Making my DVD Cover

For my DVD Cover I used a lot of Free Transform to change the size of some of the pictures. I also used Crop to crop parts of one image to put on the spine. I also went on dafont.com and found a font that I felt went well with my genre.
My new DVD Cover is very different than my original idea so I will have to redo a draft design. The reason I did this was because when trying to do the original picture ideas I found that they did not look the way I wanted and either looked to empty or too crowded.
So instead I decided to take over pictures which will hopefully look good and professional at the same time.

The decisions I've made

For my DVD cover/DVD inside and DVD ad I decided to keep the theme of lines from the Hold On Music video. I want to have the setting for the front cover to have plenty of things that would suggest they are lines such as railings and steps up towards the bridge by the school. For the inside we have a pavement and a road, a direct example of lines (such as in the road) and for the DVD ad I would have the artist but a fence, meaning more lines and splitting the image into separate bits. Also for the back of the DVD cover I would have a building with windows but the windows would serve as the different screenshots for the DVD, including some images of the multiple stories from Hold On.
Also the setting for the pictures would be in a urban setting. The reason I would do this is because rap artists are associated with urban environments such as streets and parks. Because our rap artist is based in the UK it would make more sense for him to be in a typical England street.

Inside of DVD Cover

For the Inside DVD cover I kept the image of the artist in there on a street with the titles of the songs and the extras along the road, however I will be coming up with more song titles later to give the full amount of songs that you would expect to find on an album. On the other side is a car tire to represent where the disc should be. I did this because Rap is a urban style of music and cars are considered very urban due to films like The Fast & The Furious.
I did these to give the inside some edge and appeal. Urban streets and cars are very much a part of the rapper image and I feel these things will help make the inside of the DVD cover look more real and appeal to its target audience.

DVD MAGAZINE AD

For the magazine ad I kept with the urban setting and have two images of the artist holding his own DVD. the reason I did this was because it helps them understand who the artist is and creating a link between him and the product, making it a better advertisement for the artist and his product. The slogan is GET IT!, trying to give the same feeling as Your Country Needs You, giving the image that you need to get this DVD. Also there is a mid shot of him looking angrily at the viewer, adding to the stereotypical image of a rapper.

SCHOOL BOY: DVD COVER

For my DVD Cover I tried to keep to the traditional setting of a Hip Hop/Rap artist and used a Urban setting. I plan to do the image by a bridge to keep in the theme of borders and split images that I had in the Hold On music video as I plan to have a fence behind the bridge steps so there is more lines as well as a small barrier along the road.
In the draft I have Schoolboy in a tracksuit but I feel that because his title is Schoolboy that he should be in a school uniform of some sort.

EDITING: PART 3

We're really trying to get everything perfect. If something is on screen for too long we cut it down and find a new clip to replace it. However we can't get Lewis' dubbing correct so we'll have to refilm that because if we think it looks wrong so will the examiner and we (or at least I) want the best grade!

EDITING: PART TWO

For most lessons I have been editing, taking suggestions from Megan on what we could do while Sarajane and Lauren do some filming to replace my Aaron footage. With some of the replacement footage I have managed to put it into the timeline in sync with the song. I have also managed to use some of the Aaron footage (an outtake of him checking out a girl walking past) and I have been able to make it look like a part of the story.
Also I have managed a split-screen scene, re-using the clip of Charlotte walking and being knocked by Steven. But I also put in the same scene but on Steven's side, having a split screen of the same event in two different parts of the screen (much like Sugar Water).
I have also used some of the replacement footage but tried something new with it. I took two seprate clips where I found Lewis uses his hands a lot and cropped the two shots and mixed them together so you have two arms and hands, but no body.
I have also taken one long clip, cut it into four seprate ones, cropped them and mixed them together, similar to what was used at the end of Love Actually. The clip is a close of of hands, representing the "Hold On" of the song.

What Editing I plan to do

For the dancer's section of the music video I plan to use the crop feature but in a slightly different way. If possible I would like to crop one clip to the centre, blocking her arms but have the same clip undearneath with her body cropped out, leaving the arms.
The way I have desribed it might not make sense but I would like to have a gap between the arms and the body, almost like they're seprate entities from each other. I won't do this for the whole dancer section because I would like the audience to pay attention on her story and her involvment in the video rather than her body parts being seperated.

Editing: PART ONE

Today Megan and I began editing while Sarajane and Lauren went to do some more filming. I feel like this worked because it allowed me and Megan to be more creative and to try some effects out and to see the result without anyone stopping us to ask why we were doing what we were doing.
I began to put clips in sequence, surprisingly finding different uses for some clips of Abbie and Charlotte and even found a great clip of Aaron to use at one certain part of the music video.
We found that cropping the clips and turning them around worked very well and looked really good. Also I found that having a clip where two people hug (as I did with Abbie and Charlotte) works as a full clip but even better when it's a full clip at the start and then quickly crop it at the "Hold On".
I feel that the cropped and moved clips make the music video look more interesting and works with the clips we have. I also have a few plans on the editing of the dancer's section.

Filming: Friends talking at the table

I went over to Charlotte's house and filmed her and her best friend Shauna talking. Charlotte was holding her cat and Shauna was holding her phone. At one point Shauna's phone went off so I had her answer it and filmed her reaction. I then put the camera on the floor and had Charlotte put her cat down. The cat then went to the camera and sniffed it, something I recorded and want to use at the end.

Filming: More Friends hugging content

I filmed a bit more with Charlotte from Media and Abbie. This time we had Stephen join us, playing someone that Charlotte bumps into before meeting Abbie at the bus stop. We had the two hug when Charlotte arrives and then talk for a bit to add more length. In editing I will have to the two meet up at the bus stop before cutting to the two at school. I still have to film the dancer's part and am arranging that.

Filming: Friends playing PS3 and Aaron lip-syncing

Friends & PS3: I had my friend Ryan come round my house and we played on the PS3, having my brother film it. We mainly spoke to each other and goofed around. This is to bring a bit more realism to the music video. Although you don't see us two hugging there is clearly a connection between the two characters. The bit we did film for "Hold on" was Ryan holding the PS3 Controller.

Aaron: I drove into Sutton and met up with my friend Aaron to do lip-syncing. We tried to do a track shot in an alley but due to people walking in and out I had to move about a bit that might ruin the shot, plus Aaron was unable to do the lyrics in one shot as he kept messing up and will have to be fixed in editing.
I had Aaron hold the paper with the lyrics because in some music videos they hold their lyrics, but mostly in a studio. The reason I had this outside is because it relates to the genre and the fact he might not be a professional singer in the music video, and merely someone venting their feelings.
I feel Aaron might have gone a bit slow which might mean we have to re-shoot his bit.

Filming: Two friends talking and hugging

Today I filmed Charlotte from media and Abbie talking and hugging. This will be used for the "Hold On" part of the song. The reason I had this is because the song, in a way, is about friendship and holding on to what's dear. And some of the things that are most important to people are their friends.
I used a mid-shot of the two so they are both clearly in frame and allows the audience to guess that there is a connection in the two characters that might follow the lyrics (Hold On obviously)

More changes

OK, seeing as Charlotte is busy now we can't rely too much on her which means changes have had to be made...by me. I've decided that we're going to a few different stories to go with the upbeat music which will include:
1. Two friends talk and hugging.
2. A dancer attempting a dance move but keeps failing until the end.
3. Two friends hanging out, playing a PS3
4. Two friends talking at a table, one holding a phone and the other holding a cat.
We will also see still images of two platic stick men hugging for comedic affect.

Filming Isn't Going to Well

Filming has been a problem with this group. We can't sem to get a lot done and when we try to film things go wrong. Yesterday we attempted to film at the graveyard but we were thrown out because we didn't have permission.
And today we tried to import what we have filmed for that to go wrong too! It's getting really stressful at the moment and we need to get things filmed and agree what we're doing because while I was under the impression we were going to go with the multi-narritive everyone else seems to think we're continuing with the original idea.

Some ideas for the Music Video: Editing

Editing is a hard one because some shots can go on for too long or not long enough. I feel that the editing should go with the song in a way but because of the lyrics being rapped that would mean a shot for every 1 or 2 seconds, meaning it will go too fast.
I feel some shots should go in slowly, such as two hands moving towards each other, then cut to the artist, then cut to the hands holding each other, thus extending the hand section while not making it seem that long by splitting it with a clip in between, which is done in some Music Videoes.

Some ideas for the Music Video: Choice in camera shots

I think because we are doing a music video mainly centred around emotions and touch we should have a plot of close ups. I think close ups on people holding hands or people embracing will give a part of the story while not actually giving too much away, giving us more chances to keep the story going while also stopping it from being purely story based as we will do a close up of the artist's mouth, keeping into the theme of close ups.
I also think we should do some midshots of people in groups while trying to keep most of the background hidden, meaning those in the frame are our central focus. Also sometimes the background of a setting can come off looking tacky and can ruin the shot.

New plans for the Music Video

We spoke to Miss Cunliff about our music video and she felt we needed to spice things up because the storyboards was too much Soap Drama and not about music. So we're gonna cut the story down a bit and show more of the artist (which is now me) and show mulitple stories shown through different motions of the body.
We'll be showing people holding hands, hugging their favourite item, being in a group. It will be a multi-narrative Music video.

First day of filming

Me and Sarajane started filming with Charlotte. We decided to film a flashback bit annd filmed me ad Charlotte walking down a footpath. We decided to film us walking down the footpath in different directions using different angles, deciding that we were going to split screen the different directions and angles to make it look more interesting.
Also the choice in location was interesting because it had trees on one side with leaves on the floor. This gave it a more artistic feel which I hope comes through on screen.

Types Editing I will want to do

There is one bit in the Music video where we have the girl looking at her boyfriend but is seeing her ex boyfriend instead. For this bit I want to have the camera looking at the boyfriend but then there is a flash and he is replaced by the ex. This is inspired by a bit in The Butterfly Effect trailer.
Also I want to use a few crossfades when the camera moves, moving from one setting to another. This will give the music video a bit more edge and hopefully make it more interesting to watch.

Types of Camera Movements to Use in the Music Video

Circle Track: We will use the fig-rig to do a track movement around the artist as he raps. This way we trap him in one spot and he is always in our sight. It will also be an interesting movement to see on the screen.

Track: We will track as the characters walk. Although this is very basic it will look a lot better than using a reverse zoom on the camera and have it look jerky and unprofessional.

Hold On Music Video: Plans

Me and my group have decided to change our love story into a tragic one. It will have a girl trying to move on from the death of her boyfriend while his spirit watches over her. She then gets a new boyfriend but she feels guilty and often sees her dead boyfriend just the way she remembers him.
However the apperance of the artist will be reduced to tell the story. However when he does appear it will be in a simiar style to the way he was meant to in the original plan. Below are our storyboards for the music video:

Rough Ideas for Hold On Music Video

Because the lyrics are about "Holding On" me and my group think that we should do a narritive Music Video. Our idea is to have a couple splitting up and they both try to move on (or Hold On) despite their emotions.
While the girl gets a new boyfriend the old boyfriend is forced to watch sadly. During the video we see that she still has feelings for her ex and in the end has to admit her feelings and run back to him, bringing the video to a close.
While the story is happening we will have the artist singing behind them to make sure we are sticking to the codes and conventions of a music video while adding to the story.

Music Questionnaire Analysis

As you can see, RnB is the most popular genre of music, having 5 out of 10 people say it was their favourite genre.

Club was next with 3 people saying it was their favorite genre while Sca and Rock recieved one vote. It should be noted that those who picked Sca and Rock were older than those who chose RnB and Club.

Those who were older than the others never watched Music Channels while those who were younger watced them at least 2-3 times a week.

They all said they expected to see the artist in the Music Video lip syncing and most expected to see some kind of narriation.

Music Questionnaire

This is my Music Questionnaire that I gave out to collect infomation on the type of people who listen to music and watch music channels. I looked at age, local area, genre, athnicity and what they expect in a Music Video.

Genre Analysis

Grime is a urban style of music that originates from UK Garage and British Hip Hop. Because of this you can expect to hear and see urban styles in the music and the music videos along with an urban setting for the video. Chances are you will be the artist wearing jeans and hoody jackets.

Rock is a mainstream genre of music that originates from Rock N' Roll and Country Music. Most rock songs are based around different emotions (creating a sub-genre which is often labled as "Emo Music"). Others include different themes such as religion or events.

In the music videos you will often see the artist singing and using their instruments.

Hold On Lyrics and Analysis

Lyrics

I sing now, for all of you
With no one to hold on to
For all the broken hearts out there,
Waiting for someone to be near.
Hold on, (this is so du-umb), hold on

To my people listen up
When I miss somebody
When she need somebody
When she had somebody
Somebody to somebody
That made you feel like somebody

That somebody is calling
You need somebody
Heartbroken I've been indeed
…??

Whenever I miss that someone
I try not to think hard 'cuz then the tears come
And the tears run down your cheek
You can't speak bubububut sudden' sudden' the pain increase.
'Cuz youre messed up, fed up, stressed up,
'cuz they're up and you're down and messed up

Yeah what, don't cry my dear
I swear I'm near, I care.
I'm here, right here.
…??
Your love is here, right here

I sing now, for all of you
With no one to hold on to
For all the broken hearts out there (for all you broken hearts out there)
Waiting for someone to be near

To my people listen up
When I miss somebody
When she need somebody
When she had somebody
Somebody to somebody
That made you feel like somebody
That somebody is calling
You need somebody

Sixteen and my knees hasn't gone wild
My good friend homie Big Phil had to die
I had to fill a room that was full before
First time someone close to me was gone
I need a lover and I feel like I need it and yes I....?
I need it straight to put me thru.

So I had to (hold on) to my emotions
and remember my dues
Now twenty-two, got a romance, so I made some I have some I lost some friends
At the end I got to (hold on) to the ones that you know...?? back to the e-e-end

I sing now, for all of you (just listen up out there)
With no one to hold on to (don't feel like you are alone out there)
For all the broken hearts out there, (I'm Here)
Waiting for someone to be near.

To my people listen up, when I miss somebody (hold on) so du-umb
To my people listen up, when I miss somebody (hold on) so uh-uh
To my people listen up, when I miss somebody (hold on) so uh-uh
Miss somebody (hold on) So uh-yeah

Sometimes I gotta, sometimes you gotta, sometimes she gotta (hold on)
Sometimes they gotta, sometimes we gotta, sometimes I gotta (hold on)
Sometimes you gotta, sometimes she gotta, sometimes they gotta (hold on)

I sing now, for all of you
With no one to hold on to (sounds of the beautiful)
For all the broken hearts out there (Neverstore.. the one and only)
Waiting for someone to be near

I sing now, for all of you
With no one to hold on to
For all the broken hearts out there,
Waiting for someone to be near (sh-sh-yeah)
Hold on (this is so dumb)

Analysis

The lyrics are very easy to understand and have a deep and emotional message about not giving up when things get hard and to "Hold On" through the pain. This is good because it allows us to give our music video a kind of story relating to the lyrics, not present in the actual video.

Me and My Group: Our first discussion

The first discussion me and my group had were what song we were going to do. But to decide that we needed to know what genre we were going to do. As I have said in earlier posts I was interested in doing a Rock Music Video. The others didn't share this idea because they wanted to do grime. Because this is a team effort we decided we were going to see if we could find a Grime/Rock song, similar to Jay Z and his "Encore" version of Linkin Park's "Numb".

So we started looking at other songs, finding that rock/grime songs were harder to come by than we thought.

We decided to do "Hold On" by Lazee and Neverstore. The reason for this is the kind of urban style of music with a few hints of rock in there, making us all happy.

Hold On Music Video:

Bordwell and Thompson's film editing

Temporal Editing: Temporal Editing relates to time flow. This is only effective if the music video is trying to tell us a story.

Rhythmic Editing: How long each shot last for. Does it last for 5 seconds? Does it last for 2 seconds? Does it even last for 7 seconds?

Graphic Editing: This is a type of Editing that uses Mise-en-scene and Cinematography. An example of the use of cinematography would be the use of an Graphic Match (Linking the shots together through use of graphic similarities)

Spatial Editing: This type of editing concerns the "space" in the film by use of setting and location.

Montage Editing

Montage Editing is different from Continuity because its aim is not to deliver us a story. Therefore it does not need to follow a restricted timeline or time flow. Also not everything has to be related or even be in order. Because of this the director has more freedom of what to do.

An example would be the training scenes in the Rocky films. Although it normally goes from the start of his training to the end you'll find that it goes back and forth to bits. One moment you could have Rocky running to him doing weights, to him doing jump rope to him running to him doing push ups.

Although this is similar to music videos the chances are music videos will be more random then a Rocky Training Montage because they are meant to be in time with the song, can have multiple meanings and are not meant to make any sense.

ROCKY TRAINING MONTAGE:

Continuity Editing

Continuity Editing should consist of certain shot types and movement. With Continuity Editing there must be a story and the editing must flow together to tell this story. An example would be if a character is going to sit in a chair in one shot and is sitting in it in the next.

If he were to begin sitting down but then was running outside for no reason it wouldn't make sense and would not give us a story. Instead it confuses us.

Continuity Editing is to continue a story using shot types like close up (for facial expressions), tracking shots to show movement, Over the shoulder shots (which then goes into the 90 Degree rule where if you look over someone's right shoulder you look over the other's left).

You might even have a long or establishing shot to give us a clear view of their surroundings. This can be used in music videos in a similar way it does for TV Dramas. If the music video has a story to it we will need to make sure everything fits and that it is clear what is going on.

Sugar Water by Cibomatto analysis

"Sugar Water" is an interesting video because it gives us two connected stories of two women. What makes it interesting is that there is a split screen in the middle and one is in reverse while the other is normal time and at one point they swap positions.

Throughout the video it uses one long tracking shot on each side which goes through the video even when the two swap sides of the screen. The shot type is mostly a mid shot or close up, rarely going into a long shot and the two sides of the screen mirror each other in a way (they two wash at the same time in one bit despite the fact one is in reverse and the words "Sugar Water" and "You Killed Me" being spelled out by both sides of the screen becoming closer show this).

Editing: Montage and Continuity

There are two ways of editing a music video. You can do montage, which is a series of clips put to music or continuity, used when telling a story. This means you could do two types of music videos: Narrative (A story) or Abstract (no story).
A good example of a montage is the training scenes in the Rocky films. The clips are not strught after each other and do not try to establish a link with every clip. It simply cuts back and forth to different clips while keeping to the music.

Music Videos that I have analysed

This table shows the different Music Videos that I looked at. I looked at What's This Life For? by Creed, New Divide by Linkin Park and Second Chance by Shinedown. I found that with all the rock videos that they show the artist singing the song. What's This Life For didn't really have a whole story but instead had mlitiple ones. New Divide did not have a story although it showed us clips from the movie it was promoting. Second Chance had a story to it, telling usthe story of a girl who wanted to be a ballet dancer rather than work at a fish shop.

The clothing for all the people in the music videos were similar, all wearing dark clothing. The props were mostly the instruments and the locations were different in each video, going from an open desert, to a cave and finally to a small town.

What's This Life For:
New Divide:
Second Chance:

Music Video Song Choices

I have come up with a few song choices that I would like to use for the Music Video. The genre I have chosen is mainly Christian Rock.

Pieces by Red: This song is slow and can be more story based. Because of the tone of the song it will be easy for us to do, however the song is a long one so we would have to find the shorter version.

Red- Pieces:

Rebithing by Skillet: Faster and louder than Pieces. This would be a more typical rock video with the instruments being shown and the singers most probably head banging to the music. Chances are my group will not go for this.

Skillet- Rebirthing:

What's this Life For by Creed: An older song that is more story based this would be an interesting song to use.

Creed- What's This Life For?:

First Blog

This is my Music Video Blog where I will be posting my research, my findings, plans and my activities during the process of making my music video.