Shoot 1 Reflection (Performance)

What went well

For our first shoot for the performance aspect of our music video, we went and filmed in Max’s bunker. We used this location as it matched the rough and and grungy mise en scene of the star image. The filming process, overall, ran relatively smoothly. We collected multiple takes of multiple angles of both the individual musicians and also the full band. This included a mix of close ups, long shots, mid shots and low angles. We also filmed some whip pans to use as transitions. We referred to our visual shot list to ensure that we remembered to use a range of different shots. Too make sure we definitely had enough footage, for each shot, we filmed for the whole duration of the song. We also made sure to film each shot on a tripod to ensure there was no ‘shakey’ footage.

What didn’t go well

We had a few shots which we forgot to get at the end of the shoot and only realised on the following days. We wanted to get a shot of all the instruments and gear set up without the band for the end of the video to link the performance and narrative. We have decided to just set up the same lighting without the instruments and still get the shots as it will still make sense with the narrative. Due to the low lighting, we had to make sure that we had the correct ISO setting on the camera. For the most part we had it set right, but the whole band shots came out quite dark as these were the first shots we filmed and we were still figuring out the right settings.

Targets for the next shoot
  • Use a wide range of shots and angles
  • Follow a clear plan of the narrative – planning document
  • Make sure we have enough footage
  • Follow the same mise en scene as the performance – branding and representation
  • Ensure we have sufficient lighting
  • Clear directing of actors to ensure correct tone

 

Production Meeting Agenda for Shoot 1 (Performance)

This production meeting agenda helps us to visualise aspects of Mise En Scene such as costume, lighting and props to ensure that it aligns with our star image. It also includes who is responsible for bringing what to clear up any confusion and make sure that everyone is made clear on what they need to bring. This document can also be referred to at any point when filming to remind ourselves of any specific shots, angles and transitions which we plan to use. With this production meeting agenda, we can maximise our productivity and and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day with minimal problems.

 

click for full document

 

Risk Assessment

This is our risk assessment document which outlines all safety risks and hazards for the shoot and how we will avoid them. The document also shows where we will and when we will be there and our teacher has signed at the bottom to approve this.

Star Image – The Performers

This is the mood board that I created using canva to portray my star image for my band. Something to keep in mind would be to ensure that our performers seem ordinary yet extraordinary through the use of Mise En Scene. This will mainly involve acting, costume and lighting. This is known as the ‘paradox of the star’ which is a theory that Richard Dyer came up with which deals with the artist seeming relatable and similar to the consumer but at the same time showing how much of a celebrity and ‘out of reach’ life style they live.

This word cloud includes words that come to mind when I think of my star Image. I will use this when planning the Mise En Scene for my music video and try to replicate this and represent my artist in a similar way which follows a consistent metanarrative. This is to ensure that it appeals to our target audience which would be teens and young adults who are growing up and discovering the world from a new perspective. The representation of our band will be very similar and will tell a similar story to Movements by having a grungy, edgy yet welcoming look and attitude.

 

Visual Shot List

This is a padlet of different shots that we will use when filming our music video. We have looked into the significance of each shot and what each shot translates to the audience and how they may interpret it. This includes the representation of the narrative and star image. This also includes the repertoire of elements and how the genre is conveyed through the cinematography and conventional camera angles, framing, and editing.  This has given us a better understanding of how to film our music video and has given us inspiration and ideas of how to make it look as professional as it can.

Made with Padlet

Pitch and Feedback

This our pitch video explain what we will be including and thinking about throughout the production of our music video. We talked about Star Image, Narrative, Mise En Scene, Setting, Acting, and Camera. We spoke about how we we would divide up responsibilities and arranging shots so that the production all runs smoothly.

Strengths
  • Well thought out narrative which is easy for the viewer understand and connect with
  • Strong performance idea which is performed, filmed and edited well to fit the conventions of the genre
  • Link between performance and narrative
  • Unique location idea
  • Good idea of MES
  • Key shots planned
Goals
  • Chronological narrative to make it easy for the viewer to follow
  • Keep narrative clear and simple so that the viewer can follow the story easily and stay engaged
  • Performers suit the roles – mes, acting, attitude
  • Equal responsibility within group (production and post production)

 

The next step for us is to get some practice shots to familiarize ourselves with the equipment and to start putting some of our idea into practice. This will be a good step in preparing ourselves for when we go to film the real thing.

Initial Song Ideas For My Mini Pitch

These are some of the potential songs that I could use for my music video. I created a word cloud for both songs where I added words which came to mind when listening to it. This helped me to form a rough idea of the narrative style and storyline, whether that be illustrative, amplified or disjunctive; or if it would be linear, chronological or montage.  I also had to take into consideration who would be able to act and perform in the video and if they fit the conventions and star image. This would also involve being able to lip sync well along with being able to play their instruments. Other aspects of MES like costume and setting are also very important when portraying the star image and narrative so those were also discussed.

Doing this has given me a chance to think about how I want my video to look using MES and what I want going on regarding performance and narrative.