Thursday, 12 May 2011
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Evaluation!
I decided to do my evaluation on Prezi.com, my favourite presenation tool. This has made the evaluation more interactive and engaging.
Here's the link: http://prezi.com/cl9mh_poat_k/a2-advanced-portfolio-evaluation/
Here's the link: http://prezi.com/cl9mh_poat_k/a2-advanced-portfolio-evaluation/
Risk Assessment
Above is the risk assessment I did to make sure that when I produced my music video it wouldn't breach health and safety rules too much. The assessment has been adapted from Riverside Studios, as they have this copy on their website.
Costume Design and Props
I found a really good website to do costume designs on....Polyvore!
This site allows you to design and create moodboards for fashion or art purposes - people tend to create magazine-like pages that contain text, images of clothes shoes and other pictures. You can get backgrounds and all different pictures which can be saved on the website and can be shared with everyone else.
I used it to design my main characters costumes for before the "transformation" and after. This gives a feel of what I want Lucy to look like.
Costume ideas after transformation by Shannon Shanny Mayo
I also did a very quick mood board for the general feel and themes of my music video...The top left side begins with the religious and trapped theme, and the other side represents the life Lucy would like to live - a fun-filled and care-free party lifestyle.
This site allows you to design and create moodboards for fashion or art purposes - people tend to create magazine-like pages that contain text, images of clothes shoes and other pictures. You can get backgrounds and all different pictures which can be saved on the website and can be shared with everyone else.
I used it to design my main characters costumes for before the "transformation" and after. This gives a feel of what I want Lucy to look like.
Costume ideas after transformation by Shannon Shanny Mayo
I also did a very quick mood board for the general feel and themes of my music video...The top left side begins with the religious and trapped theme, and the other side represents the life Lucy would like to live - a fun-filled and care-free party lifestyle.
Copyright Permission
Before composing an email to attempt to gain copyright permission from Sony Music UK, I decided to have a look on the internet for inspiration for what exactly to write, and how to word it.
This is what I sent to the company:
I haven't had a reply back from them, which means that I am allowed to use the track, because they have not denied me permission.
This is what I sent to the company:
I haven't had a reply back from them, which means that I am allowed to use the track, because they have not denied me permission.
Potential Images for Digipak
Before starting on editing for the final digipak, I decided to play around with some images to see what they would look like. When getting feedback on my rough cut somebody mentioned that the collage image needed more colour because it looked boring compared to the other sides. After altering the image to see what it would look like, I decided not to go through with adding colour because it was too much.
Somebody also said that the front cover of my digipak needed to be lighter, in terms of the black background. There was too much contrast between the colours, Lucy and the black surrounding colour. I played around with lighting effects and the above images is what is looks like.
Directors Commentary
Here's the YouTube link to my director's commentary I decided to do to accompany my evaluation. I recorded my voice on Audacity, then applied the audio to a duplicate of my music video.
Once again, Blogger hasn't let me upload to this page directly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1qYw_RdUqI
Once again, Blogger hasn't let me upload to this page directly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1qYw_RdUqI
Other Images
Here is a small selection of images taken during the production of my music video. The first two below are the photos I took to help the continuity of the filming. I took photos of the blue streaks in Lucy's hair to make sure that in every scene afterwards I would do her hair in a similar way.
This image below is one which may have been an option for either the digipak and advert. However, it was not a good enough image to go through/
This image below is an edited photo which may have been in my ancillary tasks. I like the black and white, but the crucifix was only slightly in my picture, which I didn't like.
Location Shots and Letters of Permission
Here are some of the locations I will be using in filming. The first three are of the hallway in my house, where my actor Lucy Carr will be featured running away from her parent, to her bedroom. I think it looks quite traditional and wooden, which sticks to the theme well and has the right look I want to create.
The photo below is a simple shot of my back garden which will be used for the outdoor party scene.
During the scene in which my main character of the music video (Lucy) "vandalizes" a church I am going to film at a local church (which I happened to film at last year). I wrote to them:
Fortunately, they granted me permission, and I will be filming on a Saturday, as that is the most available date.
During the scene in which my main character of the music video (Lucy) "vandalizes" a church I am going to film at a local church (which I happened to film at last year). I wrote to them:
For the nightclub scene I thought I would write to a local club to see if they would allow me to film there, as it would make a great scene if I could. After sending the email, it actually dawned on me that I don't think I would be able to get a large amount of people together to travel by bus for about 20 minutes. Nevertheless, they didn't reply!
Instead, I went to speak to the head of drama at school to see if I could book a drama studio afterschool for a few hours of filming. I was granted permission for the 1st November. Kindly, a friend of a friend operated the lights to make them flash for some of the shots I was going to do.
Above is the drama studio I filmed part of my music video in. It didn't work very well for filming a party scene in, as I didn't have enough people in the room to fill it up!
The above image is the church at which I filmed. It was the same one I filmed my AS production at! I chose to film at this church in particular as I knew I would probably be allowed to film there, and because it was usually empty and accessible.
Action Plan
This is the first action plan I proposed last year. It has been quite difficult to stick to, but helpful for setting myself deadlines.
Action Plan
FINAL CUT OF MUSIC VIDEO
Here is the YouTube link to the final cut of my music video. I would have edited it on Final Cut Pro, but unfortunately I didn't have enough time to learn how to use a whole new piece of software.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78uSyLnHW1A
Blogger wouldn't let me upload to here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78uSyLnHW1A
Blogger wouldn't let me upload to here!
Monday, 9 May 2011
Recruiting Actors
Due to my music video involving quite a few party scenes, I decided I should get together a big Facebook group/event to invite people I know to get involved with it. The print screen below shows the detail, and this method of attracting potential actors worked very well, and I felt confident about it.
However, nearer the time, I found that the people on Facebook were actually not available for filming/didn't really wan't to be in it that much, or were working.
I then decided to try different methods of attracting actors...
Firstly, I created a poster, which I would be putting in the register packs (school tutors pick these up for their classes in the morning, which contain newsletters and letters etc).
This is the letter of permission that I have made for my actors to sign/get their parents to sign in order to take part in the video, and to say that they are fine with being up on YouTube...
Even with the large amount of posters I put out, nobody had replied! I decided to send out a mass email to everybody in year 10/11/12 through the school email system, and I also asked if I could put a note out in the school newsletter:
"Hello,
If you're a GCSE/A-Level Drama student, and you have some spare time to be in a music video I would love to hear from you!
I'm looking for people to be in my music video - different roles are available, you can even dance if you feel like it.
Filming would be taking place at some point during half-term (dates to be confirmed), and also at the beginning of next term after school in the drama studios.
The scenes I will be filming are fun party scenes etc, and the video would eventually be up on YouTube.
Please email me back if you're interested, any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Shannon
(sp1mayo@aol.com - out of school hours)"
Unfortunately, I only got two replies - a boy in year 10 and a student in year 12, but at least this was something!
Just before filming the party scenes, in a last minute attempt to round up a few more people, I went round the common room and was able to find people who would kindly be in the video...(around 7 people agreed)
None of these people actually turned up.
In the end, I managed to get some people to be in the video! My friend Lucy seemed the most enthusiastic about being in my music video, as she wasn't featured in my production last year, and wanted to be a part this year. I chose her because I thought she would look good on camera and had the right look I wanted - the blonde hair and blue eyes.
Originally, I wanted to cast Lucy's boyfriend; Jack as Calvin Harris, as I had seen him do some very good lip-synching to a song, but unfortunately he was too scared! However, Jaye was very interested, and had the right look for the part, so I chose him. Jaye performed very well as Calvin Harris, as did Lucy as the main character!
I then decided to try different methods of attracting actors...
Firstly, I created a poster, which I would be putting in the register packs (school tutors pick these up for their classes in the morning, which contain newsletters and letters etc).
I tried to make this poster as bold and attractive as possible, then went into school early to slip them into the register packs. I decided to insert them into all year 10,11,12 and 13 tutor groups to target GCSE and A Level Drama students.
But shortly after this, I was told I was not allowed to put posters in register packs without consulting the health and safety officer/person of the school, but after talking to her, I was told that I could have students in the music video, but only A Level ones as the video would be going up on YouTube and parents may not like it, unless I make permission slips etc!
Permission Letter for Participants
As part of my A2 Level Media Studies portfolio, I am required to produce a music video, digipak cover and digipak magazine advertisement. My music video would be to a song called “Flashback” by Calvin Harris.
The video itself involves scenes of partying/dancing and will take place in the drama studios of The John Bentley School and my back garden.
Drama studio scenes will be taking place on Monday 1st November from 3:15pm to around 5 o'clock, and garden scenes will commence on Thursday 28th October from 5:30pm until around 7:30pm, but this may be subject to change.
Dress code is party-wear (dresses and heels if possible, shirts or other party clothes for the boys), but if taking part in the garden scene, it is sensible to bring a coat or warm clothes to put on. Also, if you have any props which would be suitable for such scenes, please let me know.
My music video and other ancillary tasks would eventually be viewed by teachers and examiners. The video will also be uploaded to YouTube for vital critical feedback. In order to be able to put this video up on this website, it is required that I have your permission to do this in the form of a signature from either your parent/guardian if you are under 18, or sign it yourself if you are 18 or over.
Thank you!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I give my permission for my son/daughter...................................................., to participate in this music video, and to possibly be photographed.
Signed (parent/guardian/self if over 18):.............................................
Date:..................................
Even with the large amount of posters I put out, nobody had replied! I decided to send out a mass email to everybody in year 10/11/12 through the school email system, and I also asked if I could put a note out in the school newsletter:
"Hello,
If you're a GCSE/A-Level Drama student, and you have some spare time to be in a music video I would love to hear from you!
I'm looking for people to be in my music video - different roles are available, you can even dance if you feel like it.
Filming would be taking place at some point during half-term (dates to be confirmed), and also at the beginning of next term after school in the drama studios.
The scenes I will be filming are fun party scenes etc, and the video would eventually be up on YouTube.
Please email me back if you're interested, any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Shannon
(sp1mayo@aol.com - out of school hours)"
Unfortunately, I only got two replies - a boy in year 10 and a student in year 12, but at least this was something!
Just before filming the party scenes, in a last minute attempt to round up a few more people, I went round the common room and was able to find people who would kindly be in the video...(around 7 people agreed)
None of these people actually turned up.
In the end, I managed to get some people to be in the video! My friend Lucy seemed the most enthusiastic about being in my music video, as she wasn't featured in my production last year, and wanted to be a part this year. I chose her because I thought she would look good on camera and had the right look I wanted - the blonde hair and blue eyes.
Originally, I wanted to cast Lucy's boyfriend; Jack as Calvin Harris, as I had seen him do some very good lip-synching to a song, but unfortunately he was too scared! However, Jaye was very interested, and had the right look for the part, so I chose him. Jaye performed very well as Calvin Harris, as did Lucy as the main character!
Official Cast List
Main girl......................................................................Lucy Carr
Calvin Harris...........................................Jaye O'Farrell-Stevens
Other lip-synching character...................................Lauren Holt
Poi Artist.......................................................Charlotte Jackson
Party People.......................................................Jack Epplestone
Mike Patterson
Becci Bates
Sam Hunt
Mark Nigh
Others
Strict Parent.....................................................Linda
Music Video & Digipak Research
I was given the task of creating a presentation containing information about music videos at the beginning of September. Since I thought Microsoft Powerpoint would be a bit boring to use, I decided to investigate "Prezi". Before doing this presentation, I hadn't used it before, but I've actually found it really easy and interesting to use.
Here is the link to the presentation I created as part of the research for music videos...
https://prezi.com/secure/37081daeb9f868225ab8b4f024f286cf64d116c1/
I also began researching digipaks, webpages and print adverts for digipaks and how the same identity is kept throughout each different form of media for the bands and artists.
Katy Perry
Here is the link to the presentation I created as part of the research for music videos...
https://prezi.com/secure/37081daeb9f868225ab8b4f024f286cf64d116c1/
I also began researching digipaks, webpages and print adverts for digipaks and how the same identity is kept throughout each different form of media for the bands and artists.
Katy Perry
A very strong identity is created through using the same theme throughout the album cover, website and album advert. Katy Perry’s different albums all have varying theme, but the latest one revolves around candy. Images that are used definitely relate to sweetness and candy and the fonts used are obviously in keeping with this.
The webpage is very effective in encouraging audience interaction through using a variety of exciting links, where people may view parodies of her actual music video, looks at her Twitter archive or watch videos etc. A fan will probably find it very difficult to get bored of this website. It’s functionality is to encourage album/single sales and to perhaps pick up more fans.
The print advertisements are also very effective – feature Katy Perry on it, and the main theme of the album, making it incredibly easy to recognise if you remember the theme from the last album cover/picture you saw of her. Also conveys the right information that fans want, and employs the same imagery and font as the website/album etc.
Final Digipak and Advert
This is the final copy of my advert below, which is very different from the final draft, as I have made a lot of changes.
Below is the final draft of my digipak. It has not been changed as much as the advert has been changed.
Bloopers!
Here is the 4 minute long video of a collection of some of the bloopers from my music video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CccnLmus-2k <- the YouTube link for the video in case the one above does not work!
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Audience Feedback
Audience feedback is a vital part of my project. Without it I wouldn't be able to understand the the negative and positive parts of my work, and what to improve on!
After finishing my music video, I uploaded it to YouTube, where I could expect some comments on it. In addition to this, I posted the link on Yahoo Answers where I received some feedback.
In terms of feedback for my ancillary tasks, I decided to ask some members of my family and some friends what they think about the album cover and advert, and what they would like me to change about it.
DIGIPAK - *Positive comments*
"I like the backcover, the colours are good, and so is the layout. The inside left image is good." "Shows the story of the video in a snapshot". "Kind of cool considering the name of the song."
*Negative comments*
"Lucy looks haunted/scared!" "Front cover is too dark." "Doesn't make sense on its own."
*What could be changed*
"You could put some colour on the collage part on the inside." "Rotate the collage image 180 degrees to make it the right way round." "Make the writing on the frontcover multicoloured."
ADVERT - *Positive comments*
"Better than the digipak" "Shows Christianity or anti-Christianity well" "Looks more professional than the digipak."
*Negative comments*
"The beam of light coming down is not strong enough." "The font doesn't look right." "Does not show much about what is being advertised i.e the songs and the music video/image."
*What could be changed*
"It would be more effective if Lucy had a cross necklace, and the light hit it. It would look better if you changed the font." "The design should be changed to make it look less like a poster and more like an advert!"
Alongside this feedback, I created a questionnaire to give to a group of 14/15/16 year olds so that they could fill it out after watching my music video. This is a good age range to look at because dance/pop music is something which the majority may take an interest in.
This is what the questionnaire looked like...
17 people in total filled out the questionnaire, and most of the feedback was positive. There were 8 girls and 9 boys in the group.
ANALYSIS OF FEEDBACK
1. 4 people thought that the genre of the music video was "pop", 10 people thought that it was "dance" and 4 people thought that it was "electro".
2. One person didn't like my video. 2 people thought it was okay. 14 people liked it! Answers included: "No, just don't." "Yes, I really like it because its effective and matches the music." "It was entertaining and fun to watch." "Excellent, it all comes together really well and is very interesting." "I like the effects and camera angles used." "Goes with the song." "I think the video fitted well with the music." "Yes, because it was easy to get the plot."
3. 5 people said "YES" to whether or not they would expect to see the video on a music channel, 2 people said "NO" and 10 said "MAYBE".
4. In response to "if you could change something about the video, what would it be?" people said: "More realistic emotion." "Lighting in some places - party scenes." "Near the end, girl was sat in the park." "The part near the end, the girl." "Change some scenes." "Make it more colourful." "None" "A clearer storyline." "I don't like people miming." "Nothing." "Change the bit where she (referring to Lucy/main character) had the spray can."
5. In response to "does the video keep your attention throughout? and why?" People said: "No, bit boring." "No, not good." "Yes, because there are lots of different elements to the video." "Yes, because there's lots of variety used and its a fast song." "Yes, because it kept changing scenes." "Yes, as there is lots going on. Also lots of clever things with lights and different camera angles." "Yes, its upbeat and interesting." "Yes, has a story and is fast paced." "Yes, it was lively." "Yeah - a lot of movement." "Yes, because the location changes."
6. In terms of understanding the storyline behind the video, 12 people understood it, 4 did not and 1 sort of understood it! Better result than I expected!
7. Fifteen people thought that the lyrics fitted well with what was happening in the music video, 2 did not.
8. People thought that it fitted well because: "It was fast paced" "Singer sings about a flashback, the video is similar." "It describes what is going on in the video." "Because of the 'dreams' part. Its what she wants to be doing." "I think the music fits in." "Because when she went to party, it fitted well."
People thought that it didn't fit well because: "Coz it don't go."
9. Nobody rated my music video at a '1' (poor), two people rated it at '2', four people rated it at '3', six people put it at '4' and five people gave it a '5' (very good).
Here are the other comments people wrote: "More realistic emotion. More colour." "I liked it when it said 'dream' with the candles and the sky part." "I really like the video, and I think that the use of different camera shots is effective."It would have been nice to have seen what Lucy had written with the spray can..."
This feedback has been really useful to me, and I'm glad I got to show my video to a proper audience!
DIGIPAK - *Positive comments*
"I like the backcover, the colours are good, and so is the layout. The inside left image is good." "Shows the story of the video in a snapshot". "Kind of cool considering the name of the song."
*Negative comments*
"Lucy looks haunted/scared!" "Front cover is too dark." "Doesn't make sense on its own."
*What could be changed*
"You could put some colour on the collage part on the inside." "Rotate the collage image 180 degrees to make it the right way round." "Make the writing on the frontcover multicoloured."
ADVERT - *Positive comments*
"Better than the digipak" "Shows Christianity or anti-Christianity well" "Looks more professional than the digipak."
*Negative comments*
"The beam of light coming down is not strong enough." "The font doesn't look right." "Does not show much about what is being advertised i.e the songs and the music video/image."
*What could be changed*
"It would be more effective if Lucy had a cross necklace, and the light hit it. It would look better if you changed the font." "The design should be changed to make it look less like a poster and more like an advert!"
Alongside this feedback, I created a questionnaire to give to a group of 14/15/16 year olds so that they could fill it out after watching my music video. This is a good age range to look at because dance/pop music is something which the majority may take an interest in.
This is what the questionnaire looked like...
17 people in total filled out the questionnaire, and most of the feedback was positive. There were 8 girls and 9 boys in the group.
ANALYSIS OF FEEDBACK
1. 4 people thought that the genre of the music video was "pop", 10 people thought that it was "dance" and 4 people thought that it was "electro".
2. One person didn't like my video. 2 people thought it was okay. 14 people liked it! Answers included: "No, just don't." "Yes, I really like it because its effective and matches the music." "It was entertaining and fun to watch." "Excellent, it all comes together really well and is very interesting." "I like the effects and camera angles used." "Goes with the song." "I think the video fitted well with the music." "Yes, because it was easy to get the plot."
3. 5 people said "YES" to whether or not they would expect to see the video on a music channel, 2 people said "NO" and 10 said "MAYBE".
4. In response to "if you could change something about the video, what would it be?" people said: "More realistic emotion." "Lighting in some places - party scenes." "Near the end, girl was sat in the park." "The part near the end, the girl." "Change some scenes." "Make it more colourful." "None" "A clearer storyline." "I don't like people miming." "Nothing." "Change the bit where she (referring to Lucy/main character) had the spray can."
5. In response to "does the video keep your attention throughout? and why?" People said: "No, bit boring." "No, not good." "Yes, because there are lots of different elements to the video." "Yes, because there's lots of variety used and its a fast song." "Yes, because it kept changing scenes." "Yes, as there is lots going on. Also lots of clever things with lights and different camera angles." "Yes, its upbeat and interesting." "Yes, has a story and is fast paced." "Yes, it was lively." "Yeah - a lot of movement." "Yes, because the location changes."
6. In terms of understanding the storyline behind the video, 12 people understood it, 4 did not and 1 sort of understood it! Better result than I expected!
7. Fifteen people thought that the lyrics fitted well with what was happening in the music video, 2 did not.
8. People thought that it fitted well because: "It was fast paced" "Singer sings about a flashback, the video is similar." "It describes what is going on in the video." "Because of the 'dreams' part. Its what she wants to be doing." "I think the music fits in." "Because when she went to party, it fitted well."
People thought that it didn't fit well because: "Coz it don't go."
9. Nobody rated my music video at a '1' (poor), two people rated it at '2', four people rated it at '3', six people put it at '4' and five people gave it a '5' (very good).
Here are the other comments people wrote: "More realistic emotion. More colour." "I liked it when it said 'dream' with the candles and the sky part." "I really like the video, and I think that the use of different camera shots is effective."It would have been nice to have seen what Lucy had written with the spray can..."
This feedback has been really useful to me, and I'm glad I got to show my video to a proper audience!
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Revisions and Changes Made
I have made a lot of changes to my storyboard, after creating the animatic, before filming, during filming and at the editing stage too! Here is what I changed...
*I re-arranged some of the shots, as I decided they didn't look quite right being all together, and needed to be split up with a different scene (churchyard scene) in order to make it more interesting for the viewer.
*On shot number 19 (shot where Lucy looks out of the window to see who is throwing stones), I realised that there was no way of filming her through the window, because of the amount of reflection. This was an impossible shot, which I made possible by filming her opening the window and looking outside. I think this is much more effective!
*Instead of filming a clip of a nightclub or party sign, I realised it would be more effective to film a POV shot entering the party, to show some context and set the scene. This also replaces the shot where the camera is supposed to track backwards whilst filming the people entering the party/club.
*Did not use confetti in one of the party shots, as this would make too much mess - I used balloons instead!
*Instead of having Lucy and Jaye/Calvin running down a path in the dark where lighting would be difficult to control, I made the decision to film a stop motion scene with candles to spell out the word "dream".
*I quickly realised that the 1.5 second long shot of party people in the hot tub would be completely unrealistic. Making my actors sit outside wearing only swimwear would be harsh in such cold weather, plus there would be health and safety issues. I replaced the shot with a medium shot of the fire in a can.
*During editing, I thought it would be better to show one of the actors lighting up the cigarette, before giving it to Lucy, to lengthen the shot out.
*Originally, I had planned to insert shots of Calvin sat on the bed in Lucy's room, whilst lip synching, because I wanted to feature more of the artist, as there wasn't enough of him. After some thought, I removed this scene, as it didn't actually have any significance.
*At the churchyard scene, I planned to place Lucy on the floor, surrounded by lots of autumnal leaves. It turned out that the floor was very damp, and so were the leaves. I didn't want Lucy to get muddy, or her costume, so let her sit on the floor, on a coat, whilst sprinkling leaves/feathers on top of her.
*Also, there is supposed to be a shot of Lucy walking towards the camera, whilst the sun is setting behind her. The only time available to film was in the early morning, so this did not happen - it was cloudy!
LOCATION CHANGES
Most of the locations I had initially planned to film at eventually changed, for various reasons.
At first I wanted to borrow my mum's room to film the bedroom scenes, because the colours and furniture were plain - just the look I wished for. However, filming would take a long time, and my mother didn't want her space invaded! I resorted to re-arranging all of my room to film there instead.
As for the scene in which Lucy "transforms" outside, this involved a location switch too. I wanted to film at the library, where there would be a large window to capture reflections. But, this was a difficult location to get to. I quickly thought of filming at a nearby street, which would have plenty of light and some windows.
Party scenes: At first I planned to film the party scenes at a local nightclub, called Karma. I emailed them to ask, but they did not reply, and soon realised I wouldn't have enough actors to fill it up. It would also be complicated to travel there. I decided to film in the school drama studios, which turned out okay. The opportunity to film at a real party arose later on, which I decided to utilise when my friends kindly let me film. This was by far the best location I had to film at, and looked very authentic.
The location for the garden scene also changed! My friend had allowed me to film in her garden, as she had plenty of lights, a nice decking area and a large pond. When we got there, things looked different to what we expected, and we resorted to filming in my garden, which went well.
*I re-arranged some of the shots, as I decided they didn't look quite right being all together, and needed to be split up with a different scene (churchyard scene) in order to make it more interesting for the viewer.
*On shot number 19 (shot where Lucy looks out of the window to see who is throwing stones), I realised that there was no way of filming her through the window, because of the amount of reflection. This was an impossible shot, which I made possible by filming her opening the window and looking outside. I think this is much more effective!
*Instead of filming a clip of a nightclub or party sign, I realised it would be more effective to film a POV shot entering the party, to show some context and set the scene. This also replaces the shot where the camera is supposed to track backwards whilst filming the people entering the party/club.
*Did not use confetti in one of the party shots, as this would make too much mess - I used balloons instead!
*Instead of having Lucy and Jaye/Calvin running down a path in the dark where lighting would be difficult to control, I made the decision to film a stop motion scene with candles to spell out the word "dream".
*I quickly realised that the 1.5 second long shot of party people in the hot tub would be completely unrealistic. Making my actors sit outside wearing only swimwear would be harsh in such cold weather, plus there would be health and safety issues. I replaced the shot with a medium shot of the fire in a can.
*During editing, I thought it would be better to show one of the actors lighting up the cigarette, before giving it to Lucy, to lengthen the shot out.
*Originally, I had planned to insert shots of Calvin sat on the bed in Lucy's room, whilst lip synching, because I wanted to feature more of the artist, as there wasn't enough of him. After some thought, I removed this scene, as it didn't actually have any significance.
*At the churchyard scene, I planned to place Lucy on the floor, surrounded by lots of autumnal leaves. It turned out that the floor was very damp, and so were the leaves. I didn't want Lucy to get muddy, or her costume, so let her sit on the floor, on a coat, whilst sprinkling leaves/feathers on top of her.
*Also, there is supposed to be a shot of Lucy walking towards the camera, whilst the sun is setting behind her. The only time available to film was in the early morning, so this did not happen - it was cloudy!
LOCATION CHANGES
Most of the locations I had initially planned to film at eventually changed, for various reasons.
At first I wanted to borrow my mum's room to film the bedroom scenes, because the colours and furniture were plain - just the look I wished for. However, filming would take a long time, and my mother didn't want her space invaded! I resorted to re-arranging all of my room to film there instead.
As for the scene in which Lucy "transforms" outside, this involved a location switch too. I wanted to film at the library, where there would be a large window to capture reflections. But, this was a difficult location to get to. I quickly thought of filming at a nearby street, which would have plenty of light and some windows.
Party scenes: At first I planned to film the party scenes at a local nightclub, called Karma. I emailed them to ask, but they did not reply, and soon realised I wouldn't have enough actors to fill it up. It would also be complicated to travel there. I decided to film in the school drama studios, which turned out okay. The opportunity to film at a real party arose later on, which I decided to utilise when my friends kindly let me film. This was by far the best location I had to film at, and looked very authentic.
The location for the garden scene also changed! My friend had allowed me to film in her garden, as she had plenty of lights, a nice decking area and a large pond. When we got there, things looked different to what we expected, and we resorted to filming in my garden, which went well.
Animatic
This is the animatic I made at the beginning of the project, after the rough storyboard. I created this animatic by taking photos of all of the 100+ shots, uploading them to iMovie on the Apple Macs, and then putting the images in time with the music. This process has allowed me to see roughly how the shots would look alongside the music.
The animatic has caused me to make a few changes to the length of time that shots run for, and in which order they are placed in!
The animatic has caused me to make a few changes to the length of time that shots run for, and in which order they are placed in!
Friday, 18 February 2011
Draft Copy Of Digipak and Advert for Digipak!
This is the first copy of my digipak and the advert to go with it!
Front cover Inside right
Back cover Inside left
Shooting Schedule
This is how the first shooting schedule I wrote out looked. In the latest version, there have been changes made to the dates which filming took place on and the location too.
DAY/DATE | LOCATION | ACTION | PROPS | CAST |
28th October (night time) | Back garden/other land | Party/Fire Poi scene where Lucy is enjoying herself. | Glasses, light reflector, lights, lanterns, fags, drinks, tracking/dolly | Mark Nigh, Lucy Carr, Jaye, Lauren Holt, Charlotte Jackson, Mike Patterson, Jack Epplestone. |
Monday 1st Nov (day time) | Drama studios | Party scene where Lucy meets Calvin Harris. | Balloons, mask, phone, hair dye, camera, tripod, my camera, green dress | Jack Epplestone, Mike Patterson, Lauren Holt, Jaye, Lucy Carr |
Wednesday 10th November (night time) | Inside house and front garden | Collage scene and house scene. Also Party person throwing stones at window | Fake pebbles, collage, table, glue, magazines, bibles, scissors, cross necklace, nightie, | Lucy Carr, Linda, Charlotte Jackson. |
Thursday 11th/Friday 12th November | Inside house | House scenes, Lucy looks out of window. | “ “ “ “ | Lucy Carr |
“ “ “ | Outside Calne library | Transformation and reflection scene | Tracking/dolly (bike), camera, digital camera, | Lucy Carr |
Saturday 13th November (nightime) | Party scene | Camera, tripod, digital camera | Lucy Carr, other people at party | |
Saturday 13th November (daytime) | Church and woods ( | Alternative interlude scene. Lucy is at the church “vandalising” it. | Camera, tripod, spray can, sheets, feathers | Lucy Carr |
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