Proposal

Video of me discussing a possible idea for my music video. Most probably the one I will stick with!

Lyric Notes

I decided to print out the lyrics of 'Love Like This - Kodaline' which I could then analyse and write all over, this will give me a clearer understanding of the song and any deeper meanings itself which I can then incoporate within the sub-text of the video. This also will help me to decide whether or not to use this song and if it's right for my intentions. 

 

Proposal

Mood Board

 

How will this help for my music video?
My moodboard will help me as all of the different images are based around either the artist of my song, the genre or images of performances/festivals etc linking to the audience of my music video. All these images will create one overall image of my music video and help someone to establish the main overall idea if they were to look at it.  

Exisiting Music Channels

MTV is an American cable and satellite television channel owned by the MTV Networks Music and Logo Group. It was initially launched on the 1^st of August 1981 and now is one of the most popular, well known channels available. It’s original purpose was to play music videos and was initially aimed primarily at young adults but now it has changed and developed to those much younger up to adults which has mainly been done through the proliferation of MTV channels:
MTV
MTV +1
MTV HD
MTV Live
MTV Live HD
MTV Music
MTV Base
MTV Hits
MTV Dance
MTV Rocks
MTV Classic
The channel now doesn’t focus mainly on music videos but also other programs, documentaries etc.

VIVA:
Viva is afree channel to air and was first broadcast on 1^st December 1993 in Germany. It is owned by MTV but led by Time Warner, Polygram Records and EMI Music. DoRo Productions were hired in order to design the channel and they were the producers of very notable music videos by bands such as Queen and The Rolling Stones. It was initially made because record labels where angry by MTV’s decision to air mainly English-speaking language music videos to the German markets. Viva then allowed German musicians to play their music and this spread worldwide. Viva now runs across Europe in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Switzerland and of course the UK.

 

4Music
4Music is a music channel based in the United Kingdom and was launched on the 15^th August 2008 replacing ‘The Hits’ therefore making it relatively new. There were many promotional adverts played for the big launch of this new music channel and since then it has proven to be highly successful. T4 on the beach then become 4Music, the Channel 4 Stage at V Festival changed to 4Music etc. The channel launched at 7pm and began with ‘Davina and Steve’s 20 Big Ones’.

How will this help for my music video?
This will help me with my music video because I will gain a greater knowledge of the typical markets there are  for music videos and the sort of music which is played on these channels and I can then therefore decide where abouts my music video would be played and this will help with the overall style of the video.

Audience Research

How will this help for my music video?
Researching the audience for my music video is the most important element as everything must be aimed at them and for them. Also, I have decided that my music video could possibly have both a primary and secondary audience which gives me a broader market to appeal too. Similarly, knowing the specficics of the audience such as the percentage of women to men/what they would like to do/their class etc are all things I would have to consider whilst shooting and planning for the video. For example, as there would be a greater female market then male, it needs to appeal more to females or the video wouldn't get the views and overall success it should. Going down to the fine detail of what shops they would shop in will also help me for the styling of my music video- although this may not apply directly to my own video due to the era I am setting it in.

Equipment

Canon 550D
I will be using this camera to shoot my music video firstly because it is accessible to me through the media department and also because I think it will give me the quality shots that I need/want for my video. Using this camera also means that I can shoot in HD which will be essential for me as I will be creating shots such as spraying a can of hairspray, and if I light it properly then you will be able to see the partciles. Also, I feel comfortable and familiar using this camera after using it for previous media tasks such as my AS coursework creating a magazine. Using this camera I will also be able to easily change the settings to create different depths of focus, I can aim on focussing on different elements of the my actors and also as it is digital, I can store all of the footage on one memory card which I can then easily transfer onto my computer ready to place into Premiere and edit.

 Studio Lighting
I will have access to different forms of lighting I will use in my video- one of which being ones I can set up myself and move around so they are exactly where i'd like them to get the perfect lighting for my shots. These lights will be extrememly helpful as I can move them around as much as I would like to; If I dont like the lighting in a particular shot I can easily move them. Also, in my location of the black box drama studio, there are lights already rigged onto the ceiling and positioned in particular locations. Although I would not be able to move these, I can easily adjust the brightness and position my actress within the lights again to create the best possible shot I can.






Editing Software
After shooting my music video I will need to edit it all together. Luckily, in our media department I have access to a wide range of softwares that I can use which will create easy, simple yet effective editing. Firstly, I will use photoshop or indesign to create my digipak and edit any photos I may have taken. As I have used photoshop multiple times before, I will feel comfortable using this software and and therefore will hopefully get good results from it.



 To edit my actual footage, I will use Adobe Premiere. Again, I have used this programme before and therefore will not waste any time familarising myself with it. It is a very easy programme to drop clips into and edit. I am not the best with adding lots of different effects and movements etc so I think this will suit my purpose perfectly and won't be too complicated.




After editing my music video together, I will use Adobe After Effects to add on a layering over the top to add a hint of colour e.g. sepia/black and white etc. I will be using a more sepia style layering so that it adds to the 1950s style/look I am trying to create within my music video- This will finish off the overall image styling and hopefully look very effective throughout.






How will this help for my music video?
Researching into the equipment will help me because knowing what I will use allows me to familiarise myself with this software and hardware before creating my music video. This way, when it comes to creating my actual video I will know how to use everything and therefore can have a quicker creation process and use the programs/camera etc to the best of their ability to get the best shots and editing techniques.

Analysis of artist advertisements

How will this help for my music video?
As well as creating a music video, I also and required to create promotion methods such as an album poster- as with everything, analysising real products will give me a sense of the layout and structure which I can then replicate with my own work to make it look as real and effective as possible. I analysed two very contrasting posters; one of which being for a pop artist and the other for an alternative rock band. As my own video will be the music of an alternative rock artist, this will help even more and I can understand the typical form of this genre which again, I can incoporate into my own.

Analysis of previous A2 work

Final music video for vimeo from Ria on Vimeo.

I think that Ria's music video is a very good one and something that you could typically picture as a music video for a Birdy song. The overall style fits the song perfectly which makes it feel more engaging and realistic for an audience member. You can instantly tell that there is a 50s styling of the actress due to the hair and makeup however it is more subtle than the styling I will be using for my own.

Ria has added an intro to the music video of birds tweeting- this then links to the overall theme of nature from the whole video and also seems to create a calming feel before the main video has even started. The first shot of the actress we see is a high angle and she is looking up and is surrounded by trees instantly you get a feel for the overall music video.

Ria uses the camera very effectively and ensures that she just shows the audience what she specifically wants to for a reason. For example, multiple times she shoots just the actress' shoes (small brown boots to fit with the overall styling) walking along a wooden bridge. The small bits of mud, dirt and leaves that are stuck to her shoes supports the naturistic feel and gives the video a very innocent, idiolistic feel.

Throughout the music video, it cuts back to an older lady in a cottage, waiting for the girl to return. She appears to look very sophisticated and as she is stood in an arched window it gives the impression of religion.

As the song is quite slow, all of the cuts and camera movement are slow. It creates a calming feel and keeps it 'mellow'. Even though the camera shots are very still, there is slight movements within the leaves, trees from the wind create effective shots and then the walking of the actress highlights this even more.

Whilst the actress is walking along, she is constantly looking around as if she is searching for something/someone; this then mixed with the shot of her looking into the lake at her reflection suggests she could be 'searching for herself' which gives a more symbolic approach to the music video.

About three quatres of the way through the music video we see the girl arrive at the cottage where the other lady was- this is shown through a panning establishing shot showing the whole cottage before seeing her walk up the path to be greeted by the woman at the door who swiftly sends her away after looking her up and down. This is shown through shot-reverse-shot of the woman looking down, then the camera pans up to show the girls entire outfit and this then goes back to the woman who appears to then start shouting at her. Because of the way she is 'judged' by the woman, it completes the story and tells the audience that this is possibly her mother or another family member that is shocked at what she is wearing in comparison to the older lady wearing a very classy, black dress. The video then ends on the girl running away from the cottage and shot of the woman back at the arched window looking out before a fade to black.


How will this help for my music video?
Analysing a previous A2 student's work will help me to understand which is actually doable for a students work and I can use elements of their work within my own. This video in particular as it's quite similar in the way I would like to do my own: 50s stylling, quite innocent, not green screened, follows a story etc. Analysing one that will be similar will help me even more because I can shoot in a similar way to create the same overall effect. Moreover, I can learn how certain techniques have been used such as a colour overlay on the entire music video, particular camera effects and editing techniques.

Hair Trial

Below are the images I took whilst trailing a 50's hair style. I took my models hair and slightly back combed her fringe so it was easier to style, I then rolled it round so I made a sausage type appearance which I secured with clips. I then simply tied her hair up in a pony tail and put in a patterned hair tie. I think this is the style I will use as it was easy to create and yet looks effective an sticks to the hairstyles of the 50s I have seen in my research.

 

 

 

 

How will this help for my music video?
Completing a hair trial for my music video before the actual shooting will help as this means I won't have to worry about part of the stylling as I wil already know what to do. Also, doing it early means that I could experiment with different styles until I find the one that will be perfect for my music video and comply with the overall theme and style. I can then develop this and get audience feedback by asking open ended questions such as 'What era does this hairstyle fit with?' rather than already telling them what it is supposed to be like.

50's Inspired Makeup Tutorial

I have been watching this video to get ideas for the styling of my actors. The styling I use will be essential as this will make up the majority of the image stystems of the 50s and will be one of the only things initially to inform the audience of the time set. I think this video tutorial is very good as it has a good finish which is how I would want my actress to look and the girl takes you through step by step on both hair and makeup to get the overall look.


How will this help for my music video?
As I am not great with doing makeup for a purpose and to fit with a style e.g. in my music video, 50s inspired makeup, watching videos such as this will help me develop my skills within this area to create the best effect for my music video. Similarly to hair, watching these early on will allow me to practise and get audience feedback for the overal llook.

Visual Progression and Image Systems

Visual Progressions
Within my music video I will have a few visual progressions:
1- Firstly, it will start off with the characters being on their own 'getting ready' with very few shots of them both on screen at the same time, however still completely separate. Right until about 3/4 way into the music video where both characters join together to perform on the stage.
2- The second visual progression would be the progression of the characters themselves; originally looking very plain and basic which then transforms to them looking very extravagant and 'within the times'- especially the female character; She starts off with very minimal makeup and wearing basic clothes, this then tranforms to heavy 50s makeup, hair complete and a dress.
3- Another visual progression that links into this, is the setting. Whilst the characters are on their own, they would both be in a very enclosed space (black box studio) and it clearly is just them in there. It would all be very dark so the characters would look isolated. This then contrasts with the big stage and auditorium that would be seen in the next few shots where although they would again look very isolated being just them in such a big room, it would look very effective and show the visual progression.
4- One visual progression which I will put in myself will be the colour highlighting the time change. It will begin with a 'sepia' effect adding in after the entire video is edited reinforcing the 50s time period it would be set in. This will stay until the very end of the video where it would change to very vivid colour informing the audience of the time change to the 21st century.
5- The last visual progression within my music video would be the age difference- the overall music video would show the old lady at the end watching back on herself when she was younger so the visual progression is her growing up.

Image Systems
The main image system for my music video will be the 1950s. The main way in which I will show this is through the stylling of the actors involved. Over the top hair, makeup and costume will be essential for my music video so it is clear for the audience the image I am trying to create. Moreover, if I decide to use any props or accesories these too need to be based around the 50s and items typical of this era. Another element which will suppor this image system will be the colour overlay I will add on after effects after shooting and editing my entire music video- this sepia colour will create a vintage look and make he video look relatively old like the videos shot within this time.

Production Log - Script & Lyrics

I have recently been working on changing my lyric analysis on paper into the script on the programme of Celtx. This programme allows you to add a different 'style' to each bit of text- it lays it all out for you so it looks neat and professional without you having to do anything except flip between them. For example, I added in two scene headings at the top of my document.

1- Love like this - Kodaline
2- Location: Studio

This will make it so much easier for me when creating my actual music video as I know exactly where to film each individual section. Further down in the song, I then created another scene heading to show a change of location:

3- Location: Stage

Also, if anyone were to read my script they would be able to picture the music video step by step with the lyrics next to the action as a whole therefore making it an effective way to get some audience feedback on my initial idea.

I used my lyric analysis and basically typed it all up in much more detail. I worked my way through the lyrics and split to about three lines per section, I think wrote down what each actor will be wearing, what the shots will be like, the positioning of the camera, the lights etc. I did this to ensure I don't miss any details when creating my shot list, also, I can now print my script and use it whilst filming as an extra guide and help if I get stuck. For the beginning and the end, as there are two instrumentals I described in heavy detail due to the fact there are no lyrics to support it.

 

This is the layout of the script which will make it so much easier to follow whilst shooting as I can follow it shot by shot in regards to the music and lyrics. 

Script

How will this help for my music video?
This will help me whilst creating my music video as I can print this out whilst filming and keep it with me so I can gradually work my way through this and it will support me so there is less likelyhood I would forget something. Also, it gives a clear indication of everything happening lyric-by-lyric and the clear structure of the overall music video

What is a digipak/Digipak Analysis

Digipaks typically consist of a ‘book-style’ paperboard or card outer casing with one or more plastic trays holding the CD inside. Digipaks were the first alternative to ‘jewel cases’ used by major record companies. This style of packaging is often used for CD singles or special editions of CD albums e.g. an extended album. The packaging is less resistant to markings and scratches so the case could get marked much easier than a jewel case however some big companies use a UV coating to protect it. Digipak style cases grew in popularity among record labels and recording artists in the early 2000s.

Katy Perry: Teenage Dream
This digipak is very typical of Katy Perry and fits in with all of her music and overall style. It clearly shows the genre of pop and follows the conventions and connotations of it; every colour is extrememly bright, even the actual CDs have a design on them. I think this is a good digipak as it really stands out and obviously has had a lot of work put into it to get the look it has. Katy Perry's dark hair and dark eyes stand out as they contrast with the bright colours of the overall cover and the light pink background of clouds. It includes everything needed such as eye catching pictures and the song list on the back of the digipak. The main reason why I like this digipak is because it actually fits in with Katy Perry's style and resembles the California Girls video so it has a relevance rather than random images that have no meaning.

Rihanna: Loud
This is very similar to Katy Perry's digipak in the way that it is created based on the pictures, overall layout and CDs. Likewise, the images are based upon the 'Girl in the World' video so again it has a relevance. The images all look very tranquil and calm through the use of roses that Rihanna is laying on. She is wearing a floaty, cream dress that again creates a look of innocence in compared to the 'norm' that Rihanna is photographed as being like. This also contrasts with Rihanna's 2009 release, Rated R, which featured a prominently foreboding and angry tone with dark themes and incorporated elements of hip hop, rock, and dubstep music genresThe colour is scheme is very basic and is mainly made up of different shades of cream and red; hair, lips and roses. This stands out and makes a very effective looking digipak.

 
 

Production Log - Location Ideas

Recently I have been thinking about different locations as to where I can film my music video that would accessible at all times for me; for my particular music video I would need a studio and then a performance area/stage. As I do many performances myself I believe this would be quite easy and also there are lots of local facilities available.

1- The Windmill Studio Centre

This location has an extremely big studio which also has lights inside. As this is where I attend dancing lessons it would be a good location however, I think it is too light for the style I am going for. As all of the walls are white, it generally is very bright and would prefer something much darker so I can play around with the big lights to create the exact lighting I want.


2- The Beck Theatre, The Compass Theatre and Winston Churchill Hall

 All of these three locations would be perfect for my music video, especially the shots from the back of the stage showing the empty auditorium- all of which are very big so would make the shot look very effective. Also, all three venues include dressing rooms which would look better for the shots whilst the actors are getting ready as the mirror would have lights around the edge which would reinforce the image itself. However, as these are all public venues that are used professionally, it would be very costly for me to hire it out unless I shared it with another pupil which isn't always possible. So, based on the hire cost I don't think either of these venues would be right for my music video.
 
 
3- Youth Centres
Within the local area there are many youth centres, some of which have dance studios in. This would be ideal as there would be no high cost as it's open to all young people, also, as there is no equipment e.g. lighting, I would be able to take my own in and light it the way I would like too to get the best possible shot. However, similarly to the Windmill Studio Centre, they tend to be painted white and therefore are two bright and would not work with my aim and idea.
 
4- I think that the best place for me to film my music video at the moment, unless another venue is found, would be the school drama studio. Although it is not completely kitted out with equipment of a professional studio, it is a black box studio which is ideal for me. Also, it is available whenever I need it, that way i'm not tied down to particular times and can wait until I have sorted out every tiny detail and not worry about the venue. Similarly, I will also be able to use the hall as it includes a stage and chairs so it is very similar to an auditorium. If lighted correctly, I think I will be able to create a good look on the video so it looks like a real theatre and therefore no hire charges would be paid. Likewise to the drama studio, it is available at all times for me to use so there will be no problem.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Videos I admire

The majority of Kodaline's videos are very meaningful and they follow a story; these are the sort of videos that I like to watch rather than just ones of bands performing. I think that ones with a story, the band obviously focus heavily on the lyrics and making sure they are perfect- they also can make you as an audience member relate to them making you feel more involved and a part of the video. I chose to do a story line video mainly for these reasons but also to fit in with the style of Kodaline and their video choices. 'All I Want' by Kodaline is also another very good video that follows a storyline.



As a dancer myself, I also like to watch videos that have performances in them, normally pop songs by artists such as Beyoncé, Jessie J and Rihanna. Breathe Slow by Alesha Dixon shows  her performing in a studio with a ballet bar; as this is something that I can relate to it's something I would enjoy watching however this would obviously differ from person to person. Also, I like the way that this video is in black and white rather than colour- it gives it a more authentic look which is what I would like to do with my own to set the time period. As not many music videos tend to add an after-effect of a colour overlay, it would ensure it stands out making it different from the rest.

Alternative Rock Genre

Kodaline’s music genre is mainly classed as Alternative rock. This is a genre of rock music that was formed through the independent music underground of the 1980s and this then became extremely popular through the next ten years. The original term was a lot broader and was mainly given to those who were unsure of their specified genre and whether it was the actual music or their ‘punk rock’ styling which was popular at the time and in the late 70s laid the groundwork for alternative music. Also, alternative at times has been used to describe artists’ work that received mainstream recognition or any music that seemed to have been based upon punk rock.

Alternative rock is one of the widest defined genres of music as it can easily change based upon its sound, social context, regional roots etc. For example, although Kodaline and Fall Out Boy are both examples of alternative rock, they both sound very different as Kodaline are Irish and Fall Out Boy are American; a lot of it is based upon the bands’ interpretation of the genre and the way they want to play music. When Alternative rock first came about, there were many sub genres within it and although some bands were signed to big record labels, the majority were independent labels and received very little attention from mainstream radio, television or newspapers. This highlights the success of Alternative rock and how much it has developed to today- although some bands are still signed to independent labels, a large amount of alternative rock bands are signed to big labels and festivals such as Reading and Leeds support this.

Since Alternative rock has been around, it was largely defined as the ‘rejection of the commercialism of mainstream culture’ however from the 1990s onwards, this was argued against as some of the most successful bands’  music today is defined as Alternative Rock being signed to major labels. It is also said that the actual music alternative rock bands create and the lyrics in their songs are more meaningful and truthful than that of any other genre; it’s said that the lyrics tend to address areas of social and political concern such as drugs, depression, suicide and environmentalism which means far more than lyrics used in pop songs about relationships and parties.

 

Some alternative rock groups include:
30 Seconds to Mars
Bastille
You Me At Six
Fall Out Boy
Coldplay
Blink 182