Evaluation: Question 1

HOW DOES THE PRODUCTION USE/CHALLENGE/DEVELOP FORMS & CONVENTIONS?

Our 12 frame analysis:

1. Within our music video we have used a 'cross faded' montage effect/layering multiple (mainly two) pieces of footage on top of another. We included this particular effect is because we found it more effective and interesting for the capturing the viewers attention and is a typical convention commonly music videos to represent a combination of singing in the song. The lighting is fairly dark and lit in the background with bold (star-like) lights to convey the genre we wanted to present (ambient/dubstep/electro)

2. The particular framing of this shot as been set out to show the female artist with the spot light focusing on her face as she's singing, wrapped in the lights, to present her in a innocent and feminine way but to also display her in a in a more creative light (for the style of the music). This particular idea has been used before in music videos and photography, so we believe to have used this particular convention. **female/feminity represented - iconography**

3. The blurred light effect, which is consistent within the video, was used particularly of its creative and effect look. This particular effect was best for representing the speed and energy in the song and having a relationship with the concept.

4. **projection used in other music videos (e.g. rihanna - 'We Found Love') - Using/developing conventions* taking advantage of different light sources to make more effective/creative.**

-The use of Projection reflected behind our artist and on to our artist was one of our creative shots / style and a different notion of lighting. We got this inspiration from Rihanna's music video 'We Found Love'. 

5. ** Cross faded montage effect - used to represent the 'way- ay - ay' echo/lyrics. used in.??.. music video***

- We shot the effect of this from several different angles that we eventually overlaid on to eachother, the shots appeared according the lyrics and the beat.

 

6. **framing effectively used to show female artists face with the city landscape in background**

- The style of this frame has been used quite frequently in our music video, as the visuals of the lighting and iconography in the background present the identity of London being energetic.

7. **framing effectively used to show female artists face with the city landscape in background** - This particular frame uses iconography where we have used a close up shot of our artist with one of London's famous iconic building / monument. We chose this because of the lighting and the way in which we could overlay the 'Bokeh' lighting effect on to the main focal point being the building / monument. This would achieve the effect of developing our genre with electro style because of the colour presented. This can also reflect the ides of hyperreality of the lighting effect.

8. **Travelling shot of canary wharf (recognisable/eye catching) motion/sped up to reflect fast pace - using/developing forms/conventions**

-This shot worked really well in relation to our genre. As this shot is dynamic and creates excitement, especially as the motion has been sped up to reflect....

9. ** walking scene/following shot - lights, again, filmed in a recognisable london area... using forms/conventions** 

10. **panning shots of city lights - cross faded with music artist and bright light behind her creating effective use of light... can look like a sun (contrast to the darkness) - she is a 'source' of light..**

11. **final / closing shot. cross montage... AGAIN, used to have a similiarity to the opening shot - consistency** - using/developing the forms/conventions**

12. ** 'under the spot light' focus on the music artist - contrast of the black background with the bright light.**

Main points of paragraphs:
*Genre conventions
- Representing our genre (dubstep, ambient and electro style)
- Performance and visual based video

- Relationship between music and visuals: Sound/style of song itself and applying that to what visuals should be used (emotion, female singer, energy of song...etc)
- Relationship between lyrics and visuals:  analysis of lyrics and what its trying to put across - putting into a music video and what visuals should be used (darkness and lights) - Performance/concept and visual based video
- Hyperreality concept
- London
- Notions of looking.. Eyes, light, looking directly into the camera, through the eyes of the singer (what she sees)
- Intertextuality: Music videos, music artists, films and photography!

- Actress choice - Represented as a powerful, independent woman...

-Symbols and iconography

- Costume...

*Structural (form) conventions

- Fast pace cuts, edits and visual techniques to the beat of the song - effective and gains audience attention
- Variety of angles (e.g. close-ups and wide shots)

- Intertextual narrative structures at play/other music videos

- Performance/lip syncing
- Simulacrum (simulation of the 'real' performance, 'real' performer)-

Evaluation: Question 2

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE COMBINATION OF YOUR MAIN PRODUCT AND ANCILLARY TEXTS?

Evaluation: Question 3

What have you learned from your audience feedback?

Question 3 - What have you learnt from your audience feedback? on Prezi

Focus Group Questions:

Evaluation: Question 4

How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation? on Prezi

Rough Draft Feedback Gathered

Here is the feedback we gathered from our rough draft music video. We collected the comments via youtube and the facebook generated for 'Ava':

Yvonne (17 years) - "I think it's come such a long way, I love all the use of the different lights, colours and jumps which sync with the music. The lip syncing matches. My only little constructive feedback that I can give is that there is slight camera movement in one shot of her walking. You could probably overlay a stronger light shot over it so it isn't so obvious or put in another video shot. However I'm just being picky. It's really well edited and I like the Song."

Katie A (14 years) - "That's really good it looks really professional!"

Alice (18 years) - "This is fantastic, I love the shot of lizzie lying in the box with the lights!"

Danny (17 years) - "OMG that is suck a sick video, you will have to tell me the places you filmed :D"

James Pt Few - Wow, awesome tune... Top fun!! X  

 Charliiee 'mush' Armstrong (18years) - U really like the video and the use of the lights they look pwetty and so does Lizzie !!!!!!

Louise Ogrady -  Excellent video, like it xx

jn1910 - I really like the use of lights you use to overlay each image effectively. And I love the way you have edited the lip syncing around the remixed vocals. Another thing I like watching from an audience perspective is how you've both managed to keep me interested throughout the video.
My only piece of criticism is that when filming outside, maybe Ava could've worn her her up as the wind blowing her hair around her face distracted me XD
really love this video though :)

Lizzie (18 years) - I really like the use of both types of shots in the studio and in London. I also really like the way that you have overlapped some of the shots. There is a good amount of effects used as it doesn't over power the piece. I don't think shots using the projector work as the shaded put on the actor face isn't very flattering but other than that Awesome video guys :)

Kyle - Very impressive video! I wonder if there is any way of incorporating a plot which would help to expliain the song and compel the viewer to watch the whole thing.

Alex.W (19 years) - yeah good video :) i thinks that there is a bit to many shots of lizzie singing the song, I'm thinking maybe you should get shots of her walking down the street with the lights of traffic coming though underneath, have like have the camera so it like does a fly by past her shoulder or something like that. its very good though :) well done. btw you don't have to listen to my comments they are just suggestions.

Mattlikespiano - This is a really good music video! I like the way you kept the video in context with the name of the song, including lots of different types of light such as sparklers, traffic etc. The lips are synced really well with the vocals, I like how you've also added the remix vocals as well. My only real criticism is that I found, personally, that there was a lot of blur. This might have been something that you added as an effect, I just found my eyes where straining for focus.
Overall: Brilliant.

Jack (18 years) - Hey this is jack. I really like how the video has been put together because you did pick a hard genre to make a video to but you have managed it very well. I like the use of overlays and dissolves this helps keep the transitions fresh and smooth and also keeps it all in time with the music. I also like the diversity of the shots used because that helps keep it interesting and you also managed to get some popular sites in there too and this will help the artist appeal to a broader audience.

I also like the editing around where the vocals have been remixed that is good. The only criticism I woud have is that some of the shots where a bit windy and this sort of appeared messy but that is the only thing apart from this I think you have done a wonderful job and you have obviously spent time editing it and making sure its all perfect so well done guys.

Obed (17 years) - The video is great. The cuts are fast paced like the music itself. I like the way you layer clips on top of each other to make the clips more interesting. The lip-syncing is near perfect. The only criticism i have is that effects. Some clips especially the projection ones need more contrast. :)

Very good use of lights and stuff
Stupidchild4321 

Wow this is so good!

JLSfan12345 2 weeks ago

Facebook insight on demographics for our 'Fan Page' - Audience Feedback

Through regular checks and updates on the fan page on Facebook, we decided to look at the overall demographics so far for the audience who show an interest in our artist. So far, we have reached 47 views, which is 58% are females and 41% are male. However, this is only early stages as we will be uploading a first draft copy of our music to receive feedback and hopefully interest more individuals and build a wider fan base. This will also be tested through other social networking tools/sites such as YouTube and MySpace which are huge for music and unsigned artists helping to promote their music.

12 December 2011 - Photo Shoot

Images collected for examples and ideas for shooting angles and positions.

Equipment/items used:
- Canon EOS 450d SLR Camera
- Costume (dress, leggings, heels, green top)

- White backdrop

- Photography/studio Rig Lighting

- Tripod

- Amp and Guitar *Props*

- Makeup and Jewellery

What we did:
- Set up equipment (camera, backdrop and lighting)

- Costume (final decisions)

- Green shirt and leggings shot (variety of closeups)
- Cream dress with amp, guitar props and microphone

- Back to green top and Black leggings for amp

Evaluation of shoot:
Lizzie, Lauren and I met up at school at around 10:00 to get started on the days photoshoot. We set up the lighting, backdrop, camera and tripod to ensure the photographs would look professional. We ensured everyone was lively and ready for the shoot that we were going to carry out for a couple of hours. First of all, Lauren and I prepped Lizzie by applying her makeup on and allowing her to get changed into the selected clothing (A floral green top, black leggings and heels). The reason we selected this particular clothing for the shoot is because we believed it suited her best and thought it would present her in the image we were trying to create.
We used the Canon EOS 450D SLR camera to take various shots from different angles of Lizzie so that when it came to viewing the photos, we'd be able to pick out a few decent / professional looking shots.
We played some music in the background to entertain us all, but most importantly, to relax our 'Artist' Lizzie whilst she stood infront of the lights and camera, by singing along to our chosen song as well as other songs to keep her motivated and having fun.
We had lizzie change into a different costume, a cream lace dress, to create a variation and different look rather than create just one style, this helped to create the vintage/urban style look.
We decided to use some props, e.g. an Amplifier and Acoustic guitar, because we felt that the photographs we'd been taken was lacking something interesting. Also with the use of a microphone as we felt this would also make a good touch to images that we may use later on.
We believe that the photograph shoot session went better than expected because we believed it would take longer than 2/3 hours but we were able to finish at approximately 1pm, without any problems!
The only problems we faced was trying to source a hairband when we tied lizzies hair up and when adjusting the lighting so that it didn't create too many shadows.

Evaluation for Third Day of Shoot

Evaluation:

Today, Lauren and I intended to have some of the footage, which we collected friday night, and put it together to have projected onto Lizzie! Due to implications we faced in the day we filmed later than we intended, such as being unable to find the right cable to extract the footage from our camera (as it was locked away) and gathering the footage together - taking longer than we intended.
Eventually, we extracted the footage from the camera and we were then able to save it in smaller chucks so that when it comes to editing we will be able to put the music video together alot easier. Due to the amount of footage we had, it took a long time to extract it. Once we had collected all of the footage from our film camera, we were able to take the more creative and visual shots and put them together in order to create the projection film onto Lizzie whilst she sings.
Putting the footage together took just over an hour (including the time it took to convert it into a Quicktime file). During the time when editing, we helped Lizzie to get her clothes and make up sorted out before filming!
Eventually, we brought down the equipment such as the laptop, USB Stick, tripod, camera and everything else down to the lecture theatre (at approximately) 3:30!
Luckily, everything was well prepped so we knew we were able to get it done within an hour or so.
We connected the laptop into the projector electrics and had it viewed alot larger onto the screen - We tested it out to see how effective it looked... and it looked pretty damn AMAZING.
The only problems we realised is the darker images didn't show lizzie very well - but the majority (lighter images) showed her up pretty well.
We did a variety of different shots (such as a wide shot and close ups) to create more variety in the music video.
We finished our filming til around 4:45, which we somehow finished at our intended time (since we were able to use the lecture theatre from 2:15 - 5:00)

Evaluation for Second Day of Shoot

Evaluation about the shoot:

On friday the 25th of Novemeber we had filmed for the second day for our music video. From 3-4 Lizzie had enough time to get dressed and ready for the evening filming. We intended to set off on our journey to the locations in Greater London at around 4:30, but ended up leaving at 5:40 from school (due to implications). We made sure we all wrapped up warm for the cold night ahead of us! We had to pass by Lauren's house to pick up the spare tapes which we needed for our filming. We then set off towards London down the A2 - However, we then hit traffic 1/4 into our journey and were stationary in the car for around 20-30 minutes. This was a possible problem that we knew may have arised and knew that it would mean we had to film later than expected. Eventually, we got to our first destination (Beckton Hill) at 7:00. It was fairly windy and cold seeing that we were fairly high up, but had an amazing view! Setting up the equipment was fairly difficult because it was hard to see - luckily, we had the portable L.E.D Light on us which enabled a successful/safer set up of the camera and the tripod. We then attatched the LE.D Light onto the camera to enable a better view of our actress, Lizzie. For health and safety reasons, we made sure Lizzie kept on her warm/comfortable clothing througout filming on the hill as it was freezing cold! Lizzie did a few takes (approx 3/4) on lipsynching to the music we played via Laurens iPhone, which enabled a successful and in time sync to the music. We had a successful start at this particular location because the scenery behind Lizzie was pretty stunning and the blurred light effects came out well! The only problems we faced was being able to see the functions on the camera and controlling the focus/zoom in the dark. We were able to solve this problem by shining a second L.E.D portable light onto the equipment in order to see. After we got a variety of shots and footage, we decided to pack up our equipment and move to our next location before it got too late. We warmed up in the car and had a quick rest/break before setting off to the next location. The second location we travelled to was the Royal Docks, only 10/15 minutes away from the hill location and had arrived at around 8pm. I (Aimée) used a SatNav when driving to this destination to ensure we didn't get lost and not loose time in filming. We arrived at the Docklands location at around 8pm and made our way up to the bridge. We decided to use free hand for this part of the filming because we wanted to incorporate more free hand shots into the music video and make it look more interesting. Lizzie changed her shoes for the filming and did a couple of takes on lip-synching the music. Because we were fairly high up from the ground, it was particularly windy so there was a problem with Lizzie having to hold her hair as the wind carried on blowing it around! Once we had enough footage, we made our way back to the car to make our way to our final location - London Bridge.
We arrived at approximately 9:45pm and parked at 'Wapping High Street' a 10/15 walk away from our filming destinations. The reason for parking at this place particularly because it was more convinient in the cost and safer parking aspect. We walked over the tower bridge and decided to film a few shots of Lizzie walking over the bridge and came across some elegantly lit trees which we thought looked particularly effective for our music video. We arrived at our desired location beside the thames, which we had decided to use from our inspiration of the 'Take A Chance On Me - JLS' video. We took various shots of Lizzie performing / lip syncing to the music at this location. The only problems we faced (which was expected) was the public, passing through the camera shots mistakingly.
By this point we were all fairly tiered, but were pleased with the footage we had caught. At approximately 10:30 / 11 pm we decided to finish our filming for the day and catch some food!
We drove towards Greenwich to grab some pizza from Dominoes...Mmmm. Pizzaaa!!!!.. At this point, we all felt / looked like zombies and wanted to eat our well deserved food and get home to our beds!
:)
Overall, We had alot of fun and gained alot of experience and knowledge from the shoot!

First day of filming - Monday 21st November Analysis

Today was our first shoot out of three. Our scheduled start was at 1245 so that we could begin shooting at 1320; however preparation time took us longer than we expected because of gaining access to the studio for us to prepare our actor and also setting up lighting. The shoot ran smoothly with very few if any implications, as we had learnt from feedback and advice from previous groups. For example, for each new camera shot movement or new film, leaving a five second intro was crucial as it would make it easier for us when it comes to post production.

From our first shoot we wanted to achieve artful shots of 'Bokeh' (lights out of focussed) along with attractive and elegant photographed shots of our actress. We produced impressive photography and film with the use of lighting objects such as a Disco ball (multicoloured), fairy lights and a black light. However, through using the black light that we tested we found that it did not work as effectively as we would have liked at the clothing used and the style of lighting in the room made it hard for us to film the body parts we had hoped. Apart from this the other lighting objects worked very well. On our third shoot day we are aiming to accomplish effective shots from the use of sparklers and a silver glittery disco ball.

Throughout the shoot we had several breaks because of the direct lighting on the actor being very bright and the heat being produced from the light made the room very harm meaning the we would become tired more easily therefore breaking at suitable moments made the process less tiring and fun!
As we were only using one location on this shoot, it was rather relaxed as we could keep all equipment and our own personal items in one place. The studio was small therefore we did not need a music system that would need to play the music out very loud, this is also the case where there were only three of us in the room which meant it was more quiet and we only needed a small dock to play the music off.

The day finished after 1730 as we decided to capture more shots than planned which worked out really well. There were no problems with the fact that we finished later as we made sure that the actress could get home safely and was fine with the fact she was required to stay. This shows us that our actress is very reliable and committed which we cannot be more pleased and appreciative for.

The overall process for today was very successful, we had a lot of fun and have obtained a wide variety of different shots which collectively we think are fantastic and we cannot wait to watch and edit them... also carrying on filming on the second day which is going to required a lot more in-depth research and time spent planning on. Considerations to take in for our next shoot would be to allow extra time to prepare the actress and area before shoot to prevent time wastage on common problems with access or weather restrictions.

Well done guys!