Introductory Post


Hi, My Name is Louis and I am a 17 year old male studying towards my A Levels at the Latymer School, North London. I study History, English and Media.
My Candidate Number is 0131, and I am part of group 5, alongside Josh Brooks (0110), Vivian Oparah (0621) and Sebastian Hodge (0330).
You can use the labels section on the right hand side of the page to easily navigate my blog, with separate sections for AS, A2, Coursework and Preliminary tasks.
Furthermore there is a link to my school's Media Blog Archive on the right, where you can access all other blogs made at The Latymer School.
Thank you for viewing my blog, I hope you enjoy my work.

Our Music Video


Our Music Video

Our Website

Our Website
Our website

Our Digipak Cover

Our Digipak Cover
Our Digipak Cover

Sunday 30 November 2014

Production Overview and Group Dynamics

Overall, in reflection of the past month, I feel that as a group, we have been very effective in organising and carry out the production stage, and as a result we have experienced only a few minor setbacks and issues.

Through planning the shootboard, shot list, and animatic well in advance, we had  a clear understanding of exactly what we wanted to achieve shot-wise within the studio, and as a result, we were able to work accordingly with our allocated time slots both in the sudio and also on our location shoots.

Furthermore, by attending bi-weekly group planning meetings, we ensured that we were fulfilling the indivdual tasks we set one another to speed up the production process, and make sure that we were putting n an equal level of effort.

For example, we were able to ascertain in advance as to what props, lighting abnd costume would be necessary for the shoot, so that we could use all of these in our rehearsals to test whether they would achieve the look we wanted in the real shoots.

Also, alongside the actual shoot, we assigned one another roles in producing the album cover, website and promotional shots- assigning them in accordance of our individual strengths (e.g. photoshop skills) , in order to ensure that the final products were as professional and effective as possible.

Studio Session 5 - Footage Review

After our final shoot, we reviewed the footage; which was predominantly promotional shots in the different outfits and with different props, as well as a couple of reshoots.




We realised that we were now completely ready for the edit- with multiple good takes for each shot, as well as a variety of many new promo shots. However, on closer inspection, we noticed that due to an unintended  change in lighting in the studio, some of the new promo shots were not as clear as ones previously shot.

However this was not a problem, as the video footage we shot was not affected, and we also managed to get a variety of new styles of promotional shots-for example using headphones as props to replicate a professional studio setting.



Thursday 27 November 2014

Shootboards

In order to organise when each group would have time to use the studio to shoot their music videos, our teachers created a shoot schedule to plan out the four weeks of filming and allocate slots:





After reflecting on the feedback given on our animatic, we were able to take our original storyboard and coordinate with our new ideas and create a new improved structure easier to convey as a music video. 
Once these ideas were structured, we used our shot list and shoot schedule to produce a shoot board- one for each shoot day- with a detailed listing of the shot we are trying to achieve, where it shall appear in the video, who is in the shot, props, lighting and specific lenses necessary for the shot.
The first version of our studio shoot board, created using pictures from our storyboard

Shoot board for our first location shoot




We compiled separate shot lists for both studio and on-location shots, meaning that it we are certain to remember every shot necessary to complete the video, and although it is not intended to be continuous as it is a music video, the list will ensure that the narrative flows logically.

Proposed shoot board for our second location shoot



Saturday 22 November 2014

VHS Final Review

Our third location was shot once again in Central London, however, this time we shot during the evening to give the feel of a romantic evening stroll alongside the river Thames- with iconic locations such as the shard and Tower Bridge in the background. Overall, these shots were successfully achieved, in the sense that we are now able to clearly reflect the artists British image, with the locations clearly obvious throughout the shots.

However, one problem that we encountered was a lack of lighting at the locations- we already knew that the camera was not great at picking up light, however, were surprised at the lack of street lighting in such a busy area. Despite this, we shot at various angles to try to avoid any lack of clarity, and when watching the shots back it is clear that the characters are starting to lose the initial connection they had- reflected through the focus on their facial expressions.

After completing the initial breakdown shots, we then planned and executed our final location shoot at a friends house- representing the female's home, in order to present the end of the relationship. In order to make it clear that I was breaking up with Gina, we focused on her angry expressions and reaction, rather than my emotionless face, We also used a shot of Gina throwing the clothes which I wore throughout the other shoot days at me, hing to achieve the feeling that she is throwing me out of her home in anger.

We encountered issues with shooting in the small space of the home, meaning that it was necessary to shoot handheld in order to successfully track the action of the break up.  In reflection, some of the shots were too shaky to use, and others felt too forced- we decided to keep the scene to a minimum to avoid slowing down the narrative. The acting was satisfyingly believable when we played it back in succession, however, we felt that it lacked a clear ending.

In order to create a more dramatic ending, we decided to shoot me slamming the door of Gina's 'house', however, as this was an exterior location, we used a friend's front door closer to school to recreate the scene. These new shots fitted in with the old ones, however, due to shooting at a different time of day, and accidentally selecting a higher exposure camera mode, the lighting was different. We saw this as a minor issue though, as it was clear from the narrative that it was because I had left the interior location of the home, and can easily be fixed during the grading process.

Friday 21 November 2014

Real VHS footage/ After effects comparison

After our first location shoot, using my camera to film the 'party' scene for the music video, we experienced a couple of minor technical difficulties with the camera- its old age meant a short battery life and also its ability to pick up shots in low lighting. As a result, we decided that in order to ensure the  protection of the location footage we capture on each shoot, we should also film on a standard HD camcorder provided by the school, editing this in order to continue the VHS style.

We used online video tutorials such as the ones below in order to  teach ourselves how to edit HD footage to make it appear old and more stylised.



We then took some of our location footage from the second shoot and practiced the editing styles from the video tutorial above in the hope that we could achieve realistic results, however, when comparing the real footage and the after effects footage, the editing seemed unconvincing and amateurish, so we decided to take the approach of the video shown below, following the text instructions:



Despite finding the second tutorial a lot harder, as it did not involve importing someone Else's presets, we managed to trial different levels of grain and lighting until we noticed the VHS style was achieved. After comparing the effects we had created using after effects with the original VHS footage, we were pleasantly surprised- the video below shows a comparison of the fake and real VHS footage: (0:04-0.09 the real VHS footage).



However, after developing from this basic comparison and importing both styles of footage into the video timeline, we decided that the fake VHS effect was not as interesting to view, therefore decided it should only be used as a back up. When using the VHS footage on the timeline, we also like the black lines and scratched tape effects that the VHS footage produced- reflecting the authentic 'archive' feel.

Theory: Carol Vernallis

When producing our music video, we also took inspiration form Media theorist Carol Vernallis, who highlighted the clear differences between a film and a music video, breaking down the video into four concepts: Narrative, editing, framing, and camera movement to do so.

Narrative:

Vernallis argues that what is happening in the video reflects the song, therefore it is the visual representation of the lyrics. We have attempted to employ this through both story lines in our video- firstly presenting the distanced relationship and how they come back together- walking towards one another, and also through our secondary narrative- with the break-up of the couple highlighting the dark tone of the song about love.

Editing

Our Vernallis Inspired video timeline
Carol says that unlike normal films, music videos break the rule of continuity- as they are normally only 2 to 4 minutes long, they need to be rapid and eye catching to engage the audience and reflect the entire message of the song and its style- it "cuts to the beat". Within our video, we aim to apply this theory by matching the beat of the song to our editing, to reflect its style, whilst also using a "rapid shift" between scenes to break the continuity rule and draw the attention between the individual artists and the narrative story.

Camera Movement

Vernallis argued that in a music video, the camera should move in time with the music in order to create a better sense of rhythm- "producing the illusion of an edit although there has not been one". Within our video we use very little camera movement, but the variety of angles and unusual tilts is intentional to reflect her views.

Framing

One of Vernallis's ideas is that by breaking the fourth wall, we no longer view the artists as objects but more as real individuals- the most common framing being the artist in the centre of the frame, as well as master shots to introduce the setting and imagery of the song. We definitely have tried to stick to this framing in our video- with the majority of our studio footage directly focusing on the artist, both individually and together, to give the video structure and promote the artist and avoid focusing on the sub-narrative.







Studio Session 4 - Footage Review



By this shoot, we had become really familiar with the lighting and control desk, this is visible in the shots, as on screen, it is clear that the lighting is well focused on the subjects, differing between shot angles, and group shots.

We also realised when viewing the shots on screen, the focus on the extreme close ups was much more clear, improving the look of the entire video, and revealing the minute detail of the artists facial paints and Vivian's Headdress.

Better lighting and  focus


More attention to detail e.g. hand, necklace and tribal dots


Clearer, stronger shots of the artists together


Altogether, in review, we can confirm that we now have all shots needed for the video, however, there are  minor slips in a couple of shots, but we still have another shoot day, therefore plenty of time for pickups, any remaining studio time we have at the end of the last session shall be used for promo shots, using slow shutter and lighting.

Studio Session 3- Footage Review



We are really happy with the shots from todays shoot, we focused mainly on the black shots, and although they looked good on camera, we faced a problem due to the fact that the floor is not black so we cannot replicate the long shots on white. We have decided we will make up for this by including more obscure angles on black, only filming above the waist and close ups, to avoid revealing the floor.




We also noticed that due to the black background, the shots were not as clear or bright as when shooting on white, although this was not a major problem, as it could be rectified during grading, we shall ensure this doesn't happen again by increasing the intensity and focusing the beams on the individuals during black shots.

Yet we were able to see the new accessories on screen for the first time, and were impressed by the strong visual effect they had- they worked well with the plain black background to present the alternative artist image.


Studio Session 2 - Footage Review


After this shoot, we had completed a large section of the studio footage, so were able to create a more complete first draft of the edit- shown below:



In review of the edit, we were very happy with the overall look of the video, and the transition from actual studio footage to the VHS narrative, as it clearly made sense as to who the artist was.However, we noticed some things that we must change- the first being that we had turned up the intensity of lighting too high on the studio shots- bleaching out Josh too much. We realised that next time we must lower it for those shots.
Too much light on Josh


We also noticed that for Vivian's shots, especially the close and extreme close ups, there was a lack of light on her face, causing a reduction in focus and quality of the footage. In order to prevent this next time, we shall adjust the lighting so that it is more intense and specifically on the subjects.




Overall the shoot was a general success as we were able to apply ourselves as a team to get all shots taken multiple time without running out of time, and left time afterwards to take studio promo shots- we were also organised with costume and make up and made sure that Josh and Vivian looked good on camera. However, we noticed that the shots in studio got quite dull at points, so will purchase more accessories for the duo to wear such as a headdress and  necklace to draw more attention to them.

Studio Session 1 - Footage Review


After importing the footage from our first shoot, (test shoot), we were able to put some of it onto a timeline with the VHS footage previously captured in order to see what the two types of footage looked like in transition, snapping to the beat as we planned.

The video can be seen here:



As we only had the long shot in the studio to use, there is not much to see, and it is clear that in order for the style to work, there must be a variety of camera angles and more frequent cuts between narrative and studio shots in order to keep the audience entertained. We will bare this in mind on our next shoot and create a new shoot board with more variations. 

Altogether, the footage has given me confidence in our plans, and I feel that with more time and concentration on specific shots, the style will work well. Also. we feel that the transition to VHS is not as bad as we expected= with the change in video dimensions and the black bars creating a clear representation of the camera/ time change.

Studio session 5 - 28th November


As we had finished the majority of our studio shots, we used our final half-day shoot to reshoot the few shots which we had marked out in review of all of our other shoots beforehand. As we knew and had planned which shpts to reshoot, this part of the shoot was carried out quickly and efficiently but to the same professional standard. After finishing the video footage, we made the most of our remaining time to reshoot some of our promotional shots with the recent adaptations and additions to costumes and props, and still managed to finish ahead of schedule- the shoot lasted less than 2 hours in total, and after double checking our footage, we were all very relieved and satisfied.
Using the monitor to immediately review the promo shots

Seb taking control of the black-on-white promo shots

Studio Session 4- 21st November

Our fourth studio filming session was the longest of all five, and we planned well in advance, as we knew that this would be our main opportunity to capture all of the footage necessary for our final product. As we had until 9pm to shoot, we were able to all come together as a group- uninterrupted by lessons, which meant that production was at a consistently high standard.


With all of our costume, makeup and props, we were able to focus on every aesthetic detail to create the intense, high quality video we had aimed to achieve from the start.


By planning and creating a specific shoot board and shot ist beforehand, we were able to ensure that we spent more time on the more complex shots, completing them earlier in the day to ensure that we didn't run out of time.


After each take, we played back the footage to try and point out any flaws, shooting three takes for every shot just incase.

After ensuring that all shots had been completed, we used the rest of our studio time to shoot the promo shots of our artist for the website and album cover insides.




Overall, this shoot was arguably our most effective, and it was clear that we had learned from our previous shoot experiences and hiccups, and we are confident that our footage will reflect this.

Studio Session 3 - 20th November



After reviewing the footage from shoot 2 on the 13th November, which was our first proper shoot, we realised that ou studio footage was extremely static and npt too appealing to the eye. As a result, in this shoot, we tried out various new techniques in order to make the footage more interesting and appealing.

One of our main ideas was to have 2 contrasting sets- one black backdrp with white costumes, ad the other a whiteout with black costumes, and hoped that the contrast between the two would create an affect similar to the use of colour contrasting in Hot Chip's 'Ready for the floor' music video.

 This was a risk as we had not tested this idea, however we felt that if effective, it could add a lot more aesthetic value and a unique look to our music video, and bring out the contrasts  within the artists.


When reviewing our footage during the shoot, we were pleasantly surprised by the effect the contrast between black and white setup created, however, we were looking forwad o taking the footage to the edit suite to compare the two setups alongside one another.





Studio Session 2 - 13th November

                      

Our shoot on the 13th of November was our first proper shoot- however, as it was during the school day we wouldn't all be in the studio at the same times throughout the day, therefore we planned our day beforehand, using a shoot board to ensure we spent equal time on each shot to complete the entire sequence by the end of the shoot. 



As I had free periods before the rest of the group, I went to the studio early with Chris the media technician to set up the set, camera and adjust the lights to our presets, as well as moving the spots into their correct positions.




Once this was finished, the rest of the team arrived, and after a good while doing Josh and Vivian's makeup and hair, we were finally able to shoot the video. After a while we realised that we had overestimated how long each shot would take, and as a result at the end of shooting video we had plenty of time left over to experiment with more alternative shots we had not thought of previously. We then were able to develop upon and shoot some of our studio based promo shots.

The shoot was a great success for us as a group, and our teamwork had payed off, enabling us to take many promo shots on top of the high quality footage we had filmed- meaning that we could make progress both on the video, as we had all the shots necessary to create the basic studio section, and also many photos which we could use to develop a template for our website and album cover.



Studio Session 1- 5th November

For our first studio session, we used the time to get used to the setup- and pre-sett and configure sound and lighting ready for our actual shoots. Using the lighting desk, we were able to position and select the colours of lights so that they correcty and effectively illuminated the subjects on set.


We also used this time to see what makeup was available to us so that we knew what we had to purchase before he next shoot. We were also able to experiment with styling for effet such as styling Josh's hair.



Through rehearsals of the studio shots, we were able to construct a choreography routine for the artists to create a more visually appealing video, and reflect the narrative of the song whilst focusing on the artists and their characters.


We also took some basic profile shots to experiment with which outfits looked best and how we should style the artists for their promotional shots.

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Promo shot development


When constructing the artists image for use on our website and album cover, we decided to create an identifiable theme which the artists always convey- this being the black and white style as represented within the music video.

we used he sketches we created (see previous promo shot post) to firstly experiment with, and then decide on specific shots to recreate- some in the studio, and some on location, to represent the alternative image of the the artists, and link in with the 'nettles' wildlife reference in their name.


Studio Promo Shots

The first opportunity which we had to experiment with studio promo shots was in our second shoot- as we had allocated ourselevs a time slot to use specifically for this.

We started off with natural lighting, as shown in the close up of vivian below, as it enabled us to reflect the artists pride in their natural appearance, and ehtnicity, however we realisedthat as the lighting was quite low, the style did not seem quite as professional as we hoped for, therefore we increased the intensity of lighting.




With the new intense white lighting, the studio seemed to turn into an infinity backdrop, we were very pleased with this new result as it presented a much more professional representation of the artist, similar to other bands promo shots.


We also used a variety of camera angles and shot types in order to create a portfolio for the artists, both solo shots and group shots- switching between the white and black set ups and costumes to provide further variation.






we later selected the best shits and compiled a studio promo shot album, where we took each photo and edited them individually to improve the look and styles of them to suit our artist image.






On-Location Promo Shots

After deciding on a wooded area for the outdoor shoot location, we each did reccees of our local areas to find suitable shoot locations. We all decided on a location both close to all of us and nearby our school- a small park with a forest area. We then created a costume list of what we would need in order to rereate the black and white style of the sudio- deciding on complete outfits to make the artists stand out in the green and dark textures, before compiling a list of shots we wanted to achieve.

In order to test the actual style we are aiming to achieve, we took the time after school to do a practice  outdoor promo shoot in the park neighbouring our school. This shot was only short, but after shooting we were pleased with the look achieved, and planned ahead for the actual promo shoot at the selected location.











For the first proper promo shoot, as we arrived at the location in the late afternoon, we had to set up and shoot quickly as to avoid losing the light. Our main focus was to achieve the extreme long shots of the artists in the corner of the forest location, which we could use on the album cover and website homepage. This proved difficult in the low lighting, we found it hard to shoot a focused image, even when operating auto focus and adjusting the shutter speed and exposure. Although we managed to get a few shots, even with a flash, the camera began to struggle focusing with the light, so we decided to call it a day.

 In review, when reviewing the images on desktop screen, the shots which we took were rather artistic looking, due to the grain and shadows on the trees. However, when attempting to edit the images in Photoshop, we all decided that the images were not clear enough, so organised a re-shoot at the same location, at an earlier time two days later.




The next shoot day, we all arived at location much earlier, with Vivian and Josh already in full costume to save time, and we also took out a tri-pod to help us achieve more stable, focused images. As it was daytime, we did not need to use the flash, however, the natural lighting through the trees cast great shadows which looked stylised on camera. We realised after takigng a few shots that it was now okay to shoot freehand, enabling more angles and shot types, however, the main focus of ELS shots was achieved.

Overall, this shoot was by far the most successful, and in reflection, after looking at the images on the desktop, we were more pleased with the shots than we had expected- with clear, focused images of both the artists and their naturalistic surroundings, and began experimenting with them in photoshop to create the final website and album background.