Filming Overview - Day 2

London - Friday 30th October

I left my house at around 8, picked up Esther and went back to my house, where my mum took us to Epping train station. We got to Epping at roughly 9:40, where I bought the both of us a day travel card. We then got on the train and starting filming on the train immediately. This shot is my favourite. As Esther dances, the viewer can see through the train windows as the train moves. However, it was very hard to film, as Esther had to dance while the train moves. 

From Epping train station, we headed to Mile end, and changed to the Hammersmith and City Line, to get to Whitechapel. From Whitechapel we started walking towards Brick Lane. We instantly found many brightly coloured graphitti wall, as well as plenty of unique roads and backgrounds. 

Having found such perfect backgrounds, Esther and I felt more motivated and encouraged, which I think reflected in the efficiently of production for the rest of the day. We become so well practised in setting up, filming and putting the equipment away each time, we were able to film several more locations than the day before. However, as we found so many various locations it had got dark before we had even left Shoreditch. This meant we didn't film in front of iconic locations such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, or the London Eye. When travelling back home, Esther and I spoke about potential days we could go back into London and film some more shots in front of these locations. 

Overall, I think filming in Shoreditch went really well. I am really happy with the various locations we found, as I think they will appeal to my target audience, and keep my viewers interested. I also was more cautious about my camera battery. We had lunch earlier, and found a plug socket where I charged my battery before it got low. 

Filming Overview - Day 1

Cambridge - Thursday 22nd October

Esther and I aimed for the 9:10 train from Audley End Train station. We left extra early, so we could get some shots at the train station. This took longer than expected, as we had to set up the string attached to the tripod as well as juggle the filming equipment, money and train ticket. Despite saying this, we successfully managed to film three shots before we even got to Cambridge.

When we got to Cambridge, it wasn't long before it started to rain lightly. Though the weather conditions could have been worse, it prevented us from filming as efficiently as I'd hoped. The weather also changed the surroundings and backgrounds significantly, meaning many location had negative/sad connotations. As a result, it took longer to find locations suitable to film in. I had hoped to film in locations in Cambridge University, but most of the areas open to the public were only offering guided tours, therefore we were unable to shoot in many iconic locations in Cambridge. I also struggled getting the punting boats in frame, as the walls were too high.

At around 1:30, my camera battery died. So we decided to have lunch, while I charge my camera battery. However, we found it hard to find a cafe/restaurant that wasn't full and had plug sockets. Eventually we found a coffee shop with plug socket, but by this time there was not enough time to charge my battery enough to film another location. So we had to stop production there.

Overall the day went reasonably well, however we encountered some issues. For an example, the speaker I used wasn't very load in outside locations which were busy. This meant that Esther struggled to hear the music, which meant Esther wasn't confident performing. Also, when performing in a different environment Esther struggled to remember certain sections of the dance. This means that I will have to carefully use the points in each location that Esther is most confident. 

Travelling to Locations

Travelling to Locations

Thursday

On Thursday, I will be driving to Esther's house and taking us both to Audley End Train Station. From Audley End station, we will get the train to Cambridge Train Station. We will then walk from the train station to the various locations. Esther will then stay in Cambridge to film her own music video with her group. However, I have to be back at Audley End Station by around 3:40, as I have work in the early evening. 

Friday

I am going to pick Esther up from her house, I will then drive back to my house, where my mum is going to drive us to Epping train station. From Epping, we will then go to Brick Lane (closest train station is Whitechapel). We will then decide from there, what location to travel to next. I will purchase a day travel card for Esther and I, so we will be able to travel round London easily. Esther needs to be back by 6, therefore we will need to bare this in mind on the day. 

We will decide on Thursday what time we shall leave on Friday, as we will have a better understanding of how much time we will need. 

Preparation for Filming

Preparation for Thursday and Friday

In order to be as prepared as possible, I have done the following steps:

1) Put the song 'We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off' in a separate playlist, so I don't have to scroll down to the bottom of my songs every time I turn on my Ipod at every different location. 

2) I downloaded a London Underground App on my phone, this way I will be able to travel round London easier. In theory, this app will also prevent Esther and I from getting lost, which will reduce the amount of time wasted. 

3) I typed up a page full of information to carry around with me, such as the equipment list, photograph lists, location ideas and train station list. I think this will keep me on track when filming, as I will be able to refer to this page when filming.

4) I have also downloaded the '100 Places of Dance' onto my phone. This way I will be able to show shop mangers, or land owners what I am aiming towards. As I plan to film in several locations, I have decided not to contact any shop owners in advance, as there is no guarantee Esther and I will make it to the location at the allocated time given to us. This is because we are likely to come across places that have plenty of background/locations on the day, therefore timings are impossible to predict. 

Weather Predictions/Revised Filming Dates

Weather Predictions/Revised Filming Dates

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Esther is no longer available to film on Wednesday as planned on my 'Revised Time Plan' post. As result, we have decided to film in Cambridge on Thursday, as Esther will be filming her own media project in Cambridge from 4pm onwards. Therefore, we don't have to worry about traveling back in time. Then we will be filming in London on Friday for the whole day on Friday.

I decided to look at the weather report so I could plan in advance for any changes needed. 

Cambridge:

I realised that the weather would be slightly overcast, therefore I have planned Esther's costume to fit with the weather.

London:

I am very concerned about the weather report for Friday. At the moment, there is a 40% chance that it will run. This will cause continuity problems, if it is raining in most of the shots in my music video (as most shots will be filmed in London).  This will make the transitions in locations look confusing. I wouldn't mind if it was raining in some locations, but if it rains the whole day in London, then the connotations will challenge stereotypical pop music videos.

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

1) Filming in Busy Spaces
(High risk) Filming in busy locations could lead to many possible risks. Such as equipment being knocked over and damaged, Esther or myself being knocked. The busier the space, the easier it is for people to steal equipment or belongings without Esther and I realising. As a result, production of the music video might not be able to continue until the issues is resolved. In worst case scenario, a bag containing our train tickets, money and phone could be take meaning we have no way home. To avoid this, I will wear a backpack or a over the shoulder bag, as I am less likely to leave them in a vulnerable space. I will also assess the business of every location, to identify potential risks.

2) Filming on uneven grounds
(Medium Risk) In the dance routine Esther will be jumping and twisting, therefore she will be able to concentrate on the ground surface. If the ground is uneven then Esther is most likely to fall over or stumble. In worst case scenario, Esther could fall over and unsure herself. If Esther is injured she would not be able to perform or dance this would mean production would have to stop until she is better. Even if Esther was only to stumble slightly, the dance routine would be inconsistent which would make editing very difficult. To prevent this from happening, I plan to check the area Esther will be dancing to check for anything.

3) Filming in extreme weathers
(High Risk) As I will be filming in the late October, the weather is unpredictable and likely to be raining or overcast. If it is raining, my equipment such as camera, speaker, and phone would get damaged. Not only would this prevent production, it would be very costly and timely to replace this equipment. This would ultimately delay my project, and prevent any editing from happening after half term. To prevent this from happening, I plan to bring at least one umbrella to cover the camera, speaker and phone. This will stop water from damaging my electronic equipment. 

4) Wires from Equipment 
(Low Risk) Though I aim to only use wireless electronic devices, such as my speaker, I will bring the wires with me just in case the battery runs out. There might also be wires around in other locations, which could cause Esther or myself to fall over. To prevent this from happening, I will ensure the wires are not in our way. I will move them into a safe position.

Parental Permission

Model Release Form

Esther, my star, is just under 18. Therefore, I have asked Esther's guardian to fill out a Model Release Form. 

I have blurred the bottom of the image to protect personal details. 

Props and Equipment List

Props and Equipment List

1) DSLR Camera

I plan to use my own DSLR camera, a Nikon 3300, as I am more familiar with the settings and how to set it up exactly how I need to. 

2) Lens

I am also using my own camera lens, Nikon, as it produces sufficient quality picture for my music video. I will also be able to keep the zoom set up exactly the same over the few days of filming.

3) Tripod
I will again use my own tripod, as I marked the tripod exactly where how the tripod should be set up. Therefore the height in every shot will be the same. 

4) Several SD Cards
I will bring all the SD cards that I own, as I will be filming the whole dance routine in every location. Therefore I will be filming a lot of footage.

5) String/Yarn
I tie the string to one leg of the tripod, and cut it to the distance needed between Esther and the tripod, this way Esther will be in the same spot every time. Esther will also be able to position herself independently, while I set up other equipment in each location. This will reduce the amount of time taken to set up in every location, which will maximise the time available to film in various locations.

6) Blunt Scissors
I will need scissors to cut the string. I will only need blunt rounded scissors, as the string/yarn will be reasonably easy to cut.

7) Speaker
I will need a portable speaker, so Esther has music which she can dance to. This will ensure that Esther's timing is right, which will make the transitions in locations smooth.

8) Extra Batteries/Charging Wire
I am going to bring spare batteries for the speaker, so if the original batteries run out, we can continue to film. I will also bring the charging wire, so If we use internal locations I will be able the speaker even if the batteries run out. 

9) Ipod
I will bring an iPod with me to play the song from. Using a separate iPod will reduce the chances of the iPod running out of battery.

10) Iphone/Ipad

I will download '100 Places of Dance', and a video of the dance routine to my iPhone or iPad so I can show owners of potential locations my ideas and intentions. 

11) Money
We will be using trains to transport to different locations in London, therefore I must have enough money to pay for Esther and I to travel easily. I will also need to provide Esther with food and drink so has enough energy to perform and dance.

12) Umbrella
The weather is very temperamental therefore, I must have at least one umbrella to hold over my camera if it starts to rain, to prevent my equipment from getting damaged. 

13) Equipment List
I will bring my equipment list with me, so I can use it as a check list to ensure I have everything. I will also refer to it when I need equipment.

14) Shot List

I am going to make a list of possible backgrounds/locations I thought of in the post 'Possible Locations/Shot', so I can use for inspiration when filming.

15) Pen
I am going to bring a pen will me onto locations, so I write down possible shot lists found on the day. This will mean I am less likely to forget potential locations. 

16) Spare camera battery?
I would ideally like to bring a spare camera battery when filming, however I am struggling to find one that I can use. I have considered purchasing another one, however they are relatively expensive when you consider the money I will be spending on travel and other elements which are constructing my music video. Therefore a spare camera battery isn't compulsory but preferable. 

Revised Time Plan

Revised Time Plan

I've planned to film over the half term, as I would have more time film. However, It has again proved difficult to find a time that Esther and I are both free. 

I have decided  we would be need a full day for when we go to London, and at least a half day, preferably a full day for when we go to Cambridge.

After speaking to Esther I created this time plan, so we could decide which days would be best. We have agreed Wednesday would be the best day to go London, and have decided that we should go to Cambridge on Friday, as there is possibility Esther might need to work Friday evening. 

I have organised with my mum to take and pick us from the train stations on Wednesday and Friday, this way Esther doesn't need to worry about transport. 

Location Recce

Cambridge Recce

Over the weekend I went to Cambridge to scout for potential locations and background I can use. I tried to find locations which are reasonably close together, so I would be able to film the dance routine as many times as possible. I also aimed for various different locations, such as quiet vs busy, modern vs traditional. These photos are just a few of many photos I took.

I went quite early in the morning on a Sunday, therefore Cambridge wasn't very busy when I got there. However, it allowed me to find subtle locations such as the pathway in the photo above. I also like the idea of having pedestrians in the background of some shots, such as the man blowing bubbles (in the image to the right).

Having visited Cambridge, I realise that I will definitely need to film over two days, to be able to have as many different locations as possible. It was roughly a 30 minute drive to the train station, and then about a 10 minute on the train. Plus walking to the different locations, took me around an hour, therefore I will have to be efficient when filming. 

Planning For Digipack

Digipack and Poster

Digipack

Many of the photos I plan to use are location shots from my music video. Therefore I need to plan carefully where I need to photograph Esther, and what angle shot I should use to achieve the digipack I have planned.

1. Close up of Esther against graphiti background
2. Long shot of Esther against graphitti background
3. Row of Telephone boxes
4. Long & Wide shot of Esther at location (Esther to left of the frame, using the rule of thirds)

Extras
I plan to take some extra photos so I can experiment with different compositions and layout ideas for my digipack. I imagine I will find many locations and potential photos while on the days I film, but the following are extra photos I have planned in advance:

1. Close up of Graphitti wall
2. Esther by the telephone boxes
3. Various Location shots

Poster

1. Long shot of Esther posing

I might be able to take the long shot for the poster when on location, however if I find it difficult to remove the background I will use the photographic studio in school to capture Esther against a plain background.

Extras

1. Long shot of Esther holding her digipack
2. Close up shot of Esther
3. Medium shot of Esther holding her digipack

Digipack Ideas

My Digipack Ideas

A digipack can have 8 or 6 sides, and can hold 1 or 2 different disks. 
I have decided to create a digipack with 6 sides, as they are more common and less hassle to pack away every time it is opened. Using the measurements to the left, I have roughly sketched out my initial ideas for my digipack below.

Above is my initial idea for my poster. I imagine the poster being hung up in windows at stores that it would be sold such as HMV. I included a picture of CD, and social network icons so viewers would know where else they could find information about my star.

Digipack Market Research

Digipack Market Research

I asked my primary and secondary audience various questions related to my digipack, so I would be able to design my products appropriately  This will make the  

Which portraiture composition and shot do you prefer?

Most of my target audience preferred Meghan's Trainor portraiture image, however Ella Henderson's shot composition was also very popular. I think Meghan Trainor's album cover was the most popular as it has the brightest colours, and she is looking directly at the camera. These elements make her front cover the most eye-catching against the others. I think Taylor Swift cropped image wasn't as popular it is hard to tell who it is.

What background do you prefer on the back cover?

Not many people like Rihanna's textured background. I assume this is because it makes the text harder to read, however I thought this would prove to be popular despite this. Ella's background was most popular. I think this might be because the text is easy to read as it is on a plain background, but the image is still interesting as it has a image of Ella to one side. This image is also a different angle than the image on the front cover.



What font do you prefer?

As you can see, my target audience's preferences of fonts are very varied. The font used on Jess Glynne's album and Rihanna's album are equally as popular, however a few people did say they like messy handwriting styled font, but not exactly the one used on Rihanna's album when they were answering the questionaire. Therefore this is something to consider, If I used a font similar to the one used in Rihanna's album.

Artist Poster Research

Individual Female Pop Artist's Posters and Adverts

Above are posters and adverts found in magazines, raising awareness of the artist's tours and album release. All of adverts are in the same colour schemes and graphic fonts as the CD covers. Some of these posters have a small image of the CD cover so then their target audience would know what to look for. This will make finding the CD easier as the target audience will already know what it looks like which is likely to result in more sales. 

All adverts feature an image of the artist, however the framing is more varied than the CD front covers.  For example, in Taylor Swift's poster a long shot has been used. I personally really like this, as there is more background area for key information. 

The key information included on most posters include: 

• The artist's name
• The release date of the album
• Social Media sites
• Artist's website
• Tour Dates
• Support Acts

I have also noticed that most of the backgrounds are either plain or blurred so the text would stand out more. I will bare this in mind when producing my advert/poster.

Existing CD Cover Designs

Female Pop Artist CD Covers

Above are various CD covers for individual female pop artists. All of them feature at least one portraiture image of the artist. All the front CD covers are big close up (BCU), close up (CU) or medium close up (MCU). This way the artist is easily recognisable, which means their target audience is more likely to spot them on a shelf in store.  The back covers are more varied than the front covers. All the back covers have the list of songs on the album, barcode and typically a different photo of the artist. Modern CD backs are more likely to simple and minimalistic.

Each CD cover has been designed to reflect the music in the album and the artists reputation. For an example, Rihanna's album cover is more voyeuristic than Taylor Swift's album cover. This is supported by their music videos, e.g Shake It Off - Taylor Swift and Pour It Up - Rihanna. 

I noticed that several titles and artist names are in capital letters. I personally quite like this aesthetic, as it is eye-catching (See Meghan Trainor's CD Cover). However, I also like the handwritten styled fonts as seen in Rihanna's album. Both would be suitable for my song and artist. 

Dance Routine Practise

Dance Routine Practise

It has taken me a longer than expected to prepare a dance routine for the music video. It is important that the dance routine is contemporary and fits with target audience's ideology. I had initially planned to send Esther a video of the dance routine so she could learn it independently, however now I realise it would be more efficient to teach her the dance routine, so we could make changes together before filming. Due to time restrictions, I was unable to teach Esther the whole dance routine, but I think it is a good place to start. Below is a time lapse of myself teaching Esther the dance routine:

Time Plan

Time Plan

I had initially planned to film on a bright sunny day, so the lighting and backgrounds would conform to stereotypical pop conventions. However, I am aware that the longer amount of time spent planning and research, the less dry days and sunny days there will be. But my planning and research is vital to produce a music video which appeals to my target audience.

I had hoped to film over a weekend when the weather had been ideal, but Esther and I both have commitments such as work, university open days and Esther's modelling. As result, I am going to have plan carefully when we can film. 
In a few weeks time, we have half term. I think this will be the best time to film, as we would be able to go early in the morning and travel to London, and leave when we have filmed enough shots. 

Pitch

6th October 2015 

Today I prepared my pitch on a Microsoft Office Powerpoint. I have summarised my intentions, inspirations, and target audience so I can pitch my idea to my class tomorrow.

7th October 2015

Today I presented my pitch to the class, here is the video: 

Once I turned off the camera a few students ask me questions:

'Will you film the whole dance routine/lip sync at every location?'

I will film the whole dance routine in every location, as it will make editing easier for me. I realise this will increase the time spent filming, but it will reduce the amount of time spent editing, as I won't have to figure out what time each dance move is meant to be on screen. 

'Will the cuts between locations quicker?'

Yes, the changes in locations will be quicker than shown in my practise. My practise was primarily to identify issues with this idea, and I quickly discovered that I will have to film in several more locations than I originally thought.

'Will Esther lip sync when she is dancing?'

We are going to have a practise together this week, and see what looks best.

Copyright

Copyright

All the footage in my music video will be produced  and edited by myself.
 However the track I plan to use has been created by another artist, therefore I have contacted the Youtube channel 'Mr Revillz' to ask for his permission. I have stated that I only plan to use the song for educational purposes, and have linked my blog into the email for evidence.
I am currently waiting for his response. 

Storyboard

Storyboard

Here is my first drafted storyboard.

 I hope to start my music video on a wall with brightly coloured graphitti. On the beat of the music the title 'Ella Eyre We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off Whipped Cream Remix' will fade in, and then fade out on the next beat. Esther will then walk in to the centre of the frame in time to start singing the lyrics.

As Esther begins to sing, the long shot cuts to a close up of her face. I will then cut to different locations on the beats. When the beats become faster, I will cut back to long shot and Esther will begin to dance. I will again, cut the transitions of locations on the beat of the music. 

On 'Just Slow down', Esther will stop dancing, and begin to sing into the camera. At this point I will go back to a close up shot of her face.

The rest of the music video will consist of fast pace cuts and changes in location while Esther dances. I will aim to make the transitions as smooth as possible.



























As you can see in my annotations next to my drawings, I have decided to keep my camera static throughout my music video. After much thought and careful planning, I decided that a static camera throughout would look best. I must have a static camera when long shots are used so the change in location can be seamless, however a static camera is not necessary during the close ups. But I felt that it would look unprofessional to cut from a moving camera to a static camera several times. 
Most music video's feature moving cameras, therefore I am challenging typical music video conventions, however I am willing to take this risk as I believe I will the viewers interested by changing the locations regularly.