Technical Difficulties

We have used lots of different technological products when creating our music video.

such as :

 Steadicam, DSLR camera, tripod and GoPro.

When using the Steadicam to film, we needed to make to movement of the shot smooth, as although it makes the shot steady, it is dependent on the movement of the person using it. To resolve this, we used a chair with wheels on when doing moving shots to keep the shot steady.

 When filming using the DSLR camera and GoPro, we needed to make sue there was enough charge and space to film on both products. We brought back up memory cards just in case we needed more space to film.

GoPro use in our music video.

I used a 'GoPro' to film the beach shots in our music video. This was chosen due to its fish eye lens, meaning more of the location could be filmed, compared to taking the shot on a normal camera. I think the effect worked well, and offered a perfect contrast to shot types already used in our music video. The lens worked well in capturing a length of the beach, and capturing the sky.This wasn't originally in our plan to use a GoPro, however after seeing its different effects compared to a DSLR camera, we decided to use it to add contrast to our filming and shot types.

Interim Evaluation

I found and booked the location of a studio at UCA Farnham to film our music video in. Then Anna, Cat and I went on 21/10/2015 to film. When we arrived, we all helped set up the studio and lighting and Anna and Cat who were cinematographers worked out suitable angles to film from whilst I worked out suitable angles for me (acting artist) to be located in. We then followed a table of shot types of the shots we needed and filmed everything within the 2 hour time slot that we had booked the studio for .
When we got back to school we uploaded the footage and Martha and Anna began editing in different ways to see which way could work best. Cat and I continued planning other film dates and shot types with the storyboard. 
I think we're working well as a group, but as we need to work individually to get the video done perfectly and quickly, it can be hard to translate ideas. So I think it would help if we come together as a group and look at the piece as a whole so that we can really re-evaluate what works and what doesn't.

Location (Paris) - Anna Hester

For our urban location we have decided to choose Paris. We decided the French capital because non of us could reach London at the same time, and Anna had an interview there so it was a convenience. The types of shots and things we can got in Paris will really benefit the videos theme and genre of music. We were able to get higher shots looking over Paris which allows our video to have a different aspect compared to other music videos. Some of the footages locations were ...

The arc de triomphe

The gare du nord station

 

... other Paris streets and more.

Planning changes (location) - Anna Hester

Since we were never able to go to our second location in London and were running out of time, I had an idea. I was going for an interview in Paris, so when I went I decided to film for our video, this was good because I was able to get more urban scenes. This footage would also be good for projections, that we could experiment with using later.
To get the right footage I analysed lyrics to the song and used the ones that were used the most e.g. signs, so i filmed French signs. I also took my steadicam with me to get movement as this was a key concept that we wanted, this was handy when walking as it made the footage smoother. 
Unfortunatley I was there when the attacks happened on the 13th so I wasnt able to get as much footage as I would like, being there at the time and using Paris scenes I only think that its right to dedicate the video to the people of Paris.

Audience Feedback from our 'Projections Practice' Video- Catriona Morgan

Projections Practice and Audience Feedback

This is a video condensing all of the clips we got whilst practicing to see what having videos projected onto Izzy would look like. This was time well spent as firstly, we were able to see that the projections not only worked, but also that we liked the effect they had. We then got excited about how we could incorporate this into our music video. However, we need some potential audience member's feedback, which we got, and has been analysed below: 

Projections Peer-Audience Evaluation

Animatic Storyboard - Anna Hester

Here is an animatic storyboard, it an animated storyboard. Boards are brought together in an editing program and are cut together with the correct timing and pace of the film. They include basic sound effects and dialogue recordings.
We did this because it allows us to see whether our plans and ideas work well in a sequence. It also is a good visual for what we hope to produce for our final video.

Further Location and Production Images - Anna Hester, Izzy Kelly, Catriona Morgan, Martha Ellison

These images were taken on 28/10/2015, when we went to UCA Farnham and used a photography studio to film our music video.

 

On the day of shooting we arranged the studio to fit our needs and the appropriate effect that we wanted to create for our video. So we used a white backdrop and softboxes to create a softer effect. We then shoot the whole song using different angles and heights. Some we had of Izzy dancing, sitting, standing and more as she lip synced to the song.

What is a steadicam ? - Anna Hester

What is a steadicam ?

A Steadicam is a stabilizer that you mount cameras on. It mechanically isolates it from the operators movement, creating smooth shots - even when moving quickly over an uneven surface. It was invented by cameraman Garrett Brown and was introduced in 1975.

These are the three major elements of a professional steadicam :

1. An articulated, iso-elastic arm
2. A specialized sled that holds the camera equipment
3. A supportive vest

In the diagram, you can see how these elements come together. The camera, along with a battery and a monitor, are positioned on the sled. The sled is attached to the articulated arm, which is attached to the vest. The arm and vest configuration works to isolate the camera from the body of the cameraman. The sled's job is to provide optimum balance for the camera.


For our music video we will be using a steadicam to create theses smooth movements, rather than having amateur tracking footage that shakes and wobbles as you move. Although the cost of a professional steadicam is out of our budget, so we settled on a handheld one that does just the same as one you may find on a movie set. Here is what ours looks like ...

Health and Safety Information - Anna Hester

Health and Safety Information

Within the studio potential hazards could be ...

• The Lighting - they could overheat or burn out, in the most unlikely case cause a fire. So after use switch of lighting to let it call down and don't touch the bulb as it could be very hot. The lighting could also be very bright, potentially distracting vision or blinding the eyes. To prevent this try not to look directly into the light. The lighting is also very heavy and big, moving it could be a problem. When moving lighting take care of your surroundings so nothing gets damaged in manoeuvring, try using your whole body strength rather than just your arms, always ask for extra help if needed.    
• Wires/Chairs/Tripods - anything on the ground could be a trip or slip hazard, causing minor or major injuries. To prevent this from happening always keep an eye out as to what is on the floor and move things out of the way if they are not needed.
• Food and Drink - keep consumption of food and drink to a minimal in the studio. Leaked drinks could damage equipment and make the floor slippery, causing unwanted damage or injury.      

While shooting in the Urban locations be aware of ...

• The Weather - if its a bright clear day its more visible and safe. If its wet and slippery, this could be a potential hazard. You wouldn't want to slip or fall, especially when holding camera equipment as this could cause damage or/and minor to major injuries.
• The Public - if in a public area or space always be aware that the location is not just for your use. Other people may need to use the area themselves so always be considerate and ask for permission to film there.  
  Traffic - when walking around the urban areas we need to careful around roads especially when shooting or carrying heavy equipment. You wouldnt want to cause a collision or fatal accident. To be more aware, always check its clear on the road, both left and right, and always try to cross were there is an avaliable crossing. 
  
  

  Its important to understand all the risks and hazards involved when filming, as its easier to know were the potential accidents can happen if they do and the types of injurys that could occur.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety

Video Diary (Timelapse) - Anna Hester

Here is a time-lapse video that I created, It shows us filming the studio location.

Filming and Editing Schedule - Anna Hester

Who is Izzy ? - Anna Hester, Izzy Kelly