After researching into professional websites, there are many aspects I would want to feauture on my own.
Social Network Feed - Live twitter, and facebook feed, as well as links to the social networking sites. It promotion for the social networking sites as well as the artist. Fans can view this on the website and link themselves directly to another form of promotion for the artist.
Downloads - I would want to give the option to download the artists music, and occasionally give free downloads to keep the audience fresh, as well as attracting new audiences.
Videos - videos of music videos are common and give a multi-media advantage on a website. Artists often post video blogs of behind the scenes and special announcements to keep their fans interested and making them want to visit the website on a regular basis.
Gallery - A frequently updated gallery is a vital feauture of any artist website. It allows fans to view recent photoshoots, or behind the scenes images
News - News features on every artist/bands website. Fans are able to see up coming events, personal appearances, single/album release dates, recent photoshoots, tour dates, or any other bits of news.
Tour - tour dates are important in terms of sellnig tickets. Fans can check tour dates in advance to ensure they are able to get tickets. I would provide a link to ticket sellers, for quick access to buying tickets. Fan pre-sale is another advantage of selling tickets as fans feel they are getting an advantage of being served first.
Shop - Giving the opportunity to buy merchandise, albums, songs etc will create a high revenue from the site and allow fans to feel safe and garenteed to be perchasing official products.
Audio/podcasts - Audio clips of new songs would keep fans excited about the site, and will keep re-visiting to check if any new exclusives have been released.
I would want my website to look as professional as possible with the theme fitting in with the current album, for example: rihanna's website appearance changes with the new genre/style of her latest album. The website would be full of interactive activity and lots of multi-media levels for the fans to enjoy.
Showing posts with label Planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Planning. Show all posts
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Props
Outside shoot;
- Large chain
The large silver chain will be a representation of the stereotypical 'bling' that is associated with gangstas, as well as giving the performer something to hold and use whilst performing. It also gives another focus for the audience.
- Black sunglasses
Sunglasses are a stereotypical accessorie for a 'gangsta' to have.
In order to make them glamorous, to represent the female touch of the character, stand out in the music video and be classed as different and unique, I customised them by covering them with black gems.
- fake barbed wire
The fake barbed wire will represent the female being 'tough'.
- Large chain
The large silver chain will be a representation of the stereotypical 'bling' that is associated with gangstas, as well as giving the performer something to hold and use whilst performing. It also gives another focus for the audience.
- Black sunglasses
Sunglasses are a stereotypical accessorie for a 'gangsta' to have.
In order to make them glamorous, to represent the female touch of the character, stand out in the music video and be classed as different and unique, I customised them by covering them with black gems.
- fake barbed wire
The fake barbed wire will represent the female being 'tough'.
Equipment + Lighting
Equipment needed for each shoot;
- Camera
- Tripod
- Ipod + Docking station
- Lighting
- Still camera
Outside shoot;
Due to no electricity I intend to use car head lights in order to provide enough lighting for the camera. It will also fit in nicely with the representation of the shoot.
The lights will give a unique effect, compared to the other shots.
The low key lighting will also help to represent the 'dark' and 'secret' feel to a 'gangstas' lifestyle as well as the unlying representation of the dark issue of domestic violence.
The tripod will prevent the camera from shaking where unwanted and the ipod and docking station will allow the performer to lip sync to the song easier.
Old Cell -
I will use a small flood light in order to light the old cell, creating shadows and a unique lighting look.
The shadows will create both a high key and low key lighting look, which will help to represent the two personalities of the female character;
The strong, independent female with a 'gangsta' lifestyle
and the fragile and vulnerable female that has suffered the domestic violence.
Modern Cell -
Again, I will use the small flood light, as the location is fairly well lit to begin with. I want to create high key lighting to help represent vulnerability.
The high key lighting will show purity and innocence of the female, and help to highlight the vulnerability. It will represent, not only the performer, but the issue of domestic violence and the group of women that have or are suffering from violence.
- Camera
- Tripod
- Ipod + Docking station
- Lighting
- Still camera
Outside shoot;
Due to no electricity I intend to use car head lights in order to provide enough lighting for the camera. It will also fit in nicely with the representation of the shoot.
The lights will give a unique effect, compared to the other shots.
The low key lighting will also help to represent the 'dark' and 'secret' feel to a 'gangstas' lifestyle as well as the unlying representation of the dark issue of domestic violence.
The tripod will prevent the camera from shaking where unwanted and the ipod and docking station will allow the performer to lip sync to the song easier.
Old Cell -
I will use a small flood light in order to light the old cell, creating shadows and a unique lighting look.
The shadows will create both a high key and low key lighting look, which will help to represent the two personalities of the female character;
The strong, independent female with a 'gangsta' lifestyle
and the fragile and vulnerable female that has suffered the domestic violence.
Modern Cell -
Again, I will use the small flood light, as the location is fairly well lit to begin with. I want to create high key lighting to help represent vulnerability.
The high key lighting will show purity and innocence of the female, and help to highlight the vulnerability. It will represent, not only the performer, but the issue of domestic violence and the group of women that have or are suffering from violence.
Make-up & Costume representation
For the outside and old cell scenes, the character needs to look hard and stern, to show she is tough in order to represent she can stand up for herself and other females.
In order to do this, the make-up needs to be big and bold and more make-up needed to be applied than in normal day to day situations in order to show up on camera.
- We had a couple of practice sessions to make sure it was perfect for filming.
The dark eyes, large eye lashes and red lips represent a strong and independent female.
For the outside scene I decided to style her hair up and slicked back, again to represent her being tough and stern.
For the old cell shoot I will style her hair down, as this is the main shoot and will be the base of the music video, it is important to express some sex appeal, which is stereotypical to performance videos.
Her hair down and slightly curled will give off subtle, but enough sex appeal.
Her make-up will remain the same as the outside shoots, for the same reasons.
The modern cell -
In the modern cell, I want to represent women's vulnerability.
Her hair will be up but messy and her make-up will be smudged, so she appears she has been crying. The vulnerability contrasted to the stern look of the other shots, will give a nice balance to the video.
Costume;
In terms of costume, I managed to get hold of everything I listed in my detailed plan.
The 'gangsta' look for the outside shoots will represent the character being tough and standing up for herself and what she believes in. The stereotype of gangstas always being male will be challenged and will represent that women can be tough and independent themselves.
The lace and leather look for the old cell will give the stereotypical sex appeal of performance music videos.
The nude colour jumper for the modern cell, will represent the vulnerability of women suffering domestic violence.
In order to do this, the make-up needs to be big and bold and more make-up needed to be applied than in normal day to day situations in order to show up on camera.
- We had a couple of practice sessions to make sure it was perfect for filming.
The dark eyes, large eye lashes and red lips represent a strong and independent female.
For the outside scene I decided to style her hair up and slicked back, again to represent her being tough and stern.
For the old cell shoot I will style her hair down, as this is the main shoot and will be the base of the music video, it is important to express some sex appeal, which is stereotypical to performance videos.
Her hair down and slightly curled will give off subtle, but enough sex appeal.
Her make-up will remain the same as the outside shoots, for the same reasons.
The modern cell -
In the modern cell, I want to represent women's vulnerability.
Her hair will be up but messy and her make-up will be smudged, so she appears she has been crying. The vulnerability contrasted to the stern look of the other shots, will give a nice balance to the video.
Costume;
In terms of costume, I managed to get hold of everything I listed in my detailed plan.
The 'gangsta' look for the outside shoots will represent the character being tough and standing up for herself and what she believes in. The stereotype of gangstas always being male will be challenged and will represent that women can be tough and independent themselves.
The lace and leather look for the old cell will give the stereotypical sex appeal of performance music videos.
The nude colour jumper for the modern cell, will represent the vulnerability of women suffering domestic violence.
Risk Assessments
Basics
- No filming in inappropriate locations
- Check safety of locations e.g roads
- Minimise the risk of theft of equipment
- When filming on location ensure someone knows where you are, have your telephone number and when you will return.
- Check all equipment is working before you leave
- Ensure you have permission for filming if necessary
- Always film with at least one other person.
- Ensure you have the permission of those you are filming.
I completed a risk assessment form for all locations; Click to see larger view
I used this table to assess the serverity of the hazards;
I documented the main hazards for the locations;
I also documented contact names for each location in case of a problem;
- No filming in inappropriate locations
- Check safety of locations e.g roads
- Minimise the risk of theft of equipment
- When filming on location ensure someone knows where you are, have your telephone number and when you will return.
- Check all equipment is working before you leave
- Ensure you have permission for filming if necessary
- Always film with at least one other person.
- Ensure you have the permission of those you are filming.
I completed a risk assessment form for all locations; Click to see larger view
I used this table to assess the serverity of the hazards;
I documented the main hazards for the locations;
I also documented contact names for each location in case of a problem;
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Finding Locations
Old Cell -
A local location - The Shire Hall has an old holding cell, with brick work and black bars that would be perfect to use.
I e-mailed them to enquire into filming for a day;
They replied expressing that there shouldn't be a problem with filming in the holding cell, however I would need to complete a risk assessment and go for a meeting to discuss electricity power, as this is limited within the holding cell.
Outside -
The outside locations were simple to find as local to my house there is a dirt track and brick bridge that would both work well with low key lighting.
I'm unable to use artificial lighting on the outside locations due to no access to electricity. I plan to use car headlights to light the shots, as this will link nicely with the theme of the song aswell as providing a decent amount of light.
Modern Cell -
I was able to arrange to film in a real police station as it is out of use for a short amount of time. I was able to arrange to film within a cell, that has the cream walls I was looking for, aswell as down a corridor of cell doors.
There is no issue in terms of electricity or space with this location.
A local location - The Shire Hall has an old holding cell, with brick work and black bars that would be perfect to use.
I e-mailed them to enquire into filming for a day;
They replied expressing that there shouldn't be a problem with filming in the holding cell, however I would need to complete a risk assessment and go for a meeting to discuss electricity power, as this is limited within the holding cell.
Outside -
The outside locations were simple to find as local to my house there is a dirt track and brick bridge that would both work well with low key lighting.
I'm unable to use artificial lighting on the outside locations due to no access to electricity. I plan to use car headlights to light the shots, as this will link nicely with the theme of the song aswell as providing a decent amount of light.
Modern Cell -
I was able to arrange to film in a real police station as it is out of use for a short amount of time. I was able to arrange to film within a cell, that has the cream walls I was looking for, aswell as down a corridor of cell doors.
There is no issue in terms of electricity or space with this location.
Lyric Representation
The lyrics have a very strong meaning - The represent women standing together to speak out and fight against domestic violence.
The song is encouraging women to come forward, and stand strong with other women to fight against the increasing problem of domestic violence.
Quotes;
'I got these girls like a soldier trip and its going down..'
- Here she states she has a group of 'soldiers' ready to fight..
'if they get you, they get me..
- She is stating if one woman suffers, it affects all women as they stand together..
'i promise i'll stand and fight..
- She promises to other women she will stand and fight, and the lyrics can be taken as a warning against males that she will not stand for it..
'everybody quite when you did your dirt..'
- usually women stay quite after suffering an attack
'hell no we ain't done yet, got a lot to handle, we ain't took over the world yet..'
- it is an increasingly large issue that needs a lot to tackle
'we're an army, bet yet a navy..'- women are coming together to stand up and fight
'can't hurt us again when they come around here'
The repeated lyrics 'gangsta for life' represents the independence and strength of her individually and women as a whole.
Gangstas are stereotypically tough and strong, that fight hard, which is a perfect word to represent females standing up and speaking out against domestic violence.
The song is encouraging women to come forward, and stand strong with other women to fight against the increasing problem of domestic violence.
Quotes;
'I got these girls like a soldier trip and its going down..'
- Here she states she has a group of 'soldiers' ready to fight..
'if they get you, they get me..
- She is stating if one woman suffers, it affects all women as they stand together..
'i promise i'll stand and fight..
- She promises to other women she will stand and fight, and the lyrics can be taken as a warning against males that she will not stand for it..
'everybody quite when you did your dirt..'
- usually women stay quite after suffering an attack
'hell no we ain't done yet, got a lot to handle, we ain't took over the world yet..'
- it is an increasingly large issue that needs a lot to tackle
'we're an army, bet yet a navy..'- women are coming together to stand up and fight
'can't hurt us again when they come around here'
The repeated lyrics 'gangsta for life' represents the independence and strength of her individually and women as a whole.
Gangstas are stereotypically tough and strong, that fight hard, which is a perfect word to represent females standing up and speaking out against domestic violence.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Developed Ideas/ Detailed Final Plan (incl. Costume, Make-up, Locations + editing)
After holding my focus group, and analysing music videos for similar songs, I have now created a detailed plan in how I want my music video to look like.
Plan:
Locations:
- Outside
- Under a 'rough' looking bridge
- Dirt track, surrounded by trees
Cell
- Old looking cell - Black Bars, Brick Work, Bench
- Modern Cell - Plain, White Walls, Bench + Corridor
These locations will narate 3 parts of the music video. The outside location will represent the lifestyle the character use to have. e.g. 'gangsta' .
The Old cell will be the base to the majority of the music video, with the other locations acting as cut aways. The stereotypical 'black bars' and brick work will add the edgey/gothic feel to the music video.
The modern cell will act as the 'ending' outcome to the narrative, with cut aways of the outside locations representing how she got there, without any simple explanation.
Character:
- Female
- Attractive/Sex appeal
Make - up & Costume
Outside Shots - Hard/Stern Looking, Dark eyes, Hair tied up tight.
costume:
Location 1.
Bike boots, knee high sock, sequin shorts, black top, fur coat, (stereotypical 'gangsta')
Location 2.
- Fur coat, High heels, Knee high socks, short black dress
These will represent a 'gangsta' image and represent the character as 'hard/tough' and almost fearless, with a hint of glamour (sequin shorts etc) to represent her being female.
With the high heels, short dress etc giving an attractive sex appeal to conform to similar music videos and attract audiences.
Cells
Old Cell - Attractive with sex appeal
- Hair down, Dark eye make-up
- Lace leotard + Black wet look leggings & High Heels
The lace is a material conbsiderde 'sexy' as well as the leather look to the wet look leggings.
With these shots being the base of the music video, sex appeal is important to attract the audience. The character will retain a 'hard' appearance, but this has been weakened slightly with the hair styled down.
Modern Cell -
The character will appear 'weak'.
- Neutral colour jumper, short length
- This will represent vulnerability
- Smudged eye make-up (appears to be/had been crying)
- Again to represent vulnerability
These shots will be a complete contrast of the 'hard and stern' appearance of the outside shots, with the 'old cell' being the happy medium and the 'glue' of the music video.
Editing:
Outside Shots - These will be in colour, to represent the 'colourful' lifestyle the character once had.
A variety of shots and movements will be used, from close ups, to long shots, tracking and tilting.
Modern cell - The modern cell will also be in black and white,
however the last shot in the modern cell will be in colour to represent 'reality'
Many close-ups will be used to represent vulnerability and will provide an intense atmosphere for the audience to connect with the character
Old cell - All shots of the old cell will be in black and white. A contrast to the others in order to represent a 'fantasy' feel, and be the 'performance' aspect of the video.
The black and white will also represent 'right & wrong'. Stereotypical gangstas are known to commit crimes, and with the shots of the character in a cell, the black and white will represent the right and wrong of her previous lifestyle.
Lighting:
The lighting will be very low key, to represent the edgey/gothic feel to my video, and the 'dark' areas of lifestyle.
I will use a simple small flood light to light the filming within the old and modern cell.
I will use the headlights of a car to light the outside shots, as this will also feauture as a realistic form of light whilst outside.
Plan:
Locations:
- Outside
- Under a 'rough' looking bridge
- Dirt track, surrounded by trees
Cell
- Old looking cell - Black Bars, Brick Work, Bench
- Modern Cell - Plain, White Walls, Bench + Corridor
These locations will narate 3 parts of the music video. The outside location will represent the lifestyle the character use to have. e.g. 'gangsta' .
The Old cell will be the base to the majority of the music video, with the other locations acting as cut aways. The stereotypical 'black bars' and brick work will add the edgey/gothic feel to the music video.
The modern cell will act as the 'ending' outcome to the narrative, with cut aways of the outside locations representing how she got there, without any simple explanation.
Character:
- Female
- Attractive/Sex appeal
Make - up & Costume
Outside Shots - Hard/Stern Looking, Dark eyes, Hair tied up tight.
costume:
Location 1.
Bike boots, knee high sock, sequin shorts, black top, fur coat, (stereotypical 'gangsta')
Location 2.
- Fur coat, High heels, Knee high socks, short black dress
These will represent a 'gangsta' image and represent the character as 'hard/tough' and almost fearless, with a hint of glamour (sequin shorts etc) to represent her being female.
With the high heels, short dress etc giving an attractive sex appeal to conform to similar music videos and attract audiences.
Cells
Old Cell - Attractive with sex appeal
- Hair down, Dark eye make-up
- Lace leotard + Black wet look leggings & High Heels
The lace is a material conbsiderde 'sexy' as well as the leather look to the wet look leggings.
With these shots being the base of the music video, sex appeal is important to attract the audience. The character will retain a 'hard' appearance, but this has been weakened slightly with the hair styled down.
Modern Cell -
The character will appear 'weak'.
- Neutral colour jumper, short length
- This will represent vulnerability
- Smudged eye make-up (appears to be/had been crying)
- Again to represent vulnerability
These shots will be a complete contrast of the 'hard and stern' appearance of the outside shots, with the 'old cell' being the happy medium and the 'glue' of the music video.
Editing:
Outside Shots - These will be in colour, to represent the 'colourful' lifestyle the character once had.
A variety of shots and movements will be used, from close ups, to long shots, tracking and tilting.
Modern cell - The modern cell will also be in black and white,
however the last shot in the modern cell will be in colour to represent 'reality'
Many close-ups will be used to represent vulnerability and will provide an intense atmosphere for the audience to connect with the character
Old cell - All shots of the old cell will be in black and white. A contrast to the others in order to represent a 'fantasy' feel, and be the 'performance' aspect of the video.
The black and white will also represent 'right & wrong'. Stereotypical gangstas are known to commit crimes, and with the shots of the character in a cell, the black and white will represent the right and wrong of her previous lifestyle.
Lighting:
The lighting will be very low key, to represent the edgey/gothic feel to my video, and the 'dark' areas of lifestyle.
I will use a simple small flood light to light the filming within the old and modern cell.
I will use the headlights of a car to light the outside shots, as this will also feauture as a realistic form of light whilst outside.
Target Audience - Focus Group
I held a focus group with sixth form students aged 16 – 18, both male and female. I played them my chosen song and asked them to write down what they imagined whilst listening to the song, from locations to colours, editing ideas or mis-en-scen.
We then had a group discussion and documented their thoughts and ideas. Some of these matched with some of my initial ideas, and some new ideas came to light. This enabled me to develop my initial ideas further.
We then had a group discussion and documented their thoughts and ideas. Some of these matched with some of my initial ideas, and some new ideas came to light. This enabled me to develop my initial ideas further.
Ideas that matched my initial ideas were;
- Black & White
- Lower class area
- Fast editing/close ups
- Attractive female
- Slow motion
Some New ideas included;
- Castle
- Forest
- Emotional feel
My initial ideas proved to be strong ideas that my target audience would expect to see and therefore should be successful.
The bones of my ideas can be filled out and developed further.
Initial Ideas - Mindmap
I made a rough mindmap to document my initial ideas before holding my focus group.
I hope my focus group matches some of my initial ideas as well as putting light to new ideas that I can use to develop my ideas further.
Character - Female
- Attractive
- Attractive
Locations:
Outside - Lower Class areas
- Under a bridge
- Dirt Track
- Under a bridge
- Dirt Track
Cell -
- Old looking cell, Black Bars, brick work
- Modern - White, Plain
Editing:
- Fast Pace
- To the beat of the music
- Slow motion
- Black and White
Costume + Make-up
Outside
- Stern Looking, fur coats, high heels, hair up etc
Cell
Old cell: black, hair down,
Modern: Messy hair, neutral colours, smudge make-up etc
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Pitch
I intend to create a performance based music video to the song: G4L by Rihanna
This will be designed and shot in the style of a typical genre r'n'b, fitting in with the forms and conventions as well as challenging stereotypes.
I will focus on a edgey style to the r'n'b genre that hits a niche audience of teenagers/young adults aged from around 13 - 22.
I intend to create a message that portrays the meaning of the lyrics with both; subtle underlying images as well as clear representations.
I will keep documents of the process stage from equipment check lists, to filming diaries and call sheets.
This will be designed and shot in the style of a typical genre r'n'b, fitting in with the forms and conventions as well as challenging stereotypes.
I will focus on a edgey style to the r'n'b genre that hits a niche audience of teenagers/young adults aged from around 13 - 22.
I intend to create a message that portrays the meaning of the lyrics with both; subtle underlying images as well as clear representations.
I will keep documents of the process stage from equipment check lists, to filming diaries and call sheets.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Song Choice/Initial Plan
Rihanna - G4L
I decided on this song due to knowing the genre very well and the edgey and gritty feel to this song is unique and different from most songs and genres.
With the equipment and experience I have, I feel I can produce a better quality video to this song rather than Jack by Pixie Lott.
I feel my ideas were stronger for ‘Jack’ however with my budget experience, and equipment, I do not feel I can pull off my ideas to the way in which I would want to.
Initial Plan to develop my ideas;
- I intend to hold a focus group with my target audience
- Research in to the artist and other music videos of this style
- Research into locations to ensure my ideas can be achieved
I decided on this song due to knowing the genre very well and the edgey and gritty feel to this song is unique and different from most songs and genres.
With the equipment and experience I have, I feel I can produce a better quality video to this song rather than Jack by Pixie Lott.
I feel my ideas were stronger for ‘Jack’ however with my budget experience, and equipment, I do not feel I can pull off my ideas to the way in which I would want to.
Initial Plan to develop my ideas;
- I intend to hold a focus group with my target audience
- Research in to the artist and other music videos of this style
- Research into locations to ensure my ideas can be achieved
Possible Song Choices/Ideas
I decided to choose between a Pop song and an R’n’B influenced song. These are very mainstream and will be a challenge however these are the two genres I have the most knowledge on.
Pixie Lott – ‘Jack’
Initial Ideas;
- Narrative based
- 2 characters – male and female
- Cuts to performance – Female singer based in a white room with a band
- Predominantly outside locations - representing different seasons
The Pop genre allows for a wider range of ideas, either conforming to the music video or challenging the forms and conventions.
Problems;
- Quality of locations
- Lighting outside locations is hard on a small budget
- Having no budget means it is hard to get professional equipment, locations etc. in order to make the outside scenes look professional
- outside weather is unpredictable
- Mainstream genre will make it difficult to create a video that will stand out
Rihanna – ‘G4L’
Initial Ideas;
- Performance based
- Female
- Locations – Dark, ‘lower class areas’, ‘the streets’
- Main location – Prison Cell
- Cuts to shots of the same female outside of the cell – ‘Gangsta’ feel
This genre is a unique genre that is not widely known. It’s very close to R’n’B and mixed with influences of grime. The gritty sound to this song makes it different from many songs and allows the opportunity to create an edgey, dark and creative video.
Problems;
- Finding locations of such a specific idea/appearance
- Music artist is very mainstream
Pixie Lott – ‘Jack’
Initial Ideas;
- Narrative based
- 2 characters – male and female
- Cuts to performance – Female singer based in a white room with a band
- Predominantly outside locations - representing different seasons
The Pop genre allows for a wider range of ideas, either conforming to the music video or challenging the forms and conventions.
Problems;
- Quality of locations
- Lighting outside locations is hard on a small budget
- Having no budget means it is hard to get professional equipment, locations etc. in order to make the outside scenes look professional
- outside weather is unpredictable
- Mainstream genre will make it difficult to create a video that will stand out
Rihanna – ‘G4L’
Initial Ideas;
- Performance based
- Female
- Locations – Dark, ‘lower class areas’, ‘the streets’
- Main location – Prison Cell
- Cuts to shots of the same female outside of the cell – ‘Gangsta’ feel
This genre is a unique genre that is not widely known. It’s very close to R’n’B and mixed with influences of grime. The gritty sound to this song makes it different from many songs and allows the opportunity to create an edgey, dark and creative video.
Problems;
- Finding locations of such a specific idea/appearance
- Music artist is very mainstream
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