Filming Overview - Day 4

Shoreditch - Sunday 29th November

Esther and I decided to go back to Shoreditch as we found it really easy to find different, brightly coloured and unique backgrounds. I left my house at 9, and went to Esthers and then we went straight to Epping train station. We had planned to refilm the train shot at this point, however the train was packed with christmas shoppers and tourists, therefore we decided to wait until the journey home. 

Pretty soon after we got into London it started tipping down with rain, therefore I made the decision not to film until it had stopped raining. I made this decision as I did not want Esther's appearance to be compromised for when we found a location suitable enough for a close up shot. Though this wasted time, I am glad I made this decision as it only took about 40 minutes for it to stop. From this point, we tried finding a variety of shots such graffiti walls, statues and more. 

In this shot I aimed for quality over quantity, therefore If I felt Esther's performance could be improved I would show her the video we just filmed, so she could see for herself what could be improved. I think this worked well, as it is easier to see what you can do better for yourself then it is for me to explain what to do. 

As well as filming went, the light faded quickly. I knew there was no point filming in compromised lighting, as I had done this previously and I was filming today to replace those shots. 

Final Digipak

 Final Digipak

Once I had created the front, back, and 2 middle covers I decided to start positioning them together in the template I found in my digipak research. This caused me to make a few adjustments.

 As I wanted to use a white font on the lyric page, the yellow symbols looked out of place. Therefore I clicked 'Select' 'Colour Range' and selected the symbols. I then adjusted the curve, to make this selection much brighter which caused the symbols to turn white. 

I also decided to use the same graffiti selection on the four binders on the digipack as I this selection featured most the colours on the graffiti wall, meaning is tie in all the colours from each side.  

Above is my digipak. I have made alterations throughout editing, such as adjusting the colour of the symbols, re-positioning and refining the border around 'Feline' on the front cover, changing the main picture on the back of the digipak, and more. This small and subtle details have made the overall aesthetic of the digipak more professional and consistent. 
I printed my digipak on to an A3 page, which means the size if not accurate but it allowed me to see how my target audience would see the digipak. The quality of the image was also compromised at it wasn't a very good printer, but I am glad I did this.
Below are photos I took of my printed trial. 

Digipak Editing - Middle Cover 1

I firstly selected the section of blue painted wood that didn't have any yellow graffiti on it.

I then covered up the areas with yellow spray paint other than the peace, heart and smiley face symbols. 
I had to transform the images to ensure that the lines created by the separate wood planks were in line with the selection I had moved to cover the yellow spray paint.

I had to adjust the brightness for the selection I used to cover the top half of the image, as it was darker than the blue in the top half of the image.

I then used an eraser and the spot healing tool to blend the original image and the area I created. This way no-one would be able to tell that I duplicated a section if the image to cover up other graffiti. 

I then covered the image with a blue box (the same blue used on the front and back cover), and then changed the layer from 'Normal' to 'Lighten'.

Above is the first of many middle images. I am really happy the outcome of this, as I have continued the theme of graffiti from the front and back cover, but also incorporated the blue from the front cover as well. There is also texture within the plain blue background, such as the white specks - similar to the rough texture of the graffiti behind Esther on the front cover.

The symbols represent Peace, Love and Happiness which all have positive connotations will appeal to my target audience of young teenage females. 

Digipak Editing - Back Cover

Back Cover

I decided to use the long shot image of Esther against the same graffiti wall. This way the front and back cover would have a consistent aesthetic. This is typical of a CD cover, as I learnt in my digipak research. 

 I firstly made separate image with the correct sizing, and copied the long shot of image into this image. I found this much easier and quicker than cropping the image to correct size. I pressed 'CTRL'+'T' then held the shift key to prevent the image from being distorted as I adjusted the size of the image. 

 I then used the same technique as my front cover to cover up the rubbish on the floor. I selected areas near the rubbish and copied and paste this selection, and covered the rubbish. I then used the rubber and spot healer to blend this layer to the original image. 

 I used the same font as the front cover, so I had to screenshot the name of each song individually. Then reduce the amount of background, remove the white area by using 'Select'+'Colour Range' and then re-size the writing. 

 I then positioned them in a straight line, and merged the various layers together to create one layer. I then tried this against the background, however it was very hard to read.

 Therefore, I copied the text against a white background, and merged the two layers. I then inverted this layer, so the white became black, and the black became white. I then removed the white background.

 I then tested it against the image, and I was much happier with the result. I then adjusted the positioning of the image, and text to make room at the bottom for more text and details. I also changed the black to the same blue colour that features on the front cover text.

I copied in a barcode and the Virgin Emi Records logo. I then removed the white background from the Virgin logo, and turned the red into the same blue as the text. 

It was at this point, I decided to show some of my friends. Their opinions confirmed exactly my worries - the font is too hard to read. As a result, my CD cover look unprofessional and unattractive. 
I considered changing to a more simple font, however the clarity wasn't improved much. 

 Therefore I decided to select just the graffiti section of the original image, and cover the whole of the 15cm by 12cm image. This meant that Esther was cut out of the back cover.

I then retyped the list of songs in a separate image, using one of the default fonts in Photoshop. I decided to this as I thought it would be easier to read, as it is better quality.

I then search 'Rough Borders' in google and found the black image, as seen in the screeenshot to the left. I made the font white, so then I could remove the text easily and with a higher quality result. 

I then copied the text image into my main image. I then removed the white from the image, and made the black the same blue colour used on the front cover. 

Above is my improved digipak back. I think the text is easier to read, and the rough border of the blue border is more consistent with the aesthetic of the front cover. 
I like how different areas of the graffiti wall is visible, and it makes the background image more interesting to look at.

I intend to show more friends, teachers and potential target audiences so I can improve the quality of this image. I personally believe my front cover is better, but as a pair I think the back cover will work. 

Digipak Editing - Front Cover

Front Cover

In lesson time I decided to go a PC computer in the study centre, as I am well practised in photoshop on these computers. I took screen shots while creating my front cover to explain how I created the image:

 I started by selecting a section of image near the split between the two pieces of wood that were covered in graffiti. I then copied and paste this selection into my image.

 I then moved this selection and to cover the black line, and then erased the edges to blend the colours together. 

I then flattened the image, so there was only one layer in photoshop. I then used the spot healing tool to blend the colours together. 

I then made the image the correct size. I then adjusted the amount of background space of the image by cropping the image while holding the shift key. This keeps the crop frame proportions to scale. 

I then found a modern, messy, arty font online and screenshot it. I then erased the white area within the text by hiding the other layer, and then selecting the white area on 'Select' 'Colour range' and deleting it. I then changed the colour of the black area, using a 'Cool Blue' filter. 

I then enlarged the text to fit the width of the CD Cover. I then duplicated the image of Esther and erased the background. I then put this image above the text layer. This made the text look like part of the background. I then used a similar technique as above to create the text 'Feline', however I inverted it. 



Here is my initial CD cover edit: 

I purposely kept the scratched and chipped paint as it was as it shows the audience that Esther is actually standing in front of a real graffiti wall, not a studio wall. I think this detail links in the rough messy font style I chose, which makes the overall front cover have a consistent and unique but fashionable style. 

I am really pleased the composition of the image. For an example, I like how pink arrow is pointing at Esther's face. This arrow leads a viewers eyes to Esther's face which leads the target audience to acknowledge Esther complies to a pop's audience ideology. Esther is attractive, fashionable and independent.  As a result, I think my Digipak front cover effectively creates a star image for Esther. Details such as Esther's undercut, her long eyelashes and relaxed posture work really well together. I think by studying photography at A level, I was able to direct Esther in a way that enabled us to work together to capture an image that reflected a stereotypical female pop artist. 

The only design judgement I am unsure about is the colour of the font. My initial idea was to use a similar blue to the blue in the graffiti, however this made it hard to read the text. I experimented with various other colours, but eventually decided on the colour above. I have saved the image as a TIFF file, meaning I will be able to adjust the different layers (images and text) if I change my mind.

My next step is to continue to edit my digipack, and talk to my teacher, peers and target audience. I hope to receive constructive criticism and their opinion, so I can improve upon this initial edit if I need to. 

Digipak Images

Digipak Ideas

While in Shoreditch I took several photos of Esther on Location and various other street art work, which I felt would look good on the digipak. I aimed for locations which have bright colours or feature stereotypical British elements such as architecture.  

I have narrowed down all the images taken (as in the screen shot to the left), to the best few. However, I am struggling to choose the images to use for the front cover. Therefore, I asked my friends and teachers which images is their favorite. 

The results were fairly consistent, 9 people voted for option one, 1 person voted for option 2, and 3 people voted for option 3. I was actually surprised that option 2 received so few votes, as I thought it prove most popular. However, now I know that option 1 is the most popular I will use this image in my front cover. 

The following images are the pictures I might use within my digipak:

Planning for Re-filming

Planning for Re-filming

Esther and I have agreed to go back to London on Sunday 29th November. We will travel from Epping train station like last time, and then head to our desired destination. 

To ensure that I film content that will improve the quality of my video, I have decided to analyse the weakest shots and what I can do to improve them. 

1) 0:31-0:34 Lip Sync

• Clearer and more exaggerated lip sync
• Rough area (Ideally)
• Start with hands on chest
• Finish both hands down, feet facing forward

2) 1:03-1:11 Lip Sync

• Clarify Lyrics between 1:06-1:08
• (Good and believable performance, just slight mistake in the middle)
• Graphitti Location

3) 1:11-1:118 Lip Sync

• Needs to be in Focus
• Same performance style as previous Lip Sync
• Red Telephone Box

4) 1:18-1:24 Lip Sync

• Needs to be in Focus
• Same performance style as other Lip Sync
• Autumnal Background 
• More Consistent Framing throughout Close up Lip Syncs

5) 1:29-1:29 Dance Drop

• Needs to be in Focus
• Better framing
• Starts standing facing forward, and turns to her right, finger tips graze the floor
• On the train

6) 1:34-1:35

• Flow better from previous to next shot by starting with straight arms, and finish in the correct position
• Ensure Esther is singing and does the dance move with arms at the same speed, and same positions

7) 1:48-1:50 Hand on Hips Consistent Beats

• Ensure that Esther is bending her legs in the same way every time
• Better framing
• Good to have interaction behind

8) 2:14-2:21 Lip Sync

• Need a different and new location
• Ensure new location is aesthetically pleasing
• Ensure Esther's performance is consistent with the other performance shots

9) I also intend of filming the dance routine at every given opportunity/location which I think would suit my music video. This way I will be able to reduce the amount of repeated shots

Exposure Correction

Exposure Adjustments

All the shots were filmed in various times of days, locations, weathers, etc meaning the brightness was different in each. In todays lesson I have started to adjust the exposures on the shots to make them match the shot before more accurately. I have been aiming to make Esther's dress, skin and hair the same colour in each shot.

In the example above I have adjusted the Midtones in the exposure, to make the shot just subtly darker. As you can see the difference from the original (the top screenshot), and the edited frame (the bottom screenshot), this had made the blues in the denim dress and the red of telephone boxes a more vibrant colour, as the colours were initially being washed out by the brightness in the video. Esther's face is also more visible and easier to see. 

I will continue to do this throughout my music video. I hope this will make the change in location more seamless, and comfortable on the target audience's eyes.