FILMING

Yesterday, we had a professional director, Jake Wynne (director of 'it's raining men') come in to help us film a replicate of 'Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus'
We started at 8.30 and filmed every shot in order of the location. This made shooting far more easier as there were fewer camera set ups to make. The sequence was shot on HD cameras which was connected to a monitor (where the rest of the group can see how the image will look like on screen'. We also had tracking rails which made forward and backwards track much smoother than handheld shots.
We had to take each shot several times - acting, lighting and timing were major issues we had to consider.
The shooting started at 9.00AM and finished at 5.45PM.
During the performance in the sports hall, each band member had to be shot individually with the camera solely on them, this would make editing much easier as we have a variety of shots to choose from.

Here is a clip of the original music video:



What I learnt from this workshop-Technical process; setting up the set takes a long time and has to be perfect before we start shooting the video.
- Taking a numerous amount of shots is beneficial as it allows the character to get into role and makes the editing process much easier as we have a wide choice of shots to choose from.
- We were aware of how important pre-production is. Having a schedule is vital as it allows actors/directors/cast to see how long will be needed to shoot certain shots.
- Discipline on the shoot is essential, we must take it seriously otherwise it will over run and we will have to spend another day on shooting shots we didn't finish.
-lighting had to be perfect to make create a good viewing experience. Filter paper and artifical lights were used to prevent shadows from forming on the faces of the actors.

What did i enjoy the most?

Overall, the whole day was absolutely brilliant, but the best part of the day had to be the dancing! All the media students (apart from the 5 boys lipsynching) had to be background dancers. I really experienced how a real music video works and how much fun it can be despite all the hard work!

How I think this will impact on my group coursework
-It makes us aware of who to choose as our characters - Using media students, perhaps in within our group, seems like the best idea. I also think it has given each member of my group and insight into what kind of song to choose - one with music, lyrics and a narrative. I also think we are aware of how important it is to be organised and stick with the time schedule in order for the project to run as smoothly as possible

LETS DANCE TO JOY DIVISION

LETS DANCE TO JOY DIVISION

Before coming up with a treatment, I decided to do some background research on the band itself and the meaning of the main like 'Lets Dance to Joy Division.' Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976. The lead singer in the band, Curtis, found it increasingly difficult to perform at live concert. In May 1980, on the eve of the bands first

American tour, Curtis, a band member, overwhelmed with depression, committed suicide on the eve of the band's first American tour.

My treatment

The main location for the song is on the streets of London - portraying the Britishness of the band 'Joy Division.' As they band members sing in the foreground of the camera sequence, in the background various events are happening. Every time something good happens - i.e a wedding taking place in a church, the opposite is happening on the other side of the shot - i.e two people getting divorced. Or when a new baby is born a funeral is taking place at the same time.

GROUP IDEA
We were put into groups and our idea for this song was located on the streets. The camera follows a group of students and their way to a wombats gig. On their journey,

MUSIC VIDEOS

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
(one of my favourite music videos)

It was written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones for the singer's sixth solo album. The song's lyrics refer to a real-life experience, in which a mentally ill female fan claimed that Jackson fathered one of her twins. The story behind this song is told by the King of Pop himself: "There never was a real Billie Jean. The girl in the song is a composite of people my brothers have been plagued with over the years. I could never understand how these girls could say they were carrying someone's child when it wasn't true"

Beyonce- single ladies


This dance video is based around a dance routine. In contrast to many other music videos this song has no real story. The image relates to the lyrics through the ring Beyonce wears on her finger, anchoring the lyric 'if you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it' The dance follows the RnB style of the song.



Justin Timberlake - Cry me a river


This video is based around a story (which excellently replicates the lyrics Justin sings)



In all videos, perfomers are shown as either the person who is experiencing what is happening in the lyrics or simply just singing about the story of other people. None of the videos present a voyeuristic view of women, instead they seem to respect as the women tend to be the ones controlling the relationship.
However this does not apply to all music videos. Many RnB songs show a derogative view of women.
For example - I wanna love you, Akon


A: Watch a variety of music videos, and make notes using these questions:
1.Does the song belong to a particular genre?
2.Do the images illustrate, amplify or contradict the lyrics?
3.Do the images illustrate, amplify or contradict the music?
4.How are the performers shown?
5.Does the video present a voyeuristic view of women?
6.What other texts does the video refer to/ draw upon?


A person who derives sexual gratification from observing the naked bodies or sexual acts of others, especially from a secret vantage point.
An obsessive observer of sordid or sensational subjects.

1. What are the typical features that an album cover has? Make a list of all the elements they have in common.
A typical album cover has, most importantly the name of the singer/band and the name of the album. These are essential as it is their unique selling point. There is also a main photo which is usually is placed in the centre - this photo is either of the singer/band themself or of something that relates to them. On the back of the album cover is a list of songs.
3. Album covers serve many different functions. What do you think these are (ie what is their purpose?)
Album covers are there to set each album apart. It portrays the type of genre the song is and who the singer is.

Some of my favourite artists and music videos

Favourite artists;
Beyonce
Usher
Akon
N-dubz
Pussycat Dolls
Justin Timberlake
Lil wayne
T-pain
Cassie
Nelly Furtado


Favourite music videos
Single ladies - Beyonce
Beep - Pussycat Dolls
Stronger- Kanye west
Cry me a river - Justin Timberlake

Blog opening

The start of another media project..