We have FINALLY come to the conclusion that our chosen song will be Jigsaw by The Swing Movement. This is not too much of a problem as we have had a solid idea in mind for a while now, we just needed to match it to our lyrics and our idea.
We will now complete the rest of our blogging tasks on things that were previously unattainable, such as genre conventions etc.
We feel this is a large step forward in our aims to achieve a successful music video, and we now believe this will compliment our work on both the magazine ad and digipak productions.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
GG - Things I have learnt using Final Cut Express
Today I discovered how to use multi layering, reverse shots, how to use special effects, how to use transitions and finally how to export it.Firstly I learnt how to multi layer two or more shots together. (Place the clip above the clip you want to layer it with and select the above clip, go to motion, make the scale smaller, click on the centre button, then finally play around with the opacity. This has made our shots look much more professional and less boring to watch, it can help us create a sense of confusion for our main protagonist.
Secondly I learnt how to reverse shots, we will find this very helpful when shooting the shot of our protagonist travelling away. (Insert, modify, speed and finally reverse).
Thirdly I learnt how to use special effects to change the on screen look of the shot. This gives them a better look and can create a sense of confusion. (Select the clip you want ,effects, video filters then select the one you want).
Finally I learnt how to export clips from Final Cut to a portable file for youtube and other sites. This now means I can share all of my work onto internet sites like 'vimeo' and 'Youtube'.Today I discovered how to use multi layering, reverse shots, how to use special effects, how to use transitions and finally how to export it.
(Images taken by George)
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Two Twigs Productions
Two Twigs Productions is now available to follow on twitter, @TwoTwigsPro and it would be greatly appreciated if anyone who uses the twitter social network, to tweet us both feedback, ideas, and most importantly to keep up to date with our news.
TW - Right Here Right Now Idea 1 - Problems
We have constructed 2 ideas for this song, the first being shot with a band and one member being left behind and having o make his own way to where they are playing. George has detailed this idea on this blog post. After talking about this, I have seen the following problems in our idea, in which we have to overcome:
- How do we shoot the opening scene? Do the band leave him behind AFTER packing his stuff, seemingly forgetting he is in the van. Should the band member run after the vehicle shouting, throw drumsticks etc?
- Can we attain a van to shoot this scene with? A simple band practice or location where instruments are already set up would be an easier idea.
- How many scenarios and modes of transport will be needed for the video? an the cast member ride a skateboard for example? In the winter will we be able to shoot in a forest/river.
- Do the band realise they have left him behind IF we go this way and not have band practice?
- Should we involve some lip syncing to the main lyric 'Right here right now'? Possible shot is a very fast paced, panning shot around in a snori cam angle, the main band member(one who is left behind) saying these lyrics?
- How do we end the video?Performance? Going on to play? simple band practice as initially suggested?
- Will we need permission from crowd members, how many will we need?
- Finding a set location for the end scene IF we go with the idea of performance to a live audience in the final scene
- Is there anyone he meets on the way? This is very unlikely and will only be used to aid the narrative, if need.
- Could he possibly miss the performance, turn up to late? Narrative enigma if they let him back in the band?
- Do we need performance footage in between shots of the band member trying to get to the venue?
All of these problems will be talked through by myself and George, and when we have a final idea with no problems we will do a full blogpost on how we have avoided the problems and how we intend to make this plan a success.
GG - Music Video Idea/1 - Fatboy Slim (Right here, Right now)
My final and probably most likely new idea would be to the song Right here, Right now. My idea would be to have both performance and narrative, the performance would consist of 1/3rd of the music video.
I took inspiration from the music video by Coldplay on their new song 'Paradise'. We would have series of scenarios of a singular figure travelling throughout the Yorkshire country-side, (this would be cut with the performance as well). Firstly, the male would be travelling along in a car, the car then runs out of petrol just outside a bike shop. He then goes in a buys a second hand old bike, after further travelling along more country-side he gets a flat tyre. He then spots an old skateboard in a farm yard and so on. He finally reaches a river were he ditches the skateboard to cross the river, he then continues his travels on foot. Finally he reaches his destination of where the band, who are playing the performance aspect, are practising. We then see the meaning of the video, the main character kicks the drummer off playing the instrument and plays them himself showing he will not be replaced in the band.
The filming will consist of a huge range of short taken shots, I have lots of ideas and plan to do some practice footage of the narrative very soon.
I took inspiration from the music video by Coldplay on their new song 'Paradise'. We would have series of scenarios of a singular figure travelling throughout the Yorkshire country-side, (this would be cut with the performance as well). Firstly, the male would be travelling along in a car, the car then runs out of petrol just outside a bike shop. He then goes in a buys a second hand old bike, after further travelling along more country-side he gets a flat tyre. He then spots an old skateboard in a farm yard and so on. He finally reaches a river were he ditches the skateboard to cross the river, he then continues his travels on foot. Finally he reaches his destination of where the band, who are playing the performance aspect, are practising. We then see the meaning of the video, the main character kicks the drummer off playing the instrument and plays them himself showing he will not be replaced in the band.
The filming will consist of a huge range of short taken shots, I have lots of ideas and plan to do some practice footage of the narrative very soon.
NOTICE
After careful consideration our song choice in now, and more importantly finally, Right Here Right Now by Fatboy Slim.
Monday, 28 November 2011
GG - Music Video Idea/4 - Fatboy Slim (Praise You)
For this idea I was thinking we could relate an idea to the 'big beat' genre of Fatboy Slim by using footage from a party. The song sticks to a basic structure, it follows a catchy tune throughout and the lyrics are the same all the way through.
My idea would be to have a narrative performance and a male falling in love with a girl. We would get a range of shots of him looking at her from long distance's and from hiding positions, this making it clear that the girl is unaware of this boys presents. The idea would be to create a 'stalking' feel with the main male not having the confidence to approach the girl. This would then lead to them both being at a party, they would both make eye contact (with them being surrounded by dancing people). The boy would both gradually approach each other leading the viewer to think she likes him. Then at the end she will walk straight past him and to another person behind him.
We would use a range of shots and a lot of fast pacing editing at the party scene. Also we would cross cut a lot of shots to signify the people their are drunk, also possibly using a fish eye lens. We would film all throughout Ilkley, on the grove and in the woods. The party scene would then either be shot at an actually friends party or in my basement where we will get a load of friends to act for us.
I have found a good persons videos to look at for ideas is David Guetta.
Fatboy Slim - Praise You on MUZU.TV
My idea would be to have a narrative performance and a male falling in love with a girl. We would get a range of shots of him looking at her from long distance's and from hiding positions, this making it clear that the girl is unaware of this boys presents. The idea would be to create a 'stalking' feel with the main male not having the confidence to approach the girl. This would then lead to them both being at a party, they would both make eye contact (with them being surrounded by dancing people). The boy would both gradually approach each other leading the viewer to think she likes him. Then at the end she will walk straight past him and to another person behind him.
We would use a range of shots and a lot of fast pacing editing at the party scene. Also we would cross cut a lot of shots to signify the people their are drunk, also possibly using a fish eye lens. We would film all throughout Ilkley, on the grove and in the woods. The party scene would then either be shot at an actually friends party or in my basement where we will get a load of friends to act for us.
I have found a good persons videos to look at for ideas is David Guetta.
Fatboy Slim - Praise You on MUZU.TV
GG - Music Video Idea/3 - The Swing Movement (The Town or The City)
My reason for choosing The Swing Movement is because we would have easy access to the band, also we have all the instruments to film with. My idea would consist of mainly the performance aspect of music videos.
We would film a huge range of shots of the band playing in my basement at home, this would cover around half of the video. The rest would be a narrative of a male or female character struggling to come to terms with city life. We would create an impression of unhappiness and a sense of suffering as the person walks the city streets of Leeds. We will pick quite a rough area of Leeds to film, the main character will just be walking through the streets looking at his surroundings, this being the tall building and all the people who surround him. We would film the narrative aspect in black and white to create a sense of uncertainty.
We will use a range of slow a fast takes, whilst also using transitions to cut between the two scenarios.
I believe if I look at some of the Arctic Monkeys videos they will help with this idea.
GG - Music Video Idea/2 - The Clash (In Hammersmiths Palais)
The Clash originated in 1976 and emerged as a Punk Rock band, they were very popular during their time under the spot light.
My idea would be to have all footage in black and white, representing how old the song is. We would film in a rough area of a city or town, with the main characters dressed in quite old fashioned clothing, the 1980 puck look. The idea of the video would be four males searching around the derelict area, they all then come across some old instruments near a tip. They then gradually pick them up and start playing along to the song. Slowly a crowd gathers around them, and they start performing to an audience. At the end they all just put the interments down, everyone leaves and they continue with their routine before they found the instruments.
We would film in a rough run down area and all footage will be in black and white. We will use a range of shots to keep the audience guessing.
The Clash have made some very special and significant videos during their time, including the well received 'London Calling'video.
My idea would be to have all footage in black and white, representing how old the song is. We would film in a rough area of a city or town, with the main characters dressed in quite old fashioned clothing, the 1980 puck look. The idea of the video would be four males searching around the derelict area, they all then come across some old instruments near a tip. They then gradually pick them up and start playing along to the song. Slowly a crowd gathers around them, and they start performing to an audience. At the end they all just put the interments down, everyone leaves and they continue with their routine before they found the instruments.
We would film in a rough run down area and all footage will be in black and white. We will use a range of shots to keep the audience guessing.
The Clash have made some very special and significant videos during their time, including the well received 'London Calling'video.
TW - Idea 4
My 4th idea is Song 2 by Blur. This was made in 1997 which means that making a video for this would be no problem, as it is now 14 years on.
The idea is to have cross cuts between performance and narrative, with the band being in both aspects. It would begin with performance until the first lyrics begin, in which it would change to a man walking, he would lip sync with a various range of cuts. The lyrics would not match the narrative though. The man will be walking in dark attire down a long road, with occasional shots from an ELS shot from the end of the road in order to show the distance they walk, and possibly some slow motion.
Every now and again throughout the walk another member of the band will appear, until finally there will be all 4 band members at the end of the alley, the camera will then track them as they turn a corner in slow motion, into the middle of a road. The will then stop there as another group come out opposite them. They will then run at each other and a side view of them almost clashing when it cuts to black to end the video.
My inspiration for this idea came when watching This is England and Green Street as this song is commonly used in user made football videos on social media such as youtube, and the collison idea came from Green Street especially to give an indication of football hooliganism, or hooliganism in general.
The idea is to have cross cuts between performance and narrative, with the band being in both aspects. It would begin with performance until the first lyrics begin, in which it would change to a man walking, he would lip sync with a various range of cuts. The lyrics would not match the narrative though. The man will be walking in dark attire down a long road, with occasional shots from an ELS shot from the end of the road in order to show the distance they walk, and possibly some slow motion.
Every now and again throughout the walk another member of the band will appear, until finally there will be all 4 band members at the end of the alley, the camera will then track them as they turn a corner in slow motion, into the middle of a road. The will then stop there as another group come out opposite them. They will then run at each other and a side view of them almost clashing when it cuts to black to end the video.
My inspiration for this idea came when watching This is England and Green Street as this song is commonly used in user made football videos on social media such as youtube, and the collison idea came from Green Street especially to give an indication of football hooliganism, or hooliganism in general.
TW - Idea 3
My 3rd idea is to use To The Bone by The Swing Movement. This is George's brother's band therefore filming performance footage would be very easy, compared to getting other bands. I had this idea on Friday, and after speaking with George, we both like the song as an initial project. It was made in 2008 but no video has been created for this song.
The idea would be of a male character walking around, with lots of close ups from snori cam in particular, looking around at people. many people are staring back at him, and this causes paranoia inside him and he begins to become agitated, This would continue until he finally snaps and proceeds to push around one particular person who is staring at him. The violence escalates and he ends up slamming the person to the floor, and walking away, while everyone stares at him, this time with reason. He would then break into a run, people still looking at him, and his pace increases until he is going full pace. His destination is his house and the last shot would be of him opening his door, and slamming it behind him, before he walks into a deserted living room, which would be just darkness, no lighting. This would meet the eerieness of the song, and a winter atmosphere would only add to an eerie theme.
The Swing Movement - To The Bone from Ben Symonds on Vimeo.
The idea would be of a male character walking around, with lots of close ups from snori cam in particular, looking around at people. many people are staring back at him, and this causes paranoia inside him and he begins to become agitated, This would continue until he finally snaps and proceeds to push around one particular person who is staring at him. The violence escalates and he ends up slamming the person to the floor, and walking away, while everyone stares at him, this time with reason. He would then break into a run, people still looking at him, and his pace increases until he is going full pace. His destination is his house and the last shot would be of him opening his door, and slamming it behind him, before he walks into a deserted living room, which would be just darkness, no lighting. This would meet the eerieness of the song, and a winter atmosphere would only add to an eerie theme.
The Swing Movement - To The Bone from Ben Symonds on Vimeo.
TW - Idea 2
My 2nd idea is How Your Remind Me by Nickelback. Both the song and it's video was created in 2001 and is still extremely popular today.
My idea would again include performance shots, whilst the narrative would show the protagonist struggling with day to day life, as he is constantly reminded of a past relationship. This could be shown by having the woman seemingly appear in situations such as escaping a robbery, driving, or anything that could take his mind of an important situation, as these are early ideas that can be changed or improved. The idea is that seeing his ex partner will in short ruin all activity that is important or could be a big deal for him. Eventually, he will get extremely frustrated and go on a rampage in his house, destroying anything related to his ex, or just anything that crosses his path, beginning with a photo of them both together, that he rips in 2 to show the separation.
My idea would again include performance shots, whilst the narrative would show the protagonist struggling with day to day life, as he is constantly reminded of a past relationship. This could be shown by having the woman seemingly appear in situations such as escaping a robbery, driving, or anything that could take his mind of an important situation, as these are early ideas that can be changed or improved. The idea is that seeing his ex partner will in short ruin all activity that is important or could be a big deal for him. Eventually, he will get extremely frustrated and go on a rampage in his house, destroying anything related to his ex, or just anything that crosses his path, beginning with a photo of them both together, that he rips in 2 to show the separation.
TW - Idea 1
My first idea is Hunting For Witches by Bloc Party. Although this song had a music video made in 2007, in the year of release, the video is purely of performance. This would mean as long as our idea differs from this, the video will be completely different in every aspect.
My idea would be to have increasingly fast paced shots of a paranoid character from 0- 25 seconds as it meets the strangeness of the song opening. It can then be cross cut from black and white, to showcase the past, to colour as to how he has got to where he is, which is the paranoid feeling of being followed. The black and white would show the character watching the news, and seeing a report on 'witches' to meet the song lyrics. The cross cutting would see how he reacts to the report, and then shots of him trying to escape, and seeing people in hoods to be the 'witches'. The news report would meet the lyrics of 1:02. After the initial paranoia, the character would run to the loacation of the band playing (as performance shots would be included), and recruit them to go 'hunting' for the 'witches'. The final shots of the video would be of the group chasing the 'witches' into the woods, and the main character getting lost, he stumbles and as he turns he sees all of the hooded figures around him, indicating they will decide his fate.
My idea would be to have increasingly fast paced shots of a paranoid character from 0- 25 seconds as it meets the strangeness of the song opening. It can then be cross cut from black and white, to showcase the past, to colour as to how he has got to where he is, which is the paranoid feeling of being followed. The black and white would show the character watching the news, and seeing a report on 'witches' to meet the song lyrics. The cross cutting would see how he reacts to the report, and then shots of him trying to escape, and seeing people in hoods to be the 'witches'. The news report would meet the lyrics of 1:02. After the initial paranoia, the character would run to the loacation of the band playing (as performance shots would be included), and recruit them to go 'hunting' for the 'witches'. The final shots of the video would be of the group chasing the 'witches' into the woods, and the main character getting lost, he stumbles and as he turns he sees all of the hooded figures around him, indicating they will decide his fate.
TW - Music Vid Ideas
As you may know, we have had difficulty setting an idea in stone for the track we decide to compose a music video for, so both myself and George have come up with 5 ideas each, and will decide on one of the 10 ideas we have, subject to approval.
Sample Footage
Here is some sample footage for one of our video ideas, Tarantula by The Swing Movement. It is 30 seconds of what we would expect the footage of the band to look like in the performance shots of our video. We included myself, George and a cast member we hope to retain in Jeremy Whitehead.
Fatboy Slim Practice Footage - 'Praise You'
Please note that this footage was short before the track change. We do however still regard this is still useful footage as some shots could easily remain in our new video idea. This footage was filmed by George completely as my idea was 'Right Here Right Now'
Thursday, 24 November 2011
TW - Further Ideas
After deciding to drop the 'Superman' idea we are now focusing on getting solid ideas down for several music videos, before narrowing it down to not only our favourite song choice, but the one with the best idea. This change has come due to audience feedback not being favourable, and a struggle to set a conceivable and story onto the music video, that the audience will understand.
Early ideas on this heavily include George's brothers band, 'The Swing Movement' and we will be looking at numerous songs by them, whilst also looking at other genres and ideas to bring to the table , in order to get a real variation of ideas and possibilities.
This choice should be completed by Monday, and along with the practice footage and vodcast we plan to shoot at the weekend, this should greatly further our progress in this task and put to bed any issues with plot or creation for our music vid.
Early ideas on this heavily include George's brothers band, 'The Swing Movement' and we will be looking at numerous songs by them, whilst also looking at other genres and ideas to bring to the table , in order to get a real variation of ideas and possibilities.
This choice should be completed by Monday, and along with the practice footage and vodcast we plan to shoot at the weekend, this should greatly further our progress in this task and put to bed any issues with plot or creation for our music vid.
TW - Production Company
We have created a production company named 'Two Twigs Production' and this link can also be seen at the top of my blog, in the links list. This production company will keep you updated with filming, creation of magazine ads and digipaks.
The company will also showcase behind the scenes footage and promote our product on popular social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter
The company will also showcase behind the scenes footage and promote our product on popular social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter
GG - Practice Footage
We plan to take some practice footage this week with the music from our new band selection 'The Swing Movement.'Plan
We are going to take 30 seconds of performance shots of them playing. They are not all living in Ilkley at the moment so we will get others in to play the role of the band. This wont be a problem nearer christmas because they will all be coming home.
Location
We will film in my basement at home, in here there are all instruments including a microphone making it the easiest and best place for us to shoot some practice footage.
TW - Rise Of The Directors
In December 1992, MTV began listing directors with the artist and song credits, reflecting the fact that music videos had increasingly become an auteur's medium. Directors such as Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, Stéphane Sednaoui, Mark Romanek and Hype Williams all got their start around this time; all brought a unique vision and style to the videos they directed. Some of these directors, including, Gondry, Jonze and F. Gary Gray, went on to direct feature films. This continued a trend that had begun earlier with directors such as Lasse Hallström and David Fincher.
Two of the videos directed by Romanek in 1995 are notable for being two of the three most expensive music videos of all time: Michael and Janet Jackson's "Scream", which cost $7 million to produce, and Madonna's "Bedtime Story", which cost $5 million. "Scream" remains the most expensive video of all time. During this period, MTV launched channels around the world to show music videos produced in each local market: MTV Latin America in 1993, MTV India in 1996, and MTV Mandarin in 1997, among others. MTV2, originally called "M2" and meant to show more alternative and older music videos, debuted in 1996.
Two of the videos directed by Romanek in 1995 are notable for being two of the three most expensive music videos of all time: Michael and Janet Jackson's "Scream", which cost $7 million to produce, and Madonna's "Bedtime Story", which cost $5 million. "Scream" remains the most expensive video of all time. During this period, MTV launched channels around the world to show music videos produced in each local market: MTV Latin America in 1993, MTV India in 1996, and MTV Mandarin in 1997, among others. MTV2, originally called "M2" and meant to show more alternative and older music videos, debuted in 1996.
Source - Wikipedia
This bares significance as it shows how directors became more and more of an influential part of creating music video, the fact that their name began to appear in song credits is a reflection of this. This increased knowledge of director's contribution was recognised around the same time that many new directors broke into the industry, such as spike Jonze
TW - My Consumption Of Music Vids
My main access to music comes through spotify, so I do not get the music video with this music source. I do however frequently use youtube to watch new music videos and ones that I particularly enjoy. I would say I access this source specifically for music videos around every other day.
I am in the 15-24 age bracket so my music tastes are extremely varied, so I would say that there is no specific genre that I would not watch music videos from, although my favourite genres would be Alternative and what I would call 'Mainstream' music.
I have not bought any CDs purposefully for the music videos as I see them as a bonus on this format, If i intended to buy music videos on a DVD format, then I would want the music videos included as I believe that recently they have become more and more important in the music world, not to mention the increased costs of these products.
I am in the 15-24 age bracket so my music tastes are extremely varied, so I would say that there is no specific genre that I would not watch music videos from, although my favourite genres would be Alternative and what I would call 'Mainstream' music.
I have not bought any CDs purposefully for the music videos as I see them as a bonus on this format, If i intended to buy music videos on a DVD format, then I would want the music videos included as I believe that recently they have become more and more important in the music world, not to mention the increased costs of these products.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
TW - Filming Update
We have decided to take some practice shots next week, mainly of the male's change from normal to super-hero, as this was unclear after taking audience feedback into consideration. These shots may be edited with the transitions and effects we plan to use, however this will only be if we feel the change is not apparent, or believable that is only a re-creation of his thoughts.We also plan to film our first vodcast by the end of the week, and new podcast also, we expect one to be completed Thursday, and the other to be completed on Friday.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
TW - Narrative Difficulties/Audience Feedback
For our music video idea, we had planned to have a narrative, in short, that showed a man failing at everyday tasks, before he turned into superman and succeeded, until he meets a girl. This girl does not like him as superman but as the everyday guy, so he ditches the outfit and walks away with her, meeting the chorus 'I'm no superman'.
However after a conversation with our media teacher, the following question was put forward; 'Would we need to show how the change from normal to superhero originally came about?' Despite the explanation that the superhero parts are all fantasy and in the male characters head, it became clear that although we as the producers know that, the viewing audience may not. This answer was provided by Mel and Ellie, two fellow A2 Media students.
This has led us to come to the conclusion that we will be conducting practice shots ASAP so that we can test and see whether the video will be a success
However after a conversation with our media teacher, the following question was put forward; 'Would we need to show how the change from normal to superhero originally came about?' Despite the explanation that the superhero parts are all fantasy and in the male characters head, it became clear that although we as the producers know that, the viewing audience may not. This answer was provided by Mel and Ellie, two fellow A2 Media students.
This has led us to come to the conclusion that we will be conducting practice shots ASAP so that we can test and see whether the video will be a success
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)