blazer the most.

Costume ideas

 

For our main singer Kate we want her to represent this hippie free spirited character. Below is the mood board I made for each individual musician specifically for the shack scene. These are two images which portray how we want her to dress, having a long patterned skirt with a long white sleeve top. h

In the evening Maia and Alexa photographed Kate wearing her own clothes.

This are the images I selected for the idea I had for Kates hair. I like this hairstyle as it is quite messy, and from watching Kates rehearsal she tends to play with her hair which is very effective for teh video teherfroe leaving it down will allow her to play with it. This also saves time as we do not need to spend much time tying it up. However I felt using a head piece as an accessory could work really well as this will make her stand out and add to the idea of her being unique and quirky. 

editing workshop

In todays lesson we went over the basics in premiere pro, this is a very professional software which many big film companies use. It is set up by adobe, we have had experience with it last ear when creating our opening sequence. This lesson was to remind us previously of what we had learnt and went on to focus more specifically music video editing. This differed from opening sequence editing in that we had to be weary of the timing. To stop there being any bad lip syncing and create it much more easy and accessible when looking for individual clips. Matt showed us how they overcome this, it is simply by placing numbers in the frame before each shot, the numbers varying each time. This idea is to help us now which shot is which quickly and get the right time frame, to match the music. 

When focusing on music video editing we learnt about the four stages these are: performance cut, narrative, effect cuts and colouring. We were also taught about the most effective way to edit a music video, this being either picture syncing and sound syncing. This requires using the arrow keys adjusting it to the right frame then re naming the clip when in sync. This is an easy process when labelled correctly if the clips are not named then it will become challenging finding the clips. It is also useful to bunch all the clips together when editing, this being for example all the guitar clips together or all the wide shots. This means finding footage will be very accessible. Matt also explained to us that you do not need to do the video in order, just choose our favourite bit to edit as this will hold our attention longer and we will come away with a more successful outcome. As well as this to listen to the music and illustrate what you hear, this is the most important to matt as it is not done a lot he says. This lesson has reminded me of what we have learnt and also shown me areas I need to go over again as I am quite keen on doing the editing when producing the video. This has helped me get a better understand for the industry and the procedures they have ti follow to create a video efficiently. We will go on to use some of the techniques shown in the lesson and potentially develop it further. 

rehearsal

 Today my group organised a rehearsal with our whole band, this was the first time we had seen the whole band together. From this rehearsal we have learnt they all work really well together and feel confident enough in front of the camera individually and as a group, this is a vey good start. However Lionel one of the guitarists did not show up and is not as committed to being in the band therefore we are going to find guitarist to replace him. As this is the first rehearsal and he did not show up which shows he is not reliable for this and is not bothered. We looked for another guitarist and have decided that Max in the year below would suit the role well, and as well as this he is a drummer so if something was to go wrong he could always play the drums as well. We have not seen how he acts in front of the camera and this is crucial especially for a guitarist as we want them to be super confident and be dancing through out, we have organised a rehearsal including max to see if he will be good.

In the studio we did a separate rehearsal with just Kate the singer, to see how she is by herself and show her what kind of vibe we want. We also tested out the lights which we will be using for the aura scene. Kate is very confident and exactly what we wanted, she is confident enough to dance without being prompted and listens to what we have to say. So we will defiantly be using her as the main singer. Kate is also very good at interacting with the band as they are friends which helps therefore there is no awkwardness and she feels comfortable dancing around them. 

backup cast

 Due to covid and isolation my teacher advised us on creating a backup cast for our band, this is incase anyone drops out, goes into isolation and many other potential reasons. I created a list of people I know who are left and are not in any other music videos or if so only one video. We are using A1s as this will be easier to use due to the more free time they have. We still need to look for another guitarist as a backup option. 

Audition video- 

Audition Video- 

Today we also finalised our prop list and set up list, just going over some of the images and replacing them with more in depth descriptions and clearer images showing what we want.

preparing test shoot

 

In this lesson we organised our test shoot as we felt under prepared for it, and we are running out of time to shoot it therefore if we planned it would make the shooting more efficient and less time consuming. I created a list with Maia briefly of what we will film for each set up. We will be using the studio however we have not bought or got any props expect the instruments therefore it will prove difficult. However as this is the first time we will be filming all of the band together this is good practise for them to be in front of a camera. We can also notice earlier if we need to make some adjustments incase some of them are not as confident on camera. I also messaged all the band to arrange a time so we are able to shoot the video. We plan on getting lots of footage so we can spend the weekend discussing the cast and editing.

As well as organising the test shoot, I wrote down the lyrics to the song as after looking for ages for both the music and lyrics I could not find anything. This meant both Maia and I listened to the lyrics and wrote typed them into a document. As using lyrics written will be very useful for Kate our main singer, especially as our song is very difficult and the words are very confusing. 

Set design meeting

Today the set designer came into the studio to speak to each group individually, we originally were going to go on Thursday as we felt we were underprepared however we ended up doing it today because we did have enough pictures which would explain clearly what we want to achieve. Therefore we spoke to the set designer and showed her the treatment I made and the images Maia drew out explaining each set up. Alex also created a props list which we had but did not use, however this is very helpful for later on. We explained to her our concept and how we imagine it to look, and she told us that she think it can be done. Even the shack which we had doubts that she would be able to produce it. She explained to us that in order for it to work we have to shoot the shack scene first as this will take the longest to create. She also suggested for the bottles scene which will be difficult to shoot with all these bottles that we could potentially sue jars and other similar objects. 

This is what she suggested, and I think this would be a much better prop instead of the bottles. As the bottles could give off the wrong impression to the viewers. Whereas this is more hippie and artsy which our singer is. We can also add in the psychedelic elements to the tins with colourful paint, creating cool patterns.

Then this is the prop list which Alex created for our group, it explains which each person will be able to bring for both props and outfits. She split the groups according to who can get what as in if any of them have these items at home. 

projector ideas

In todays lesson I adjusted some of the pictures and added a few more to the shack set up as it was not that clear what design I envisioned. This was an image I found when searching beach shack inside, this image describes visually how I want the set up to look. As the image displays this run down beach hut, it also includes the light gaping in through the gaps in the wall which we intend on using but instead with a projector. This would create a similar effect but we involve movement with our projection replicating the sea. 

These are the images Maia found representing our ideas for the projector. We want to use this blue light but have it display the sea to create this beachy atmosphere. I really like this idea as I think it will be very effective especially with the wooden planks as a background. This scene will involve the band all playing their instruments. 

working on set ups

 

Today I created a document displaying images which shows how each of our sets will look like. This set here is this shack type setting, we intend on using wooden planks leaning against the walls. This scene we will shoot mostly the band performing with the main singer, as it is simple which means we can focus the viewers attention on the bands performance instead of the scenery. We felt this shack type scenery represents the band accurately as it suggests this hippie beauty type vibe. We also would like to leave gaps in the wooden planks as we want to project colours through the gaps as we think it would create a cool effect. It will also add on to the cycadelic element, involving the colours and movement.

The next set up I created is based around the use of bottles. We initially thought of candles but this might be a struggle, and we wanted to include more colour. Therefore we thought of using bottles but placing lights in the bottles making them glow and stand out. Arranging them in an almost circle surrounding the singer placed on the floor. As well as bottles we will decorate the room with other hippie type decorations, such as tapestries, crystals and sage this will effectively create that hippie impression to the audience. 

The next set up is based on the idea of auras, which Alex is passionate and knows a lot about. This is basically a colour given off from your mood spiritually, using this we want to have mid shots of individual band members giving off different auras. This will display a colourful fun shots, we can also get the band do laugh and just act natural whilst this is happening, they could also dance to the song or play the music. I think this will be really effective and interesting to watch. We will do this by having the band placed with a white cloth placed behind them and shine different colours through the cloth behind them. 

These are the drawings Maia drew of each set up to create a clearer representation of what we want to achieve, and how we envision it looking like.

arrangements

 In todays lesson we discussed the band, and how they are going to carry themselves. We decided we want them to be similar to the lead singer in the sense that they are hippie and chilled out, however we don't want to take away the focus from the lead singer therefore we will tone down their outfits and movements to make them less noticeable. I audited two people for the band, Lionel and David who can play the electric guitar and the drums and they are both very keen to do this video as they like the song and the concept of the video. Alexa is going to audition Kate a girl in her boarding house who she thinks will fit the role well, and the lead singer is the focus of the video therefore we are still looking for options to have. However so far Kate is the best suited to this role, she also has a similar style to what we want the singer to have anyways which helps when coming to choose outfits and the whole performance.

Props

We also talked more in depth about what we specifcally need props wise, most of the props we are able to get ourselves and the majority of it we already have which is helpful. We do need a sofa or chair type which will be harder to get. So we will look into that further on if we can borrow it of someone around school. 

Set Ups

Deciding on set ups has been a long process for our group as we have all had different ideas however with this new song it is clear what we need for a set up to represent the concept clearly. So we have all agreed on this shack style set up which would be hard to achieve but effective if we are able too. It would be simply a room padded with wood in an uneven pattern quite messy. This set up will be there to film the band performing with the singer. The shack idea is to imply the concept of beach as typically shacks are on the beach which bring in the idea of calming and relaxation. It also adds that concept of freedom, which we want are singer to be all about how she is a free spirit.

Our second set up is more focused on the lead singer, it is going to show her in her element. We will have her sit in a dark room surrounded by bottles which have been lit up by battery powered candles. We will also add crystals and other decor to add to this hippie theme. Lastly the other set up is showing both the band and lead singer however it is almost a combination of the two set ups. It will include lights shining on the band which will represent their aura, as each aura is different the colours will be shining bright switching colours. 

settling on an idea

This lesson we established our idea and confirmed all our set ups, costume ideas and props we will potentially use. We spoke a lot about various different ideas but one which stood out the most to us was the idea of having this shack type set up, dressing the studio to represent this run down shack. This idea indicates the band and singer to portray this hippie free spirited person and connects it to the beach as typically you find shacks on a beach. The beach is a strong representation of a free wild earthy person therefore this is very well suited to our band. 

In the studio there is a pile of long pieces of wood, one side is vanished and has this orangey red tone to it, however when you flip it this light rustic colour is on the back. This is ideal for if we create a shack as we can stack these around the room to create a room. Another idea which came up was leaving gaps in between the wood slabs this is so light can be let through and create this interesting effect. As the music is in a sense quite trippy and suggests this almost cycadelic vibe, we felt it could be interesting to experiment with a projector and lights to shine a visual animation or something colourful through the gaps of wood. This would add that element of cycadelic to the video and link back to the singers hippie style. 

Brainstorming new ideas

 In todays lesson we focused on settling on an idea as a group which we all agree on. As we are running out of time this was important we came to a conclusion today. Maia looked for new songs over the past few days and from her re search we shortlisted three songs these were, I feel alive by TOPS, Colour theory by soccer mommy then For my animals by American Culture. All these songs were similar to our original song in that it is a similar genre and pace of song, and also that it is a mature sounding female. We felt that finding a female singer would make the process of changing songs a lot easier as we could carry on with our re search just with a different song. However we were still stuck on ideas as using a female solo singer has been difficult for us, this is because a solo artist requires lots of different sets and shots which we were not able to think of. 

This meant we felt it was right to move more towards a band instead of a solo singer. We found an American band with very few streams on few social platforms. We think the style of music is somewhat similar to our song and the lead singer is female therefore it connects quite well to our previous artist. 

Our new song

This is the cover for the single we chose "off/on"it is a female lead singer in a band with two guitarists and one drummer. Her tone of voice is very gentle but has this indie rock feel to it. We decided when listening to the song it is very clear she has this hippie 90s vibe about her which comes through in both the vocals and the lyrics. Using this idea of the singer being based around a hippie artsy free spirit we thought of the beach as this almost represents being free which we feel the artist would be best suited too. Having this earthy natural but very unique style and characteristics to her. As the singer is the main singer and the band are more of a background music I suggested that she should be almost separated from the band to make her stand out more, as we are selling the artist not the band. To achieve this I felt that creating her into this unique bold character who wears bright unique clothes and has this engaging movement when she performs would really enhance the video and sell her as this cool free spirited artist. Then with the band have them be not as such a significant part but almost look boring, therefore I felt suits would be effective too present this idea clearly however make each suit unique intuit we customise it slightly, and have the suits be oversized some band members potentially wearing waistcoats. In a sense wearing suits but with their own twist on them making them more relaxed and cool. To add to that element of relaxed and cool adding in caps or sunglasses. 

Looking for new songs

were we are at now is that we are considering changing songs, or potentially artist. We feel as a group that none of us like the song we are using and are coming up with ideas which do not relate to the song. As the song we were using "the space" is up beat and quite a happy cheerful song but my group are fixed on this moody atmosphere which does not collimate with the song. Therefore we will browse for songs which fit this vibe better, we are still going to use a female solo singer, hopefully similar to Edy Blu. 

Browsing

I looked at some more of Edy Blu's songs as she has two albums with around twenty songs in total, I was hoping to find something more slow and better for a moody video however I could not find anything close to what I was looking for. 

These are the three songs we shortlisted the first two songs bliss and all the beautiful girls is a similar style it is the slowest of all her songs however it is still too quick for the ideas we had. The last song is one I really like and think good be succesful however it is a bit different to what everyone wanted, it is more up beat less jazzy and more rocky. I want to use this song not just because I like the song but I have lots of ideas for it and a lot more to any of teh previous songs we have listened to. 

exploring different styles

 Today we re thought about our ideas for set ups, as the vibe we were going for did not really fit what the song should be. We imagined a more earthy slow calm music video whereas the song we are using is much more up beat and lively to what we had in our head as listening again to the song made us realise. The video should have more colour and be set in the evening with a less emotional concept as it is quite a happy song talking about the love the singer shares for someone. 

This is what I created quickly in the lesson, it is some images representing ideas I had for set ups, colours, design, and props. It shows very bold vibrant colours particularly contrasting colours. It still has this chilled feel to it but just more upbeat and aimed towards teenagers which our singer is therefore it makes sense to use a more teenagers feel to the video.

1st rehearsal

Earlier this week Mai and pandora did a quick rehearsal with both Laura and Ari they did this together to see how they work together and individually with a camera to their face. When I auditioned them they did not take it as serious as I am friends with them so it was hard for them to concentrate, and they were also together therefore it is good to see how they would perform without me there. 

How it went

The rehearsal went well for a first rehearsal, however next time we will shoot longer videos to get a better understanding of what they can do and see if they feel comfortable with the camera in their face for a longer period of time. I think from these videos Laura is definitely better suited to the main singer as she looks and acts the part, she also seems more mature which is what we are looking for. Ari would also be a very good love interest for the video as she is very confident which would help a lot playing this role as some people could potentially find it awkward being a love interest. On top of that Ari is a dancer although we are undecided on using dancing it is helpful knowing that she is a dancer if we were to include dancing in it.

Using Pinterest

 In the lesson we used Pinterest to look further into set ups, outfits and movement in the actors. I focused on the shots I wanted to create when shooting both girls. I collected a range of images which had elements I liked specifically the design of the image still. As the design shows the characters closeness and suggestions this love interest which we want to bring into the video. As we are using two females it will be harder to portray as it is not done often. Therefore we need to show the them both having this strong connection and in these images it displays it well. I also included a few shots for just the love interest, this would be only her on the screen. I want her to seem angelic and desirable as the pictures I select suggest this and show this almost intriguing sense and quite mysterious.

Pandora in my group also created a board as an idea for our set up to be based around flowers and this quite earthy feel to it. This is because the artist we are using grew up on a farm and all her videos include some form of nature. I am not to keen on this idea although I like elements of it however I think the video is more up beat and shouldn't focus on this earth theme should be more pop and colourful.