Production Diary

Regarding my own music videos, I have thought about more concepts and ideas I can include. As I have expressed before, I want my music video to have a narrative approach with perhaps some performance. If possible, I would also like to use a projector to present old video footage of memories and flashbacks in the background. I feel using a projector will give an old/antique feel. I have also started to think about how I will structure my video. Although it is quite early to decide, I think I will start with a symbolic object (such as a heart necklace) in an out of focus shot in black and white which then turns to a deep focus in colour when the video will begin. Other symbolic objects I want to include are a dead rose or a mirror as I think objects like these have lots of connotations attached to them which will be important for my video. I am aware that my ideas may change throughout the course of the project however I feel it is important to include all my initial thoughts in my production diary to see the progress of my work.

 During the summer, I plan to continue with my media project. As I will have more time, I will continue to come up with a suitable idea as well as searching for possible loactions and people I can use. By the time we return to school, I plan to carry out these activities so I know where and who I will be shooting as well as tackling some of the planning and research tasks. These tasks may include presenting my initial ideas and looking at previous existing music videos that inspire me.

 Moreover during this week, I undertook more research tasks. Firstly, I researched the history of music videos. During this task, I found out some interesting facts including how music videos started and what they were produced and shown on in the 1960s etc. It was also important to note the TV coverage of music video including the well-known programmes and channels ‘Top of the Pops’ and ‘MTV’. As ‘MTV’ is such a major and successful channel in today’s society it was intriguing to find out how it came about and the type of shows it used to air, compared to how far it has come today.

 My other research task was to analysis previous A2 work. I chose to analyse Claire’s music video from the previous year as I like her ideas and the way she has shot her footage. I also think the editing looks very professional. As she has only used a simple activity within her video, I thought her work was appropriate to analysis as I also want to include a simple task. By analysing and looking at previous work, it has given me more ideas towards my own and also prepared me for what to expect during this project. 

Analysis of previous A2 work

 I have chosen to analyse Claire’s work as I like the narrative behind her music video and the way it has been shot. I also like the structure she has used within the verses and chorus of the song as a timeframe within the video.

 Claire has used the simple task of getting ready as the main activity shown in her video. Yet, the way it has been shot has made it interesting to watch. For my own work, I also want to include a simple creative task such as decorating, painting, drawing or writing. By taking on this approach I feel as I will be able to make my video simple yet effective – the same way Claire has made hers.

 

 Claire has also used the drama studio as one of her locations for the dance performance. I think by having a black background and stage lights, makes the music video look professional. I may also want to use some type of studio for my music video, if I include a type of performance. However I will more likely include my model singing instead of dancing.

 

 Furthermore, I like the emotive ideas behind Claire’s video. The fact there is some type of narrative behind the video, in my opinion, makes it more interesting and personal for the viewer. I will also want to include a narrative about a couple with a slow song like Claire has used.

 

 Make-up and costumes has clearly been a big aspect within Claire’s work. This is also clear to see on her blog as there are various posts about 50’s style make-up and costumes. I think by specifically planning these aspects carefully has made her final video look more realistic.

 

 Regarding the overall success of the project, I also looked at Claire’s planning posts on her blog. It was interesting to see her initial ideas compared to her final product. My analysing previous work, it has shown me that ideas can change and vary throughout the course. Also, it is important to think about the styles used within the video and express your ideas about these on your blog. My carrying out this research task, I have also looked at important and vital elements I will need to include for my own work. Good camera work, styling and editing all seem to be elements that I can take away from Claire’s work to express and use in a suitable way for my own.

 

Music Video finalfinalfinale from Haydon Media on Vimeo.

History of Music Videos

Production Diary

 This week, I carried out 2 research tasks – one on digipaks and the other on magazine adverts for albums. For the digipaks, I looked at a range of different styles of artists and genres to see if the type of digipak is different for each one. I tried to look at similar digipaks to ones I would later want to create so I could take similar ideas from these existing digipaks. Some had a very direct approach- focusing solely on the artist however others were more creative and symbolic. For the magazine adverts for albums, I decided to look at 3 different adverts to find out about the typical conventions that are included in these types of adverts. I found of that the album’s artwork is undoubtedly essential as well as the album’s name, artist’s name and the release date. Another piece of information that is relevant to include are some of the singles included on the album (another way to be persuasive).

 For my own music video, I believe that I am going to go ahead with a narrative approach. I have also considered other story lines that I could include. Although I am primarily focusing on a type of break-up story, I may also film my artist/model completing a simple task during the duration of the video that will only make sense towards the end. This may be a task such as painting, drawing or decorating. During this time, there will also be flashbacks/memories and the audience will only be able to see the ‘whole picture’ and understand the story when the video comes to a close.

 The types of skills I think I can bring to this project are creativity as well as skills I developed during AS such as organisation and research skills. I think these will be appropriate skills to have during this project in order to come up with original and imaginative ideas, especially if I want to go ahead with a narrative approach for my video. Organisation is also a key skill to have as managing my blog and coursework is essential. I learnt this skill during AS when I had to keep up with any work set. Moreover, I think research skills will again be useful as I will have to research music videos and their conventions and as this is a relatively new topic to me, this skill is vital to have. 

Magazine Advert Analysis