As we have to fit our shooting around our college timetable and personal time I have decided to come up with a diary of days we are available to shoot in the studio. Our video is all studio based therefore we are going to hire out Brinkburn Media Studio, here are the days we have requested so far.
Wednesday 20th October- 9.00-10.30- During the time of our usual lesson period. 12.15-16.00- Over dinner time and then from 1.05 onwards the use of our free time.
Friday 22nd October- 10.45-13.05- Shooting during lesson time and then from 12.15 over dinner.
Ater uploading and editing some of our video we realised we needed some more footage. We hired out the Brinkburn Media Studio on these days.
Thurday 11th November-
13.05-15.10- We shot some footage over lesson time until 14.05 and then until 15.10 in our free period, we covered most of the chorus footage.
Friday 12th November
10.45-12.15- We recorded some footage of all of us to fill the gaps that were occuring in our video due to missing footage, this was during our media lesson.
For health and safety reasons our group came up with a list of all the possible risks that maybe a danger to us whilst producing our music video. We also came up with some problems we may come across if all the items we need to film are not available. We created some examples of situations such as 'spillages' and then an outcome on how we would deal with the situation if it was to happen. We also considered actors not turning up and props being unavailable. We then came up with some ideas as to how we would deal with and treat the situation if it was to happen and also what we could do to avoid it. This will ensure that our filming runs smoothly and if we come across any problems they can be dealt with straight away. This allowed us to shoot as quick as possible so we could focus on spending our time editing.
Our group decided to come up with a band logo. We first created the basic images in photoshop with a lime green background, after saving them to a JPEG file we could then upload them to the Final Cut programme. This then allowed us to add motion to our logo. We created transitions for the typography to appear from and added motion to the wheels behind the diamond to allow them to spin. We chose the name Kinky Crystals as it is fun and quirky which matches our themes in the video. The typography shows the word 'kinky' in a sophisticated type writer style and the word 'crystals' is in a classy elegant font. To reflect this theme we decided to use a a diamond image to follow the classy look we are aiming for and to add a stylish element.
Our group is aiming to use some strange costumes that stand out. One of the items created is a one sleeved Pink top made from pink sequin lycra with mesh netting. The mesh is used down one side of the top which is see through to the skin and to create a large motif on the shoulder which was inspired by Lady Gaga. We used the mesh to create a large shoulder motif similar to the large shoulder style Lady gaga uses.The pink sequin lycra material is used as a one shoulder style top with one long flared sleeve, this is a fun and vibrant piece we will use. In Lady Gaga's outfit's she often uses outrageous, statement items of clothing. We decided to use this idea to create the strange quirkiness theme that our group was aiming for. Another item of clothing we used was a plain black vest top with white cones covering it. This created an uneven texture that created a disturbed feel and surrealism to the shot. This item was inspired by Madonna. We created it by using a black vest top and laying it flat on a table. We then used chip shop cones which we glue gunned onto the black vest top. We placed them evenly so there was not any gaps to create this unusual effect. An item of clothing we used was brightly coloured psychedelic leggings. I was inspired by Ebony Bones's style and came accross these legging in a vintage shop. They are shiny lycra material with green blue red pink and purple splodge images with text going around the leg. I thought they were very unusual and the bright colours work well with our themes. I also wore a blue and green sequin box style jacket. This adds sophistication to the look but the sequins add to the glamour and fun feel. In my individual verse I wore a leopard print shirt with a black vest top. This connotes a mysterious 'wild side' to the artist and adds fun unusual patterns. It may also show the fierce image being portrayed in the shot. Alex made his own jacket made from a flag. It was brightly coloured material which he cut and sewed the arms together to create a jacket. The mesh top underneath and the silver chain necklace add glamour and attraction which appeal to the audience. We took this style from Jake Shears for the Scissor Sisters who often wears revealing and strange clothes.
For our music video we wanted to have some close up shots on certain features such as eyes or lips. I found this video from the Rocky Horror Show containing lips lip syncing at the beginning of the video. I like the way the lips are bright and stand out on the plain black background. After researching the video on YouTube another video from Glee imitating the video came up. This version is a lot longer and the lips are a brighter shade. By using the contrast of a dark background the lips stand out and are clearly defined, this helps the teeth appear more white and helps them to stand out more making it clear to read the lip syncing. As the lip syncing is more visible it becomes more realistic that the artist is actually singing the words in the song. For my video I want to create a glitter effect. I borrowed red,green, blue and gold glitter from the art department and got Vaseline from home. After putting Vaseline on the lips I applied the glitter to create this effect. It made the lips stand out also creating a more glamours effect. Once filming the lip syncing with the glittered lips I uploaded the footage onto Final Cut. This software then allowed me to edit with the contrast and brightness of the shot until I eventually got the balance right and the whole face disappeared leaving just the lips. This is also a form of intertextuality for my video and adds different unusual shots to my video.
Here is a list of the props we will need for our music video and how/where we are going to get them from.
Disco ball- We will use a digital image of a disco ball in our music video. This will save time and allow us to focus on filming the actors and the cost of buying a real one.
Mega phone- We downloaded an image off the internet and uploaded it into photoshop. We created a layer on top of the image and drew an outline of it. We added colour to it and printed it on to A3 paper in different colours. We then stuck them onto thick cardboard and cut them out using the cutting machine from the technology room.
Women's wig- We are using a wig on the first line of the song 'I was a young girl' and later on in the video we will use short illuminous coloured wigs to add a sureal theme. We can get these from the performing arts prop cupboard and already have permission to use them.
Animal Masks- These are also being borrowed from the performing arts prop cupboard to use in our video to allow us to create a strange effect.
Green card/ paper- This will be used to create effects using the greenscreen, I will be buying it in large A3 pieces.
Fake money- We are using fake money in some lines such as 'some say it's worthless' this is being provided by Alex from home.
String- Used to levatate our cardboard TV, this is provided by college in the textiles department.
TV- We are making a cardboard TV for our music video, for this we will use a large cardboard box cut out using the cutting machine (Technology room) and stuck together using the glue gun (Textiles room)
For our music video we have decided to create some costumes. I decided to research into current artists to get some inspiration and ideas for our music video. The first artist I looked at was Madonna. As our video theme is surrealism we are going to look at strange and unusual costumes. Madonna wears revealing extreme clothing in her shows and we decided to look to her for some inspiration. We came across her cone top and like the idea of having different levels and shapes. We may decide to use a similar style by repeating cones to create an uneven quirky texture.
Another artist I looked at was Lady Gaga. She has very extreme one off costumes when she becomes in the public eye. A theme used a lot in her costumes is large emphasised shoulders and motifs. In the dress on the image I like the use of diamond shapes which may be an idea towards our groups brand. Lady Gaga is known for her extreme outfits and her fans now expect to see them from her all the time and it is what she is known for.
Grace Jones is a singer who has an unusual androgynous style that makes her stand out. She is known for her creative padded clothes and unusual use of body paint. we have considered using illuminous or brightly coloured paint in our music video to add to our fun theme. In this image Grace Jones has silver coil type coneson her body. Again this adds different levels to the costume, a surreal effect and different materials which create the texture.
Mika is a pop genre artist who uses vibrant colours throughout his work. He is fairly sophisticated keeping to simple black trousers. I think I will use black trousers or even leggings in my music video as they are sophisticated and mysterious. Mika also uses braces to add a fun element to his style. I am inspired by this image and the bright coloured paint as it is a fun image which I may reflect in my video.
Ebony Bones is an extravagant artist who uses lots of vibrant, nevajo, tribal themes in her work. she uses bright patterned leggings alot which I am going to refer to in my video. she also has brightly coloured rings around her kneck and waist which are bright unusual and add creativity to her style. She often wears hawain style tribal skirts and short crop tops showing her waist and body. Her emphasis on colour is shown through her image by simply using basic items such as bright purple tights or large shouldered tops.
our group decided to do a song from the new Scissor sisters album. The song we chose is called Night Life. We decided to do a song in the pop/disco/glam rock genre as we like the style of the music and the use of different dynamics. We researched different music videos from all genres such as Marina and the Diamonds, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Lady Gaga to come up with some ideas. We all agreed that we needed an upbeat song with a fast tempo that was slightly quirky which would allow us to make a disjuncture style music video that we were after. We narrowed it down to the Scissor Sisters as we enjoyed the music video to 'Any which Way' another song off their new album and this inspired us to follow the same idea of making a random video that would somehow fit together with the lyrics and song.
To allow us to use the Scissor Sisters song we had to gain permission from the band/record compant. We sent them a message via myspace that i have posted here, we are yet to wait for a reply or objection.
Lyric Breakdown
The Scissor Sisters- Nightlife 0.37 I was a young girl knew next to nothing 0.40 (3 sec) 0.40 Living in the suburbs and my heart was lusting 0.42 (2 sec) 0.42 For a new way and a new sound 0.44 (4 sec) 0.44 Crawled over my hang-ups in the underground 0.47 (3 sec) 0.47 I had a break through I had to shake you 0.50 (3 sec) 0.50 You could've come too to see my point of view 0.53 (3 sec) 0.53 We got a breakthrough it was my debut 0.57 (4 sec) 0.57 It didn't faze you but it meant something to me 0.58 (1 sec) 0.58 Night life, beneath the surface 1.00 (2 sec) 1.01 Night life, some say it's worthless 1.03 (2 sec) 1.03 High life, instead of being 1.06 (3 sec) 1.06 Inside, it's a song you're singing 1.08 (2 sec) 1.08 Night life, if there's no spirit 1.11 (3 sec) 1.11 Night life, then don't go near it 1.13 (2 sec) 1.14 Night life, to have it over 1.16 (2 sec) 1.16 Inside, you can find your life in the night life 1.22 (6 sec) 1.32 If you are feeling like you don't have nothing 1.34 (2 sec) 1.34 Under pressure in the cooker with your head in the oven 1.37 (3 sec) 1.37 There's a new way so come on down 1.40 ( 3 sec) 1.40 Life ain't never really over when you're underground 1.42 (2 sec) 1.43 You need a breakthrough you need to make do 1.45 (2 sec) 1.45 You need to come to a brand new point of view 1.47 (2 sec) 1.47 You need to break through and then get wise too 1.50 (3 sec) 1.50 Our love is taboo and you'll be something to see 1.53 (3 sec) 1.54 Night life, beneath the surface 1.56 (2 sec) 1.56 Night life, some say it's worthless 1.58 (2 sec) 1.58 High life, instead of being 2.01 (3 sec) 2.02 Inside, it's a song you're singing 2.04 (2 sec) 2.04 Night life, it's a heart you're racing 2.06 (2 sec) 2.07 Night life, it's a billion daisies 2.09 (2 sec) 2.10 Night life, it's the cash your making 2.12 (2 sec) 2.12 Inside, you can find your life in the night life 2.17 (5 sec) 2.39 It's beneath the surface some say it's worthless 2.43 (4 sec) 2.45 It's a low gut feeling it's the rush you're feeling 2.49 (4 sec) 2.51 You can beg your spirit if you let that leave it 2.54 (3 sec) 2.55 It's the back you're breaking are you ready for the night life 3.00 (5 sec) 3.01 Night life, night life 3.02 (1 sec) 3.05 Night life, love life, inside 3.08 (3 sec) 3.10 Find your way to hide in the night life 3.14 (4 sec) (Night life, night life, night life) 3.15 You can find a life in the night life 3.19 (4 sec) (Night life, love life, inside) 3.21 Find your way to hide in the night life 3.24 (3 sec) 3.26 You can find a life in the night life 3.30 (4 sec)
Here is a mind map i created of some of the key features of pop music videos that I have gathered from research. It involves mise en scene, costumes and any other inspiration taken from researching other videos or artists. I have used a 'pick and mix' technique by taking small ideas from a number of artists and developing them into my own suggestions for my music video, these are some of the themes we hope to follow
I decided that to find out my target audience, I would produce a questionaire of quantative data to help me decide on some of the features of my music video by looking at views from an audience of 20. Here are the questions that I asked...
1.Are you male or female?
Male-10= 50%
Female-10= 50%
2.What age group do you fall in?
Below 16-0=0%
16-18-18=90%
Over 18-2=10%
3.How often do you listen to music?
Every day-16=80%
Up to 3 times a week-3=15%
Weekly-1=5%
Fortnightly-0=0%
Hardly ever-0=0%
4.Where do you listen to the majority of your music?
TV-1=5%
Radio-1=5%
CD/Record/Tape Player-1=5%
IPOD-8=40%
Laptop/Computer-9=45%
5.What music genre do you listen to the most?
Rock-6=30%
Indie-4=20%
Dance-0=0%
RnB-1=5%
Pop-8=40%
Other-1=5%
6.Do you prefer fast or slow songs?
Fast-19=95%
Slow-1=5%
7.Do you enjoy watching music videos?
Yes-18=90%
No-2=10%
8.What type of music video do you prefer?
Visuals relating to the lyrics-3=15%
Disjuncture (no connection between the video and lyrics)-12=60%
Live performances shown as music video-1=5%
Parodies-4=20%
9. Do you think it is important to show shots of the band and instruments in the video?
Yes- 5=25%
No-15=75%
10. Do you think carefully thought out costumes are important?
To help us identify whether our production has the major conventions of a music video we decided to see how it relates to Andrew Goodwin's points of analysis.
Genre characteristics-A pop music video should be catchy, fun and lively. The audience want something that they are able to dance to and enjoy. Pop music videos focus a lot on the presentation of their video focussing on costumes, dance routines and props. Mise en scene is very important and everything shown on screen represents something regarding to the song or band. Relationship between lyrics and visuals- Our aim was to create no direct relationship and use disjuncture and surrealism in our video. To do this we would use random objects and props that have no real connection but some how fit with the genre as a whole. We have also used another relationship by using an illustrative technique in the odd few lines. An example of this is 'some say it's worthless' where we will show the group playing with money. We decided that to show continuity and to help connect our lyrics to the visuals we needed some form of representative connection.
Relationship between music and visuals- As the whole pop genre is generally upbeat and lively we decided to use lots of fast jump cuts from shorts to fit with the beat and tempo of the music. This creates the relationship between the music and visuals as the audience will expect to see a change on screen every time the music changes or goes from a verse to chorus. In one section towards the end of our song there is a large instrumental therefore as a group we are going to create a dance routine to fit the style of music. There is also a bridge section where there is a fast consistent beat, for this we are using strips on our face that will flash different colors on the beat as it changes.
Need to sell artist-To help sell the artist we are using many different costumes that are surreal and stand out, this will help the audience to remember them as they are portrayed in an unusual way. As each member plays an equal role in our group we all have individual pieces where we will use close up shots to create a more personal feel to the audience and to show our individual personalities. We also use some long shots to show the group as a whole, this will show the connection between the group and allow the audience to refer to the group as a whole.
Voyeurism-We aim to make our video more enjoyable as it is fast, lively and fun to watch. We use disjuncture to make it more interesting to the audience rather than using your typical illustrative video, this was we can get across some of the themes of the music. The bright colors, fast camera movements, and transitions between shots will appeal to the audience to create the young, free and fun ideas that we are aiming for. The costumes will make us stand out from any other pop artist and help us appeal to the teenage/ young adult audience we are aiming for.
Intertextuality- Our group have used intertextuality in the use of our costumes, We were inspired by Lady Gaga's dresses which lead us to create a similar style top with large shoulders. We have also used a Madonna inspired cone top.
As part of my research I did a case study into a similar artist. I chose Katy Perry as she is a good all rounder pop singer and song writer who is very inspirational. I created my case study in the form of a flash site here is the link for it www.wix.com/amyadair/katy-p
Pop music videos often have many different fast camera shots. Bands generally are portrayed in mid or long shots to show the connection and relationship between the band members. Especially in pop videos there maybe a shot of the dominant image in the centre generally the main singer and then the rest of the band are often performing slightly behind, often showing a dance routine or movement. Long shots are used alot during band videos as the pop genre generally has alot of performing and choreographed dancing in their videos. However solo artists are often shown in close ups to help them to relate more to their fans and show emotions. Birds eye view shots are often used to focus on an image and show a different angle. It is often used in pop music videos as it gives a strange and unnatural angle. A birds eye angle adds surealism to the already strange image from the scissor sisters video of the band placed in a hand. This may also add the impresssion of a God like view to the audience. Tracking shots are often used in pop videos to follow an artist or to lead the audience to another shot or scene. Pan shots are also used often to show other band members or the surrounding area and to give a wider view of the scene. Zoom in/out affects are also used alot in disjuncture pop music videos to focus on objects or identify fine detail, that the audience may not have noticed otherwise.
Editing
Lots of editing techniques are used in pop music videos. Especially in our style of video as fast
songs have lots of cuts showing different shots flash on and off screen. This makes the video match the tempo of the song and makes it more interesting to look at for the audience. Another popular editing technique is the use of a green screen or plain background. This is then edited to create a bright vibrant background to the band, it can also be used to add effects to change the colour or detail to clothing items, objects and props. Effects are also often used to create a pattern on the background. Transitions are also used to change from one shot to another, this can be done in many form such as a dissolve, zoom or fade movement. This makes it more interesting to the audience and helps to reflect the theme's that were aimed for in the music video. A popular one for our style of video is a distorted effect that would help to add surealism to our footage.
Lighting
Lighting is portrayed very bright and lively in pop music videos. Flashing lights are often used as an effect to add energy to the video and the shot is generally always bright and well lit. In some shots you may find the edges darker and the centre brighter often on the dominant artist to enhance the star image.
Mise en scene
In any music video's mise en scene is carefully thought about. Each object or item is carefully selected for a particular reason and everything seen by the audeience on screen is there for a reason. In music videos props and costumes pay an important role. Costumes and make up are carefully selected and are often over the top to fit the style of the song.
I came across the music video 'Cheap and Cheerful' by The Kills, which I perticulary enjoy. The video has many features that we are hopefully going to use in our video and is a great influence. The style of the video and editing has helped us to create new ideas and a different view towards ours. To help gain an indepth view and to identify some of the main features of the video I decided to do an analysis of 9 shots from the video to study.
Shot 1- The first shot shows a close up of Alison the main singer, by using a close up we are framing the artist to focus on her face. This is one of the main selling points as she is the most well known artist out the group and a close up helps to introduce and distinguish her making her more appealing and personal to the fans. Alison is shown wearing bright glittery make up that shows a fun and interesting side to her however the red lips also add a seductive side which will appeal to a different audience. During the shot shadows are used on her face which changes everytime to hit the beat, this sets a fun and outgoing theme and add to the feel of the music.
Shot 2- For this shot a green screen has been used as we see footage of Alison displayed on the screen behind and of the actual footage on screen. This editing technique allows us to play a piece of footage in the background whilst filming the shot we are after on screen. Alison is portrayed in a smart old fashioned band stand style outfit with a large drum. The drum connotes that music is imprtant to her and the fact she is stood resting her leg on the drum portrays her laid back outlook on life. The shot on the screen behind is a mid shot therefore by using the two shots together we get a more indepth feel to the artist and many different views of her.
Shot 3- For this shot the clapping sequence is used to fit in with the music thought beats, it is short and fast but effective with the style of music. A mirror shot has been used as the two artists are shown twice and this has been edited in to create a duplicate effect, possibly by the use of a green screen again in a studio. Shadows are also another convention of the music video as it makes it more realistic and interesting to the audience. Alison is portrayed in black this time wearing a blazer showing a more smart, sophisticated but mysterious side to her. The other artist (Jamie) is also shown in a smart traditional band stand style jacket, this fits in with the themes of the song.
Shot 4- In this shot Alison is wearing a blonde 60's style wig with sunglasses. This may may be a reference to some of her influences as an artist. Footage shown in the background is also edited to an old 60's style film with interference across the shot. The glasses and leopard print scarf connote a wild charasmatic side to her. The red lips suggest an attractive side and that she likes to present her self well. However the smudged makeup also suggests an emotional side to her and portray her feelings.
Shot 5- This shot shows Jamie in a military style jacket playing the drums, this fits in with the themes of the music video already created. A shot of him has been cloned 4 times to show us 4 of the same image but two with different jackets on, this is affective as it confuses the audience and makes them look twice at the artist. The drum symbolises the love for music and the close up of Alison on the screen behind shows the more emotive side.
Shot 6- This shot shows a green background with a long shot of the two artists. The green background may connote envy and the two artists are wearing the same military style suits. The background screen shows a mid shot of Jamie dancing in robot style movements and the two artists are dancing in a similar style on screen. The puppet style dance movements show a form of control and add a quirkiness to the video. It makes it more intresting and adds a fun element to the video.
Shot 7- One convention often used is a shadow effect as shown in this shot. A simple long shot of the artist can be made very effective by the shadow effect. A guitar and amp are shown in the shot showing the importance of music to the band and to suggest that they play all their instruments and are showing their fans everything they have. The shadow effect adds a dark mystery look which could be interpretated to some of the ideas in their music.
Shot 8- This shot uses one of the features we are hoping to use in our video by using writing on the screen. The bold red typography helps make it easier for the audience to join in and as a marketing feature helps the song stick in the audiences head. Again a shadow is used adding a mysterious seductive view towards Alison. She is wearing laid back clothes which suggests her calm outlook on life but her makeup suggests that she cares about what she looks like and maybe what people think of her. The bright eye shadow makes the shot fun and exciting and the direct mode of address makes it more personal to the audience.
Shot 9- This shot is edited to match with the 60's theme aimed for. A monochrome silhoutte type image is layered on top of the video footage to create the effect. Half the normal footage is visable with the other half being the edited part. The background image on the screen is blured out to create the contrast between the two shots. And the bright colours used help identify the different elements of the shot. This shot portrays the quirkiness and surealism the band were aiming for and adds an 'art student' creative type image towards the band.
are going to hire out Brinkburn Media Studio, here are the days we have requested so far.
Thurday 11th November-
are going to hire out Brinkburn Media Studio, here are the days we have requested so far.
Thurday 11th November-
Our group decided to come up with a band logo. We first created the basic images in photoshop with a lime green background, after saving them to a JPEG file we could then upload them to the Final Cut programme. This then allowed us to add motion to our logo. We created transitions for the typography to appear from and added motion to the wheels behind the diamond to allow them to spin. We chose the name Kinky Crystals as it is fun and quirky which matches our themes in the video. The typography shows the word 'kinky' in a sophisticated type writer style and the word 'crystals' is in a classy elegant font. To reflect this theme we decided to use a a diamond image to follow the classy look we are aiming for and to add a stylish element. 
d drew an outline of it. We added colour to it and printed
it on to A3 paper in different colours. We then stuck them onto thick cardboard and cut them out using the cutting machine from the technology room.
For our music video we have decided to create some costumes. I decided to research into current artists to get some inspiration and ideas for our music video. The first artist I looked at was Madonna. As our video theme is surrealism we are going to look at strange and unusual costumes. Madonna wears revealing extreme clothing in her shows and we decided to look to her for some inspiration. We came across her cone top and like the idea of having different levels and shapes. We may decide to use a similar style by repeating cones to create an uneven quirky texture. 
