Final Video

This is the complete music video. I'm really proud of how it has turned out even though there are still a few things that I have noticed that may affect continuity, like when Janet walks down the stairs, she begins to walk down twice.
I have learnt so much while making this video. I was worried at first that the idea was a little too out of reach to achieve, but it does prove that risk assessments and thorough planning of set and storyboarding and costume does have a positive effect on the outcome.
I've realised that some people can be unreliable, unless they're doing something for their own benefit. That's why it was a good idea to use Janet for the narrative piece because acting is one of her passions.

I shared our video on twitter and facebook and got this feedback:

It's important to note that these are all comments from girls; age ranging from 17 to their early 20s.
And also no member of the audience on social media has recognised any mistakes or continuity errors, which is a good sign because I know now that the audience, unless trained, won't look into greater detail.

Our Roles

I think it's fair to say we shared an equal amount of responsibility when producing the video.
For example, it was mostly Helen doing camera work and myself directing and suggesting shots.
We both did a lot of editing between us, even if there were moments when we'd disagree over when to place clips.

A concern of mine was that Janet walk diagonally from a fence, passed bushes and then a lamp post.
It annoyed me then when we had another shot where she is walking alongside the fence, bushed and lamp post again as this was just the same shot just from a different angle.
Janet also begins to walk down the stairs twice, something I don't think should happen. However only one person another than myself has noticed this.

Re-casting

Filming the narrative was becoming increasingly frustrating for the both of while trying to create this video. Our main idea was to use Keira for both star image and the narrative. However due other priorities it was difficult to film and complete this. 

So we began to reach out to other girls who could replaces Keira subtly. I suggested my friend Maddie Smith, as she had the same hair and style as Keira. She was well up for helping us out and starring in the video. A problem occurred when Maddie lost all of her coursework for her studies, so understandably we had to let her off, leaving us to find someone else.

Janet is 18 and wants to study Drama at University. It was to both of our advantages to to use her, as it would complete our narrative and give her acting experience in something other than live drama.

There were minor changes in our storyboard, mainly that Janet wasn't able to sing and leave it to the star. Other than that the storyboard remained practically the same. 

I think time keeping was main issue with Keira, as we were only able to use her for two hours maximum because she had more important places to be. When filming with Janet we planned and filmed from 5pm to 9pm. These four hours were really valuable because we were able to complete so much.

Asking Janet was definitely the right decision, however there is a part in the video where she leaves the house and then disappears for the next minute or so.

Ancillary Tasks

For my ancillary tasks I decided to make a poster and a digipak. I chose these two because I feel that these are what the audiences look at most when a new album has come out. The target audience of teenagers would stereotypically have posters all over their bedrooms, and buy or download music. So I think, not only is it interesting for me, but to give the audience what they want too.

Firstly I changed the digipak layout:

This is because I thought it was more accurate like other digipaks.

This is what my digipak looks like right now:

I chose the most important photos for this digipak. The cover of Keira holding the sparkler and the band name connoted the entire music video and song. Because the sparkler covers her face, it shows anonymity, showing that she ins't the only one who needs to the spark.

The back has Keira's face with a grey space for the track names. This could suggest that the focus and light is on her.

The inside left in a photo of the actual bonfire that we filmed at. It hints at the music video and the fiery attitude. Lastly where the disc goes is a photo of the band, with Keira and Janet. We all love a good band photo. 

Next time you see this digiback you with see the photos of the disc section and inside left swap. I'd like for the audience to open to CD case and instantly see the band happy. There will also be more information on the cover, including a price and a barcode. 

This is my poster:

(FEEDBACK YET TO COME)

Sparklers

Tonight and thursday night we plan to complete filming. To fill in blank bit in the video, I had an idea of having Keira dancing around in the field, holding a sparkler and singing. In contrast to the rest of the video, Keira will be wearing bright clothes and make up.

I take style inspiration from these:

During this, I want to take photos of Keira for my poster, as I'm not happy with the image it currently has. It was my idea either for Keira to spell out 'Last Hope' with the sparkler, or for a close up Keira's hand holding up the sparkler. Tonight will be an interesting experience as we will get to experiment with different colours, weather and atmosphere.

Poster Progress

This is what my poster for Paramore looks like:

It hold the convention of the band name, website, magazine reviews and hits. 

To link with the music video, the background is fire. I aim to have this motif in my other ancillary task.

The Revered Gaze

"Gothic cathedrals (and IMAX theatres) provide instructive examples of the conscience us of artistic media - space, form, light, sounds - to produce religious-mystical, i.e psychedelic experiences"  - Timothy Leary

This video proves that media is almost a religious movement to be mesmerised by, to worship.  What was once physical constructed visual media like Cathedrals, are to a modern audience, what watching a film in IMAX is, it holds that same awe and appreciation despite the advances in technology. This is what media is all about, to capture this breath-taking feeling through creativity and originality.
This is what I want to achieve in my video.