Editing The Music Video

Editing The Music Video

Although I have enjoyed making my music video, I have found that, in my opinion, the editing process has been, without a shadow of a doubt, the hardest part. I think this is because of two things:

Firstly, I want my music video to be as good as I can make 
it.

This is due to the fact that my AS results weren't as good as I had hoped, and so I feel I need to prove that last years results aren't reflective of me and the effort I have put in.

Secondly, the song I am using, needs to be edited well, because of the beat of the song. 


From my rough cut you can already see that I have started trying to edit to the beat but in some parts I have struggled to keep up with the quick beats of the chorus. In the first chorus, some of my shots are too quick or too slow. But thankfully this is the reason that it is only my rough cut and I am still able to improve my video.

Editing my music video has proved difficult time and time again for me during this project. This is down to the fact that the software, Adobe Premiere Pro, is a new software (as of this year) and is very complex. The software has a lot of different functions available for me to use. Above, is a screen shot of the set up of Adobe Premiere Pro, when you start up a new project. In my opinion this is a really great editing software, it allows you to do a lot of things, all in one programme.


Despite the difficulties of editing, I have very much enjoyed editing my music video !!

Below is a screen grab of some of what I have edited, you can see that for just a few seconds of the song, I have had to include a lot of different shots.

Above, in the window on the left, is something I really do like about Adobe Premiere Pro; Which is the fact that before adding the footage into the editing area, you can view the footage in another window, so you can decide if that particular footage is what you desire. I think this is a really helpful part of the software because it allow me to decipher which footage I have a need for.

Something else I like about this software is the fact that you can alter the speed/duration of clips, which is something that I required, as some of the shots I wanted to include, in my music video, were far too long. So what I decided to do was to alter the speed/duration of the clips. Below are screen grabs of what my clips was like before the alteration, and after I had changed the speed.

Constructing The Advert

Constructing The Advert

Before constructing my advert, I realised that I wanted to relate my advert to my digipak. So really I wanted to have them both following the theme of happiness and joy. I also thought about having an image from my music video, as people would be able to relate the two together.

 Like real artists I want to include a picture/image to which people can recognise as being my 'image' !
For example, Jessie J's album 'Who You Are' advert gave a feeling of what her videos were like and what her songs were like. The advert suggests attitude and fierceness, which is what her first few songs were about !

I will also include, the places where my 'fans' will be able to buy my album! For example, HMV, iTunes, Spotify.

In order to construct my advert, I used a website called PicMonkey, which allows you to create professional looking photos, for free. Plus it was really simple to use! 

This was my original image: 

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I firstly cropped the image as I wanted to cut out some of the needless background. Then I altered the colour and brightness of the image, just because I didn't like the fact that it would just loo like a picture I had taken in my back garden! (which it was). Although, at this point, I had changed very little about the image I began to like it already, as it now began to look more professional.

I then added a frame in the style of a polaroid as I really like the nostalgic feeling of a polaroid camera. I also believe that polaroid's would bring all different ages to this advert, as an older age group would be familiar with the polaroid, and may enticed them to buy the album, or look into the artist. The advert may bring younger audiences because they may be interested in what the polaroid is, and what this makes the artist like. After adding the frame, I went on to add the text. I decided to use a font in a handwritten style, as again this would add a personal touch to the album. After adding all the text, I didn't feel as if I had completed my advert, after messing around with different things, I found a smiley face. Originally, I had planned to put the smiley face in the bottom left corner of the advert but, I still wasn't happy with it. So I moved it around, and then placed it over my face, which I really did like. Firstly because with my age hidden, this doesn't necessarily give the impression that the album is only for a certain age group. I also liked the placement of the smiley face because, in my opinion, the advert now says that whoever you are, you can be happy!

Not to blow my own trumpet, but I am really pleased with my advert, just because I feel its gives off a personal feeling, and says that anyone can enjoy the album !!

Finished Advert

Finished Advert

I am very excited to say that I have completed my Magazine Advert !!

Below, was not my first final product. I did receive some feedback, which recommended I add some reviews and possibly a web address. I greatly took on board the advice for I believe, after making alterations, looks far more believable as an artist's album advert !

Here is the final final product:

The idea behind the advert was to make it seem like it was a Polaroid picture, and make it seem as though I have taken this picture during my video, on a Polaroid camera. I feel as though the poster gives off a sense of personality, as it doesn't feel like it's been made on a computer, but instead handmade by myself. I also feel that the advert sends out a message that despite life's ordinary boring stuff, you should still be happy !!

Honestly I'm happy with my poster, as I feel like my poster really emphasises the theme of my music video and digipak !! Not to blow my own trumpet, but I am really pleased with my advert, just because I feel its gives off a personal feeling, and says that anyone can enjoy the album !!

Filming The Music Video

Filming The Music Video

So, the filming of my music video has been a long and strenuous journey, but I never said I didn't enjoy it. Despite the difficulties of working on my own making a music video, I have found that by working this way I have been able to challenge myself and learn a whole lot more. This doesn't mean I like working in a group, as in a group I'm supported whether its the workload or just my ideas.

Whilst filming the music video, I have found that when I watch the clips back, the tend to start almost all the same. Which is the way you can see my arm, in the shot, reaching round to press the record button!! Like this !! >>
It's like this because I worked on my own (and I haven't got really long arms). But this hasn't annoyed me because I have had freedom whilst filming the video.



I've also found that whilst recording the video, I look like an idiot, when looking back at the day's footage. This is due to the fact that I have to pronounce every word, properly. Which for me was a whole new experience, because I'm common, there's no denying it. So when lip-synching the first few scenes/shots the lip-synching wasn't great but after learning that it would only look it's best when I pronounce my words correctly. So this is why I would like to thank the camera for taking these glorious pictures of me looking my best !!!!

Regarding the technical side of filming my music video, I have used some new technology, and have also used some of the equipment that I used last year, in both media studies and film studies. Returning from last year is the simple-to-use Sony Handycam.  I'm extremely grateful for the fact that this camera is easy to use. I found as a slight technophobe, I was nervous when using the camera, (I still am worried about using the camera) but this camera has helped me film the video and decrease my technophobia. A returning piece of equipment is the camera's ally, the tripod. The tripod is simple to use and has allowed me to make all my projects look far more professional. Plus it's simple to put up and down !!

One of this years newest additions, that I have used in the shooting of my music video, is the Monopod. The Monopod is a brilliant tool to use, as it allows you the freedom of not having a tripod, but also gives you a steady shot as a result. This year whilst filming my music video I have been able to use the Go Pro, which was super exciting to use! Although I am not going to be using any of the Go Pro footage in my music video, I did have the opportunity to play around with it and record some short pieces of footage. Although the Go Pro was slightly confusing to use, the footage looks great, and also added shot differentiation. Overall, the Go Pro, is fantastic to use as the shots look great!

Whilst filming my music video, I have hit some walls. Whether it's because of the weather, or my ideas just weren't good. But filming my music video has been an eye opener, for it has let me into a very stressful world, that at times isn't pretty !!

But the making of my music video has been a very joyful experience for me, as I have gained knowledge and appreciation for those who do this task for a living !! Hopefully, with the time and effort I have put into the filming of the music video that I will be rewarded with a high grade! Fingers crossed!!

Rough Cut &&& Feedback !! (:

Rough Cut and Feedback

So now I've completed around one minute of my music video, and would like to receive feedback from my class mates, in order for me to progress !!

After viewing my rough cut, the feedback given to me will hopefully now allow me to improve my music video, and increase the grade I receive.

My class mates told me that at/during the chorus, my editing is good, but to improve the quality of the song, I will need to change it. As the song develops, the chorus speeds up, which means that my editing will have to change too. I feel this evaluation will allow me to make good developments. Also, from the feedback the group told me to change some of my shots as they didn't look as good as it could, and that in order to improve, I should consider moving some shots around. This is because the ordering of some of the shots are the same shot and it made the look a bit odd. The group also said that I've only included a certain shot once, and so it looks a bit 'random', which I completely agree with, and as this is only my rough cut, the shot in particular will be included again in the video.

I would like to say a big thank you to those who gave me feedback on my rough cut. The comments have allowed me to make a better music video !!

Digipak and Magazine Advert!

Digipak and Magazine Advert

What is a Digipak?

Digipaks tend to consist of a book style paperboard or card stock binding, with one or more plastic trays, that are able to hold a CD or DVD, attached inside. This means that the CD comes in a cardboard flip-out case rather than a standard plastic hinged case.

Often digipak-style packaging is used for special editions of albums, or the tall DVD digipak (DVDigipak) is used as a premium package for DVD's.

So, what would be included in a digipak?

• Photographs and Pictures.

There will usually be at least one picture of the artist(s), other pictures may be of a scene that mirrors the mood/genre of the songs.

• Track List

A track list will be included, with the song writing credits also.

• Disk Impression

Sometimes there will be an image either printed behind the disk, on the back panel, or otherwise on the disk itself.

• Artist Information

This is sometime the small writing on the back of the digipak, (or in the booklet that comes with the digipak) that will mention names, instruments, additional musicians, copyrights, year of release etc. Often this section is very detailed, and will include the artists 'Thank you' section.

• Barcode, QR Code

This part of the digipak will allow the fans to purchase the digipak from a shop. The QR code, is a very new part included on CD's and Digipak's, if fans scan the code it can unlock perks from the artist, send them to the artist's website, and much more. This feature proves popular, as it can offer bonus content for the fans.

• Record Label Logo

Including their logo on the CD or digipak of an artist allows the record company to further its popularity and success. It will also allow the fans to identify certain types of artists with the record label, which again can prove to help the record label and the artist's popularity.

SOMETIMES:

Digipak's will include; Membership postcard, free posters, or fliers (related to that artist or record label)

Rihanna - Loud

On the left is Rihanna's album 'Loud' which was made as a digipak. On the inside three panels is a continuous photograph of the artist and some roses. I think this gives the album a real ladylike and gentle feel. However, it could be argued that the continuous red across the inside panels, suggests passion, desire, or possibly danger. The use of the colour red on the front cover gives the impression that this was used to draw attention to the album. I also believe that the use of Rihanna's face throughout the digipak suggests vanity, as the sole focus of the album is her. The picture used of Rihanna used on both the back and front, suggests vulnerability for she is not looking at the camera. This could also relate to her personal life. On the spine of the album is the record label with which Rihanna is signed to 'Def Jam', which could bring attention to both Rihanna and 'Def Jam' as both are popular in the music industry. The font used on the album, again gives an air of femininity, for the font is light in colour, and not harsh. The font is also easy to read so, it is more accessible to the audience. 

Evanescence - Fallen

On the right is the 'Fallen' digipak from the band Evanescence. This digipak has a very different feel to that of Rihanna's, which is key as the artists come from two quite different genres. Unlike Rihanna, Evanescence are a rock band, and I feel that is shown through their digipak. The colour scheme for the album is that of black, white and blue. I believe the colours suggest a harshness, as the colours are very bright.  The front cover of the digipak suggests that the band are recognisable by their lead singer, and the decision was to out her on the cover. However, that doesn't mean the rest of the band are not included (they are just on another panel). I feel as though the album highlights a sense of isolation or alienation, for the band seem disconnected from one another, but also the world. Even with the band looking at the camera, I get a sense of loneliness, or a sense of upset.

Shooting Schedule - I'm sorry for this, I've changed my idea AGAIN

Shooting Schedule !

So, I've been really indecisive and the planning of this music video has been a roller-coaster, but I can assure you this is the last time the idea will change.

Shot List - I'm sorry for this, I've changed my idea AGAIN

Shot List

So, I've been really indecisive and the planning of this music video has been a roller-coaster, but I can assure you this is the last time the idea will change.

Here is my shot list! Hopefully I can stay as closely to my shot list as possible!! :)

Costume & Props - I'm sorry for this, I've changed my idea AGAIN

Costume & Props

So, I've been really indecisive and the planning of this music video has been a roller-coaster, but I can assure you this is the last time the idea will change.

Character: Protagonist / Singer (Emma)

                                                           



















              

Above, and the coat below, are similar or in fact the same as items I plan to wear in the video !!







Below are the items I hope to be using in the video !!

With the amount of outfits I plan to wear throughout the music video, I am hoping that it will appear more like an actual, authentic music video. This is because often singer, musicians etc. will have several outfit/costume changes in one music video.

In Take That's "These Days", the group go through several costume changes !!

Also Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" see's Miss Swift change into several different outfits, for different scenes !!

Risk Assessment - I'm sorry for this, I've changed my idea AGAIN

Risk Assessment

So, I've been really indecisive and the planning of this music video has been a roller-coaster, but I can assure you this is the last time the idea will change.

Hopefully, I am able to manage all the risks, so there isn't any damage to myself or the equipment !!

Location Sheet - I'm sorry for this, I've changed my idea AGAIN

Location Sheet !!

So, I've been really indecisive and the planning of this music video has been a roller-coaster, but I can assure you this is the last time the idea will change.

Programme Title: Music Video for Christina Grimmie's "Feelin' Good"

Client: Robert Clack

Writer: Emma
Producer: Emma
Director: Emma

Date: January to March 2015

LOCATIONS:

In all of my planned locations I will be lipsynching, or will be me doing stupid things whilst filming !! :)

Photography Studio - (with a white backdrop) - I would like to get a number of shots in different angles, for many different angles.

A Garden - Again, I would like to get a few different angles shot in this location.

Park - I feel like I'm repeating myself but, again  I want lots of different shots and angles.

A Patterned Background - This AGAIN, will include changing angles, to keep my video interesting.

Name and Number of Location contact: Emma - 07826499761

Health and Safety issues to note:

• Due to English weather, it probably will rain during my outdoor locations, therefore I will need to take extra care when placing the camera, as I do not want the camera to get wet.
• As I will be using a photography studio, I will have the opportunity to use the lights provided, and so I will have to ensure the wires, for the lights, are kept neatly, and to not trip over the wires which could potentially damage the expensive equipment.
• I need to make sure the camera is securely locked onto the plate of the tripod, so the camera isn't knocked,or it falls and breaks.
• As I'm using a microphone and stand, I will need to make sure that the wire for the microphone isn't loose, or spread out on the floor, as I'm likely to trip over.

Potential Filming Problems

• I may not be able to use some locations at certain times and so, I will need to make other arrangements to ensure filming is not stopped, and to use my time productively.
• I may forget to charge the camera after a day of filming, and so the day I need it, it might not be available to me.
• Due to unpredictable weather some locations will be affected by the weather and certain 'scenes' will not look as good on a dull day.

Treatment Sheet - I'm sorry for this, I've changed my idea AGAIN

Treatment Sheet !


So, I've been really indecisive and the planning of this music video has been a roller-coaster, but I can assure you this is the last time the idea will change.

Group Roles

Cinematography; Emma (Me)
Mise-en-scene; Emma (Me)
Sound; Emma (Me)
Editing; Emma (Me)

Title

Feelin' Good - Christina Grimmie

Synopsis

There isn't really a story, or plot, to follow in the video, the video will,  however, consist of the 'protagonist'/the singer, performing the songs in lots of different outfits, in different locations. Hopefully, because of the fact that there is no story to follow through the video, that if edited well, will make the video enjoyable and successful.

Key Genre Conventions

I believe the key genre conventions of a pop video, will be evident in my video. You will see throughout that the video is a happy and enjoyable video, for pop videos are often exciting. (It also helps that the song is called 'Feelin' Good !!)
I also feel that the lyrics will be mirrored in the video, and reflect a cheerful video !

Sexism In Pop Video's !!

Sexism in Pop Videos...

Can pop videos really be sexist?


In 2013, Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" and Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" sparked outrage.

Why? I hear you cry...

Well, because they reduced women to merely objects of male desire.

Can pop videos really be sexist?

Are women objectified and viewed simply as sexual objects?


Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze Theory
Sisters are doin' it for themselves !!

Mulvey's theory suggests that the male gaze denies women human identity. Merely relegating them to the status of objects to be admired for physical appearance. The theory suggests woman can often watch a film from a secondary perspective, and only view themselves from a man's perspective.

It can be argued that women are misrepresented in the media, and this statistic speaks VOLUMES: Only 16% of media creators are female.


Despite the sexualised objects women are made to be, women in mainstream film texts prove vital !! Often a female character lacks any real importance, in fact it is how the women make the men feel, or act that is the real important part.
The female only exists in relation to the male.




The Male Gaze leads to hegemonic ideologies within society.
Hegemony is ruling or dominant in political or social context.

Due to the way women are presented in media texts, when women observe the media, 
they gaze at other women in the same way men do, and thus women result in objectifying other women.


Visual Pleasure

Mulvey states that the role of a women in a narrative has two functions:

1. As an erotic object for the characters within the narrative to view.
2. As an erotic object for the spectators within the cinema to view.

Often we see these roles fulfilled by women in James Bond films.

The character that look at others are seen as the active role, which is often the male.
The characters that are to be looked at are passive, women tend to play this role. They are under the control of the male's gaze and only exist for visual pleasure. Much like 'Honey Ryder' of the James Bond films.
Females often slow the narrative down, they act as the inspiration for men to act.
Males, on the other hand, push the narrative forward, or have agency, and make things happen, which means they are seen as active.


Scopophilia

Mulvey also discussed the term 'scopophilia', which literally means 'love of watching'.
Film making and film watching have long been analysed as socophilic practices.

Female Objectification


Objectification is closely linked to the gaze. The persons gazed at are objectified, or treated as an object whose sole value is to be enjoyed by the voyeur. The characters who are objectified are devalued and their humanity is removed.

Patriarchal Society = Men dictate the rules !!

Laura Mulvey argued we live in a patriarchal society in which men set the majority of the rules, construct and represent the ideal visions, roles over women. The concern for man is that a passive audience, will be influenced by this representation of reality, and copy it.
But hasn't this happened already ??
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Miley Cyrus - "Wrecking Ball"
So, why did this video cause so much controversy?

Miley Cyrus, was best known for her role in the hit children's series 'Hannah Montana', but know she is recognised for her controversy.

In 2013, Cyrus released the music video for her chart topping single "Wrecking Ball", which followed with music video for the song. In the first day of the song being released it had received a whopping 38,000,000 views!

Many have branded the video as "disgraceful" and "shocking", because of the explicit nature of the video, as it consists of Cyrus swinging back and forth naked.
I feel as though Miley Cyrus made the conscious effort to produce a video like this, to shatter her previous image of a child star. I feel the video conforms to Mulvey's theory of the male gaze, and the scopophilia theory, for the entirety of the video the audience are watching, or 'gazing' at the female body. I also feel the video caused outrage because of the fact the stars previous image now was a far and distant memory, and very much contrasted to the Cyrus' new image.

Robin Thicke - "Blurred Lines"

So, why is this man, Mr Robin Thicke, hated by many feminists?

Robin Thicke's 2013 single "Blurred Lines" cause outrage the minute it was released. The lyrics of the song are arguably glorifying rape and violent sex, with lyrics such as "I know you want it" and "I'll give you something big enough to tear your a** in two", which without the music video, sent Thicke and Co, a lot of stick. But then the music video caused twice as much controversy, as the exploitative nature of the video upset huge numbers of people. There are two versions of the video, which raises questions already, 'Why did Thicke have to make an altered video?' Well, because the 'explicit version' consists of topless, near naked women dancing to the song, which angered people around the world.This meant that Thicke and Co had to produce a less explicit version of the video, but despite the 'child-friendly' video, it still managed to piss off a lot of people. This is due to the fact that Robin Thicke, T.I and Pharrell Williams, appear to possess a pimp-esque manner, by the their clothing, the way they look at the girls, and well basically everything about the video SCREAMS "we just love objectifying women!!" 

So, that is why Robin Thicke is a very unpopular man.


I have come to the conclusion that pop videos can be extremely sexist !!