First full draft



This is my first full draft of my music video. I feel that the use of the cross dissolve edits between the shots in colour and the shots in black and white safely distinguishes between the past and the present. It portrays these shots as memories or 'flashblacks' and I feel that it represents these memories as what's going through Jordan's head at the time of when he is looking after Leah in the video. My stronger shots are the scenes where Leah visits the doctors, the couple are in the cafe and in the bathroom. This is because the framing is much stronger, the lighting has made the scene much clearer and more in focus.

Stronger shot

My most recent shots where they are laid in bed or watching TV have the issue of being quite dark so I think I am going to re-shoot some of these where necessary. I also need to work on my framing since in some shots Jordan's head has been cut off by the camera, I could solve this problem by using a taller tripod when I do a re-shoot and when I am setting up the camera, I should double check that both characters are both in shot. When I re-shoot some of the shots inside the house,  I should also use brighter lighting to reduce the amount of camera noise and improve the quality of my shots. A big issue with the quality of my video is that I have not uploaded it in HD initially as it is only a first draft and it would take a lot of time to do so just for this purpose. Consequently, this has made some of the footage appear softer than it should be. In the future when I upload the final edit I will upload it in HD which will drastically improve the quality of my overall video.



Weaker shot - low lighting

This is an example of a shot which is much weaker than the others. Although the framing is good, the lighting is quite low which had made the shot appear quite dark. Therefore, as I have previously stated I should consider re-shooting the sequence where the couple are having an argument. However, I am worried that the argument sequence may make the narrative unclear. I could improve this by either adding dialogue accompanied by a black screen at the beginning to make it more clear to the audience as to what it is they are arguing about.



Conventions Analysis of 3 CD covers belonging to the pop punk genre.

I have decided to look at three existing CD covers in order to identify the common conventions of these products for the pop punk/metalcore genre. I have looked at pop punk in particular as that is more apparent in A Day To Remember's music.

From looking at these CD covers I have identified the following conventions. Each CD cover I have looked at has the band’s name in upper case. The text is much larger than the accompanying text which informs the audience of the title of the album. The title of the album is in much smaller text but usually still in upper case. They all have a main image which are all illustrations or cartoons. This allows the audience to tell the difference between the mainstream genre of music and the pop punk genre, as most mainstream CD covers tend to consist of photographs of the actual artist rather than an illustration or piece of artwork. The colour schemes throughout the CD covers show the connotations of the music and suggest the possible themes which could occur in each track.

About Album Covers

First edit

This is a summary of what I have done so far. I still need to add the scene where Jordan visits the graveyard, and when Leah is visiting the doctors initially before she finds out her diagnosis. I think I might remove the shots which I initially planned which show a plate smashing on the ground, this is because I think this may confuse the audience and it might be a unnecessary part of the storyline.  I have had a discussion with my media teacher, and we are both debating whether to keep the opening sequence clip of the argument between the couple. This is because she thought it was quite confusing and that there was a lot going on, she also suggested I simplify the narrative by removing this clip as it might make the storyline clearer by doing so. Some shots (living room, in the bedroom) in this draft are a bit too dark, so I may need to re-shoot some of these shots. However, I am happy with how my video is looking so far. I may add different edits between the clips to show the difference between the flashbacks and what is happening in the present. I could also add a sepia filter on top of the flashbacks to distinguish between the past and the present.

Shooting Diary - Sunday 8th December

Today the filming I did before I went to work went very smoothly and according to plan. I managed to shoot the scenes which take place outside of the doctors with no problems at all. The lighting due to the time of day was perfect for filming. However, the only problem I did have is the letter looking on camera as if it was blank, I could maybe consider re-shooting this shot with a proper written letter but it would be very difficult to replicate a letter from the NHS.

After I finished work the filming in the graveyard went okay. I did have the problem of many cars pulling into the drive which disrupted my shots so at some points we had to stop mid-shoot. Some people kept looking over at me to see what I was doing but I was prepared to explain to anyone who asked what the aim of my project was and I would give a full description of what I was doing. I also had some trouble framing the shot so I could get the whole of Jordan in the shot as he is so tall. However, the sun setting provided suitable natural light for what I was trying to create within my video. Overall, I managed to shoot everything I was looking to shoot within a short space of time.

Shooting Schedule - Sunday 8th December

As mine and the talent's schedules are very busy at this time of year, I had to arrange to film two scenes before I start work this Sunday and after I finish work. I aim to complete the opening scene where Leah visits the doctors to find out her diagnosis and the closing scene where Jordan is visiting Leah's grave.

9.00 - 9.15 Meet Leah outside Tesco and walk to the doctors.

9.15 - 9.45 Doctor's scene.
Shots: 7, 8, 9 TYPE: Long shot, mid shot, medium close up, extreme close up.

10.00 - 2.30 I am at work.

2.30 - 3.00 Meet Jordan and walk to the graveyard.

3.00 - 3.45 Graveyard scene.
Shots: 64, 66, 71 TYPE: Long shot, mid shot, extreme close up, mid close up.

Opening Sequence - Test

This is my first test at the opening sequence to my video. I think that the quick editing works well as it works in cohesion with the tempo and mood of the music, it also matches well with the fact that the characters are having a domestic fight. However, I may need to consider re-shooting this opening sequence because the shots appear to be slightly out of focus due to the low lighting in the shots, in some shots the lighting is too dark and there is some noise in the shots towards the conclusion of the opening sequence. To solve this problem, I could consider re-shooting those particular shots with much brighter lighting to remove this background noise. Furthermore, I am going to put a full rough edit together with the shots which I have already taken, in order to see the strengths and weaknesses of all of my footage.

The Uses & Gratifications Theory

What is it?
This theory was devised by Blumler and Katz. It stated that the audience is active and describes the effects of the media from the audiences' point of view.

It asks why we watch certain tv programmes, why we read certain newspapers and tabloid magazines such as OK magazine or music magazines such as Kerrang. (A magazine which members of my target audience tend to read, especially as this magazine is of the rock genre).

The audiences' needs have social and psychological origins which create expectations about the mass media.

This leads to different patterns of exposure to the media, this results in gratification of the audience's needs and in other consequences.

This theory is relevant to my own work as it shows the reasons why my target audience might watch music videos or choose to listen to certain music. In this case, pop punk and metalcore music.

The Model
The model shows that individuals are motivated by a desire to fulfil or gratify certain needs.
The model asks how we use the mass media.
It states that we have four different needs.

• SURVEILLANCE
• PERSONAL IDENTITY
• PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
• DIVERSION

Surveillance
People like to know what is going on in the world around us, they like to have awareness and they use the mass media to be more aware of the world. This gratifies the desire for knowledge and security. We can relate to the dominant messages of conforming via the dominant ideologies give in the media texts such as music videos. For example, Green Day's music video 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' allows the audience to become aware of an important issues that is going on today, which is war. It shows the relationship between a couple and the effect of this important topic when the male character chooses to go fight in the war. Therefore, this is relevant to my own work as my music video shows the important issue of terminal illness and what some individuals are going through today.


 


Personal Identity
Being a subject of the media allows us to reaffirm the identity of ourselves within society. The media can be used for forming personal identity and can be seen in music videos. For example, rock stars become role models who inspire young adults all over the world. This is why there's a huge outcry when one of them does something which is unexpected of them.

Personal Relationships
We can form a relationship with the media and use the media to form a relationship with other people. Many people us tv as companionship as individuals can relate to the storylines and experiences portrayed in the programme. If we watch the TV on a regular basis we become close to the characters. Furthermore, when experiences of fictional characters are portayed in music videos, they allow us to form a relationship with these characters for a short amount of time and relate to them which is why many people watch music videos. For example, Ian Watkins, the lead singer of Lostprophets (a rock band), has pleaded guilty to a number of sex offences. As many young adults saw him as a role model before this was revealed, there has been a massive public outcry in response.

Using the media within the relationships
We use the media to as a foundation to form and build relationships with real people. For example, having a favourite band in common, (A Day to Remember) allows individuals to begin a conversation. This could consist of their latest activity, new single or album or a new music video.

The Two Step Flow Theory

The Two Step Flow Model was developed from the hypodermic needle theory which sees the media as a direct and powerful influence.

The diagram which I have included demonstrates the basic structure of the model. Opinion leaders (who are usually of high status or some kind of influential person) pass on information from the mass media through word of mouth. The audience are assumed to be active and are seen as part of society, they are more likely to consume a media product if it's recommended by a friend or someone close to them. A prime example of this is through the social networking site, Twitter. Popular news stories often find their way to the audience via Twitter and other similar sites as people often talk about issues and events happening around them in society today. 

For example, the recent death of Fast and Furious star, Paul Walker. As he was a popular actor amongst many young people within my target audience, individuals express their sadness about his death through twitter.

This is relevant to my work as I could spread the word about my new music video through word of mouth, I will inform influential opinion leaders of this so they will go on to reccomend my video to individuals within my target audience. I could place my ancillary texts on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to spread the word about my new music video.

The theory originated from the 1940 presidental election campaign. Lazarsfield et al carried out their first full scale investigation of the effects of political mass communication, their findings were published in 1944 in the book 'The People's Choice'.
Lazarsfield concluded that only 5% of people changed their vote as a result of media messages. When the audience were exposed to election broadcasts this turned out to be a poor prediction of their voting behaviour. He also concluded that we are more likely to consume something reccommended by someone we know or share a close personal relationship with.

Another example of this which is relevant to my work is the streaming site, Spotify. Tracks that an individual's Facebook friends are listening to appear on their news feed. A link accompanies this post which gives the individual the option to listen to the song. Due to the fact their friends are listening to a certain track they are more likely to want to listen to it out of curiosity and because their friend likes it.







Furthermore, personal interaction is more influential than the mass media as the receiver can be more selective when choosing which media they wish to consume. In a conversation where the speakers are face-to-face the distance between the two speakers is less than in mass communication. The speaker can also receive direct feedback from their partner.

Shooting Diary - Monday 25th November

Today I managed to complete the shots which I previously didn't complete on my first day of filming. These were the shots filmed in the bedroom, and the scene where the couple are both watching TV. Overall, the filming went well without ay problems and I managed to film the required close ups, mid shots, mid two shots and long shots which I needed. I am still yet to complete the filming of my video as I need to shoot the closing scene and the opening scene (where Leah finds out her diagnosis on her own and where Jordan visits the graveyard).

CD Cover Research

• I have begun by searching Google for existing CD covers which belong to the pop-punk and metalcore genre. 
• I have noticed that only a few of these designs include a photograph, the rest include some form of illustration or cartoon. 
• The metalcore CD covers appear to be quite dark and the pop punk covers are more bright and colourful, which reflects the mood of their music. 
• For example, The Devil Wears Prada CD cover looks quite gothic due to the dark cold colours in the design. Whereas, The Green Day 'Dookie CD cover is an action packed, bright illustration. 
• As A Day To Remember are a mixture of pop-punk, metalcore and post-hardcore, for my own design I could include a mixture of these conventions which are within the genre specific CD covers.
• I particularly like the montage for the Fall Out Boy CD cover, as I feel that the mixture of photography and illustration creates an effective CD cover. 

Shooting Schedule - Monday 25th November

The last time we filmed, I arranged another date with the talent to shoot some shots which we didn't have time to shoot on the first day of filming. I shall also be filming two more scenes.

5.30-6.00 (Destroying bedroom) 
Shots: 22, 24, 25 TYPE: Close ups, long shots, mid shots

6.00-6.30 (Leah sleeping, Jordan talking to her in bedroom scene)
Shots: 40,41,42,43,44 TYPE: Mid two shots, extreme close ups, close ups, long shots

6.30-7.00 BREAK FOR FOOD

7.00-7.30 (TV Scene)
Shots: 48, 49, 50, 51 TYPE: Two shots, mid close ups, close ups, extreme close ups, long shots

Shooting Diary - Friday 15th November

The second day of filming went very well. I began by capturing the long shots, and handheld camera mid shots on Wednesday Market, Beverley. This took little time and I was able to gain what I needed very quickly. As the talent started the scene quite a distance away from me they weren't able to hear me when I called 'action', to overcome this problem I developed a hand signal which they understood as meaning the same as 'action'.

Next, we moved on to film in Lempicka cafe, Beverley. I bought myself, Jordan and Leah a piece of cake and drink each which acted as both a food break and the performance needed for the scene. I set the camera up next to me so it was just a little taller than the table. This was where I shot mid two shots, close ups and extreme close ups. I also experimented and used the same idea of using handheld camera to show them in each other's point of view. When I was granted permission to film in the cafe by my boss the conditions were that I seek written permission from any customers which may be accidentally in the shot. With some discussion between myself and my media tutor and myself and my boss, we decided that I would go speak to any customers which may be in the shot, explain what I was doing and who I was and give them the option to opt out of being in the video if they wish.

Finally, we moved on to filming in the park. At first there were children in the park, so to use the time which we waited for them to go effectively, we shot some long shots, mid long shots and close ups outside the park which I required. The park scene is yet another flashback scene and these types of shots allowed me to show the intimacy between the couple.

Information letter for filming on Friday 15th November.

As I am filming in my employer's cafe, I have produced this letter to give to customers which may possibly appear in my shot on the day. By giving the customers this letter, they will be informed that they will have the option to inform me that they do not wish to be shown in the footage.

To whom it may concern,

I am produced a music video as part of my coursework for my Advanced portfolio for A2 Media.

My employer, Claire Strawbridge has granted me permission to film in Lempicka café today.

As the filming will be taking place for an on-going period of time, people may accidentally be seen in the background of the shot.

In order for this to be submitted the video will have to be posted online.

If you do not object to your image being used in this way, please sign this waiver form.

Thank you,

Jenny Morgan.  (Director and Producer)

Shooting Diary - Monday 11th November.

I think today's filming went better than I expected. As I have not done anything like this before it took me a while to get used to handling the camera and tripod. However, I was soon able to get on with what I needed to do. The talent put on a very convincing performance and they obeyed my stage directions without any issues.

We began by filming the scenes which involved the couple arguing and where Leah tells Jordan of her diagnosis. I did this by filming over the shoulder shots, close ups and extreme close ups according to my storyboard in different locations around the kitchen. I used the main lighting to create the effect which I wanted. However, I did have some problems with achieving the correct lighting for the camera to focus on both Leah and Jordan, I overcame this problem by adjusting the lighting until I was satisfied.

Next, we moved on to the scene where Leah throws various objects around the bedroom. Looking back at my footage, the close up shot of Leah entering the bedroom is out of focus and I will need to shoot this again on another day. I was also unable to gain a good extreme close up of the books on the shelf due to lighting. Therefore, I made the decision to cut this shot out as it wasn't too significant. I had forgotten to shoot a mid close up where Leah is seen actually throwing the teddies and books around the room. Consequently, I will film this shot along with the other close up on another day.

A further problem which I had was that Leah ran too quickly into the sharp corner of my bed when I was attempting to a film a long shot, which involved her running around the bed to sit on the other side. She bruised her leg quite badly, so I advised her to apply some Sudocrem to the bruise and to take it easy for the rest of the night. After some discussion, she told me she was okay to carry on filming for the rest of the night.

We then moved on to the boxing scene which involved Jordan on his own. I shot several long and mid shots to show his anger and fury at what was going on in his life. I also decided to shoot an unplanned long shot with a tilt so the audience might wonder what it is that he is doing and possibly feel sympathy for him as a character. This will give me more footage to work with during the editing process. This scene went very well and didn't take as much time as the previous scenes had done.

Finally, we moved on to the scene where Leah is running to the toilet to be sick. At first I struggled to set the camera up in a position which would create the shot that I had in mind. After moving the camera around and trying different positions I finally found an angle which I was pleased with. I shot some high angle mid shots to show how vulnerable Leah is as a character, and some close ups to show the intimacy between the couple when Jordan is looking after her.

Shooting Schedule (Monday and Friday)

MONDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
5.00 -5.30 (Male and female arguing and fighting scenes)
Shots: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9  TYPE: Over the shoulder shots, mid shots, long shots

5.30 - 6.00 (Finding out diagnosis of female - female tells male)
Shots: 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 65 TYPE: Close ups, Extreme close ups, mid shots

6.00-6.30 (Destroying bedroom) - Unsteady camera
Shots: 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 TYPE: Long shots, Extreme close ups, Mid shots

6.30 -7.00 BREAK FOR FOOD

7.00-7.30 (Boxing scene)
Shots: 29, 30, 37, 47 TYPE: Mid shots, Extreme close ups, Long shots,

7.30-8.30 (Bathroom, bedroom scenes)
Scene 1 Shots: 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 TYPE: Long shots, close ups, mid shots - low angle and high angle
Scene 2 Shots: 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 TYPE: Extreme close ups - high angles, two shots

On Monday I plan to film the majority of shots, depending on if filming goes according to schedule, which involve the house location. For example, where the couple are arguing, where Leah tells Jordan of her diagnosis, where she destroys her bedroom, the boxing scene and the scenes shot in the bathroom and bedroom. I will shoot the video consecutively based on the order of events which will take place in the music video. If we do not have time to shoot the scenes which I would like to shoot on that day, I will arrange another day with the talent to get these done.

FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER
1.30-2.00 (Walking through town centRe scene)
Shots: 19, 20, 21, 22 TYPE: Long two shots, mid shots, close ups

2.00-2.30 (Cafe scene) WITH ADDED LUNCH BREAK
Shots: 38, 39, 40, 41 TYPE: Mid shots, close ups (product placement for the cafe), two shots HANDHELD CAMERA (POINT OF VIEW)

3.00- 3.30 (Park scene)
Shots: 51, 52, 54, 55, 56  TYPE: Two shots - high angle, long shots, extreme close ups

On Friday I plan to film the shots which are going to take place away from my house. These are the flashback scenes where Jordan thinks back to times which they shared together as a couple.  Overall this process may be quite complicated as I have many different types of shots which I would like to capture. However, the talent have informed me that they will happily film again if they are not to my satisfaction.

Final Costumes

Costume 1
For the flashback scenes, I have chosen to dress both Leah and Jordan in dark clothing to show that they are linked together as a couple. As they are both wearing dark jeans, this emphasises this in particular, whilst also representing the genre. Jordan is wearing a simple t-shirt like the members of A Day to Remember, where under Leah's jacket she is wearing a plain vest top for the scene in the cafe. I have chosen to dress Leah in a leather jacket because this is a common convention my audience thought belonged to the rock genre, therefore I have decided to include this. Leah is wearing black trainers with white laces like the members of the band, this suggests the informal mood of the situation that they will be filmed in.



Costume 2
For the scenes where the couple are both having an argument, and when Leah tells Jordan her diagnosis, I have chosen to dress them both in predominantly dark clothing, similar to the first costume. I have done this so the costume will have negative connotations of sadness. I have chosen to dress Leah in a band t-shirt as this represents the rock genre, it is also a common choice of clothing amongst both A Day to Remember and my target audience. I chose a t-shirt which had a red part as red has connotations of anger and passion.












Costume 3
For a selection of the scenes where Jordan is looking after Leah, I have chosen to dress Leah in another band t-shirt which looks similar to a pyjama top, as well as some pyjama shorts. This suggests that she has begun to make less of an effort with her appearance and that she will be permanently wearing similar clothing until she passes in the video. I chose the grey t-shirt as since it is a band t-shirt it represents the genre, it also has dull connotations and suggests that her health has been altered by her illness. She is no longer white and pure, she is damaged. Jordan is wearing baggy bottoms and a casual v neck as this has connotations of him giving up and he is no longer bothered about his appearance. He wants to concentrate more on looking after Leah. His t-shirt is predominantly blue, but there is little white colour which therefore suggests that he is still hopeful that Leah can survive.





Costume 4
For the boxing scene which just includes Jordan, I have chosen to dress him in baggy clothing. For example, the baggy bottoms to show that he is being athletic in the scene. I have chosen black bottoms and a white top to show the contrast in his feelings, he is still hopeful that Leah might survive her illness, but at the same time he is angry. The white colour of the top also has connotations of his innocence and how vulnerable he is now due to his feelings.

Health and Safety Risk Assessment

PROP LIST

MALE AND FEMALE ARGUING AND FIGHTING SCENE:
Kitchen setting, dull lighting, plain surroundings, shot near the counter (with all the utensils showing on the top).

• I have chosen to shoot this scene in the kitchen because it reflects the domestic setting that they are living in. I will show the female character being backed up into a corner by the male and this will show his power over her and how he is intimidating her. I could include extra close ups of common kitchen utensils (such as: knives) with the couple shown arguing behind them to show the dangerous nature of their relationship in the beginning.

DESTROYING BEDROOM SCENE:
Double bed, teddies on the bed, disorganised, young adult books on bookshelves, red but dark lighting (as the female character will be upset and angry with life), makeup scattered around on the dressing table, CDs

• I have chosen to shoot this scene in my bedroom because through the use of props within the mise-en-scene this will remind the audience of her youth. Therefore, making it seem more tragic due to the fact that she finds out she has a terminal illness. The disorganised nature of the objects within the room, the teddies on the bed, the makeup and other props such as hair straighteners will portray her youth in particular.
  
  
  

BOXING SCENE
Garage setting, dark lighting, gym specific props (cross trainer, punch bag, boxing gloves, weights)

• This will be where the male is taking out his anger by training in his garage with the punch bag. This will have connotations of anger and sadness and will also suggest to the audience that he has anger issues due to the fact he is directing his anger towards the punch bag in the first place, and that he is having issues with his girlfriend.

BATHROOM, BEDROOM SCENES
Bathroom setting, same props as previous bedroom scene but with light blue lighting.

FLASHBACKS

CAFE SCENE (FILMED AT LEMPICKA CAFE - BEVERLEY)
Daytime, pink furnishings (reinforcing when they were having their good times), two pieces of cake and two coffees (showing that they are eating out together).

• I have chosen to film a scene in a cafe in particular as it represents an activity which many couples do together. It also being one of the little activities that the male took for granted whilst she was well.

PARK SCENE
Focus on the swings, trees and props which are specific to being a child. Use of natural light - towards sunset (symbolising it becoming darker for the male character as he is about to lose her).

TOWN CENTRE SCENE
People surrounding them, shops in sight.

WATCHING A FILM AND PLAYFIGHTING SCENE
Living room setting, sweets (Maltesers or Minstrels), blanket, television, cushions. Lighting used from the lampshades and small lights in the room.

• This is also another common activity which couples do and I chose this as this is what a majority of my target audience can relate to. They may do this themselves regularly with their boyfriend/girlfriend.

DOCTORS SCENE
Outside Manor Road doctors in Beverley, female will hold a letter telling her her diagnosis when she exits. Use of natural light due to time of day when filming.

Shot list

Shot 1 Opening long two shot of Leah and Jordan arguing 0.00 - 0.01
Shot 2 Over the shoulder shot, Leah facing camera 0.02-0.04
Shot 3 Over the shoulder shot, Jordan facing camera 0.04-0.06
Shot 4 Over the shoulder shot, Jordan facing camera, different position in kitchen 0.06-0.08
Shot 5, 12 Extreme close up of plate dropping 0.08-0.10
Shot 6, 13, 53, 47 (-4 secs) Extreme close up of plate smashing 0.10-0.12
Shot 7 Extreme wide shot, Leah walking into doctors 0.17-0.19
Shot 8 Mid shot Leah opening letter 0.20-0.23
Shot 9 Extreme close up of her face and reaction 0.23-0.24
Shot 10 Mid two shot of the couple arguing 0.24-0.26
Shot 11 Close up of Leah's face telling Jordan her news 0.27 - 0.28
Shot 15 Mid shot Jordan takes Leah and consoles her 0.31-0.34
Shot 16 Close up of Leah's face whilst hugging Jordan 0.35-0.38
Shot 17 Close up of Jordan's face - reaction, shocked 0.39-0.42
Shot 18 Long shot of Jordan and Leah walking towards the camera, laughing and talking 0.44-0.48
Shot 19 Handheld camera close up of Leah talking to the camera (Jordan's POV) 0.49-0.52
Shot 20 Handheld camera close up of Jordan talking to the camera (Leah's POV) 0.52-0.55
Shot 21 (Shot 19 repeat)
Shot 22 Long shot Leah entering her bedroom, calmly, she pauses 1.02 - 1.04
Shot 23 Extreme close up of teddies on bed 1.04.1.06
Shot 24 Unsteady cam, mid shot, Leah throws teddies around the room 1.06-1.11
Shot 25 Unsteady cam, mid shot, Leah throws books around the room 1.11 - 1.14
Shot 26 Leah walks from behind the bed, sits on the edge and cries 1.14.1.18
Shot 27 Mid shot, Jordan punches the punch bag twice 1.18-1.21
Shot 28 Close up of his face, punches the punch bag twice 1.21.1.23
Shot 29 Long shot, Leah runs in the shot from the left of the camera through the bathroom door 1.24-1.26
Shot 30 Long shot, Jordan follows from the left of the camera 1.26-1.27
Shot 31 Mid shot of Leah on her own bent over the toilet 1.28.1.29
Shot 32 Mid shot of Leah bent over the toilet, Jordan helping her 1.29-1.30
Shot 33 Extreme close up of Jordan's face in same scene 1.32.-1.35
Shot 34 Long shot of Jordan hugging Leah 1.35-1.39
Shot 35 Cuts back to a long shot of Jordan boxing, one punch 1.39-1.40
Shot 36 Cafe scene, mid two shot of Jordan and Leah eating at the cafe 1.42-1.46
Shot 37 Handheld camera, mid shot of Leah shying away from the camera, covers lense 1.47-1.51
Shot 38 Handheld camera, mid shot Jordan shying away from the camera, covers lense 1.51-1.55
Shot 39 Mid two shot of Jordan and Leah talking and laughing 1.55-1.58
Shot 40 Mid two shot, close up of Jordan and Leah laying on the bed, holding hands, Leah sleeping, 1.58-2.02
Shot 41 Close up of Leah's face, sleeping 2.03-2.05
Shot 42 Close up of Jordan's face, sat up, talking to her 2.05-2.07
Shot 43 Tilt down from both their faces, to a extreme close up of their hands together 2.03-2.07
Shot 44 Mid close up, Jordan leans down to kiss Leah's forehead 2.08-2.11
Shot 45 Cuts back to boxing scene, Jordan punches the bag once aggressively 2.11-2.12
Shot 46 Jordan and Leah walking down the park path 2.12-2.16
Shot 47 Cuts back to boxing scene, Jordan punches the bag again aggressively 2.16-2.18
Shot 48 Long shot of both characters in the living room 2.19-2.20
Shot 49 Mid two shot of both characters on sofa, Leah tucked up in blanket, cardboard hat next to her 2.20-2.22
Shot 50 Mid close up two shot of both characters on sofa, they are talking and laughing 2.23-2.26
Shot 51 Mid close up two shot, Jordan takes Leah into his arms as she looks tired, kisses her forehead 2.27-2.33
Shot 52 Long shot of Jordan pushing Leah on the swings 2.34-2.38
Shot 54 Cuts back to long shot of Jordan pushing Leah on the swings 2.40-2.42
Shot 55 Long shot of Jordan and Leah walking together in the park 2.43-2.45
Shot 56 Mid two shot of them both walking together, both talking 2.45-2.47
Shot 57 Long shot, on diagonal angle 2.54-2.56
Shot 58 Long shot, Leah in park on her own on the swings 2.56-2.58
Shot 59 Extreme close up of both Leah and Jordan laid next to each other in the park, heads together 2.59-3.01
Shot 60 Cuts back to Jordan punching the punch bag, rests his head against the bag, breathing heavily 3.01-3.05
Shot 61 Mid close up of Jordan sat next to the bed with a sad expression on his face 3.05-3.07
Shot 62 Cuts back to handheld camera in town centre, Leah talking to camera 3.07-3.09
Shot 63 Cuts back to handheld camera in cafe, shying away from the camera 3.09.3.11
Shot 64 Long shot of Jordan walking to the graveyard, holding flowers 3.11-3.13
Shot 65 Cuts back to them both arguing 3.13-3.14
Shot 66 Mid close up, Jordan has back to camera (walking to the graveyard) 3.14-3.16
Shot 67 Jordan chasing Leah around the park playfully, long shot 3.17-3.21
Shot 68 Mid close up, Jordan hugs Leah when he catches her 3.21-3.23
Shot 69 Park, close up of both Leah and Jordan laid next to each other, heads together (other way round this time) 3.23-3.25
Shot 70 (Repeated shot 64 3.25-3.27)
Shot 71 Long shot of Jordan coming to entrance of graveyard, drops flowers 3.27-3.30
Shot 72 Repeated extreme close up of both characters holding hands 3.30-3.32

Costume Ideas

These are my costume ideas for the different scenes of my music video. I have tried to utilize the different items of clothing which the talent already have, especially as I don't own any male clothing for my male character to wear. The aim is to present them as looking slightly alternative which will represent the genre of the music. For example, I will have them both wearing black skinny jeans and Leah will wear casual items  such as a band t-shirt, a leather jacket and other dark clothing. 

I will model the look of Jordan in particular on the band 'A Day to Remember'. They are often seen wearing casual clothing and simple t-shirts and jeans. They are not clean shaven and they don't appear to be formal. Therefore, I will try to re-create their look in the video to represent the genre, especially through Jordan's costume as I can make him look as similar as possible to the members of the band by the choice of costume.

Organisation of filiming

During my music video I would like to include a scene where the young couple are seen eating out together. This will be one of the 'flashbacks' of the time where they are both happy together before the female receives her diagnosis. I have decided to approach and ask the permission from the owner of Lempicka cafe in Beverley (Claire Strawbridge) who is also my boss to let me film this scene in her cafe.

I have also organised two dates with the talent via Facebook to do some filming for my music video. I did this by sending a group message to both Leah and Jordan. Monday 11th November and Friday 15th November.



Location List

Location List

• My House (due to the majority of the scenes being inside and I can provide the required mise-en-scene and costume for Leah)

  

• Lempicka Cafe in Beverley (providing I gain granted permission from my boss, Claire Strawbridge to film there on Friday 15th November) (INSERT PICTURES HERE)
• Beverley town centre (INSERT PICTURES HERE)
• Poplars Way Park (INSERT PICTURES HERE)

 

UPDATE TO CAST LIST

Due to personal issues, Katie and Adam feel that they can no longer participate in my music video. Therefore, I have had to search for another female and male lead. From approaching some students who are also college/sixth form students, I have found a new female and male lead.

Leah Andrew (17 years old)
 I chose Leah because she studies Theatre at A Level and has experience of performing in number of different plays and productions. Therefore, I can rely on her to put 100% into her performance when playing the role, she will also be used to listening to instructions and being infront of an audience or a camera. Again she is a member of my target audience which will allow the viewers of the music video to relate to her age, and relationship experiences.

Jordan Allen (16 years old)
I chose Jordan to co-star in my music video as he is part of a theatre group
which both he and Leah attend. They have built a good friendship and I feel that due to the nature of the role (acting as a couple) this will allow them to be more comfortable together in front of the camera. As he is also part of a theatre group, this means that like Leah, he will have experience of performing in different plays and productions and will also be used to being infront of an audience or a camera. He is also a member of my target audience and as my storyline focuses on a young couple, I needed him to be of a similar age to Leah to create verisimilitude for the young audience.

Animatic Storyboard

Storyboard

Note: Read the slides in order from left to right.

Making a video

When creating my music video I need to be aware of how to produce it, and the different responsibilities each member of the creative team has. However, in the case I will be taking care of all aspects of production. There are four stages to making a video.

1. The Brief  - This should state the purpose, intention and limitations (budget and time frame) of the video as it will assist the creative team in the production of the video. It should also include details of the target audience and how long the video is going to be. In my case, the brief is to produce a music video and two ancillary texts. The purpose of the video is to assist the track and reinforce the lyrics through visual imagery. The intention is to entertain my target audience and encourage them to listen to the track by showing my own visual representation of the lyrics. My limitations are that I have no budget except my own money, and that I have to produce it and have a final finished product before March 2014.
2. Pre-Production - The preproduction stage is the planning which is the stage I am at now. This involves organising certain elements which will assist me in the production of my music video. These are: the script (which are the lyrics of the track), the scene breakdown, the storyboard, a shot list, casting, locations, equipment hire, catering and transport.
3. Production - This is the length of time when the video is shot. Depending on the scale of the project this could take anything from days up to a year. It is vital that all stages of pre-production are complete before attempting to produce the video as the outcomes of the pre-productions stage will assist the creative team in putting together the video. 
4. Post-Production - This is where all of the elements of production are combined in order to create an offline edit (which is the rough cut) and a final online edit. During this stage the sound technician looks at the sound mix of the final edit and adjusts any sound which is either too quiet or too loud.

When making any video there is always a creative team behind the scenes, each member has different responsibilities which they are in charge of in each of the four stages. 

Director

The director directs the performance of the cast and crew. They are always on location instructing the creative team of what they need to do. They have creative control of the production of the video and always have the final say on the audio and how the film is put together. 

Producer

The producer is in charge of the creative team. They devise shooting schedules and make sure each part of the film is shot on time and on schedule. The producer manages the film's budget and timeline (what needs to be done and when). 

Executive Producer

They assist the producer in managing the timeline and the films budget. They also assist in managing the creative team and they take care of any issues which arise in the making of the film. 

Production Manager

The production manager makes sure that the filming runs smoothly and is in charge of day to day co-ordination of production. They take care of the people involved, gathering and hiring the necessary equipment (such as cameras, tripods etc.), facilities, catering and they are heavily involved in post-production. 

Writer

The writer manages and develops the idea or the concept of the film and writes the script. 

Storyboard Artist

The storyboard artist works with the director and producer to produce a visual representation of the script. They try to draw out a rough image of the film shot by shot, they will also state what type of shot it is and what is going on in that particular scene. The storyboard that they produce assists the director in filming the actual video. 

Camera Operator & Lighting Director

The camera operator uses the cameras and works with the lighting director when shooting the video. They shoot the different scenes and shots which make up the video. The lighting director manages the visual effects and is in charge of a lighting grid or a set of free-standing lights. 

Sound Technician

The sound technician make sure that any dialogue and any other sounds are recorded properly. When creating my own music video I will not need to fulfill this role as the sound is purely the track which is played alongside the visual imagery. However, if I was going to include some dialogue and temporarily stop the music to reinforce the story within the narrative of my music video, I would need to consider doing this. 

Editor

The editor cuts down the footage to a suitable length for the finished product. They will also add any other components, such as any special effects, extra graphics, sound etc. They work alongside the director to create the desired finished video. 

Talent

These are the actors or actresses who are seen in front of the camera. 

Results of my poll so far.

I posted a poll on my blog in order to find out more about my target audience. I attracted people to answer the questions by posting a link to my blog on my Facebook page, as I have a lot of Facebook friends who are within my target audience.

• These are screen shots of the feedback from my poll. The results can now tell me that my target audience are very much into music as 88% of all the people that answered so far said that they listen to music every day. The feedback from my poll also reinforces how I am aiming my music video at the young adolescent age group.
• Another interesting statistic I have gathered from this poll is that 60% of people label themselves an 'average' or a normal stereotype, this tells me that the target audience don't like to define themselves as something in particular and could suggest that they listen to music purely for the music.
• Furthermore, two of the statistics which will help me create the music video in particular, is that 72% of people feel that a story is the most important feature of a music video and 65% feel that mise-en-scene is the most important in the production of a music video. This suggests to me that my target audience do not want a music video which will be plain or boring, they want it to be interesting and visually appealing.

Cast List

Katie Jackson (17 years old):- I chose Katie as she is also a Media student at Wyke College. Therefore, she will have the appropriate technological knowledge to assist me in the production of the music video and to understand the way I wish to film my video. For example, she will have knowledge of different types of shots, camera angles etc. She is also part of my desired target audience for the music video, this will allow the members of the target audience to easily relate to her age and experiences.

Adam Mitchell (19 years old):- I chose Adam to co-star in the music video as he has knowledge of film production and knowledge of using a camera. This means he will be able to guide me in the production of my music video, as I do not have much knowledge of using video cameras and the accompanying necessary equipment. He is also a member of my target audience as he falls into the young adult age group (16-25) and he also listens to the metalcore genre of music regularly/

Audience Research - Focus Group

I asked my focus group six questions.

1. How often do you watch music videos?
2. What do you watch music videos on?
3. Do you like existing music videos? What is it about them you like in particular?
4. What would you like to see in a music video?
5. What do you think the conventions of the rock genre are?
6. What don't you like about music videos?
7. Do you prefer performance based videos or story based videos?

My focus group as a whole tend to watch music videos regularly which tells me that the market for music videos tends to be more for the younger audience. Rather than grown adults, as they don't tend to have much spare time to watch music videos. Whereas, my focus group are students without part time jobs which means they have more time to spare. They tend to watch such music videos on YouTube the most and occasionally music channels such as 4 music and MTV.

A comment which arose in the discussion was that they particularly like music videos which tell a story or that are slightly abstract. It was also stated that they like the fact that they are always improving and break the barriers of existing morals and ideals of music videos. Miley Cyrus was mentioned and commented on for her outrageous music videos, which shows that they are the ones which attract the most attention. 1975's (an indie rock band) music video - Sex was also mentioned for their abstract approach as they used 'crazy' colours to illustrate the effects of drugs.

Overall, my focus group said that they would like to see a music video which is outrageous, original and 'out there'. This tells me that I should do something which breaks the norms and isn't anything like that's been done before. They said that music videos can 'sometimes be boring if you don't know what's going on', 'they can be a bit repetitive' and they are 'not original, just the same'. This suggests that my music video will not fulfill my target audience's needs if it isn't interesting and doesn't show something that they can follow or enjoy. The focus group also commented that they prefer a mixture of both performance based videos and storybased videos. However, due to lack of resources and budget I am not able to include a performance of a band playing the song as it is part of the rock genre. Therefore, I will have to make sure the story is interesting to keep the audience engaged throughout.

Audience Research - continued

I used my online questionnaire to put together a selection of found images from Google to sum up what the members of the target audience I interviewed are interested in. They mainly like to be social by going out to nightclubs, going to the pub or seeing friends, but their interests are also more technology based. For example, watching TV, playing video games and listening to music in particular seems to be a popular activity to do in their free time, which is separate to their jobs or education. From looking at the overall results of my online questionnaire I can gather that going to gigs is also an activity that is very popular, they like to be part of a music scene and often visit local venues regularly to see local bands play. The people who responded to my Facebook status ranged from the age of 17-20, who come from the C1 demographic (which I have highlighted on the demographic table below) as they are all either at university, work part-time or are still in college education.

People who are part of this demographic don't tend to have much spare money, but they do have more knowledge of the internet, social media and technologies such as iTunes and Spotify. Spotify is a free service where you can listen to almost any song. People of this demographic and age group also tend to be heavy users of YouTube where many people watch music videos in their spare time. Therefore this shows that music videos in general are aimed at the younger generation as they use these technologies more so than the older generation.

Facebook is particularly popular amongst this demographic. Many Facebook users share music videos via YouTube links on their Facebook wall to show their friends a song that they particularly like, this then encourages their friends to listen to the song and watch the accompanying music video. Here is an example of this:

 Overall, people who tend to be fans of the rock genre fall in the age group of 16-25 with a small percentage falling in the age group of 26-35. Furthermore, this audience research will help me in putting together a music video for my chosen track as it shows who I need to aim it at (mainly the younger population) and what sort of features I need to include for it to appeal to them.

Audience Research - Questionnaires

In order to research my target audience I put a Facebook status asking my friends if any of them who were A Day To Remember fans would be willing to answer a few questions regarding what they do in their spare time etc.

 I devised five simple questions which would help me compile an audience profile.

1. How old are you?
2. What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
3. What other bands do you like apart from A Day To Remember?
4. Do you go to many concerts or gigs? Which was the last one you went to?
5. Is music a big part of you life? If so, why?

From putting the Facebook status, five people responded.

Dan Troupe - 20 years old

Free Time and hobbies: Likes to hang around with friends, play video games and watch films. Likes to watch anime, collect old childhood figures, collect Pokemon cards and play a variety of other card games.

Bands: Yellowcard, Green Day, All Time Low, New Found Glory.

Gigs: Likes to go to the local venues in Hull frequently, in particular O'Rileys and Ringside. The last gig he went to was approximately two weeks previously. The last live popular band he saw was Bowling For Soup approximately a year ago. 'I don't tend to have much money but I would go more if I could.'

'Music is a big part of my life as it provides me with some form of direction if I'm feeling sad, it lifts me up as with anyone else really. I listen to a lot of songs with lyrics that relate to me, so I know the band I listen to has gone through similar problems, so if they've got through said problem, I know I can too.'

Lauren Wilson - 17 years old

Free time and hobbies: Going out and drinking alcohol, listening to music, playing with her pet cat and doing coursework. (She is a full time college student). Enjoys writing music, playing the piano & guitar, drawing and fishing.

Bands: Motionless in White, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Billy Talent, Suicide Silence, Drowning Pool, Bloodhound Gang, One Direction and Miley Cyrus. 

Gigs: Goes to approximately four or five concerts a year, last one she went to was  Motionless in White - September 2013.

'Music is a big part of my life. The lyrics have meaning, the songs are there for you when you're feeling down, the songs make you happy, not to mention band members go through the same issues as you do, so you'll never really feel alone.'

Michael Hill - 19 years old

Free time and hobbies: Spends time with friends, works on his two bands, 'Down To A Deathmatch' which he has been in for a year, and a new one which hasn't been named yet as he has just started it. Likes to listen to music. 

Bands: Parkway Drive, Emmure, While She Sleeps, Architects.

Gigs: 'I go to loads!' The last one he went to was at Lamp (a local venue in Hull) which he played the previous Friday. 

'Yeah music is. Over the past two years of my life I've been in a band trying to kickstart playing shows and a year ago I finally managed to. After that I realised no matter what the job, I wanted to work in music! And music can play such a big part on your mood and day and has always been for me a massive inspiration and method of cheering up since I had a pretty s*** childhood.'

Tom Allhouse - 18 years old

Free time and hobbies: Meets up with friends, reads books and makes picture frames. 

Bands: Asking Alexandria, Deff Leppard and Joan Jett.

Gigs: Been to less than ten. The last was Asking Alexandria - 'it was awesome.'

'Yes and no, I listen to a lot of music but I don't listen to it as intently as other people might do, I just put my earphones in to drown out the world and be alone with my thoughts rather than actually listening to the music.'

Becky Bea - 18 years old

Free time and hobbies: Likes to go out, mainly to the local nightclub in Hull - Spiders. Enjoys watching family guy, playing Candy Crush, going to the pub and walking her dog. 

Bands: Sleeping with Sirens, Alexisonfire, Enter Shikari, Four Year Strong and Green Day. 

Gigs: 'I love love love gigs!' The last one she went to was a local gig at a local pub in Brough to support some friends. The last 'known' band was Lower Than Atlantis in October 2012. 'I've either had no money or been working when I wanted to see other bands.'

'Music is a big part of my life, it's always there to cheer me up, as well as bring people together, I love gigs, they always make me feel like I'm part of something big and it helps a lot, not just for me, but a whole load of other people too.'

My Target Audience

I have decided that my target audience will be the young adolescent age group 16-21, and the 22-27 age group. This is because the genres pop-punk and metalcore are particularly popular with a large proportion of teens and young adults. The target audience which I am going to create my music video for will be people who prefer these genres and other genres similar to rock to mainsteam music such as the pop and rap genres. Some artists who are popular with young people who listen to the rock genre are Foo Fighters, All Time Low, Paramore, Green Day or even Bullet For My Valentine. From my prior knowledge and being part of this particular target group myself, I know that technology is very popular amongst the target audience. Many have smartphones, where they have constant access to the internet, they can download apps, listen to music and they are constantly viewing social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Furthermore, I am going to do further audience research to fully establish the interests and needs of my target audience.

Initial Ideas - Music Video

Song: This is the house that doubt built – A Day To Remember

Narrative Summary: Idea 1

•     Female has hit an all time low and isn't happy with life, her parents ignore her, she doesn't have many friends and isn't doing very well at college. She is feeling lonely and depressed and doesn't see the point in living anymore. The video will begin in black and white where she is shouting to her parents and they don’t take any notice of her, she checks her phone to find no new messages, she rips up her work and destroys her room. The video will move into colour when she meets a boy on a park bench who talks to her like he would talk to anyone else. She becomes friends with this boy protagonist and he makes her realise there are things in life she shouldn't take for granted. For example, having a pint at the pub, being confident in her looks, listening to music, going to the beach. Therefore, the video will follow the female and the male taking part in those activities.

Narrative Summary: Idea 2

·    The video will involve mainly performance of the song. I will have the band performing the track on a stage in a room full of people who are singing along to the music. It will include quick cuts from the performance to a shot of the lead singer holding the lyrics up on paper looking directly into the camera. The video will end with the singer setting the last piece of paper on fire and dropping it on the floor. At the beginning of the video it will show the lead singer as a protagonist in a boxing ring facing off against the antagonist which will be the opposite to him. I could show this through the use of costume (one wears black, one wears white). Therefore, the antagonist will symbolise the bad side of him which he is trying to fight off. 

Narrative Summary: Idea 3

•     In the beginning, the video will show the story of a young couple who have been through a lot together. It will show them doing romantic activities such as: going for a meal, the male turning up with flowers and chocolate when the female is ill, sending cliché texts to each other and walks on the beach etc. The female will find out that she is terminally ill. Therefore, it will show the male’s anger since he doesn't want to lose someone so important in his life, so it makes him realise he shouldn't have taken her for granted so much. The video will show the male looking after her and being there for her. Overall, it will end with him walking into a graveyard with a bunch of flowers with a tear running down his face. 

I have decided to expand on my third idea, as I feel that this will be the easiest to create in terms of this being a zero budget film and I lack a lot of the resources which it would require to create the second idea. I feel that my third idea is a simple story which all members of my target audience will be able to follow, this simple idea is similar to that of existing music videos.

Found images storyboard.

I have selected some words from the song which I think are the track's significant ideas. I have searched for the images of the words on Google and produced a visual storyboard. This will aid me in creating my own music video for my selected track. The story within the narrative of my own video will reflect these themes and the connotations of them. For example, the 'wolves' could be the hurdles that get in the way of a person when they are trying to succeed, or the 'force' could be the strength of a relationship or a friendship.

Lyric Analysis

Lyric Timings: A Day To Remember: This is the house that doubt built

Conventions of the Genre (A Day To Remember - Pop Punk, Metalcore & Post-hardcore)

The genre of my chosen band is a mix of pop punk, metalcore, and post-hardcore. Therefore, I have chosen to look at all three of them to understand the conventions of the particular genre.