Ready to Start Filming

I am now ready to start filming my own music video, as I feel I have completed my research and planning, and have a good enough idea of exactly what I need to film/do. I have all of my cast members, chosen locations, costumes and props. I also have my own video camcorder and tripod therefore I do not need to worry about having to book them out from school, which may result in me not getting a camcorder when I need one as there are not quite enough camcorders for everyone to have access to one each.

Looking Into Similar Products

I have been looking at other music videos which are of a similar style to mine. As my music video is classified as 'Illustration', I have looked through some music videos from other artists which also fall under this category. I have also particularly looked at narrative videos which are of the subject of relationships and couples etc, as this is the theme for my video. The videos that I have looked at more closely in detail are 'N-Dubz - Ouch' and 'Scouting For Girls - Love How it Hurts'. The reason I chose these two videos to look at are firstly because they both are Illustration/Amplification, but also because they are about the theme of relationships and cheating. Also, 'Ouch' contains a lot of elements of performance, which I am also including in my music video.

Below is the music video for N-Dubz - Ouch:

The music video starts with cross cutting between three different parts of the video. Firstly, a female actor walking alone with large bags, as though she is returning from a trip. This cross cuts to a shot of a male and female together and it is clear that they look as though they are a couple. There is then a short shot of the band to show that this video is by N-Dubz. All of this is in slow motion to introduce the video. This is similar to my own music video as I am also having two stories, one of a male character by himself, meanwhile his girlfriend and another man are together in a different location. Throughout the video there are different elements of the narrative, and also of the performance of the band. The music video is mostly performance from N-Dubz, and the reason for this is because they are a famous well known band, and their image is very important in their music videos. However the narrative story within the music video is of a similar story line to my own. A variety of shots are used throughout the video, and different elements of speed such as slow motion. A lot of close up shots are used within the video, which I think were effective in the story line, and therefore I may take this forward to my own video. However in my music video, there will be not as much performance areas as this video, and will mainly focus on the story.

Below is the music video for Scouting For Girls - Love How it Hurts:

I looked at this video because it is a straightforward illustration narrative throughout the whole music video. Although it is not specifically about cheating, it is however about relationships. The story line follows two male characters and a female character from childhood to young adult. The idea that there are two males and one female character links into the idea of my music video quite well, and this is another reason that I chose to look more closely at this video when looking into similar products. There are a variety of shots used in this music video also which I will consider using myself such as long shots, extreme long shots, and many close ups. Slow motion is used in this video also, and this is something which I am definitely considering taking forward to my own video now that I have seen it in both this video and also 'Ouch'. There are no performance elements in this music video at all, it is simply a straightforward narrative story to match the lyrics and pace of the song. Although most of my video will be similar to this, I do want areas of performance involved in my video, and this is why I believe that the two music videos I chose to look at reflect both of these methods well.

I also looked back at my previous post briefly analysing the music video to 'Daniel Powter - Bad Day'. The reason I did this is because the music video contains split screen elements, and a narrative story, both of which I am including in my own video.

Costume for the Band

I would like the band to all wear similar style outfits, however different colours. I do not mind particularly on the exact outfits worn by the band, as long as they fit into the style I would like. This is because I know that my actors, (Tommy, Callum, Joe and Matthew) all have clothes which fit the style I would like them to wear. I would like them to all wear either straight leg or skinny jeans (preferably), and a plain t-shirt either all of it being plain or with a simple logo on it. The footwear I would like them to wear could either be simple trainers, or a plimsoll/smart type shoe. This type of outfit is the style of the artists, Simple Plan. This means that as well as matching the artists 'look', it also will appeal to the target audience.  Below is an image of Simple Plan, which represents this style. I have also included example images of the type of clothes I would like the 'band' members to wear.

Costume for the Second Male Character

The costume for the second male character, (Matthew Tyler) will be also quite smart/casual. I would like this character to wear straight leg jeans, plimsole/shoes, a polo shirt of a different colour/pattern to the main male character, and a cardigan. This is for the same reason as the other characters; this type clothing represents the age range of my target audience. Below are images of the type of costume Matthew will be wearing.

Costume for the Main Male Character

The costume I am going to use for the male character, (Connor Tullett) is; dark long jeans, a polo shirt, a jacket, and trainers. The style I wanted this character to have is smart casual, and I believe this costume will achieve this. I am aware that Connor already has these items of clothing therefore, as with the female character, the costume will be easily accessible. I would like the clothing to be branded, for example nike/adidas trainers, a voi polo shirt etc. Connor has these brands of clothing so again, this will be possible. I do not mind the colours, although I would like them to be quite plain and not too bright or with eccentric patterns. The reason I have chosen this particular costume is because I think it represents the majority of the fashion for male teenagers/young adults. Below are pictures of the type of costume I have in mind.

Costume for Female Character

The costume for the female character (Joanna Thirkettle) will consist of; black leggings, a plain coloured vest top or t-shirt, a cardigan, and a jacket/coat. There will also be the props of a necklace and/or a ring (simple jewellery). The shoes I would like Joanna to wear will be flat shoes (dolly shoes). I do not mind what colour these are so I will simply use whichever colour Joanna has herself already. I think that this costume represents the clothes in which the target audience may wear, and are currently fashionable for the particular age range I am targetting. Joanna has these items of clothing therefore this costume/outfit will be able to be used without having to purchase anything. Below is an example of the type of clothes Joanna will be wearing in the music video.

Confirming What Props I Will Need

As I have stated in a previous post about props, I will need a variety of props for my video with a small budget for certain items. I can now confirm that I will need the following props: 

- Instruments for the 'band performance' sections of my video. These will need to be asked permission for from the music faculty at school.

- Jewellery for the female actor. This will consist of a ring and simple necklace either gold or silver.

- A digital clock

- A mobile phone

- A note

- Keys

- Food and Drink. This will be for the scene of the couple on the sofa together. E.g. popcorn and drinks.

- Jacket/Coat. Although this is part of the girls costume, it will be taken off and placed as part of the Mise-en-Scene in one scene.

- Wall clock. May already be part of the furniture in the house, however if not one may need to be placed in the room or a substitute prop used.

- A watch for the main male character.

Most of these props will already be available, however a small budget will be needed for items such as the food and drink.

Confirming Chosen House Location

I have chosen to use my friends house, which is described in the post 'Second Location Option'. This is because the layout of the house is exactly as I would like, and I have gained the permission to film in there. All of my actors will be able to access this house.

Location for the Performance Parts of my Video

I have chosen to film the performance stages of my music video at school. I am planning on using the drama hall, as it can be blacked out and there are a variety of spotlights which are available to use. This would mean I could also use the instruments from the music faculty as my props, (a drum kit, and guitars). In my film schedule, I originally planned to do this on a Saturday and gain permission to be in the school. However, I have now decided to film after schools on a Monday or Tuesday as that is when my actors are available. I am hoping this will only take one session after school for one to two hours, as I will run through the song many times to film different angles and shots to keep the continuity fluent throughout the performance sections of the video. The drama hall is perfect to film the performance footage as it will be easy to access the instruments, and as it will be blacked out, it will not look like it is filmed in a school. Below is a picture of the drama hall in daylight.

Second Location Option

Another option for a house which I am able to use for my music video is a friends house. This house is only a 10 minute walk away for all of the cast in my video, so it is central and easily accessible. The house has a similar layout I had visualised for my music video in my storyboards. The house has a bedroom with a double bed which could be seen as for either gender. Also, the living room arrangements and Mise-en-Scene are how I would like. I am able to use this location for my planned schedule as I have gained permission, however I am not certain this is my final choice for the house location at this stage. Below are images of the house interior and exterior which I may be filming at.


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First Location Option

For my music video, I need most of it to take place inside a house. Although in the video I need to give the impression that there are two separate houses, I can use one house to film in. This is because different rooms are involved meaning you would not be able to tell it was the same house.

One option for the house I could use is my own house. This has positive and negative sides towards it. Firstly, it would be easy access for the actors and myself to get to, and I would not need to carry any camera equipment or props a long distance, as they would be already at the location. However, the only room with a double bed does not have the right Mise-en-Scene which I would like, as it looks quite girly. I would be able to change the Mise-en-Scene slightly, but not enough to be right for my music video. The living room/dining room layout would work quite well for the video however, as the layout matches what I had in mind for my music video. Below are some images of this possible location, in all of the rooms I would want to use, the living room, the hallway, the landing, the bedroom and also just outside of the house.

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Peer Assessment

Another student looked through my blog and for each section, circled whether or not the research and planning for my music video was either minimal, basic, proficient or excellent. This was beneficial because someone else's opinion can be more critical than my own and see mistakes and things missing which I do not see. For my blog, I received 'proficient' and 'excellent' for all sections from Chelsea, who marked it. Although there were suggestions such as more images for my props and locations, and also including an audio recording or podcast to have more varieties of digital technologies in my blog.

The Titles of my Blog Posts

I went through my blog and looked at all of the titles of each post. The reason for this is because I wanted to check that it made sense and that it was clear what each post contained. Most of my post titles were suitable, however there were three posts with the same title, although they were about the same subject. I altered these slightly so that they were different which made it clearer. This makes it easier for me to navigate around my blog, and know what I have already done and what needs to be done. Also, I found that the dates that they were all posted is consistent throughout the project. 

Film Schedule

Ancilliary Task: Music Magazine Advertisement

To start preparing for my music magazine advertisement, I have been looking at different music magazines to determine their features, target audience and analyse the front covers. This will help me when coming to make my own as I will have an idea of what features are for certain genres of music and age ranges. The magazine I looked at more closely is the R2 Rock'n'Reel. I looked at the front cover, the publisher, the contents of the magazine, the layout, colour scheme, language and images to analyse the target audience for the magazine. Below is a powerpoint presentation of various music magazines and an analysis.

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I have started to think about which type of music magazine my chosen song and artist would fall under for when I make my advertisement. I will consider the psychographics and demographics I have already looked at to help me with this. Simple Plan are an alternative rock band, with a target audience of teen and young adult fans. Some music magazines which would fit this category are;

- Alternative Press (An alternative rock music magazine based in Ohio, America). It provides readers with band interviews, photos, information on releases and music charts. Simple Plan are an american alternative rock band, so this magazine would suit the genre and artist perfectly.

- Big Cheese Magazine. (A punk, metal and rock magazine, based on reviews of songs and artists). This magazine would fit my song and artist in the category of their magazine, however is mainly based on reviews rather than advertisements.

- Spin. (A magazine with broad music coverage, focusing on college-orientated rock music). Simple Plan would fit into the Spin magazine, however I think it would be better to find a magazine focusing only on alternative rock. 

After having looked at these three magazines, I have decided that my advertisement would be most suited in Alternative Press. This magazine features bands similar to Simple Plan, such as Blink 182 and You me at Six. The magazine fits the genre of my chosen artist also. It is a glossy magazine, but also has a website which readers can view as an alternate method. The fact it can be viewed on the internet also emphasises the younger target audience. It was founded in 1985 by Mike Shea and is a monthly music magazine. It's circulation increased with the growth on alternative rock in the 1990's. The magazine today contains an average of 200 pages per issue, containing features on bands, upcoming events, which of their music has reached the charts, reviews, and photos/images of the artists. The fact that the magazine is American fits in well with the fact that Simple Plan are American, and therefore makes an advertisement for them in that magazine seem more likely. 

On the front covers of Alternative Press, bright colours and bold fonts are used. This suits the target audience and style of music being advertised. The title of each magazine is abreviated to AP. This also connotes the target audience as it is in abreviation, which is similar to the language teenagers and young adults may use in texts and instant messaging. Underneath AP, Alternative Press is written in smaller font, but overlapped by the main image. This shows that the magazine is a recognised magazine by the readers, as they know what it says without having to see all of it.

I think that my music video advertisement would be very well suited to the magazine, Alternative Press. The genre of Simple Plan is alternative rock, which is what the magazine focuses on. The magazine often features similar bands also. Below are some images of the front cover of Alternative Press featuring similar bands. I would hope to use similar bright colours and styles in my own advertisement which represent the gender of the music. 

The website for this magazine is
www.altpress.com
The website shows the latest issue front covers and gives the opportunity for fans to order online. This also emphasises the target audience being a younger generation. Also, the website shows the headings of the content of the magazine. The website does give the latest news stories which may be contained in the magazine, however it does not have an online copy of the magazine for people to read; as they wish them to purchase it instead.
These three images on the left are examples of the magazines front cover for three bands. It is clear just by looking at them that the target audience is aimed at young adults and teenagers, due to the type of bands advertised and the bold fonts and colour schemes used. All three bands are quite mainstream and popular as rock and alternative bands, so I would believe that this magazine is al very popular for fans of this style of music, which is good considering that my band fits into that category.

I would have liked to get hold of three advertisements which have been in Alternative Press in past editions, however I cannot do this as the magazine is American. I do not wish to change my magazine choice, as I believe it is very suitable for an advertisement for Simple Plan, and also is beneficial being American as the band are American themselves. The only way I would be able to get a copy of the magazine would be to purchase one online and have it sent from America, but this is impractical. Therefore, instead of collecting advertisements from Alternative Press, I will collect three from a British magazine of a similar style. This will still help me in making my own advertisement, as from already looking at Alternative Press as a whole, I have a good understanding of its target audience, history, style and genre. Therefore I should be able to find a similar style magazine which is British. Although I could simply use a British magazine of a similar style to put my advertisement in, I do not wish to do this as I believe Alternative Press is the best magazine for me to use, and I see the fact that it being American is a benefit.

I have decided to take three advertisements from the British magazine of Kerrang! This is because it focuses on the genre of rock music, which is a similar genre to my artist, Simple Plan, who's style is rock and alternative rock. Kerrang! is published in the United Kingdom, the name being onomatopoeic; the word Kerrang representing the sound produced by a power chord on an electric guitar. Below is an example front cover of Kerrang! from a recent issue. I can see by the front cover that this magazine would most likely contain similar advertisements to that of Alternative Press. The band featured on the front cover is also a similar style band to Simple Plan.

                                                                                                                          

The first advertisement I have chosen out of Kerrang! magazine to analyse is a quarter-page advert for an album for a new single by Biffy Clyro. The advertisement is mostly taken up by a main image which is the background for the advertisement, and also the background of the disc and album cover. Calm colours such as blues greens and whites are used in the advertisement. The image used is quite an iconic image, which the target audience of the song/artist could link directly back to this song and remember it as this image. The band name is at the top of the advertisement, followed by other details in order of the information which would appeal most to the target audience. The writing becomes smaller as the writing goes down the advertisement, and starts to blend more with the background, as the information is less important and the name of the song and the artist stands out more against this.  The logo's and website are at the very bottom of the advertisement, which is not very noticeable compared to the other important information. This is because it is necessary to have them on the advertisement, but they are not very important to the target audience when looking at the advert. The advert is quite simple and is not busy and full of images at all. This would most likely suit the target audience of the song/band more, and it also makes the advert much clearer, especially as the background of the album is on the advertisement, and the font stands out in large font for the important parts of the text. 

The second advertisement I have chosen from the Kerrang! magazine is an advertisement for a band, 'Pulled Apart by Horses', and is advertising their new album, and also their tour. Below is an image of this.

The advertisement's main image is the image of the album cover for the single which is being advertised. However the main focus of the advert is to promote the bands tour. The name of the band and the location of the tour are the main focus points of the advertisement, which would be the most important information for the target audience. The font is kept quite simple and plain, so that it is clear to the target audience just by quickly looking at the advert. The colour scheme is suitable for a variety of ages and both genders, and is not too bright or busy. The colours of green, black and pink are used in this advertisement. The image of the album cover being used is useful for the target audience because they would be able to recognise it if they were to want to buy it themselves from a shop, or iTunes etc. The advertisement is only a quarter-page ad, however in the image above, it is clear that the advert by this band is more noticeable and bright than the two on either side of it, as they have more dull dark colours involved.  

The third advertisement I have chosen to look at is an advertisement for a band 'Furthest Drive Home', advertising all of their tour dates in a list. The main focus point of this advertisement is the image of the four members of the band, and underneath is the band name. This is important because this is the first thing that the target audience will see, and if they realise that this is the band being advertised, they will be more likely to read the rest of the advert. The main colour scheme is black, blue and brown, and the image of the band is also in black and white. This advertisement is kept quite simple, as there is quite a lot of text involved. If there were more images and bright fonts, then the information would not be as noticeable; and the tour dates are the important information on the advert.


















The fourth advertisement I have looked at from Kerrang! magazine is an advert for Lost Prophets single, 'Where We Belong', and the album, 'The Betrayed'. The advertisement is simply black and white, which may appeal to the target audience. The main focus point is the band name, so that the target audience would instantly know who the advertisement was about and if they want to read it or not. The advert does not contain much information, simply enough information to give the date and details in which the single and the album come out, and what they are called. This is beneficial for the target audience as they do not have to read lots of information to find the important parts which they would like to know. Although there is no colour in this advertisement, it is quite effective through the use of fonts and effects used on the 'Lost Prophets' title. There is no clear image on this advertisement, it only contains text, however there are some faint images which look like wings blended into the black background and on the title.

After having looked at these advertisements, it has given me a good idea on the type of advertisement I should make for my Digipak. Most of the advertisements contained an image either of the band, or of the album being advertised. Also the dates in which they were out or any tour information relevant. A variety of colour schemes were used throughout the advertisements, ranging from bright colours, calm colours and also just black and white. The advertisements did not contain to much writing, mainly relevant text and images to attract the target audience and get across the information without having too much. This is something which I will also try to achieve in my own advertisement. 

Shot List

This is a shot list I have created so that as well as the visual storyboards, I can see what shots I have planned and in what order. It also provides a description for the storyboards, which means it is easier to understand and follow when it comes to filming, rather than having to look at a storyboard.

Casting Second Male Character

As well as the main male character in my music video, there is also a second male character with a smaller part. I have now confirmed who is to be playing this part in the video. I am going to cast Matthew Tyler. Although Matthew is also studying media A Level, he has agreed to take part. The reason I have cast him is because I believe he will suit the role. He has a contrasting style to the main male character which is what I wanted to emphasise the differences between them in the video. He is also of the right height, and hair colour to what I had planned. Below is a picture of Matthew wearing the style of clothes I would like him to in the video.

I now have cast all seven characters that I had planned, and am very happy with who they are compared to who I had visualised before casting; as they are all very similar to what I had hoped. I believe that the actors will work well together, and their styles and looks will also go well together. My next step is to confirm location, costume and props.

Casting Female Character

I have now confirmed who is to be the female character in my music video. Therefore I now only have one character left to cast, which is a male actor. The person I have chosen to cast for the female character is Joanna Thirkettle. Joanna is 17 which is the age I wanted the person to be. Also, she fits the style in which I had visualized whilst making my storyboards. She is quite tall, with long dark brown hair. She also wears an average amount of makeup and dresses fashionably. She lives in the same area as myself, which means it will be easy for her to get to the different locations involved. I also know this person quite well, so I think she will feel comfortable acting for the video. I also think that her style and character matches well with the male actor I have already cast (Connor Tullett). They both are of quite tall height, dark brown hair and fashionable clothes. Below is a picture of Joanna, showing the style I would like her to have whilst in the music video.