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.