Category: Component 3

Specsavers Feedback

We were very fortunate to have a visit from professional creatives who film and edit as a job for Specsavers. This opportunity allowed us to gain constructive feedback and guidance that would help improve our music video.

Feedback

• They clarified that the way we had gone about the projections was the best possible way of executing our idea, which was reassuring.
• During filming, we should’ve changed the settings on the camera for more contrast between the performer and the projector background; this would have made our star be seen more noticeably and distinctly as well as made the overlaying of the project easier to execute.
• Organize our workspace by colour coding, this enables us to differentiate the narrative from the performance and not become confused on various sections.

As well, we were taught different techniques that would be useful when we edited:

• We were shown how to copy and paste attributes onto clips so that all settings were identical. This was much more efficient than going through each clip individually.
• We learned how to execute zooming in different ways; either gradually zooming in by adjusting the scale at different time frames or cutting a clip and adjusting the scale for a more sharp zoom.
• Allowing us to make various aspects of the setup full-screen enabled us to identify minor issues that needed altering.

Reflection

It was really beneficial to get constructive feedback, from professionals, that was applicable to our music video. This has allowed us to be more productive on the software, Premiere Pro, and produce a high quality video that has been created to the best of our ability.

Music Video Draft 3

After reflecting on draft 2, we improved our music video by making some subtle changes to various clips and tweaking the bits that didn’t mirror our desired intentions.

Below is our draft 3:

what went well

• We utilized the color correction tools within the software to further enhance those flamboyant colors; blue, red, orange, pink, and green. This successfully made them look a lot brighter and bolder in comparison to previous versions.
• We used a tool, warp stabilizer, in the software Premiere Pro to balance shots that appeared shaky within the narrative montage of boring everyday items.
• After a series of trials and errors, we finally established a way of making the projections appear how we envisioned. We tested various blend modes to see if there was a way of merging the clips together without darkening the mise-en-scene. Eventually, we came across the blend mode, multiply, which allowed for the performer to be lightened whilst having the projections dark enough to identify the movement of the effects.

targets for improvement

• For draft 4, we wish to redo the zoom-in on the ‘how to fit in’ book which lies in a field. This is because the quality drops as the camera begins to move toward it at the same time as changing the position of the frame. The idea wasn’t executed adequately and due to this, it looks tacky, tragic, and unprofessional so instead, we will use a static clip of the book.
• During the split screens, there is a minuscule difference between the size of the performance shot and projections. The projections are ever so slightly bigger than the subject, however, this can be simply fixed by adjusting the positioning.
• A certain split screen, including the pink performer, is darker than in previous appearances. We can easily fix this opacity issue of the projection to make it match the others. There is also another section of the split screen where the pink performer occurs too light; this is another opacity situation that is fixable.
• Throughout a performance montage, the blue projections need to be brighter on the pink performer, as well we should pull more of the pink colour using lumetri colour correction because at the moment no color can be established.
• At one point, the narrative slightly comes out of focus near the end of a shot but this is easily resolved by extending the performance and cutting the last bit out.
• Whilst experimenting with blend modes, there is a blur effect still present on a clip which we can just erase in draft 4.

Reflection

Listing specific targets for improvements is very helpful as it allows us to use the remains of our editing time efficiently and wisely. As a group, we are now in a good position to keep on progressing with our video and improving it to the best of our ability. We feel much better now as we have finally found a solution to the ongoing problems surrounding the projections and can now begin adding transitions and adjusting various clips. With only minor tweaks left to correct, it is stress-relieving knowing that there are no major issues present in our video. Soon we will receive feedback from our teacher that will finalize our music video before submission.

Music Video Draft 2

From having filmed the narrative, we were able to put together a complete draft of our music video, combining the narrative into the performance.

Below is our draft 2, including the narrative:

After completing this edit, as a group, we began to apply the assessment criteria of a music video to our own.

Self-Assessment of Video

what went well

• We successfully enhanced the colors used throughout our mise-en-scene of both the performance and narrative. The vivid colors; pink, blue, green, and orange were made to look more striking by making use of the color correction tools within the software. This created a lively, fun, and spirited atmosphere for the transformation.
• Our clips are evidently edited to the beat of the song, making the video flow admirably with the music.
• After gathering our footage, we found we had a wide range of shots taken from various angles and distances. This gave us an array of clips to work with, resulting in a variety of match-on-action shots and reaction shots, giving our video some variation.
• Overall, we were able to get some really good shots that were still, well-lit, and in focus. These consist of: an extreme close-up of the eye which shows off the bold feathery false lashes which were part of our mise-en-scene, an over-the-shoulder shot looking into the mirror’s reflection of the actor, and a medium close-up of the actor in front of some scenic bushes singing his heart out. All these shots reflect the joy of his journey.
• There is a good balance of narrative and performance throughout the music video.
• At the end of the video, the pinboard makes a final appearance. The prop ended up becoming such a significant part of the narrative and representing the meaning of freedom and following your dreams. This turned out to be very effective as it acts as a reminder of how his journey began and the start of new beginnings.

targets for improvement

• Even though the tripod was set up correctly and no one touched it whilst filming, there is a slight wobble in some clips so they will need stabilizing. This is evident in some shots within the montage.
• We are still experiencing issues with the projections. At the moment, the effects have appeared too light, which in fact has made our euphoric-inspired makeup and the rest of the mise-en-scene visible; but it still isn’t what we imagined it to be. For the next draft, we are going to experiment with it more and build on our skills in a new software called ‘After Effects”, this would allow us to layer both clips without losing the quality of it and hopefully the outcome will be what we hope for.
• Some clips are ever so slightly out of sync with the lyrics of the song, so only some minor changes will need to be made to fix this.

Focus Forward

We have made exceptional progress with our music video. As a result of working hard as a group, we have a finished draft of the video with both narrative and performance intertwined together. This now acts as a basis to expand on and allows us to visualize the video as a whole. There are obvious tweaks that need modifying/changing but by communicating which each other, we will be able to figure out a straightforward plan on how to address and resolve these issues. At first, it was very challenging to assess where the narrative would fit in and look right with the performance but, by experimenting with different ideas, we were able to establish a good balance between the two. It was fun brainstorming various creative ideas with my group which we could incorporate into our editing, it reflects good teamwork and partnership. We shall continue to improve on our video and work hard for it to reach its full potential.

Shoot 2 Reflection (Narrative)

For the narrative shoot, we made the decision to film in two locations, a bedroom and outdoors, as it would give an alternative to our video. As well, using two locations provides the opportunity to get creative with various shot types and framings. Plus, it allows us to incorporate a transition to reflect the change in our individuals’ journey. Within the narrative, we only used one actor to portray the journey of finding your true self and how freeing it becomes to not be forced into social expectations. Each of us arrived prepared with the equipment set up, costumes and makeup in hand ready for the transformation, and the handmade props created prior to the shoot.

 

Specifically for this shoot, we assembled two handmade props; a journalling book and a pinboard. We found they would give a personal sense to the narrative and build upon our mise-en-scene.

The book, labeled ‘How to fit in’, was created by Maisy. This represented the ‘societal norms’ which are expected of a typical teenage boy. It included various images related to a stereotypical boy; the type of clothing they wear, different haircuts, and certain activities like the gym or any sports. It is significant because it emphasizes the struggles of trying to fit in and not be seen as different. Our actor’s reaction to this would reflect the feelings of not being accepted, pressure, despair, and loss.

The pinboard was designed by me. This bright, colorful pinboard acted as a mood board of what they wished for their life. It signifies positivity and a sense of hope for the actor, motivating them to not care about being different. This stimulates the beginning of change and transformation.

When shooting, we used a variety of filming techniques and shots of the desk set-up from different distances: Close-ups of the pinboard and makeup, a pan up from the desk to the pinboard, a ped across the pinboard and desk, zoom in on the pinboard focusing on the tiny details of the pictures. All of these would be perfect as part of a montage when we begin to edit the clips in post-production.

Overall, I felt our second shoot went really well.

what went well

• We have a lot of footage to work with from both locations; various shots taken from different distances and angles.
• All of our shots were focused and taken in good lighting.
• Our mise-en-scene was well thought-out and very effective, adding meaning to the narrative. We will also be able to enhance the flashy colors used to that they really pop in the video.
• We came prepared and organized; we were efficient with the costumes and makeup, and all the props (designed beforehand) looked great on camera.

targets for improvement

• Like the performance shoot, the light we used was very unstable. Next time, we need to double-check the batteries as it was time-consuming turning them off/on during the shoot. As well it would have been beneficial to have constant lighting throughout.
• Even though we created a plan of the different shots we’d get at either location and, shot a lot of good footage altogether, we seemed to manage our time more effectively at our first location compared to the outdoors. So, an improvement for next time would be to have a clear understandable plan of the important shots to get first before gathering any extra ones.

Focus Forward

We improved our directing skills massively when shooting the narrative. You have to get your actor to tell a story and it isn’t easy to capture it the first time, so it took a lot of trial and error. Our communication skills helped us as a group to discuss the plan of the shoot and how we’d convey the narrative, this eliminated any issues from occurring. With the footage taken from this shoot, we can now begin incorporating the narrative into the rough cut of draft 1 which was purely the performance.

Risk Assessment for Shoot 2 (Narrative)

To ensure that we aren’t putting ourselves in any danger during our narrative shoot, as a group, we put together a risk assessment which was authorized by our teacher. This allowed us to identify any possible hazards that could occur whilst filming.

Reflection

By discussing and recognizing the safety precautions, that needed to be put in place to protect ourselves from any dangers, we are able to have a harmless shoot. It is good to be cautious beforehand so that there’s no possibility of any unexpected risks arising.

Production Meeting for Shoot 2 (Narrative)

To be prepared for our narrative shoot, as a group, we created a Production Meeting Agenda that presents our initial ideas for the costume and makeup we picture our star image wearing. It also states the props which we wish to use within our narrative shoot.

Focus Forward

It is important to identify all aspects of mise-en-scene before you begin shooting as it provides a clear representation of the meanings that you want to be conveyed through the narrative. Following the previous performance shoot, we wanted our star image to match the same aesthetic as the performers but yet be even more flamboyant and glamourous; so that we also highlight a definite contrast between the star’s struggles with trying to fit into the societal ‘norms’ in comparison to him identifying his true self and experiencing that sense of freedom. 

Video Narrative Photo Board/Shot List

As a way of organizing our shots for the narrative shoot, we created a narrative photo board to visualize our ideas and a shot list that gives a clear layout of what we need to film to edit for sense.

Reflection

This task has allowed our group to establish the various shots that we need to film and make sure we haven’t missed any bits of the narrative. From planning the narrative into shots, there is a clear narrative structure that we can follow throughout our shoot. We have made sure to include a variety of shot distances so that no narrative themes are overlooked. Our shot list contains reaction shots to signify the actors’ feelings and emotions, close-ups to highlight the quirky, eccentric mise-en-scene, and mid to long shots/wide angles to create a connection to the character and their story. Overall this has given us a good understanding of how we are going to portray the narrative of the character to the audience throughout the music video.

Music Video draft 1 – Rough Cut

Soon after filming, we uploaded our footage onto the computer so that we could begin creating the first draft of our music video. The software, Premiere Pro, allowed us to start compiling our clips together, and edit to the beat of the music whilst also syncing the lip-sync with the song. At this stage, as a group, our goal was to nail down the key conventions required for our genre and be creative. By thinking about the edit beforehand, we were able to shoot a variety of shots with different angles and frames. This gave us the opportunity to play around with varied cuts, transitions, layouts, and effects.

Below is our draft 1, rough cut:

What went WELL

• As a group, we showed good teamwork throughout; conquering challenges efficiently so that they didn’t affect our filming and time in the studio.
• Seen as we captured a lot of footage, it gave us a huge boost of creativity as we experimented with different cuts, transitions, effects, and layouts that were needed.
• We synced up the video to the music almost perfectly. With the actors knowing the song well, it helped to easily sync the lip-sync to the song.
• After trial and error with the projections, we finally managed a solution, post-production, of layering and blending the clips together. However when uploading the footage, the videos did appear much darker than expected so hopefully, we can figure a way of fixing it so that none of our mise-en-scene is hidden.
• We’ve made our video fun and quirky. The split screen reinforces a sense of fun and a sense of collective friends having fun, which fits in with the conventions of our genre.

Targets for improvement

• A lot of our mise-en-scene highlighted on our actors through costume, hair, and makeup has become non-visible to the audience, To ensure our mise-en-scene isn’t erased by the darkened and hazy projections, we shall experiment with different opacities of the effects until we find the right balance when we continue editing.
• At one specific moment, all actors are on screen, two on either side facing into the middle. We established that the colors and actors fade at different times making it look uneven. To correct this, we can change the timing of the transition to guarantee that they disappear together at the same time.

Focus Forward

Personally, I feel our music video is coming along really well. We have acknowledged the conventions of the genre and portrayed that successfully through our mise-en-scene and various shots. As a group, we carefully thought out the shoot in preparation for the edit, and the outcome of it is very impressive. By planning effectively and being efficient, we were able to achieve our goal. Also from using new editing software, we learned new skills which will help progressively improve our music video throughout different drafts and give it high quality. As well, as experimenting with visual effects, we’ve discovered new tricks that will benefit the edit and entertain the audience.

Shoot 1 Reflection (Performance)

For the performance shoot, we made the decision to film in the white studio as the minimal white background would be compatible with our initial idea of using a projector to create moving patterns and effects. All of us involved came equipped with the costumes, makeup, and props that we were responsible for bringing. We also allowed time in advance to set up the camera and lights in the studio, and get ourselves ready in preparation for shooting.

Initially, we planned on using an overhead projector/DIY projector as we wanted to avoid the stroboscopic effect but after test trialing them; we found they didn’t display the patterns and effects the way we had hoped for. The overhead projector only allowed us to project static images and the DIY projector would have given a bad quality to our music video. Thankfully, we acquired a light projector that emits a galaxy effect without the stroboscopic effect. However, whilst experimenting with the light and different shots, we realized we couldn’t film the performance with the light directly reflecting onto the person as it darkens the shot; this makes it difficult to recognize our mise-en-scene like the gems, glitter, and stickers. As a group, we figured it’d work better if we film the reflection of the light projector on the white backdrop, using different colors, separate from the performance so that in post-production we can easily blend the clips together.

Throughout the shoot, we had a lot of fun. As directors and performers, we made sure to create an enjoyable and relaxed environment for everyone so no one felt embarrassed when performing; and we joined in with the singing/dancing so that the performer didn’t feel uncomfortable. It was important to give encouragement when someone is performing as it can be a vulnerable position to put yourself in, especially when you’ve never lip-synced in front of a camera before.

In general, I felt our first shoot was a success.

WHAT WENT WELL

• We put a lot of thought into the mise-en-scene and ensured that it clearly represented our star image. The bright colors, euphoric-inspired makeup, and funky props created the glamourous idiosyncratic feel of the performance.
• The preparation of the light projector prior to the shoot was very helpful as we had a clear understanding of how we’d use it for filming. This allowed for our time in the studio to be used effectively and efficiently, which gave us more time to gather a variety of other shots.
• As we planned what shots we initially wanted beforehand, we were able to film a lot of footage (plus more) which is great for the post-production process as we can start to think about we wish to edit those shots together and to the beat.
• All performers were familiar with the song and previously learned the lyrics, so we were prepared to start filming straight away.
• Our thinking-ahead planning, organization, and communication enabled us to have a smooth-running studio shoot with no occurrence of major issues.

TARGETS FOR IMPROVEMENT

• One of our lights had a low charge so the battery was slowly dying, which made the lights occasionally turn off/cut out. This did get frustrating as we’d be halfway through a run and the light would go out, making the clip go dark, so next time we shall check the batteries of our lights to ensure it won’t happen again.

Focus Forward

The planning and organizing of the mise-en-scene and shots, ahead of time, for the shoot, was very useful as it allowed us to be fully prepared and equipped to film the footage without wasting any of our valuable time. This performance shoot made us learn and build upon new skills, such as teamwork, communication, organization, technical skills involving the camera and lighting, and directing. We followed our production meeting agenda which ensured we’d represent the perfect star image and convey meaning. This process has made us realize how important it is to trial run stuff in case it doesn’t work or it is not how you imagined it to be. We will keep this in mind for next time so that everything works and runs smoothly.

 

Production Meeting for Shoot 1 (Performance)

To feel completely prepared for our first shoot of the performance, we put together a Production Meeting Agenda that involved the costumes and makeup of each individual, the equipment required, and, the location of the filming. This helped us realize what we desperately needed to gather in preparation for the shoot.

Focus Forward

By creating a Production Meeting Agenda, as a group, we shared our initial ideas and thoughts of the costumes and makeup for our performers. Each performer has an aspect of them that is different, representing individualism which fits perfectly with our song choice and narrative. The overall aesthetic of the Mise-En-Scene correctly fits with our genre. As well, this task gave us a strong vision of the types of shots we can record that best communicates and expresses our ideas to the audience whilst also providing a good understanding of the genre. Additionally, we need to be very careful and make sure we take into account every detail like having no extraneous accessories, for examples no hairbands on wrists as it’ll ruin the shot. With this level of organisation, we are able to use our time efficiently throughout and have a successfully smooth shoot.