Hi guys, I'm really sorry but the hall is booked already today. However I have a plan b for you. If you would like to take the camera out over half term to film the singing section that would be fine. You haven't used any of your extra allocation so you are entitled to some of that time. If you would like to have a camera for half term you must come to the media office at 16.10 to collect it. I don't think it will matter if the location is different, you could even hold up a white sheet or film infront of a white wall as your shot will be realtively close up. I hope this is ok for you both. Have a good half term. Andrea
We cannot do a shoot on Friday as the college is closed for the day. We will have to arrange another date. We have arranged with James to film Thursday 23rd 1.50pm. We will try to book the hall for then
From watching what we have done in editing our music video we have decided a few things. When filming we had problems with the main part knowing the words (as previously explained). From watching our video we have decided that we will create a much stronger looking video if we have more lip syncing footage. We are now planning to use the hall again and take additional footage of the lead singing in both close up and extreme close up. We are going to try book the hall for Tuesday 21st October and arrange for our lead to be there and learn all the lyrics ready to do the two run throughs.
There were no real surprises to us in the feedback we got from other groups watching our music video. We pretty much agreed with the majority of the views that were expressed on our feedback sheet. We need to work on the lip syncing in the video where we are going to include it as currently it is out of sync. We are not planning to put lip syncing throughout as we do not have the appropriate footage of James lip syncing due to the short notice of us using him for our video. Our original person dropped out at last minute so James did not have much time to learn the lyrics. We included no effects but we are unsure whether or not we need them as our piece is such a strong performance based piece that we would not want to spoil it by over doing it too much.
Some groups from our class watched our music video rough cut and gave feedback on the good and bad points. Camerawork was said to be good especially the close ups of the facial expressions. There was a variety of shots used which was very good. The editing needed more lip syncing but the close ups were included well. And the ending was enjoyed. No effects were used. We had lots of positive feedback on mise en scene. The props used were well related to the narrative of the song and video. The costumes were plain clothes which was good so that the background stood out. They liked the simplicity of the video and the room was used well. The performance was planned well and worked well, good use of the actors. The continuity worked well. Overall comments were that we could have syncronized the lip syncing better and could have been singing instead of looking around. But it was a good idea overall and worked really well
We had no surprises from our feedback. We agreed with 99% of the comments before our video was watched.
We got to the hall at around 9 o'clock. When we got there we started to set up the camera and get the correct height and angle for our main part of filming , this was on a table at full length on the stand on the floor. we arranged our props where they would need to be and marked it down with masking tape. We then marked off the perimeter of where the camera could see so that the actors would not be in shot when off stage. We then took some test footage to see how good it looked. We opened up the black curtains so that our background was plain white so that the colours and props would stand out more. We then at 10.30 had to stop to allow another group to use the stage to film. During this time we finished off our props and made final touches to them. We also went and found ourselves the closest thing to an armchair we could. At 12.20 our actors started to arrive and we started directing them with when to do what to the song. We worked out which side of the stage to put things on and who would carry what. During the next hour more people turned up and we all taught them what to do. During this time we worked out where the ideal positions for the props and main events was and marked them out with marking tape also. We got it learnt and ready by about 1.45 When our main Character turned up. We showed him what we had been doing and showed him in detail some of the things we needed him to do. We gave it a go as a complete run through with the lead (james). We gave it another go and filmed it as our long-medium shot. We then moved the camera and did another run through but from slightly closer up with the camera actually on the stage. We then set about by taking the key events ( dropping of lamp, framing of face ) Then we filmed the faster more hectic part of our video from a low angle looking up, to give the effect of being trampled. We finished off with a short amount of footage of james' face singing a short amount of lyrics near the start. After this we packed it all up, thanked our actors and left.
We took a small amount of test footage. During the test footage we aimed to see if the stage was light enough, and if we wanted the cloud prop fishing rod style or directly onto a stick.
We decided we would use both styles of cloud as they were both good, and also that it would add subtle variety. We also decided the stage was too dark even with its own lights so borrowed some lights from the media department. Also we decided to open the curtains to give a lighter feel to teh video and to make the colours stand out more.
There is only a few different shots we intend to take, however they will all be very long as we intend to film our music video mainly in one but with small bits to link small parts that we want a closer shot or if something goes slightly wrong. we intend to film.
- A complete run through from a medium-long shot capturing everything that happens. - A complete run through from medium-closeup from straight on. - Close up of picture frame round face from straight on. - Medium-closeup of lamp being dropped from a slightly higher angle. - Medium-closeup of fast ending from a lower angle to try and capture stampede feel.
We aim to film all these shots and any others we feel would work at the time.
We are filming this afternoon and have lots to do before the actors arrive at lunchtime. Here is our list of things to get done by 12:20pm
* Check Lighting on stage * Experiment with camera angles * Check positioning and space of camera with props (off stage too) * Sort the props and attach to the poles * Find an armchair to use * Do test shots * Mark/note where camera offstage and on stage ends and begins * Write exactly what we are going to do when the actors arrive (shot list) * Test space
Hi guys - GOOD NEWS! I have been able to secure the hall for you from our lesson in the morning until 14.40 - we will have to share it from 10.30 to 12.20 but it should be fine. Don't forget to get your props and actors ready. See you Tuesday. Andrea
In our song 'Harms Way' by 'Waco Brothers' they use a few instruments. From What we can hear these are: Acoustic Guitar Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Drums
In our video we want to stray from having band shots as they are very over used and get boring quickly. Because of this the only instrument we are going to use is an acoustic guitar and also only for a small part of the video. This is because the dominate sound , apart from vocals, is the guitar and an acoustic guitar looks the part. the guitar we will use is not in perfect condition and has a couple stickers on it. This however dosent matter as it will go with the bands rough ready image and sound and their punk background.
This is the video for hurt by johnny cash, hurt is a cover of a nine inch nails song. It was one of his last songs recorded and his last video made shortly before his untimely death. It is one of the only country music videos i could find which is why i have posted it. Although it is mostly irrelevant to our video it being a very slow deppressing song and ours being a faster more upbeat song, however it is interesting to see a music video for a artist like this and im sure it will have influence on our video mainly from the flashback scenes of johnny cash younger with his more lively actions and setting.
Watched a professional music video (James Blunt - Carry you home) The song is about a soldier travelling to his dead friends loved one with a possesion he had on him when he died. Its about carrying a part of the soldier who was killed in action back home t where he belonged. It differs from the other music video I analysed by Ne-yo as this James Blunt video is more storyline based rather than effect and dance based. It follows the story of a couple separated by the man going off to war and fighting, leaving the woman at home alone and worried. The video opens with a pretty image of the sea, and a helicopter view moving towards the cliff tops. The water is restless and fierce, waves splashing everywhere, which in a way relates to what the husband is doing in his soldier role, whilst his wife is safe on the rocks, helpless, and not dragged down into the fighting. The coloring of the sea is black and white which is quite dull so from the beginning the viewer is warned that this is not a bright and cheerful story. Its a sad and dark video full of sorrow and loss. Even the cloud cover is dark threatening rain any second which could link to the woman's emotions in the video. As the image changes from the sea to James Blunt in the train there is a slight overlap of a forest (where the soldiers are fighting) this suggests there is something on his mind. James Blunt begins singing on a train looking out of the window as if he has a lot on his mind and he is eager to get somewhere to get something over and done with. Worried perhaps and a bit miserable. The shot type is close up which gives a better personal feel to it and helps the audience realise that they have to focus on James Blunt and perhaps his emotions as there is no smiling taking place. The coloring remains dark shades of black and white throughout to help maintain the gloomy feel to the video. The video also includes the lonely woman waking in her bed alone and lying on her side awake obviously thinking. A medium shot is used here to show how small she is in comparison to her big empty bed. From the very start the audience is taught to sympathize with this fragile character. A low angled shot is also used to show the empty grounds of the woman's house in the middle of nowhere, in the cold and windy months of autumn or winter. The barb wired fencing perhaps relates to the war the man is fighting. Everything is still which might represent a normal morning. Quite a confusing shot of a train door opening is used. The camera is close up with half of the view on the train and half of the outside, I only figured out what it was when James Blunt walks out. The shot type is quite surreal and confusing but it soon sorts itself out. It suggests that he is on a journey and going somewhere as we are following his course. The bright lights in the distance are blurred so that the viewer focuses on the image of Blunt and the side of the train. Close ups are shot on the lonely women showing her looking sad and upset still lying in bed, suggesting she doesn't want to get out as she does not see the point in doing so. I especially liked the image when Blunt is standing on the platform working out which way to go and the train moves off behind him, creating a contrast of movement which looks really effective. Keeping with the idea of Blunt on a mission/journey we follow him walking down streets with his bag and a sorry look on his face, and watch him have a pint in a pub to brace himself for something. Images of a dark, mysterious, dangerous forest are included. The camera pans a long little way whilst Blunt finds a car to get a lift in and the woman brushes her hair and gets ready for her day. Lots of cross cutting is used to help show the viewer of the things that are happening at the same time and what already happened. Little snippets are included so as not to confuse. The forest images of the soldiers walking slowly with their guns at the ready towards the camera is quite a threatening look. It helps the audience piece together the women with the war, and the possibility that Blunt is remembering what he saw. Blunt is holding a picture and necklace in his hand which relates to memories of someone he lost, a friend perhaps. When the music changes towards the end, turning a bit harder, the focus switches to the soldiers running, suggesting a problem or running away from something or that they have found something serious. When the music calms it slows the image cutting, The harder music had a lot more clips fitted in with choppy, sharp changes, whereas when the music slows it focuses on the women walking out on the cliff top outside in the quiet space and howling wind. When Blunt enters the house a window point of view shot is used to see what he is looking at. It helps the audience understand what he is thinking. A flash light is used to reveal a dead soldier with the necklace and photo round his neck. This photo and necklace are given by Blunt to the lonely women who is now standing on the cliff top. A close up is used to make the passing of the necklace significant. Blunt walks away, without saying anything. This shows no relationship between the two, and perhaps that he could not say anything as it would be too hard. There is a pan out near the end of the women falling and getting upset and Blunt walking away which gives the feeling of the lonliness of the women.
The Waco Brothers describe themselves as a 'Hard Country group'.
Their sound, although has strong influence from , is different from normal country .
For example artists like johnny cash, June carter , Willie Nelson , Roger Alan Wade and Dolly Parton.
JOHNNY CASH & JUNE CARTER - JACKSON
WILLIE NELSON - ON THE ROAD AGAIN
ROGER ALAN WADE - BB GUN
These bands either have a smart respectable look or carry the 'hillbilly' look and sound however all also have a 'rebel streak' for lack of a better term. They are 'all american' and heroes and role models to many americans and people world wide alike. It is fairly calm acoustic music with minimal instruments with at the most a acoustic guitar , bass and gentle drums. The songs , like Waco brothers, are usually about hardship or having a good time.
Also waco brothers sound is similar to more modern sounding country rock groups like Kid Rock, Sheryl crow and Nickleback.
KID ROCK - ALL SUMMER LONG
Waco brothers also have a faster, wackier sound to them , this may be because a member was in early UK commercial punk band ' The Mekons' .
THE MEKONS - WHERE WERE YOU?
It seems to be that the convention of country , country rock and hard country music videos is not to have a music video at all with only a few songs having them. This makes it hard for us to get influence but also gives us an open leash to create something new and different.
From watching footage of Waco Brothers live the target Audience for Waco Brothers seems to be maily early 20's to middle age men but also strongly women and older and younger people too. They seem to have a very varied audience and fan base.
WACO BROTHERS - WRECK ON THE HIGHWAY (live)
Our video will be aimed at a large target audience without alienating anyone just like thier sound attempts to do. Also due to Waco Brothers fun loving slightly Wacky Nature we will make it different and hopefully make it stand out. Also to make up for the strong american themes and sounds associated with the genre we will include a scene of America particularilly a desert.
The Waco Brothers is the band who sings 'Harms Way. They are Hard Country Super group consisting of Jon Langford, Steve Goulding, Tom Ray and Tracy Dear. The group grew out of Langford's wish to play more country-influenced music as the Mekons concentrated more on a punk sound. The Mekons are a British rock band. Formed in the late 1970s, they are one of the longest-running and most prolific of the first-wave British punk rock bands. The Waco Brothers were originally put together simply for local Chicago shows, but the success of their Bloodshot Records albums allowed them to tour the US occasionally.
We all went round the class and assesed other groups blogs. This is the feedback we got from other groups. it became apparent that we have not carried out a lot of research into the band and their genre. We also got criticised for not going indepth enough about our final idea and need to go into more detail on most things. From our feedback we have decided to make a to-do list of all things to add to our blog by next week.
-Band Research -Genre Research -Target Audience of both Band and our Music Video -Another music video Analysis -Shot types -Mise En Scene , go into depth about clothes worn, setting, props etc. -Research into colours and lighting to use
And also we plan to get all of our props and backdrop finished and painted.
