After uploading the first draft of our music video to YouTube we sought after ways to improve on what we had already started. People left comments underneath our video so that we could gain insight on what we had produced. Below are the comments we received.

Targets:

• Increase editing speed by incorporating quicker and more frequent jump cuts to add to the anarchic feel of the ska genre
• Use more close up shots on important instruments, especially the saxophone, during the solos
• Use more dynamic camera movement rather than mid shots overall
• Get some more shots of the drummer for the opening drum roll
• Fine tune the lip syncing
• Experiment with a tilt shot when the singer is on the toilet with the newspaper

After completing all of our filming for the performance side of our music video we began the long editing process required to complete the music video into the finished project. We quickly compiled our footage into a rough draft which covers important parts of our music video, we paid particular focus to parts of the video with lyrics so the video and audio file could be successfully lip synced. Below is our first draft.

Now that we have completed the performance shoot of our media video it is time to reflect on the ups and downs of the recording process.

What went well?

• The premises we used was clean and empty when we came to use it, we asked in advance for permission to use the space and I feel it fits the song very well
• We ensured we used multiple cameras at all times and ran through the song a few times with our actors so they could get a feel of how to perform in relation to the camera.
• All of our mise-en-scene was brought it by those whom held responsibility, our actors were already changed into their costumes and we assembled the drum kit in minutes allowing us maximum filming and directing time.
• Directing our performers was often straightforward since our communication skills were effective allowing us to achieve exactly what we wanted emotion wise shot for shot, this also allowed us to get multiple different shots at the same time as we were confident in our approach to setting up the performers and shots.

What went wrong?

• We wasted valuable recording time at the start and end of the allocated slot since we began having to move our recording equipment including cameras and tripods into the pavilion. Furthermore we were pressured at the end since the space was needed by the school football team which demanded we pack up and left early.
• One of our three camera batteries died immediately at the start of the shoot meaning one of our group members had to stand around for some time since we only had two remaining between all three of us. This has cost us a plethora of useful shots that could of been used in the music video.
• It was often difficult to get our performers confidence up in order to achieve the most energetic shots of the music video. Notably, our guitarist struggled to come to terms with when in the music video the guitar was prevalent and how to strum realistically rendering many of our shots useless since they are clearly improvised.

For our next shoot we will ensure we leave ample time to prepare our environment ready for the actors so filming can begin immediately. It is also paramount to supply fully charged camera batteries to maximize filming potential. It will also be wise to instill a sense of confidence in our actors and show them the techniques of musical instruments to guarantee authenticity.

It is important to ensure that as a group we are well prepared and coordinated for our filming day, because of this we have constructed a production meeting agenda which details exactly what will be required for the shoot and whom is responsible. This is essential in ensuring every elements from costume to location is covered and so that the workload is delegated evenly. The documents can be viewed by clicking on the images below.

Side 1:                                                    Side 2:

    

In preparation for our performance shoot my group and I watched multiple music videos from our chosen band The English Beat and took screenshots of different shot angles and frames which we will gain inspiration from moving towards our final shoot. This is important in fulfilling the conventions of our genre, ska, and will help to give predictable pleasure to our target audience.

Before I can undertake any filming it is important to ensure all health and safety dangers are both addressed and minimized. In order to do this both myself and my parents signed this risk assessment form giving my consent to allow me to film outside of school hours and without supervision, some generic risks have been identified and I can now proceed with filming for my music video performance and narrative. It is important to note that we require no specific site since we will be shooting on school premises. You can view my risk assessment by clicking on the image below.

It is important to map out all our ideas no matter how ridiculous or improbable so we get the best considered suggestions possible for both our music video performance and narrative. We were aided by member of the Specsavers creative team whom helped us to consolidate our ideas and made us recognise the importance of continuity and a set theme that flows throughout the narrative. We recognised our key theme was vanity and in order to show this the band members will progressive become more “made-up” to show how ridiculous vanity is. Our timeline can be viewed below.

Before undertaking our music video project we thought it we be a good idea to contact the band whom produced the song “Mirror in the Bathroom” via both e-mail and twitter, we made it clear our requested use of the song would be entirely education and demonetised. Below is my tweet sent to The English Beat.

We have received no reply from the band and will therefore take this as them allowing us to use their song for our music video.

In order to help me construct a perfect ska band for my music video, my group and I have delved into researching the star image of our chosen band – The English Beat. Through finding pictures of the band and commenting with adjectives on how their image is constructed it allowed me to consider the paradox of the star creating a mystery for the audience, this is also called the metanarrative. This develops a sense of proxemics between the audience and the star adding onto the blueprint that will be received by them, click on the image below to view our pinterest page.

To help me get an understanding of the target audience for my chosen genre of Ska I produced a Facebook page of a fan of the music in order to visualize whom I am constructing my product for. This will help me to develop the preferred reading of my music video to guarantee the predictable pleasure for the targeted audience who want to decode my encoded product reflecting the things they stand for and their interests.