Raw footage 1

Explantaion:
This is the raw footage I filmed earlier. Looking back at the footage it is clear that there a plethora of problems with the footage - some shots are out of focus, the props look unrealistic, the narrative doesn't translate well and therefore won't be successful.

Video:

Planning for my Digi Pak

Below are sketches and ideas of my digi pak and what I want them to look like:

Production Log #26

In review of my initial footage I have come to the conclusion that my initial ideas do not translate well on screen. I feel the quality of how the props were pieced together. Therefore in moving forward with the creation of my music video, I feel that I need to review the mise en scene of my music video. My aim for my next session is to redraft my storyboard and see how my video translated.

Initial Footage

Below I have posted the footage I intially filmed to see how my ideas translate onto film. One advantage of this was that it allowed me to change any errors I saw.

Video:

Production Log #25

I have started the process of thinking what will be in my video, so I naturally started at the beginning thinking of what Monique should wear. which is what lead to me completing the props task. From watching my previous footage with my previous model, it was clear that an overhaul of props are not effective on camera. Thus, why I decided to have no props and a plain white dress with a flower headband.

Props

Overview of blog and footage

I feel that my initial footage acted as a tester to see if the direction of the video was going good. In hindsight I think that my vision did not translate well on screen and that it did not look as professional as it does. My plan for my music video now is to tone the theatrics of it so that audiences are still able to identify with the protagonist of the music video.


LOCATIONS I AM PLANNING TO USE:
Ruislip Lido



MAKE UP TUTORIAL:
This is what I want my model's makeup to look like. I don't want the makeup overpower her face.

Production Log #24

The aim of this coursework session was to do an analysis of song lyrics for the song I have chosen is "What The Water Gave Me" by Florence and The Machine. The songs convey the sense of overwhelm that Florence Welch was talking about in her interview where she was talking about the sense of overwhelm and being at peace. In my next session I am going to continue with my research and planning and also hope to continue with the creation of my music video and my ancillary tasks.

Analysis of Song Lyrics

Production Log #23

During this coursework session, I found several covers of "What The Water Gave Me" by Florence and the Machine. It is interesting to note that many of the covers found on Youtube are female covers of a female singer's song. This could be fed into the Uses and Gratifications Theory - the idea that music provides an escape from reality where the audience feel that they can relate to Florence Welch and her identity as a singer. In my next coursework session, I aim to continue with my coursework and hopefully begin to be in the process of finishing this pare of the coursework so that I am able to spend more time perfecting my products - album cover, digi pak, magazine advert and music video.

Independent Research: What the Water Gave Me Covers

Production Log #22

The purpose of this coursework session today was to create a mood board that expresses the ideas that I am thinking of including. I think this was beneficial because it allowed me to see the direction that my video is taking. My aim for my next coursework session is to continue with my coursework and hopefully beginning filming soon. That way I can experiment with the ideas from my moodboard and other tasks done prior to this one.

Moodboard

Mood board Image:

 

Production Log #21

Today I collated a list of awards that Florence and the Machine had won. I think this was beneficial because up until this point I had a lot of understanding of Florence Welch as an indivudual and as a alternative artist, but I think that this collation of awards has helped me to understand Florence Welch as an artist that appeals to the masses. This has reinforced the idea that my video can't be too intimidating for mainstream audiences - as the video still has to appeal to them as well.

Independant Research: Florence and the Machine accolades

Production Log #20

Today I did some research on what the meaning behind the abstract lyrics were. I think this was beneficial because many of the ideas behind the song were not portrayed in the music video - therefore meaning that I could use these ideas for my music videos.I think that conducting independent research on what the original meaning behind the song is effective because I know that I can communicate those ideas in my music video - reiterating ideologies and values that the audience will be aware of and can understand. Thus making my music video feel like it's of a familiar narrative. In my next session, I will continue my planning and research towards my music video and the making of my ancillary tasks.

Independant research: Florence Welch

I think it was very important to gauge more of an understanding of my music video. One piece of research that I think refreshed my understanding and the interpretation of the video was hearing the meaning behind the song from the singer who wrote it.

Production Log #19

Today I have did my risk assessment on what to look out for when filming. I thought that doing two risk assessments would be beneficial because there are a lot of factors to look out for. The purpose of a risk assessment is to assess the potential dangers of where I am filming and assess whether it is a good location for me to film. The two places I plan on filming is in the woods  My aim for my next session is to start compiling my footage and start to construct my music video, as I now feel that I have enough knowledge to begin my music video.

Risk Assesment

Production Log #18

This coursework session served a more reflective process rather than a productive serivce. I feel quite satisfied with the research I've conducted for my music video. I feel that the tasks I have completed in aid of my music video are of a standard where they specifically reference the codes and conventions of the indie / alternative genre.  The next stage of this process will be my planning stage. I aspire to make a video which pays homage to Florence and the Machine, yet I feel that my challenge will be to make one that is easy to identify as a Florence original.

Research Equipment

Production Log #17

The name of the task I had completed was "Tracking an Artist". I decided to track an artist which was different from the artist that is my artist. I chose to track Paramore because as much as I enjoy her work personally, I feel that she has a similar persona to Florence and would therefore be an interesting person's career to follow. I decided to research to follow the band's journey rather than accomplishments because this task allowed me to immerse myself in the mindset of someone who has sufficient knowledge on this genre. My aim in my next session is to continue with my research and planning of my own music video and the creation of my ancillary tasks.

Tracking an Artist

To tackle this task most effectively, I made a timeline of a band who also blur the lines between pop and rock is Paramore. In this timeline I tried to record the changes to band's formation - a common theme with successful bands.

Production Log #16

The task I decided to focus on in this session was audience feedback. The purpose of this session was to conduct audience feedback. The purpose of this feedback was to ask what improvements I could make. I feel that I have a greater understanding of my target audience with the research that I have conducted. My aim for my next session will be to now get an understanding of a band / artist so that I am able to see both sides - in how music is marketed and who it is marketed for.

Audience Research

Production Log #15

The task I had aimed to complete this session was to analyse previous A2 students work. The aspect I felt that I decided to focus on in this task was the music video. I feel that this has not had special analysis like the previous tasks, where I analysed the ancillary tasks. I think it is better to go over someone else's work because it is easier to recognise fault's in someone else's work rather than your own and this is the reason behind me adding this into my research, it gave me inspiration for my video while also allowing me to see what doesn't work.

Analysis of previous students' A2 Work

Production Log #14

The task I had aimed to complete in this session was to analyse magazine adverts for their new albums. Like the analysis of previous digi paks, what this allowed me to do was get a glimpse of how magazine advert works. My aim would be to incorporate both ideas found in this research and include them in my work. Understanding how the codes and conventions appeared in the magazine ad. My aim for my next session is to look towards completing my research and planning. And start creating my ancillary tasks.

Analysis of band / artist's mag ads

Production Log #13

The task I had aimed on completing in this session was analysing existing digi paks. This task was pivotal as it helped expand my knowledge on print media, which is key on pulling together my overall completed products. I think that I was successful in understanding how the codes and conventions of different genres applied to the digi paks. In my next session, I will hope to continue with my research and planning and start to look towards the creation of my ancillary tasks.

Production Log

I have now started my research into the marketing side of a song / music video. I hope to gain sufficient knowledge. My aim for my next session is to know what goes into a good or bad digi pak.

What is a digi pak?

Production Log #12

The task I had completed in this session was my research into existing music channels. This task helped me understand the differences between music channels and what channel my music video would be aired on. It was important for me to understand that this platform of media is a dominant platform for music videos as it is still the most accessible. This task also helped me understand why the music channel helps draw prominence to celebrities work and help sustain the integral link between artists and their cult of fans. It is definitely interesting to note that the alternative/ indie genre still has the highest levels of viewership of music videos. In my next session, I will continue the research and planning that I am doing for my own music video and ancillary tasks - both my digi pak and my poster.

Music Channels

Production Log #11

The purpose of this task was to find videos of what I admired and explain why I think they were effective music videos. This task was beneficiary because I feel that it was important to get across the variety of genres that I liked and felt it was important to explain why they were so successful in their own right. This task has helped me because it cemented my knowledge on the different genres of music videos and the codes and conventions of each of the respective genres. In my next session, I aim to continue my research and planning into my own music video and the ancillary tasks.

Evidence of videos you admire

Rhianna - Only Girl In The World:

Why Have I chosen Rihanna- Only Girl in the World as a video that I admire?

One reason why I have chosen to this music video is because the setting of the video is very feminine and it helps portray in a more playful nature than we're used to seeing her. The setting of the music video is much more of a softer nature than I intend to use, however I admire the general aesthetic of the video.

Florence and The Machine - Drumming Song:

Why have I chosen Florence and the Machine - Drumming song as a video that I admire?

One reason why I have chosen Florence and the Machine as a video that i admire is because of the heavy symbolism used in this video. I love that the range for interpretation isn't as wide as her other videos and that we see different sides to Florence throughout the entire video.

Beyonce - Sweet Dreams:

Why have I chosen Beyonce - Sweet Dreams as a video that I admire?

One reason why I have chosen Beyonce - Sweet Dreams as a video that I admire is because of the hyper real element that is used in this music video. The idea that both fear and happiness are portrayed - making us feel more relatable to Beyonce (Uses and Gratifications Theory) because she also has these sudden rushes of happiness and has her fair share of her deepest fears. Overall, I admire this video because the green screen doesn't limit how real the worlds presented in this world are.

Paramore - Decode:

Why have I chosen Paramore - Decode as a video that I admire?

One reason why I have chosen this video as a video that I admire is because of the general darkness that is used throughout the music video. This is partly due to the codes and conventions of modern rock music. I love that the drama of the forest heightens the emotion in the song, making them an effective combination.

My conclusion on these videos:

Many of the videos I have chosen to take inspiration from have a resonate theme of nature and the afterlife. These are two promenate themes in which - due to my independant research - I have found build the stucture and depth to the song. I particularly think that the pans of the artists among the trees create a successful "one with nature vibe".

Production Log #10

Today I completed a Prezi on Andrew Goodwin and his theory on music videos. I think that this did lay the foundation to me creating a good music video because it helped me understand what codes and conventions of a music video and with this understanding I went over my music video analysis of the songs I had analyzed to make sure that I had mentioned this theory. My aim for my next session of coursework is to continue completing my coursework and start filming soon. Underneath, I have stated what task I had completed and how it would be beneficial in terms of creating my music videos and my ancillary tasks - both the digi pak and my poster.

Andre Goodwin's theory on music videos:
This task was very much an audience based task and also a basic template in terms of what a music video should have in it. I think this task was very helpful because it allowed me to incorporate theory into the research and planning stages of the creation of my music video.

Music Video Theory

Production Log #9

This task was much more an all-inclusive tasks of the key concepts as I had to make sure that I had covered everything that incompasses into being "Florence and the Machine". From record sales to the types of the festivals she performs in and the connection between her and her audience. My aim for my next task is to continue with my research and planning stages of the creation of my music video and my ancillary tasks. Underneath, I have stated what task I had created and the advantages of doing this task was and how it will benefit me when I create my products.

Research into the band/ artist:
As said before, this was very much a task where I had to cover all the key concepts because it was the artist that I had chosen to do a song by. I think the timing of the task was effective, as prior to this I had just completed the influence of music style. So it was interesting to note that Florence both follows and defies the conventions of the indie / alternative genre. This task was effective because as it helped me understanding what audiences would associate with the brand that is "Florence and the Machine"

Research into the band / artist

Production Log #8

Research into the music genre

Production Log #7

Now that I am getting a lot of inspiration from my music videos. I thought that this would be a good idea to now think about the planning stages of my music videos. This was beneficiary because I was able to actually get ideas down and think about how my music video will look. My aim for my next session would be able to continue with the research and planning stages of my music video and it's ancillary tasks - both the digi pak and the poster - and think how I could infuse the ideas incorporated into all three tasks. Underneath, I have stated what task I have completed and how they will be beneficiary to the completion of my music video.

Initial Planning Ideas:
This was a continuation of the initial planning that I did in my intial introduction to my blog post. However this task was much more focused than the latter. I think that having done this, I have cemented a direction in which my music video will go in.


Influences of music style:
This task was also another research tasked that was heavily genre based. I think this task was helpful because it allowed me to understand why the genre has broken away from it's orginial rock and roll routes. And how the genre has subdivided itself. This will help in the process of me creating my music video and my ancillary tasks as I had cemented my understanding of the codes and conventions of the genre.

Influence of music style

Initial planning ideas

I am now in the planning stage of the music video process. My initial thoughts are that I want it to be very dramatic and symbolic in terms of the shots and lighting, costume and other mise en scene aspects. This is because I feel this is what goes best with the tone of the song. I plan to film the music video in an open space like Hyde Park where the symbolic shots become more effective. I also want my video subject to be ideally female and have the indie/ bohemian edge that my audience will connect to. I am aware that the production values and resources that I have are not as strong as that of a professional directing company, yet I believe that the artistic vision is strong enough to be seen through.

Production Log #6

Today I completed reseach on a music video director that I admire - Benny Boom. Benny Boom directs R&B videos. What I admire about this director is that he creates a distinctive utopia that many mainstreamers aspire to achieve. This is one inspiration that I could use for my music video. My aim for my next session of coursework is to continue with my coursework. Underneath, I have stated how completing this task will be helpful to the completion of both my music video and my ancillary tasks - which regards to the digi pak and the poster.

Analysis of a music video director:
This task was all about understanding the particular iconography of a music director. Seeing as I feel that I have no expertise when it comes to filming music videos, I researched into a director that I am more familiar with, making the research task more daunting. I understand that the iconography of a R&B music director will be completely different to that of a famed director of the indie / alternative genre. Yet this task allowed me to understand what different shots mean and why a director will choose to shoot them. Thefore, when it comes to the filming of my music video, everything that I decide to do will be there for reasons other than it being aesthetically pleasing.

Research Into a music video director

Production Log #5

The task that I had set out for this session was to analyse two music videos - both of two different genres. What I had to comment on was the mise-en-scene, the lyrics of the song, the shots used in order to create the video and their effect. One advantage of analysing songs from two different artists and two different genres is that I am able to gauge my understanding of the two genres better. In my analysis of the videos, I took two very different approaches when analysing my music video. My aim for my next session is to continue to plan and research into the realm of music videos and gain an excellent understanding of what will contribute to my music video. Underneath I have stated what music videos I analysed and what approach I took when I analysing the video.

Florence and The Machine:
I felt it was important for me to understand what contributes to a "Florence and the Machine" music video. What signifers were used in the video and why. This allowed me to have inspiration for my music video because I think the religious dicussion of life is a very intellectual discussion to have with your audience - unlike the pop genre, where the videos are often very basic and talk down to their audience. Mainly because of the sheer range that the genre has in age. This analysis was a very dissective piece of analysis and I think it was more relevent to do this type of analysis for this music video rather than Rihanna's S&M.

Rihanna's S&M:
This was very much an post modern analysis and the semiotic raid that the video takes on the tabloids. I think this was effective as Rihanna is a R&B pop artist, yet this was a very raunchy music video. Helping me to understand the limits music videos will go to push the boundaries of provocativeness - heavily discussing the concept of voyeurism.

Analysis of music videos

Analysis of Drumming Song:

Drumming song analysis from rageee

Analysis of Rhianna's S&M video?:

Production Log #4

Today I had completed my research on existing music labels. This was by far the most eye opening piece of research yet because this was a very business dominated part of my research into how mainstream and contemporary music labels compete .Prior to this I had some difficulty classing Florence and The Machine into either mainstream or contemporary, because there are elements of her that appeals to the masses. My aim for my next task is to build on my current knowledge and see how I can target my video to mainstream audiences while still appealing to a indie audience. Undernath I have outlined the task I have completed and why it is relevent to the process of me creating my products.

Research into existing music labels:
This task was beneficiary as I understood the intstutional distinctions between record label. Therefore allowing me to understand how an artist creates their 'image' and 'sound' - with the record label being a big of that. What this tasks contributes to the process of me creating my products is that I have an awareness of how to package my artist and how the audience would recognise who the artist is associated with.

Research into existing music labels

Production Log #3

Today I learnt about the importance of codes and conventions within a music video and my main aim will be to try and apply these music video basics to my own music video. Underneath I have outlined the tasks I have completed and how they would help in terms of the creations of my products.

Conventions of music videos:
This was very much a continuation of the previous of "History of Music Videos" where I had to identify what makes a basic music video. I think that covering the basics rather than making this task directly related to my genre helps me gauge an understanding of the difference between genres. This was also very much a genre based task.

Conventions of a Music Video

Production Log #2

I have now made a start on collating my research on music videos before I start to make my own. I think that this was task was helpful because it's imperative to have a knowledge on the very thing that we're attempting to create - in order for it to be truly effective. My aim for my next session of courseowrk to continue my research for my coursework. Underneath, I have outlined some of the tasks I have completed and why they are beneficiary and how they will play a role in the creation of my media products.

The 'pitch' for my music video:
This was beneficiary because it helped define the direction I wanted to go in terms of making the products. Without this task, I would not know what genre or song that I was making a music video for. I also thought that having feedback at this stage was important. One piece of feedback that I got was that I shouldn't narrow down what race my model is. Because although Florence Welch is white, she is a notoriously large voice that is often associated with black females of the popular R&B genre. In terms of covering key concepts, I felt that this task covered narrative, genre, representation and audience as this is the start of the process.

History of Music Videos:
This was beneficiary because it helped understand the technalities and features of music videos that I would have not been able to pick out otherwise. Helped me also to understand the background and distinctions between genres. Making this task very a genre based task.

History Of Music Videos

My Pitch for my Music Video + Presentation Video

Presentation for my video:
The task for us to begin was for us to imagine that we were going to be funded for our music videos In a "dragons-den"style pitch. The presentation had to be very descriptive of our visual directions

Production Log: Intial introduction to my blog

My task is to make a music video to an already existing song. Instantly I felt the need to produce a R&B, Hip Hop music video - however I knew that I did not have the resources to make a music video of that nature. Therefore I decided to a alternative music video. I think that the alternative / indie genre is a genre which allows music video directors to explore the concept of symbolism to an extent that the audience can identify and relate to - because the bands feel that they have a 'common touch' with their listeners - something that artists in other genres do not.

Presentation of initial ideas: