This is the outcome of our test shoot for our music video. We did this so that we could practice lip-syncing, filming using a variety of angles, and editing the footage so that cuts fall on the beat. We only used two of the actors to do a short section of the narrative so that we could get a feel for the filming and editing.

 

What Went Well

• Good energy from me (the drummer) – Appropriate for energy of the genre
• A good variety shots that we know we will use for the final video
• Some shots we know we won’t use or try do better in the final better
• Edit to the beat and lip syncing was done well

What Could Be Done Better

• Pace of edit could be quicker to suit the genre of music
• More interesting transitions to convey the star image and energy of the song
• Performance could be improved to make the vocalist more the star of the band and to keep the main focus on him.
• Improved portrayal of star image through MES

Something that we have to accomplish with our final video is that the star has to be portrayed as ordinary and like us yet also extraordinary and larger than life at the same time. This is a theory called ‘the paradox of the star’ by Richard Dyer. By shooting this test shoot we have been able to start to develop our ideas of how we will accomplish this. Mise En Scene will play a big part in conveying the star image but the camera work and editing is just as important. Whip pans, lots of angles and a fast pace of edit will all fit the genre well as it reflects the aggressive and energetic sound of the music.

My group, Lilly, Orlando and me, were given the theme of loneliness to create a montage about. We started by brainstorming anything that connotes to loneliness and produced this story board as a result of it.

When planning the video we had to take into account aspects of MES like costume, props, acting and facial expressions. We made sure that all of the MES used was relevant to the narrative. For example, the props that we used were headphones and a skateboard. The headphones convey loneliness by portraying the main character as antisocial and isolated from the world around him. The skateboard is the only thing that the main character can rely on. For costume, the character was wearing a cap and hooded jumper what was used to hide his face. This further shows the audience his exclusion from society. The only time the audience sees his face is in the reaction shot at the very end of the video.

Strengths

• Range of camera angles
• Range of shot lengths (long shot, mid shot and close up)
• Clear story

Weaknesses

• Lack of transitions
• Acting could be improved
• Framing could be improved

From doing this task, I have improved my story telling and narrative skills which will help when it comes to my music video. I will need to improve acting, framing, and transitions when I make my music video.