Evaluations (Prelim)

The kills - No wow 

 In my class we copied shot by shot the first minute of The Kills - no wow music video. This video was very minimalistic as it only had an actor and a actress and then a few of props for example microphone and stand and a camera. The production of this video took quite some time to get every single shot exactly like the original music video. Even though this video looked easier to create than other music videos because of the small amount of props however it was challenging because of the large amount of shots in the video. For example most shots were either half a second or a second. By editing this video it has given me more knowledge of the final cut pro programme. 



Busted - What I go to school for 

The pre production for this video took some time because of the amount of shots which were in the first minute and all the props we had to get to start filming. We started to draw out a story board which was very useful when it came to the production of the video as it clearly stated each and every shot we have to film and what characters/props were needed in each. The production took a lot of time as sometimes props were forgotten or some students were ill etc. The editing was tricky because some shots were on different memory cards so we had to search for every shot.

No Wow - The Kills (re-make)

Busted (Re-Make)

Lip Syncing; Busted - Thats what I go to school for.

Prelim Task

Music Videos and Potential Artists;

(ignore the start and end)

Evaluation For Found Footage;

From doing the found footage exercise, I've found that using clips that change every second with a very upbeat tempo work well, and look good when edited. I think also using a upbeat song is an easier option as its easier to edited the clips so that they fit with the song. Also you need to make sure there is a varied of different shots; long shot, close up shots.

All of the found footage we used linked with the song and song lyrics, I think when making our own music video the footage we film will have to link in with the lyrics.
I've learnt more about Final Cut Pro and how to crop clips to the correct length of time you want the clip for.

Found Footage

Evaluation Questions;

Pre production

Preparing for our prelim task there were a couple of things, which needed to be done before we could start filming. We first watched the video of Busted, taking note of how many shots there were in the first minute of the video. We worked in groups, writing down all the key elements. We worked out the cast lists and assigned different roles to everybody. Then we noted down all of the props that were needed for the filming, and also thought about the mise en scene. After noting down important things that where needed, we drew out a storyboard and wrote down each shot, drawing out a picture of the mise en scene, what happened in the shot, and what props, costume and characters we needed. Once we’d finished this, we had about 37 shots in total. We then colour coded each shot with them either being, interior or exterior. I think the storyboard that we produced was effective and easy to read, as it told us exactly what we needed for each scene. Pre production has taught me the first stages into filming for a music video, and all the preparation you need for it so it can be successful. I think I’ve developed skills in the area behind the scenes, and what is exactly needed. I’d think to improve I’d need to be more organized, and don’t leave things till last minute.

Production

Within our group we decided to shoot all of the interior shots first, and then move onto the exterior shots. We decided to use our normal classroom for the interior shots, and change the classroom around a little, so it was suitable to film. I was assigned the role of one of the schoolgirls, and also a dancer in the background for the exterior shots. Filming in a group was easier, because our media group is small, we were all took part during the production, and everyone played a part. Once the interior parts were filmed, we went on to filming the exterior shots, which were filmed in the courtyard outside the media room. I think the shots, which were filmed, were good, however I think when working on our own music video; we’d need more confident people to play a role in the video. The storyboard made it more clear as to what we needed to do, giving us the information about each shot. However, it took us ages to shoot each shot, which is something we can improve on for next time. As we had a smaller class, we didn’t have enough people for a couple of the scenes, making it more difficult to film. For our own music video, I’m going to stick to a couple of people, or just the one person, making it easier to organize and also there is only one person who needs to know what to do and get it right. I’ve learnt more about being organized whilst filming, and cooperating as part as a group which is important for the production stage.

Post Production

For the editing stage, I worked with Sophie as it allowed both of us to develop our editing skills and get use to Final Cut Pro. It was easier working in a smaller group, so then we’d have more chance to have our input into the final thing.
We worked on Final Cut Pro, and after a lesson we were both use to the software and we’re able to edit the music video. We downloaded the music from YouTube, using YouTube converter. As some of our clips were missing and we weren’t able to access the normal busted music video we had to use a black screen for the sections, which were missing. My editing skills have developed from the first time I started editing, and although our final music video wasn’t cut to our best abilities, I think something to improve on for next time is to not rush it, and make sure the lip sinking is in time. Our video could of looked better if we were to have all the clips, but overall I think we’ve done an okay job in the post production. I think for next time, I need to be more organized with the clips, and make sure they’re all imported onto the software so we don’t have any missing clips. 

Prop List for Busted;

Prop List;

- Classroom probs. Tables/chairs
- Whiteboard/chalk board
- Pencil
-Lizards Having sex (video)
-Projector
-Books
-Guitars 
-Paper

Costume;
Teacher – white blouse, red shirt, black tights and heels
The boys – White shirt, tie, black blazer and black trousers
The girls; White blouse, tie and black tights and skirt

Location; Classroom
Outside

Roles;The boys; Alex (Charlie) Jack (Matt) and Ryan (James)
Teacher; Sophie
The girls; Faye, Emily and Georgina. 

Shot Schedule; 
All shots inside first
All outside shots

Risk assessment;
Dropping guitar
breaking tables/chairs
falling over
breaking a bone

Evaluation for Prelim Task;

By doing the prelim task we have learnt how to film, storyboard and edit. 

We were asked in groups to create a short clips of someone walking through the door and having a conversation. We where then to edit this on either iMovie or Final Cut Pro. During filming we have learnt the 180 rule which is only filming in a straight line when filming two people. This makes the shots look more professional and helps the audience not to be confused if there are too many angles onto the characters. We have also learnt how to apply an over the shoulder shot which gives the shot more interesting and helps the audience know that the characters are talking to one another. We have also learnt how to apply shot reverse shot and which gives the film a finished look by only including the action that is necessary. We have learnt how to storyboard effectively. This helped us when filming because we have already thoroughly planned what we are going to do so makes the filming process much quicker and easier. 

We have also learnt how to edit and cut film on Final Cut Pro, shorten clips and remove the sound.

Story Board for Prelim Task;

A2 Coursework Schedule

A2 Media Studies Schedule 2013-2014 Lutterworth College.docx