Evaluation: Planning

During our lesson the other day I created a structured list of all the ideas we had for the video, where they originated and were inspired from, as well as who came up with the base of the idea.
This list was developed by all of us as we each had our own inputs; as you can see all of our names are written on this list at some point, proving that we all had ideas for the video.

Final Hand In Date / Last Day Of Editing

Today was the final hand in date for the music video, at the start of the day we still needed to edit about a minute of the video but with the help of Jess and Meg (the two who helped with the majority of the editing) who were with me the majority of the day we managed to get it done and burnt onto a DVD. A link to a daily motion version of the final version is below. Initially i am very happy with it and the work I and the others have put into creating and editing it. It took allot of frees/weekends/after schools.

The Skeleton Boys - One Night In October by Harry_Tibbles

Editing

We have been editing our filming shots since we finished filming; the editing process is going well and we feel that by the end of the week we should be done assuming there are no technical faults.

Like our draft, we are using one laptop to edit on, Harry's MacBook Pro. This enables us to use the programme Premiere Pro. It also means we have one member of the group who knows a lot about the programme and has taught us tips in the process of editing the draft as well as the final version. 

Analysis Of The Feedback Received Regarding Our Music Video

After we had created our draft music video, we received feedback from both Mr. Smith and Mrs. Abrahamson:

Click Image To Enlarge

Click Image To Enlarge

After receiving the lengthy feedback from Mr. Smith, we used and did not use some  parts of his advice. I will talk through the points he has made and tell you the changes we have made with regards to his feedback.

1. We changed our video so that the band are playing in the lead up to the lead singer saying "oh, language is dead". However, some clips were deleted from memory sticks unintentionally and so we no longer had the new clip, so we had to fill up the space with other clips.
2. We have attained on-the-beat editing in the first opening seconds.
3. Singer is now singing and opening his mouth more.
4. No need for improvement.
5. We have used spots on the floor to ensure band members are in the same place when we are filming them.
6. We have changed the acoustic guitar for an electric guitar.
7. We tried this, but it does not work at all, as we cannot re-film a part that was unintentionally filmed  as it does not look natural like the draft version.
8. 51 seconds was used as another shot for the draft did not work - so we have changed that.
9. We have done this.
10. We have cut down on the hula and hawaiian, although it is still in the video.
11. We have adapted our original idea so that it seems more fun and genuine.
12. We will use this idea.
13. We are keeping the strobe lighting scene as we have tweeted the little comets and they said "The bit with the iPhone lighting is class".
14. We have used the idea of a trail of chalk.
15. We have cut back to the singer by using more of the boat scene.
16. We have developed the forest scene sufficiently.
17. The faked darkness was only for the draft to show where we intended to use 'night-time' shots.
18. We have given the band members cocoa. (Much against our own will).
19. We have tried to make our idea clearer that they are making shadow puppets that are clear to see from the inside and the outside, not people scaring them - so we have tried to make that a bit easier to understand for the audience.
20. Read and understood, captain.
21. We have changed the sleeping in the car to another shot from another scene that we have re-filmed.
22. We have done this - band members go out of the shot one by one as they finish playing their instruments.

Last Day Of Filming (Totes Emosh)

On Saturday me Meg and Jess were there for the last day of filming where we did all the day the daytime shots at my house. Out of all the filming this day went the best not only because i think their were spurred on by the thought of it being the last time they would need to spend with us (harry is gonna miss everyone so much but not as much as steve is with georgia) but because there was very little to actually do.

Filming so far:

Unexpectedly the filming of close-ups in the barn was not as good as the draft version; this is due to the lack of resources e.g. tripods and extra cameraman because of an absence of a group member. We hope to recover this by using a different location (possibly still a brick wall background to tone in with the barn performance); if we cannot find a suitable brick wall we may use a hedge or an alternative location.

Our next filming date is Saturday 19th November; this day should be successful if all goes to plan; we have decided to not re-film too much of the Hawaiian shirt dancing in the boat as we have a lot of this, however we may get the band to sing/mime in the boat in these costumes.

Final Filming: Bike Scene At The Barn

Before we went to the forest, we went to Jess' barn to quickly film some shots for a bike sequence we are going to use in the final draft. We were to draw three solid white lines where the tyre of the bike has been, and everytime the tyre moves we had the lines building in thickness. I was in charge of drawing the lines with chalk on the floor, Jess was on the bike and guiding where it would go, and Harry wouldtake pictures each time the lines changed. Unfortunately Joe couldn't make filming because of work commitments.

Final Filming: Forest

Filming in the forest was significantly better than last time because we had all four members this time! As well as this, all crew members were able to make it so we could get on straight away which made it a lot easier. As there wasn't many shots in the forest we knew how they should all look and what each member should be doing and where they should be standing. We also knew where the lighting should be and what part of the song should be playing. Overall this made the filming far more quicker than that of our draft filming in the forest. I am pleased with what were were able to film that night and I'm positive we gained all the shots that we need for our final video.

Filming At Harrys' House At Night

On monday we decided to film at my house, because we needed it to be dark we started around 4:30 which was perfect for the shots. All in all the filming went well (well apart from it being cold, but we powered through). We also added in some extra shots that we didn't have in the draft and these include; performance in the boat, lights turning on in the boat rather than the tree and more action using the coffin. Unfortunately the camera didn't pick up enough light on its own so we needed to use artificial lighting which did take a while to set up so it looked soft and not straight on. Unlike when we have filmed before me managed to have every member of the group present ie me, Meg, Jess and Joe. The next time we will film is Saturday again at my house but in the day.

Draft Video Feedback

Both our teachers have given us feedback on what we should improve on when filming and editing our final video. We plan to take this feedback on board and do exactly what they say, because this will improve our grade. It is important we get feedback because we need to know what to do to maximise our grade, and feedback from teachers means they know what we are capable of and what improvements we are able to make. 


Mr Smith said:

"Further to what I said today here are some tips and things I've noticed. Before reading remember I've not bothered to tell you how brilliantly you've worked and that currently I'd place the video in band 3 (if the singing was convincing then it'd be band 4).

1. Band must be playing from the start, move clip from 14 seconds to before video and insert new performance sequence.
2. Maintain beat match that you have from 0-8 seconds until lyrics begin at 19 seconds.
3. Singer needs to sing
4. footprints are brilliant
5. mark the floor so the band are always stood on the same spot for the montage between 37-40
6. Keep electric guitar (ditch acoustic) in caravan for shot at 40 and subsequent interiors
7. I know 48 is a filler but the guitarist is excellent, get him to do that once the singer sings in the re-shoot.
8. 51 too random, something needs to be there for pace but I'm not sure it is that shot
9. 53-58 see previous point re guitar and floor markings
10 59-106 too much hula (or rather something interesting needs to happen, maybe insert performance)
11. 111-113 see the monkees credits and them on the beach, try and emulate that as currently it is just one man running down a hill (http://youtu.be/w2hzusE4veM)
12. 125 cut back to vocalist then remember floor markings for montage.
13. 126 not sure party strobe scene is clear enough (could it begin with an extablishing shot of exterior showing the caravan in darkness really brightly light and ready for a party?)
14. Cycling great. Could he leave a trail of something like brightly coloured chalk? (this would be unbelievably time consuming though)
15 137 -152 is very good but possibly too long without at least a brief cutaway to singer
16. I can't really comment on the forest as it is a bit rough around the edges and features Jess trying and failing to look a boy. Maybe take Tibbles' generator to the woods and rig up some fairy lights
17. 202-3 the faked darkness doesn't work
18. When in the boat don't be tight, give them some cocoa or something
19. The tent sequence is a nice idea but not yet there. Was the idea that the band are inside whilst someone outside makes a silhouette of a wolf and the band evacuate the tent?
20. 225 up to 247 as stated previously use electric guitar, get the singer to sing, less hula.
21. The asleep in my car isn't right
22. Play right up to the end then wander off."


We have taken each point into consideration and would like to meet all of them and make the necessary changes. Just some of things we are going to improve on with this are using an electric guitar in the caravan instead of an acoustic one. I think this will help to represent the music that is being played much  better. Something else we plan to change after looking at the list is the couple of shots of the lead singer being pushed down the hill. We are still going to use the idea of him being pushed, but also have the band messing around after he's gone down the hill so there's still a bit of action in the shot. Lastly we agree that there is too much hula dancing and something needs to be put in between because the viewer could get a bit bored. We have decided to film some more shots of the band in the boat, but this time in normal clothing and performing with all their equipment. This will break up the hula dancing scenes and change all the performance from just in the barn and caravan so it becomes more interesting.


Mrs Abrahamson said:


"Hi all,

Well done indeed. A video draft which demonstrates incredible planning, hard work, enthusiam and time-keeping.

Re the chalk idea that Mr Smith has suggested - you can get chidren's scooters which actually draw chalk as you scoot if you know anyone with one! ?
I can't top the 22 points but will reiterate the lead singer needing to open mouth wider! the bunk bed bit is a bit strange - avoid/change. Agree that music play unitl end, THEN walk off.
Keep up the hard work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

As this has been mentioned twice now, we fully understand that we desperately need to improve the lead singer. We need to do this by making him sing with more enthusiasm, open his mouth when he sings, look like he's enjoying himself much more as well as holding the microphone to his mouth. We have all agreed that we are definitely going to change the bunk bed shots for "tonight I will sleep in my car". After watching it back we have come up with much better ideas that will suit the genre of the video. Unfortunately we couldn't do exactly what we wanted with this scene because there wasn't enough room for a tripod between the beds. Lastly, we do feel a little stupid regarding the music still playing but the band walking off at the end- this should have been realised a long time ago and will definitely be changed!

Feedback: Draft Music Video

Mr Smith said...

Both Mrs Abrahamson will offer you feedback on this.

Congratulations on producing a complete draft, many of the shots are framed beautifully and it resembles your animatic very closely.

31 October 2011 10:29

Mr Smith said...

Further to what I said today here are some tips and things I've noticed. Before reading remember I've not bothered to tell you how brilliantly you've worked and that currently I'd place the video in band 3 (if the singing was convincing then it'd be band 4).

Mr Smith's 22 pointers:

1. band must be playing from the start, move clip from 14 seconds to before video and insert new performance sequence.
2. Maintain beat match that you have from 0-8 seconds until lyrics begin at 19 seconds.
3. Singer needs to sing
4. footprints are brilliant
5. mark the floor so the band are always stood on the same spot for the montage between 37-40
6. Keep electric guitar (ditch acoustic) in caravan for shot at 40 and subsequent interiors
7. I know 48 is a filler but the guitarist is excellent, get him to do that once the singer sings in the re-shoot.
8. 51 too random, something needs to be there for pace but I'm not sure it is that shot
9. 53-58 see previous point re guitar and floor markings
10 59-106 too much hula (or rather something interesting needs to happen, maybe insert performance)
11. 111-113 see the monkees credits and them on the beach, try and emulate that as currently it is just one man running down a hill (http://youtu.be/w2hzusE4veM)
12. 125 cut back to vocalist then remember floor markings for montage.
13. 126 not sure party strobe scene is clear enough (could it begin with an extablishing shot of exterior showing the caravan in darkness really brightly light and ready for a party?)
14. Cycling great. Could he leave a trail of something like brightly coloured chalk? (this would be unbelievably time consuming though)
15 137 -152 is very good but possibly too long without at least a brief cutaway to singer
16. I can't really comment on the forest as it is a bit rough around the edges and features Jess trying and failing to look a boy. Maybe take Tibbles' generator to the woods and rig up some fairy lights
17. 202-3 the faked darkness doesn't work
18. When in the boat don't be tight, give them some cocoa or something
19. The tent sequence is a nice idea but not yet there. Was the idea that the band are inside whilst someone outside makes a silhouette of a wolf and the band evacuate the tent?
20. 225 up to 247 as stated previously use electric guitar, get the singer to sing, less hula.
21. The asleep in my car isn't right
22. Play right up to the end then wander off.

These are both the comments Mr Smith posted on our final draft music video post; we took this advice well for our re-filming process and have either accepted the comments or adjusted our draft video plan and made it fit into the timing. For example we have changed the start (referring to comment 1), as we have the band playing their instruments at the start whilst the lead singer is making his way to the performance location.

Personally I agree with the majority of these comments and think that the changes we are in the process of making are all the right ones in terms of our style of video.

Mrs Abrahamson said...

Hi all,

Well done indeed. A video draft which demonstrates incredible planning, hard work, enthusiam and time-keeping.

Re the chalk idea that Mr Smith has suggested - you can get chidren's scooters which actually draw chalk as you scoot if you know anyone with one! ?
I can't top the 22 points but will reiterate the lead singer needing to open mouth wider! the bunk bed bit is a bit strange - avoid/change. Agree that music play unitl end, THEN walk off.
Keep up the hard work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



We also agree with the comment Mrs Abrahamson gave us on the post as she suggests similar changes to Mr Smith; she also emphasises that the lead singer needs to open his mouth more and look more enthusiastic - we have covered this within our re-filming throughout.

As an individual I also appreciated the comment 'Keep up the hard work!!!!!!!' as this gives us encouragement as a group for our entire refilming process; which we have now finished.

Final Digipak / Poster

Final Poster and Digipak

I am pleased with how my poster has turned out. I was really unsure with which one I wanted to go with originally, but decided this one because I think it looks more effective because of the strip going across the eye.

This is my final digipak which I am alsopleased with the way it turned out. However, I am worried it looks a little too plain, but I cannot change it now so I am happy with what I have.

Final Filming: Barn

Filming in the barn was successful and we feel that the performance shots were a lot more enthusiastic and inventive than the previous ones in the draft; we did one shot where we just played the whole song and let the band do whatever they wanted and sing whatever parts they knew to see how relaxed they were when no pressure was applied to do particular things.

The only down side to filming all day yesterday was that Joe was unable to attend as he had work commitments; this meant we had to juggle his role into our own roles between the three of us however it worked well and we feel as though we have enough footage to cover our performance in the barn.

Final DigiPac And Poster

Similarity Of Poster And Digipak Design

I have decided to keep my poster and digipak very similar. I am going to do this by using either the same or very similar images on both, using the same style font and the same colours. This not only shows continuity and professionlism but it also helps to promote the band. As I stated previously, by making the digipak and poster very similar, if the consumer sees a poster advertising the bands album and the digipak is similar to it, the consumer will know exactly what to look for when in the shop.

Examples of where it has worked well and there is a clear link between the two:

Florence and the Machine- Lungs

The XX- XX

Ellie Goulding- Lights

Colour Pallet For Digipak And Poster

 I am going to use the same colour pallet throughout my digipak and poster. This is

to show continuity as well as allowing the consumer to see a link between the poster and album so they instantly know who it belongs to. It consists of: black, grey, a very pale cream colour, and white.

A Change Of Font

I had originally decided that I was to have the writing on the digipak and poster written in Century Gothic, but after changing my whole idea I don't think it works together very well. I have opted to change the font to Courier New because I think it matches the style better and isn't used as commonly as Century Gothic.

Ideas For Poster

Here are my two final ideas for my poster. I'm currently unsure which one to go for but I think my most preferred one is the one of the left. 

Final Poster Design:

Final Digipak Design:

Finalising a design:

1) I have a dilemma of the lounge location panel for my digipak; I am unsure whether to have the black object on the floor, fireplace or coffee table. I would like to get feedback about this from my group, peers or teachers before I post my final idea.

2) I have a second choice to make between these two central panels for my digipak, it will be the first page you see when you open the booklet up...

Final Photos For My Album Cover

These are two of the best photos from the photo shoot we did for my final album cover, some intial feedback on what people like the best would be great?

Researching Reviews

To try and come up with some ideas as to what kind of reviews I should include about the album on the poster, I looked at NME's review of Little Comets album 'In Search Of Elusive'.

http://www.nme.com/reviews/little-comets--2/11824

Unfortunately they didn't give it a very good review, but from looking at it I can try to take away some of the language that they have used (but only the positive parts of course).

Poster Developments

For my poster, i wanted to achieve a simple look, such as Vampire Weekend:

or The XX:

In order to do this, I used the image from my front cover on the digipak and simply wrote the name of the band and the name of the album:

However, after looking at it, the writing seemed to be too big and taking the attention away from the image, and as a main focus point on both the digipac and the poster, I wanted to keep the attention on the image. So i made the writing smaller:

After discussing with my target market group, we decided that i should remove the album name, "run", as this would be more simplistic and the album should be easy to recognise due to the artistic image. This is the poster i came up with:

This font i have used throughout these posters is the same font used as in my digipac to keep the continuity. I like how the small writing does not draw your eye away from the image too much but i wondered whether it was maybe too small so i tried the writing a tad larger:

But after asking my target market group, they though that the smaller writing was the more suitable and more typical of the genre, and i agree with this. So this is my favoured poster:

Final Draft: Album Cover

This is my final draft of my album cover; I was given feedback to fill the whole circle of the person running as it creates the illusion that the black object is in the middle and he is running around it. I really like this finished version but will happily receive more feedback to improve it even further.

UPDATE: After receiving feedback as a comment on this post I have updated the image with the suggested alterations; I now like my creation even more and think the perspective adds so much to the picture. 

Decisions On Album Cover

Now that I have all my possible album covers, I asked 40 people from my target audience which one they preferred, followed by a comment about what they liked and disliked about any.  I found this really useful because it helped me decided on what I needed to improve on, and overall which idea I should go with. This winning cover which got the most likes was option D. This is the half painted skeleton face on a model- I am pleased with the results because this was my favourite cover.

Questionnaire for Cover

Images For My Digipak And Poster

At the weekend I took some pictures of my friend for my digipak using Harry's camera. I painted half her face in black and white face paint so it looked like half a skull. It took a long time but it was worth it! I'm really pleased with the outcome of the images and I'm pretty sure this is the idea I am going to use.

Here are some images of me putting on the face painted followed by some of the photos taken: