Gathering footage

I am gathering together my footage to create a rough draft to post on my blog to the audience an idea of what ideas i have and how i can portray them.

Today's lesson

Today i have looked through my footage and narrowed down the choice to include within my rough cut.

Other product ideas?

Whilst i have been going around filming, i have took some snap shots of the locations for my other products; poster and CD cover. In addition, i have some pictures from when it snowed last year which i am considering using within my project.

what next?

I have finished off and editied the whole of the music track i need to go into my music video. Over the past couple of weeks i have been gathering various footage in which i editied down to post some rough cuts to show my ideas. I will then get some feedback on my roof cuts and see if i need to change my ideas or make them better in anyway.

Feedback on music sample 2

This is some feedback from the second music sample.


Nath – I liked all of the guitar parts especially the outro, I like the guitar parts after each verse, I couldn’t tell what the singer was saying though but it was good.


Ian – I like the bit between the second chorus and the bridge and I also like the outro. I think that it is catchy.



Mr Taylor – Simple and effective. Certainly catchy and a good song to use for a video. I thought at first the vocal was a little loud but it’s probably about right. Chorus lends itself well to repeating some of the same images/ideas in your video – would probably work well as narrative / live action. You’ll have to consider what will work well for the guitar solo / outro.

Josh - i think the music is simple and effective. I think the genre of music will suit your target audience and get good feedback. I think the tune of the guitars is catchy and the repetitive chorus sticks into your head. I think the recording quality is good for the equipment that you had available, the vocals are also good.

sally - In comparison to the other reviews, i think that the overall product is good. However, it is not my type of music genre so it doesnt interest me enough. On the other hand, that is only my opinion which means others may like it.

Music sample 2

This is the second attempt of recording for my music video. i have added vocals and edited the song to add character and make it sound more professional. This should be, or close to the final copy of the song.

Feedback on CD covers and fonts

Ian: I think that the one with the yellow font is the best but i also think that the ones with the water fall are very good aswell.

Nath: i like both of the pictures but i think the sunday blues one is the best because the colour of the font looks good with the waterfall.



Jake: I think that the fonts used throughout these Cd cover products are good. I think the fonts stand out from the image and make it clear to see. Finding similar pictures of your own will be difficult but if you get the right images i think the CD cover will be effective.



Sarah: My initial response to these Cd covers is good. However i think they are missing something but it is hard to tell what it is. I like the images used and the fonts stand out and go well with the genre of music.



Jess: I do not like this sort of genre of music. However i think for your target audience you have created some good Cd covers.



Jack: The fonts on each Cd cover stands out, but i prefer the most recent Cd cover with the bridge and yellow font. The yellow fonts blends well with the background image and adds character. Furthermore, i think you should continue with the idea of bright fonts and dull images to make the title of the band stand out.


Sally: I think the better Cd covers are of the bridge with the bright fonts. Preferably the yellow one. I think its a interesting background and will help to engage your target audience. To improve i would include something musical within the background.

Music sample 1

This is the first attempt of the recording the music for my music video. The music in this PowerPoint has not been edited or has not got vocals on it so far. The lyrics have been fully written and i am currently preparing to record them and add them to this recording. In addition, i will need to edit it all when the lyrics have been added. For example, i will need to alter the levels for each instrument to make them fit in better and use different equaliser effects to make the song sound more professional and full.

CD cover mockup

One of my favourite covers so far, using a dull picture but with bright fonts on the astroclash to make it stand out. I think i will go to congelton canal and get a picture which is similar to this one for my Cd cover.

CD cover mock up

Congelton canal photo of in mosley where the canal changes sides. Interested picture and not to far to go to visit and collect a similar a picture.

Cd cover mock up

Another cover, with different fonts used on the album title, with a different colour.

Cd cover mockup

Different colours and a different album cover name. I have used the same image, but im changing the covers slighty to get the best results and give me a clear idea of what picture and fonts i want on my official cd cover.

CD cover idea/Mockup

The picture i have used from google images, but is a local place in which i could visit and get a similar picture. This is an idea of what my CD cover could be like. It is simple but the fonts are clear and it is easy to see.

Fonts

Fonts

View more presentations from M Taylor.

Colour scheme

The colour scheme i have choosen for the cd cover and poster is as follows;
i am going to use dark colours for the background but not to dark to not be able to see the picture. For example make the picture black and white.
In addition i am going to use bright colours for the fonts to help to make them stand out.

Lyrics

Astroclash - better than ever
Lyrics:
Im always alright
Ill say im okay
dont ask how i am
have you had a good
see it over there the truth in the distance
keep away from it cause i dont have patience

And you get it better than ever
as its closer and clearer as you slowly grow older and you
do it, do what you wanna do
if you dont get it done
itll do you too.

Simple as that
as i just said
cause that what you do i wrote these lyrics in bed
change of subject
back to the point
because we've run out of options
and we've run out of coin

And you get it better than ever
as its closer and clearer as you slowly grow older and you
do it, do what you wanna do
if you dont get it done
itll do you too.

Im always alright
Ill say im okay
dont ask how i am
have you had a good
see it over there the truth in the distance
keep away from it cause i dont have patience

And you get it better than ever
as its closer and clearer as you slowly grow older and you
do it, do what you wanna do
if you dont get it done
itll do you too.

Actors

I have decided to use male actors within my music video. The two band members featuring myself and one of my friends, will be the main two actors within the film. A range of live action shots will show the band members playing their instruments just like the other music videos i have looked at within my research. However, i have not decided if i want to include any additional actors within my music video and will be decided at a later date.

Equipment

I will need a range of equipment to create an effective music video. I will need to consider which equipment i am going to use for different parts of my music video and how i can portray them to my target audience. In addition, i will need to consider how i am going to use this equipment, For example, using different settings on the camera to enhance the actors emotions used in the video. To create a good quality video without anything going wrong i will need to use each part of the equipment efficiently and have a good understanding of how to work it.
I will need the following equipment;

• Video camera
• Clothes for actors
• Recording software
• Mixing desk
• Microphones
• Acoustic guitars
• Jack to jack leads
• A suitable recording area
• A suitable video recording location/locations
• Any additional props

I will need to make sure i have all the equipment i need before i start to record the music for the music video. I need the correct equipment to give me the best possible outcome.

Location CD cover/Poster

For the location of my CD cover and poster, i will need to consider a range of locations, so that i can create good quality products. Furthermore, i have made a powerpoint, which is for the location of picture for the CD Cover and poster. The pictures used within the powerpoints i have not taken myself, but i am using them to give me a better idea of the places. When i have decided on a place i will use my own photos to create my products. I will create a powerpoint closer to the time, to help me to decide about where to shoot for my music video.

Location

View more presentations from browny2911.

Length of video

The minimum required length of video is two minutes. The song i have chosen to use within the music video exceeds this required time limit. I am hoping to get between 3 - 4 minutes of music video using a range of shots and techniques.

Target audience?

I gave a sample demo of a recording to 10 people. The 10 people i gave them out to range in age and tastes of music. The majority of responses i got was good and the quality of recording was also to a good standard. However some said that they wouldn't listen to this genre of music in their own time. This suggests that my target audience does not involve heavy metal fans, or classical music fans. In contrast, the majority of the 10 i showed the demo to, said they liked it and would listen to it in their spare time. These people are mainly into rock genres of music which leads me to believe i will aim my product towards a teen rock audience. The age range that i will specifically aim my product at will be between, 13 - 20.

How to record?

I have recently come into contact with a recording programme known as cool edit pro 2.1. This programme allows me to plug the computer into a mixing desk, which then allows me to record sound either direct or through microphones. For the music on my music video i will be recording it myself using a recording programme and a mixing desk. The quality of the sound will depend upon many things. For example; the echo in the room you are recording in, might echo onto the recording. In addition i will need to take alot of time into getting the recordings to a good quality.

Astroclash

The music that will be played in the music video will be something of my own material. The name of our two man duo is Astroclash, which i think is catchy and suits well with our genre of music. We have been together for only a small amount of time but we have a range of different songs we have written ourselfs. The music video and recording will help to promote the band aswell as the album cover and poster. Which could even been used in later situations.

We asked a group of 20 random people off the street what they thought about this band name.

This is table to show the results:

As you can see from the chart, the majority of people asked said yes they like the band name astroclash.

This has helped us to decide that now the official band name due to good feedback will be called astroclash.

Oasis Album Cover

This is one of many of the famous band oasis album covers.

The album cover shows the band sitting around in what looks like a living room of a house. This album cover is simple but effective but it shows a famous band doing normal everyday life things for a start up band looking to get into the music industry. I think this album cover will inspire bands and give them a better understanding of what the music business is like.

Oasis poster

This is one of my favourite posters i have looked at so far. The use of colour blends well and is bright to caption the attention of the audience. The font used in the oasis is eye catching and clear to see. This is good because it has the chance to attract a larger audience. In addition, the information on the poster is in a large bold font in comparison to the majority of others i have looked at. I will take into consideration the colour scheme and the use of fonts into consideration when im going to make my own. This is my personal favourite poster i have looked at so far and the design which could fit into my own work.

Foo Fighters poster

My initial response to this poster is good. I like the cartoon effective and the drawings of the band members. In comparison with the arctic monkeys poster before, where i didnt like the use of cartoon style. If you like the Foo Fighters then it is easy to tell who is who on the poster. For example Dave Grohl is featured infront of the other band members with a guitar in his hand. Furthermore, there is alot going on in this poster which helps to retain the audience for long enough to see the date of the event. December 6/7 at the Rodlaver Arena. However, there is one part of the poster which i personally don't like; the style of the fonts. I think from a distance they are hard to read which could mean they might lose out on potential sales. On the other hand, the font style goes well the background of the poster itself, which leads me to believe it wouldnt be as effective if the font was different.

Arctic Monkeys poster

At a glance this poster looks attractive and colourful. The monkey on the poster links with the second half of the band name "Arctic Monkeys". In addition the location of the monkey is in the arctic which also links with the band name.

The poster is cartoon based with big bold fonts to attract the audiences attention, which helps to engage the audience. When the poster has attracted the audience the information below the image gives details of the event when the arctic monkeys are playing. For example, where and when. However, in contrast with the previous statements, personally i think this poster is to cartoon and child like to correspond with the genre of music they play. In comparison i much prefer the poster i previously analysed featuring the arctic monkeys.

Music video directors

I choosen to look at the main director for the Red hot chili peppers. This links in with the music video earlier, "scar tissue". The directors name is Stephane Sednaoui who directed the scar tissue music video located in the California desert. Stephane Sednaoui also did work with R.E.M and Madonna. He also directed "Around the World" and "Give it away", songs by the red hot chili peppers.

Red Hot Chili Peppers poster

This is a poster advertising the red hot chili peppers and Nirvana playing at a gig in San Fransisco. The date marked on the poster was Tuesday, December 31st, 1991. The poster uses a strong red coloured background which is to represent fire and heat. This corresponds with the band name "Red" hot chili peppers. One of the first things i notice is the large bold font of the Red hot chili peppers, and with the use of visual Hiraki which on a first glance i read the bold title and then fol lowered the horn of the demon and then focused on the picture. This helps to entice the audience, and the information below helps to retain the audience.

Arctic Monkeys album cover

This is one of many of the Arctic Monkeys album covers. I choose this particular CD cover because i think it is effective and corresponds well with their music. I think this because the lyrics to their music are mainly random or made up stories, which relates to the unusual and random picture used on this cover. However, the only thing i dont like about this cover is the font of the arctic monkeys. Although it is funky and colourful and attractive to the audience, but from only a short distance away it becomes hard to read. Which suggests that some of the potential audience wouldnt even notice who it was and therefore might not purchase it.

Sum 41 album cover

Straight away when i look at this CD cover i see the band name SUM 41. This is effective because it instantly gives information to the audience of what band is featured within the CD. Even though the background is black the picture is clear and is faded into the background. However for the genre of music that i am going to produce i dont think that dark colours with blend well with the genre. I like the bright pink SUM41 because it makes you look at it, however i would use a brighter colour of background to suit the style of my music better.

Blink 182 greatest hits cover

This is the official blink182 greatest hits CD cover. It is a simple but effective design using only three colours to help to attract their audience. The CD cover links to their music and their style and personalilty. It has an effect which makes it look roughly drawn but it has been cleverly been developed to look that way. I like the simplistic use of colours and text too attract the audience, however, when i look at this CD cover i feel like there is something missing, a lack of design and text. I will take into consideration the techniques used within this CD cover however i dont think i will use in my own products.

Foo Fighters Album cover

This is one of many of the Foo Fighters album covers. The first thing i notice when i look at this cover is the blue drapes, which look like it is stood of from the background. This makes the audience instantly look around where Foo Fighters is written. The bright background helps to accentuate the foo fighters logo, this will help to make this album cover stand out compared to other leading album covers.

However, my personal opinion of this album is not all good. I like some of the techniques used to capture the attention of the audience, however i would personally use a different colour scheme and layout.

Red Hot chili peppers CD cover and CD

The images above are the official red hot chilli peppers CD cover and CD. Both CD cover and CD contain a similar image to link them together. The images used on both the CD cover and CD are inrevelent to the actuall music itself, it is used only as a symbol so the audience can regonise it. However, this was a clever technique because it grabs the audiences attention by the bright red lipstick on the lips. I will take this technique into account and consider using a similar technique within my own work.

Green day - American Idiot

This is the official music video for the popular Greenday song American idiot. The video consists of greenday playing infront of a big American flag. It is a live action video, with quick camera shots to keep the tempo up and to match the song. There are mainly close ups of the main singing whilst he is singing and then multi shots inbetween. Some parts of the video have been edited so it looks like they are moving faster than normal but this can be done with basic software.

Foo Fighters - Best Of You

This music video opens with a close up of a microphone with Dave Ghrol singing. This makes the audience concentrate more on the actual lyrics of the song rather than the video itself. I think a technique similar to this should be used in my music video. In addition, the video shows the band in a plain background playing their instruments to the music, this is one technique that i will hope to use in my video. However, in this video there are random snippets of film which are inrevelvent to the video. I think if i were to use this technique i wouldnt include so much random footage; i would use my own.

To conclude, after watching this music video i would like to include some live footage and close-ups to show character and emotion. This links with the red hot chili peppers song previous, which also included close ups and live action footage.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Scar Tissue

This is the Official music video to the Red hot chili peppers song scar tissue. The video opens showing a desert background. It shows the 4 members of the band in a car driving through the desert. It also shows the members of the band singing or playing instruments in time with the music. This is an example of live action. I like the close up camera angles which show the bands emotions; keeps the audience interested in the video. In addition, the band members are shown as they have been on a long journey and they are injured but things are picking up as they drive towards the light.

I like the simplistic techniques used in this video but have a good effect. There are alot of random activities going on in this video which i think helps to add character and feeling. This video has helped to give me some idea of what i want in my music video; and i will take onboard the different techniques used, which i have the potential to use.

Initial music video research

Genres

Genre Wordle

I have decided that i am going to make a music video with a genre around rock. So i have created a wordle with different types of rock genres to help me to decide what genre of music i want for my music video. In addition, i will need to look at other music videos to give me a better idea of what my music video could be like.

Greetings!

Hello and welcome to my A2 media portfolio.
I am going to explore a range of genres to help me to decide what genre of music video i want to create. I have decided to make my own music, by using my own recording equipment and a range of instruments; guitar, bass, drums and vocals.

To do this i will need to research into rock genres like shown on my wordle. With this i will be able to plan and start to create my own music video.