Plan for filming- Saturday 1st October 2016.

Plan for Saturday filming

In order to make the best use of our time in Nottingham city on Saturday, I decided to come up with a plan on which locations we need to film at and which shots we need to get. This way, we shouldn't forget to film anything and it will make us more organised on location. 

Importing and editing footage 30/09/16

Importing and editing footage 30th September 2016

Today, Izzy and I decided that it would be a good idea to import all of the footage we have filmed so far and upload it onto Adobe Premiere Pro. This is the software we will be using to edit. We used this software last year for our coursework and so we have had previous experience and we know how to use it.

We began to edit small pieces of footage together, however this unfortunately proved more difficult that anticipated because we haven't got all of the shots we need and so we couldn't really place anything together as all of the shots are slightly disjointed at this moment in time. We did however, play with some of the footage, changing colours and adding effects to see what we could play with when we really get started with the editing. This isn't a problem because we plan to get all the shots we need tomorrow so we can start to really develop the music video.  

Here is the colour correction for part of our footage. We will alter the colours on other parts of the footage at a later date.

 

Filming 29/09/16

Filming 29th September 2016

Izzy and I decided that we were going to film this afternoon because we needed to do some individual shots of Izzy. Rob wasn't available for filming due to his college timetable so we thought this would be a good opportunity to do so. Izzy and I looked at our storyboard and decided what we were going to film. We managed to film every shot on her own apart from two indoor ones, which we plan to film next week. The shots we filmed included shots of Izzy's house as well as the female character pregnant and losing the baby. We also filmed close up shots of the sonogram and some aesthetic shots. We also learnt that when filming inside, it is important to set the white balance for each shot to avoid orange toned footage. We realised this after filming a few shots, but once we changed the white balance, the colours returned to normal. We also filmed a variety of shots of the girl running out her front door to the hospital which allowed for a range of close up, mid shots and long shots to be filmed.

We also got some extra footage of Izzy around our local nature reserve. I filmed some close up shots of Izzy which acted as point of view shots from the view of our male character. Seeing as it was a sunny day, we actually got some really beautiful shots such as a time-lapse which we can definitely use in our music video. Overall we were happy with what we completed. 

We still have footage to film of Rob and Izzy together, some footage to film in Nottingham and also some more shots in Attenborough which we plan to do over the next few days (weather permitted) 

Plan for filming- Thursday 29th September 2016

Plan for Thursday filming

After filming yesterday, I decided that we would find it much easier to make a table of what needs to be filmed, where it needs to be filmed, and who is needed and involved. This is much more specific than the first schedule we created and is tailored specifically for each day. Here is the plan for tomorrow, so that we are more organised:

Filming 28/09/16

Filming on the 28th September 2016

Today, we had a much better day filming. We started filming at 1.30pm and this time we had both Izzy and Rob to film. We stuck to our plan which was to film all of the shots inside. The location for this shoot was at Izzy's house. We used studio lighting, the Cannon 700D and tripod. We checked this equipment before filming to ensure it all worked correctly. 

We filmed a variety of shots, from filming in Izzy's bedroom to some baking shots in the kitchen. We followed the storyboard to be efficient with our time. Something we learnt was that we must set the white balance for each shot, especially when filming inside otherwise the footage looks really orange toned, which we don't want. Luckily, we realised this only after filming a small number of shots. On top of this, I realised that it is better to have the camera on auto focus rather than manual focus because getting the footage into focus manually is quite tricky. 

Over all, we ended up with lots of footage which we can edit down to get some beautiful shots. We were really happy with what we filmed! 

Here I can be seen filming Izzy and Rob.

Filming- 27/09/16

Filming on Tuesday 27th September 2016

Today, Izzy and I went to the first location we planned to film, which was our local hospital. We decided to film here first because we had time in the morning before our scheduled lessons in the afternoon to travel to the location. We carried the equipment and then looked around the premises on where was best to film.

Because this is a public place and as we were on hospital grounds, we realised it will be a sensitive place to film. Originally, we had planned to film the female character walking out of the hospital exit, but we decided against this. Instead, I filmed Izzy walking down some steps by the hospital. This didn't matter too much, as it was still effective and portrayed what we wanted it to. 

On reviewing, we were happy with the footage we got, but we may need to re-film some of it as it is slightly out of focus in parts. 

Preparation for filming

Preparation for filming

In preparation for filming, Izzy and I organised a schedule so that we could make the most of our filming time. Origially, we planned to film on one day, however on reviewing we realised that this isn't really viable. We therefore decided to reschedule. For each day, I have made a plan on which shots will be filmed and where, which I will upload for each day.

The new filming days include:

Tuesday 27th September 8.30am-11.30am
Wednesday 28th September 9.30am-11.45am
Thursday 29th Septemeber 1.30pm-4pm
Saturday 1st October 1.30pm-6.00pm
Thursday 6th October 12.30pm-5.30pm.

This way we can break up our time and review our footage after each day. 

In terms of props, Izzy and I already have most of the props. However, we did go and buy some 'indie' clothing for the male character and the female character. 

On Monday evening, we collected the filming equipment for Tuesday's filming day. This included the camera, case  and charger, SD card and the tripod. We checked over the camera to re-familiarise ourselves with the settings, as well as checking the tripod worked properly too and how to adjust the height of it.. Before each filming session, we plan to check the equipment before going to our filming location. This made sure that we were as prepared as we could be for filming.

Actors for our music video

Actors for the music video

For the character Rory, Izzy and I cast Rob Lowe, aged 17 to act in our music video. We believe he is the best person to act in our music video as he will take the role seriously and perform to the best of his ability. Rob is an experienced actor and has played many roles within his school and college career through GCSE to A-Level, as well as performing with independent theatre groups and also having a weeks work experience at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art). Rob will therefore use his expertise to play portray the character in the way we wish him to. After discussing our ideas with Rob, he has agreed to create the persona of an indie character in a young teenage relationship to help us achieve the best grade we can. 

After lots of thinking, Izzy and I finally decided that to fit the tight time scale we have, that it would be much easier to use either me or Izzy to star as the girl character: Zara. We both didn't mind starring in the music video, however I did feel as though Izzy would be a better actress than me as I am rubbish at playing another person! We decided it would be best to act out one scene to see who looked more natural and comfortable playing another character. Izzy and I decided Izzy was better for this role and so she has been cast as Zara! 


I will therefore happily be staying  behind the camera, filming all the character shots and directing the music video. Izzy will be filming the shots she isn't in and will also be helping to direct the video. 

Original images before manipulation

Original Photos Before Manipulation

Today I shot some photos with my friend Abi who acted as my model. We went to two locations in our local area; Stapleford Cemetery and Attenborough Train Station. The lighting at 9.30am was perfect, in shaded areas in particular. I took over 500 photos and have selected my favorites. 

Taking photographs today

Taking photos

Today I took photos of Abi to get some shots for my digipak and magazine advert. All my photos were taken on the setting AV where I could control the aperture. It was a sunny day and so shooting in the shade turned out well rather than in direct sunlight. I also set the camera to 'Raw J' which meant that the images would save as a raw image and also a JPEG. This way, when I come to edit my images I can use the 'raw' image in order to get the best quality and editing. 

Here are some photos of me at the photo shoot:

Talking to a photographer about taking photos

Talking to a photographer

This evening I decided to go round to a family friend's house because he is a photographer. Chris is an experienced photographer and he has done many shoots for me. I decided to ask him how to get the best shots possible to prepare me for my photo shoot with Abi tomorrow for my digipak and magazine advert. 

Chris told me the ins and outs of using the Canon 700D and explained that taking the images on the AV setting would give me the best shots. He also explained how to set the focus point so that my model's eyes are always in focus. Chris told me that if the eyes are not in focus on a portrait, the photo will be ruined. This is obviously really important so I know to set the red dot in the view finder onto the models eyes to ensure she is in focus.

As well as this, Chris said that setting the ISO to auto will be perfect for outdoors, as long as I set the aperture. The smaller the number, the more out of focus the background will be, so F4 will have a blurrier background than say, F8. Chris has also kindly lent me one of his lenses to use, which is a wider lens to enable more light to be let into the shot. This means I can lower the aperture further than on a standard Cannon lens. 

He also told me to set the camera to 'Raw L' so that the images are higher resolution and maximum editing can be achieved. 

The lens Chris has given me to use

The Cannon 700D with the standard lens

I can experiment with both the lenses tomorrow to see which gives me the best shots. 

Prop list

Character Profile

Practice Movement shots

Practice movement shots

Today Izzy and I decided to shoot some practice performance shots. We haven't actually planned to include any performance shots in our narrative but we actually really liked the shots we did today. This is something we are definitely concidering to include now as we feel that it might actually look quite effective. 

 

 

We took 3 different performance shots to different parts of the song 'Anything'.  Nathan, the person in the shots, has agreed to be in some performance shots if we decided to add these to our narrative in the music video.

Model for my digipak and magazine photos

Model chosen

For my digipak and magazine covers I needed to choose a model to photograph. I considered a range of my friends to do this, but I thought Abi would be perfect for the idea I had. 

I really wanted my model to wear a long black or white dress and Abi has a long black dress that she was willing to wear for the shoot which fits my idea perfectly. Abi also has long hair which fits the person I have drawn on my digipak and magazine mock ups. 

As well as this, Abi is also a media student and so she understands the media production process and so will be patient when I am taking photos of her. Abi has also modeled previously for a media student and so I know Abi will do a really good job and I should hopefully get the photos I envisioned. 

Inspiration for digipak and magazine photography

Inspiration photographer- Alexandra Cameron

Whilst scrolling through the Instagram App the other day, I fortunately but accidentally stumbled across a photographer's Instagram page- her name is Alexandra Cameron. I began to look at the images she had uploaded and each photo was absolutely beautiful. The colours, composition and crisp quality really inspired me, so I have taken her photos as an inspiration for the photography of my digipak and magazine advert. Below, I have inserted a few of my favourite photos taken off Alexandra's Instagram feed. She also has a website, with more of her photography: http://www.alexandracameron.co.uk/

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment 

It is important for Izzy and I to create a risk assessment to allow us to identify any potential hazards which could occur on the day of filming and put preventative measures into place. We didn't come up with many as we don't plan to film on high up buildings or at night time. By creating a risk assessment, we can minimise the chances of anyone getting hurt, or the equipment being damaged. 

Schedule for filming

Schedule for filming

As filming commences next week, Izzy and I decided it would be a good idea to come up with a schedule so that when we do film, we make the most of our time at each location because we are using so many. We won't necessarily stick to this schedule, but it does give us a rough idea of how much time should be spent on each shot. We know that problems may encounter problems and setbacks or things may run smoothly. 

Email recruiting actors

Recruiting Actors

When Izzy and I presented our music video pitch to our media class, we obtained some valuable feedback, telling us that we needed to recruit some actors as soon as possible. Izzy and I have thought of a few boys who could play our male character, but we are really struggling to find a suitable girl. We have found that many of the girls are either too busy or feel to shy in front of the camera.

In order to try and combat this issue, Izzy and I decided to email the drama teacher to recruit an actress. As our sixthform is attached to a school, we should have access to a wide range of actresses. However, we are looking for someone around the age of 16, 17 or 18 so this could be difficult. 

Here is the initial email I sent to our drama teacher:

To our delight, the drama teacher replied explaining how she might be able to ask some people, as shown below. We have contacted Joelle and she unfortunately turned the opportunity down and we are waiting to hear back from Katie. We will therefore ask the teacher to also ask the Year 11s to see if anyone is willing to star in our video.

Experimenting with different camera settings

Different camera settings

Trying out different camera settings from emmasnow14

Audience feedback for mock digipak

Costume shots- Photos taken from the internet for inspiration

Costume Ideas

Izzy and I had discussed how we wanted both our characters to be dressed in an 'indie' style. As seen in the audience feedback from our peers and teacher, they suggested that in order to create strong characters, their costumes need to be very 'out there' and over the top.

For the male character, Izzy and I decided on a costume which is very unique. In the photo here, the male has a brightly patterned jumper and unusual coloured trousers. I also like how he is wearing a hat, which is something Izzy and I haven't considered yet. I personally really like this look as it will make our character look a bit more shabby. I think the male character will be more along the 'indie' look whereas the female character will be more 'grunge' inspired. Our characters costume is likely to not be as pristine as the image I found on the internet, as we do want a shabby look to our character. I think that this costume wouldn't be too mainstream and would easily portray how this character is adventurous and willing to explore new places and arty shops, which is what the character will do. We plan to look in charity shops for some indie clothing but also some shops in Nottingham which sell vintage clothing such as 'Cow'. 

For our female character we want her to look more 'grunge' than 'indie. This will contrast the two characters and show how they are quite different and this is partly what drives them apart because they both want different things. We plan to dress her in either a black outfit like the one pictured to the right, or we may dress her in a white dress with fishnet tights and chunky boots. Either way, both these dress ideas will portray our character as being slightly daring, but the white dress will make the audience wonder what her true personality is. This will be effective because this won't be answered in the narrative, leaving the audience wondering what her true self is. 

Audience Feedback for Mock Magazine

 

Draft of magazine with borrowed images from the internet

Magazine draft using a borrowed image from the internet

In order to successfully promote an album, the artist or band must promote the release of an album through a magazine advert. After researching prior to this task, I noticed that the magazine adverts which worked the best were the ones that were linked to the album artwork. This continuity works well with consumers and audiences because it allows them to identify and make links between the different media texts which is a successful marketing skill.

Therefore, I decided that for my magazine advert, I would like it to follow the same theme as my digipak. For the mock up, I have used the same image as the front image of my digipak. However, I plan to take a different image for my magazine ad cover, but take it in the same location as the front cover of the digipak. This therefore still makes the link clear, but still makes it slightly different. I plan to just change the pose in which the model will do in the same location.

I have used a white sans serif font for the text on my magazine advert. This is exactly the same front as seen on the digipak, again for the continuous links throughout my products. However, one aspect that doesn't appear on the digipak is the yellow writing. I have added this for the promotional aspects, so the 'a brand new single from' and 'album featuring best selling single Anuthing'. This is effective because it breaks up the text effectively highlighting that it is a new album and that it features a popular single which should grab the audience's attention. I didn't want to include too much text on the magazine ad because with promotional information, I think less is more.