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.