Visual Planning: Music Video Footage and Problem Solving

Going out the first time filming for the music video, and looking at the footage afterwards, I found that my shots weren't as clear and as good quality as I would like and expect. Looking back, I suspect that I had the camera on the wrong settings, and so the next time I go out and film, I know how to make the most of the focus settings. 

However, this gave me the opportunity to again, experiment with Premiere Pro and the effects available.

Filming my Music Video

These are shots of when I went filming, setting up the equipment, and of the location. 

Call Sheets

Call Sheet

Call Sheet 2

Storyboard

Pre-Production Planning

Pre-Production Planning:

• Participant release forms
• Risk Assessment

Participant release form

Casting - (Problem Solving)

Music Video Production Treatment - Updated

Music Video Proposal - Updated

Music Video Proposal

Visual Planning - Test Footage

For this test footage, I used a tripod and a JVC, and filmed the sky for approximately 30 minutes, then time lapsed it to be a 1 minute clip. I also added visual effects on top, as well as reversing the clips at the end.

For this video, I used old footage of mine which includes fireworks, and I have experimented with the speed and reversing the shot. 

Recce Checklist for Both Locations

Recce Checklist

Recce Checklist 2

Communication with Artist

The final chosen song is 'The Same', by Dom Robinson. To be allowed permission to use his song, I contacted the artist, Dom Robinson, on Facebook.

I contacted a lot of artists and recording companies, but found that because of the artists underground status, it was much easier to contact him, than some of the other artists I had tried.

I also contacted Bon Iver's management, who I received a reply from, however, as I had already got a response from Dom Robinson, I decided to use his, instead of Bon Ivers, because I thought it unlikely that they would allow me to use the song.

Music Video Influences

With continuing research, I've found some music video in the style I wish to film mine in. A lot of the videos capture the natural world, with natural and earthy locations, which stays within the conventions of indie music videos. There are a lot of shots of vibrant colours, that show the beauty of life and the world.

• Put Your Records On, by Corinne Bailey Rae
• Keep Your Head Up, by Ben Howard

Put Your Records On

Keep Your Head Up

I have also been inspired by Keaton Henson's "Flesh and Bone" music video, which is set in a woodland location, with  pure, simple visual to the video, however, is more cinematic, especially with its black borders and clear shots.

I also want to have pink sparklers in my video, I was influenced by a scene from Skins (from 2:09-2:30) where the character is seen with a bright pink light on her. This is the kind of image I want to portray.

Another influence was from the movie, Submarine, where there are shots of sunsets and home movie style clips (especially from point 1:48 in the link).

Equipment List and Props

Equipment list;

• JVC camera
• Tripod
• Figrig
• Battery/battery charger
• Visual plans and notes

Props:

• Need to make sure that my actress has the right costume, whether they own one themselves, or go out and buy one. 
• Will use Instax Polaroid - used in video as part of a shot. Need to make sure the battery is full and there is film inside.

Organisation of: Location - Problem Solving

At the beginning of the project, I was planning to use Holkham beach as my location, however, after having travel difficulties, I decided to film at Mousehold Heath Woods.

Holkham Beach

Mousehold Heath

I want to use some fireworks (sparklers) in the location of Mousehold Heath, in one of the fields. I have researched the laws on whether I can use them there, and have found that it is a local nature reserve, managed by Norwich City Council. (Norwich City Council website). An online article said that "Anyone planning to use fireworks or Chinese Lanterns is asked to exercise extreme caution in the current conditions as a stray firework or lantern is an obvious hazard", suggesting that fireworks are allowed on the site. 
After some thought, I have decided it is safer and much more risk-free do to the firework shots in my garden.

Visual Planning: Test Footage

This is my first test footage. I used a Canon 600D.

The idea I wanted to convey with this test footage was the exploration of a book. After filming, I then went on to edit, and cut on action, between the shots of the front cover. I also experimented with the speed of a shot, by speeding the pace when I was flicking through the book. 

This is my second test footage, again, experimenting with editing in Premiere Pro.

For this footage, I used a JVC.

This is footage I took of a rainbow. I made lots of cuts, as well as slowing the pace, adding effects on it, including Cineon Converter and sun flare.

Some more test footage:

Using JVC and Figrig

From doing these, I found the JVC more helpful and easy to use, so I wish to use a JVC and a figrig (possibly trupod as well) for my music video, rather than a Canon, as well as further skills development with editing.

Skills Development - Cutting on the Beat

Practise cutting on the beat of the song.

Visual Planning - Styling Moodboards

Costume/Outfit moodboard:

This is my styling idea for my actor in the music video. The outfits are 'boho' style, white and flowy, with boots. I think this look conveys a warm, autumn atmosphere, as well as sticking to the conventions of a indie music video.

Influences from:

• Lana Del Rey's Summertime Sadness Music Video

Hair/makeup moodboard:

Minimum makeup (natural): the focus of natural beauty.

Music Video Production Treatment

Music Video Production Treatment

Experimentation with Green Screen

PART ONE

PART TWO

To further our knowledge of filming, we went to the filming studio and experimented with green screen.

Firstly, we looked at the perspective of the subject and the background, and how we could experiment with the camera to adjust the perspective to make it look realistic. We then looked at the lighting, to make sure that the lighting on the subject matched the background image. We also looked at different effects that are available with the use of the green screen. 

From this, it has given me a further insight into what could be done with my music video.

Audience Profile

This is the audience profile of my target audience, of the indie music genre. I have included images of popular social networks, such as Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr. Other images include fashion brands, such as Acne and American Apparel. This also includes images of fashion, which is mostly aesthetically pleasing, and minimalist. I've also included an image of Van Gogh's Starry Night, to show my audience enjoy and appreciate art, as well as an image of travel, to emphasise their dreams of travelling. 

Target Audience Research - Analysis of Results