In order to prepare to go out and complete our first performance shoot we carried out a test shoot around our school. This was helpful and we have learnt a lot from this process.

Below is our edited 30 second extract from the song.

What went well:

• Most of our shots were in focus.
• The locations we chose were generally in line with the grungy edgy theme.
• We got a range of shots and angles.

Targets for our performance shoot 1:

• Get some more creative shots with even more different angles, framing movement of both the star and the camera itself.
• The lip syncing is not quite lined up in places. This could be better avoided when editing if we lined the lip syncing up first and then just cut between clips.
• Some of our shots are out of focus and badly lit so we will need to be careful to focus the camera and make sure we have good lighting when we are out shooting.
• Use some filters, adjust the lighting of the clips and play with the transitions of the clips when editing.

Lip syncing is a very important part of a music video. It is crucial for the music video to be believable and for the audience to trust in the star. This is essential for their star image. In advance to recording I think it is important for the star to be aware not to over-enunciate as this makes it more difficult to edit and takes away from the realism which is important for the star’s image.  You must also ensure that your star’s appearance matches the artist’s grain of voice so that they fit the star’s image.

Using the footage taken at the green screen studio, I edited the clips together using Premier Pro, to form part of the, what would be, music video for Poker Face by Lady Gaga. This was great practice on how to lip sync and how to edit it to the audio. I learnt how to use markers in Premier Pro, which enabled me to mark the start of the lyrics or a key part in the song to then match up with the visual.

Below is a small section of the music video I have edited and put together:

What went well:

• I have been able to use a variety of different shots including mid shots and long shots.
• I also used a variety of angles.
• The lip syncing is in time with the lyrics for the most part.

This lip syncing video could be improved by:

• Adding transitions.
• Increasing the cutting speed in various places to give the performance more energy.
• Having more continuity with who is singing. This was not essential for this task, but when it comes to making my own music video, I will need to make sure it makes sense.

We were asked, in small groups, to construct a montage lasting 40-60 seconds that will convey clear ideas, issues, themes, moods, emotions that are suggested within the brief.

After choosing the theme of determination for our montage and deciding on the title ‘Fall seven times, stand up eight,’ we began to construct a story board of our ideas.

My group’s storyboard for our montage

We then went out to film our montage, following our storyboard as much as possible to make sure we captured a variety of shots. Using Premier Pro, back in the classroom we learnt how to cut clips, add transitions and then audio. This task has been very helpful in introducing us to Premier Pro as this is what we will edit our music videos on.

This is our final montage:

Our montage successfully conveyed its theme of determination in my opinion as we see the actor working tirelessly and never giving up. In this way I think that our montage has an impact.

One cut in particular that created meaning successfully is at 0:33 when we cut to a reaction shot of Dave’s face when he sees that he has passed after working hard. This enables the audience to see his positive reaction and reinforces the idea that determination leads to success and happiness.

This montage could be made even better if:

• We used another actor.
• Our filming and clips were clearer and better focused. Also if the clips filmed in the sports hall were less yellow. This could be fixed by using a filter for example when editing.
• The music at the end of the clip was faded out.
• We used a wider variety of shots; in particular more close ups.

This exercise will prove to be very helpful when it comes to creating our own music videos as I have been introduced to the basics of Premier Pro. I have also learnt how to film on my DSLR camera and how important it is to use a tripod when filming so our shots are as steady as possible. When we shoot our own music videos I will keep these skills and tips in mind.