Photo Frame

Today we put together the photo and frame prop, we printed off 4 copies of the photo so we could film the burning of it 4 different times. However we can only smash the frame once so we will have to plan that shot perfectly before we do it.

Filming the opening shots

The first scene in our music video reveals out couple, Tilda and Reece, sitting in the Rendezvous cafe, both with a cup of tea. After school today we got ready and took the equipment down to the cafe. We found a quiet corner in the cafe where we wouldn't disturb the other customers and set up. We used the natural light from the windows, which also happened to give us some really effective shadows. We used a range of shots, beginning with the two shot of the couple sat opposite each other, then gradually filmed shorter and more close up shots which will serve the tension which will be building in the music when the song kicks in.

Next, we moved outside the cafe to film a few shots of the couple in their disguises. These may be used for either the projections or the actual video footage. We experimented with shots we thought would look interesting, so we tried a 360 degree shot where we walked the camera around Reece whilst he was putting on his mask. Not only this, but we took shots of the couple sitting on the wall by the beach, looking out to sea and kicking their feet. 

On the beach Reece took the camera and took some rough, unplanned footage of Tilda which we will use as 'amateur footage' projected onto the band to show the intense closeness between Tilda's character and her fantasy relationship with the male character.

We have taken note that the light at this time was dim, so we know to be careful to use this outside footage during the evening scenes in our video; and not to use it towards the start when it is supposed to be midday.

Using equipment

When we filmed the performance, we had booked out numerous camera equipment and lights so we could experiment and decide what would look best on camera. We took two lights, but due to the change of plan they weren't needed because we had the lights in the drama studio which did a better job as they were higher up, and therefore less obvious. We also took the dolly, and use that to create smooth pans across the band, especially for close ups of the guitarist playing. The crane came into use for the smooth air shots of the whole band and the projections. It was easy to use and made it a lot easier for us to vary the speed; matching the song.

Filming the performance

Originally, our plan was for Bev, Reece and Tom to set up the equipment in the gym during 5th lesson so we could begin filming straight away after school; however this couldn't happen as there was pe lessons happening during this period. Instead, we gathered the equipment in our media room and Bev went to help Tilda to get ready and do her make up/hair. At the end of the day the band members met us and we all carried the equipment over to the gym, where we expected to be set up and filming within half an hour, but we encountered numerous problems. Firstly, we were told by another member of staff that the gym was partly in use, despite the fact that we had told another member of staff two weeks prior to this that we wanted to keep this two hour period free to film. Secondly, we were told that the lights in the gym are operated using sensors, so there wasn't any way that we could film without having  all the lights on - meaning our projections wouldn't work. Due to the fact that one of our band members had to leave at 5.00, we quickly had to rearrange and move all the equipment to the drama studio where we set up. By this time we had 15 minutes left with the drummer, so we decided to use this session as a practice and we scheduled a reshoot for sometime in the next couple of weeks. Despite all the problems, the projections actually turned out to be better than we'd hoped and we will consider using the drama hall again next time.

                 Tilda and Michael

Tilda'a outfit sketches - Narrative

Not only did we want our actor's outfits to be a mixture of earthy colours, but we wanted there to be a variety of textures so they look interesting on screen, as they only have one outfit each throughout the video. Tilda had a lot of input into this as she could use her skills acquired from studying textiles at both GCSE and A level. All of the clothes we used in the video were things we already had in our wardrobes, so we could save on the budget.

Narrative

Tilda's outfit began with a gold-yellow maxi skirt with two slits in the front. It gives an alternative to short skirts which tend to be more popular, and it is more interesting in the way the material drifts with her movement. We decided a black crop top would be best to pair with the skirt because it is the complete opposite; short, plain and fitted. To complete the outfit she wears docs to give a hardness to her exterior, and a large real fur coat which is a very distinguishing feature of the character she is playing.

Reece's actual fashion sense is something we thought very much fitted the persona we were trying to create for the male protagonist in our video. His jeans were accompanied by docs, to parallel with Tilda's look, and a simple white branded polo top. The most important feature of his outfit is the brown suede jacket: chosen in particular for it's representation of fur, as Reece's animal mask is a fox. This fits in with the idea of his disguise.

Filming for projections

Today three of us took the camera down to the sea front where we took some long shots (around 10 minutes each) which we will later use as time lapses for the projections in the performance. While we were in that area we tried to take a couple of the establishing shots for the beginning of the video, including that of the block off flats and the lighthouse. We also stopped off at the Rendezvous cafe and spoke to the manager to ask permission to film on Tuesday afternoon. Before leaving we went to the amusements and tried to take some out-of-focus shots of the flashing machines which we may also use as projections. We will decide on what shots we will use when we upload them into Adobe premier pro tomorrow.

Projections- Integrating band's performance

For our performance inspiration, we watched The XX's video for Crystalised in which they are playing over projections in a low lit location. This makes the band look mysterious and artistic which is the image we are wanting to show our band as as well. Therefore we are going to put together a series of miniature videos to project over our band which will show the protagonists for the story part so the two integrate nicely.

Here are some other videos of the Pop genre that also work well with projections and help catch the appreciation of artistic indie fans.

Rihanna- We Found Love

Ariana Grande- The Way

Labrinth- Beneath Your Beautiful