Music Video Inspiration

I recently looked at this groups channel on Youtube, i have been a big fan of their music for months and i particularly liked the part in this clip where Villa the artist goes into his car and sings whilst doing various hand actions. I will try to include this into our music video.

Production of Music Video

So far we have gathered all of our videos from our soon to be published animatic, and we have done various test shots around a few places of our choice, we decided to conduct them at night to see the different effects we could get playing with lighting, i filmed my partner driving from various angles as this is the main fallback shot in our video, i experimented with close ups, mid shots as well as different positioning of the camera. The outcome was more than successful as we dealt with a few early problems, however the final take of the test shot was satisfactory, i was able to capture him at a good angle and keep a steady frame while he was lip sinking to a random song. Next we will have to conduct a few more test shots and then get on to filming.

Digipak mock up Progress

Digipak MOCK UP

I have completed the front cover of my mock up, as you can see i have used a picture that i got of vin diesel online, i think it goes well with the backround as it gives the album a simplistic classy effect, almost like an apple product, as you can see Vin diesle has a sharpie pen in his mouth and directly next to it we see an autograph (also from online) this gives the viewer an impression that he has done, it i think it is a good origianal effect.

Research for filming music video

Tips for Shooting Music Videos

by Roy Sallows

Script it Out
A music video, like a drama, should be planned, even scripted, before you shoot. Flying by the seat of your pants isn't going to get you where you want to go. Do a little homework. Study music videos and performances featuring music of the same genre and note techniques that impress you. Try to figure out how and why the directors took the shots and made the cuts that they did. You don't have to duplicate what you see, but it won't hurt to borrow some ideas from the pros. Every song and dance that has appeared on film or video has had someone making decisions about what goes where. And, with a little thought, you can usually figure out why that particular image was shot for that bar of music.

You'll find it helpful to get a copy of the song you'll be taping on cassette or CD so you can play it and listen to it before the shoot. As you listen, identify pictures that the music suggests to you. Every song has a story and the goal here is to find and visualize it. To help you decide on the pictures you need, make a simple storyboard. Don't worry that you can't draw. All you want to do is make sketches of the shots you need. Stick figures and visual shorthand are fine. After all, who's going to see these pictures except you?

Check That Sound
If you are shooting a professional performer, use a recorded version of the song being performed as the sound track for the video. Make sure you get the best sound you possibly can, because you won't be able to improve it later.

If there is no tape or CD available you'll be forced to record your audio live. That's all right. Just make sure that you get a good, clean recording of the performance. Your on-camera microphone probably won't make the greatest live recording, but if you must use it, get it as close as you can to the performance for the best results. To get better sound, you can plug an external mike into your camcorder. One of the best ways to get great sound from a live performance is to get a feed from the house sound system, though you may need a few adapters and a long cable. Remember, it is important to ask the sound technician for a mike-level feed. A line-level feed plugged into a camcorder's microphone input will sound heavily distorted, and can cause permanent damage to the camera's circuitry.

Whatever the case, you should set up the camcorder framing a medium closeup of the performer and allow him to play the number all the way through without stopping the tape. This will give you a continuous audio track to work with. This shot will also provide the primary video for your project, with lips perfectly in sync with the music. Simply insert a few cutaways of fingers on the piano or guitar strings and your video is all but finished.

Do it Again
It's a good idea to shoot your star performing the number several times, from various camera angles. If you are shooting a group of musicians, get coverage of each member. You may find that you need to tape the same song six or eight times to get the shots you need, especially if you are covering a group of performers.

Get your performers away from their usual haunts and into a location that supports your interpretation of the music. Let them have fun with the story you are telling. Singers are especially difficult to shoot. Their videos shouldn't just be singing heads. Try to find something else for them to do. Just remember that the music is the star here. Try to make the images, activities and locations support the music.

Better B-roll
All right. You have the music. You've shot a stage performance sixteen times. What other footage can you use to fill out your video? You really have two choices when it comes to B-roll for musical performances. You can mix multiple camera angles and show various shots of the performer performing, or you can cut away to show shots of images related to the theme of the song, like ocean waves or snow-topped mountains.

These related images can be full-motion video, but they don't necessarily have to be. Still photos often work well in music videos. Search old photo albums to see if the images you want are already there. You can use still photos to create a video montage, with the music in the background. Try cross fading from one photo to another or slowly scanning across an array of photos.

You've Got Style
Be creative when you're shooting. Take advantage of things that are usually considered mistakes. A lens flare isn't always a bad thing, nor are reflections, backlit scenes or the talent laughing between takes.

By the way, don't assume that you have to shoot with rapid cuts, Dutch angle (tilted camera), extensive lighting setups, tons of filters, pulsing zoom or digital effects to make your video memorable. That may work for some music, but your project may not need it. The key is to use a pace that matches the music.

Finally, have fun. You'll be amazed at what a little fun will do for your music video.

Research for the Filming stage of my project

We have now completed our analysis, and gathered different ideas concerning the production towards our music video, we have also complicated our digipaks and advertisements (first drafts), we have also at this stage interpreted what is expected to be in our music video, taking into account locations,budgeting and overall availability  We are now going to begin planning where and when to film as well as leaving enough time to edit our music video, the next few posts will be research regarding the filming and production of our music video.
The following equipment will be needed in order to film our music video which we are in process's of gaining.

This is similar to the camera we are using, however we have access to a lower grade version, still with most of the same features and functions, so it should be just as effective.  It features Sony’s Steady Shot image stabilization technology, an Exmor R CMOS sensor and an ultra-wide angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens. As well as being small and easy to count  it will be fitting for most of our tracking shots as well as close ups and filming from awkward angles such as thew sots we plan to take from outside the cars windshield whilst driving.

I will use a tripod to film my standing shots which which will take place in various alleys and against the graffiti wall i posted earlier. this will help keep the shots still as well as enabling me to talk to the actor while i shoot the film. i will rent a tripod out from school.

I will need to make my artist camera ready, this may require using varies cosmetics such as foundation, which will make my artist look more professional and have visibly clear skin, this will ensure that i get a high quality good image. My artist will also need to be ready for the photo shoot  for my digipak and advert, this will be done at a later stage in my project.

These are the core elements for the production of our video as well as the location, various props and Mise en scene as well as different people and enhancing effects.

Album Name

I have selected below a variety of different album names however, one name is still in the back of my head.

My first initial idea was name my album 'Autograph' as i thought it was original and i could base my typography around this. However i felt as if it did not exactly denote what my album was about, and who my artist was.


Pyramids

This was chosen as the pyramid shape was a fashion trend that stemmed from the Illuminati, this was broadcast by many famous Hip Hop celebrities such as Kanye West, Jay Z and Beyonce. This was not chosen as it resembled hate, and anger (controversies with Illuminati) and i felt that it would not be a good fit for an up and coming album.

My next idea was to name my album Sky fall after the up and coming James bong move, i felt that it gave a sense of class to my album as well as ensuring it was named something catchy. This was my second choice for naming my album, however i felt i was copying the theme too much, and i felt that i would not execute it as successfully, instead i chose to use elements from the advertisement and then use them in actual piece.



My final idea name itself  is called SKY HIGH, similar to SKY FALL however co notating how the artist would be feeling after huge success 'on top of the world' feeling almost. The poster above was my inspiration, however i changed it to match my criteria.

Draft Advert and Digipack

Picures for my didgipak and advert

Below are some pictures i have taken for my digipak and advert at the end i will make a choice on which ones will be used.

The picture on the right was taken a long time ago i found it on my family camera (Sony handy cam) as i was looking for pictures of vishal, i thought i could manipulate this picture create a generic theme for my digipak, the picture on the left was also considered to be put in my advert /digipak as it represents a street edge however i do not think it will work with my genre. the pictures above were all taken with my initial idea in mind and i think i will use one of them to feature in a panel in my digipak.

Model -Photo shoot

Model- Photo shoot

For my Digipak and advert i will need a model to suit my genre and video concept, it would be the obvious solution to use the star in the video, however as i have based many ideas around such groups as ODD FUTURE and A$AP ROCKY, they tend to use members from the group unrelated to music almost to humor their fans or create a divers effect such as Lucas on odd futures latest album, however in this case i will use someone from the group. Bellow i have listed what i will need and why i have chosen certain elements such as the costume and clothing.






I will need a  quality HD camera such as this canon to take my pictures as they need to be high quality and crisp for my digipak and advert. I will be able to enhance them at a later stage on Photoshop  however i will need a good camera to enable a professional look.





I will also need a professional white studio back round to take various images, as this creates an authentic professional white 'plain' look, this will be done by going to a professional studio or using the white projector in school, it will benefit the quality of the pictures.



I have not fully decided on the color i will use for the autograph on my cover, however i will use a sharpie marker as they are well known and used by many celebrities.


This is a universal item of clothing, that is why i will ensure my model is wearing it as it emphasizes the models posture (i am aiming to get someone muscular) and it maintains the classy professional look, whilst still being something everyone owns.

I will need expensive pieces of jewelry but not too much as this congest the models appearance, this would have worked for earlier 200's 90's hip hop, however to maintain the sophisticated look i will need an expensive watch.


A pair of crisp dark jeans will be needed for other longer shots, these also need to be quite plain and bland , black jeans may even be used.

The shoes i will use depend upon further research the air forces combine class and street 'swag' together by being white but still maintains a street reputation, however the timberland's scream elegance but are notorious for being worn by gangsters and criminals in the early 90's.

Lighting- Natural/stage lighting if can be accessed- i will use these forms of lighting as they are perhaps the easiest to obtain and give off the best effect.
Camera shot-Mid angles-Long shots depending on mock ups of digipaks.

Digipack-Photoshoot inspiration

Digipak Photoshop Inspiration

I will be completing my live Photoshop soon for my advertisement and digipak so i thought i would research generic conventions according to my genre, this will enable me to compile a full-proof authentic cover, i am also in the process of completing my mock up designs for both the digipak and advertisement  this will help me establish what types of fonts, colors and poses to include within.

Below you will see a collage of my genres typical covers,back covers and genuine photos.

All of the above pictures have been comprised from recent months, although the song we are choosing is a few years older, it still has an up to date beat and lyrically it is relevant to today's hip hop scene. I have noticed an important factor in today's hip hop album covers,artwork,posters etc, which is that there are two set formations in which you can follow known in slang as ( SWAG VS CLASS) this is the term used by youths to describe either a 'street' 'ghetto' fashion which would be SWAG, which is said in most songs thees days and refereed to in many different ways (not just a high end label of clothing) and then there is CLASS which is  a more formal 'gentlemen approach to hip hop. every artist offers a range of looks from 'swag' to 'class'. Key conventions of rap/hip hop posters include bold rich colors (golds,whites and reds) these colors are used i think because the genre is based around wealth and style of the wealth that the artist has. Typically the mise en scene in both posters and front covers tend to be expensive clothing, However speaking from a long time hip hop fan, i would say there is never really any traditional conventions to follow as every artist has there own look, however if i was to combine all ideas concerning hip hop imagery then i would have to point out the constant use of camera shot, being a mid shot  (sometimes a little closer) which is used as it just simply works with most covers regardless of the other mise en scene surrounding it. I will most likely use a mid shot in my mock ups and in my actual designs for my front cover, in terms of color i will probably keep it simple and plain like the ASAP american flag, and the Rick Ross cover.

Research Of Locations

Research and Analysis of Locations

These are some locations that we have looked into, we have chosen carefully what we think would be most fitting to our video by reviewing the possible mise en scene and shot angles to produce a high quality video full of authentic shots. Our video will use basic background settings to emphasize the mise ens scene of the costume and clothing as well as combining an authentic 'street' feel to the video, research into availability and difficult has been carried out and we have gathered pictures from the internet of what most of our shots will be based around.

This will be one of the main background locations for our video, this picture is from the internet however we have access to the same color and wearing of bricks located under a bridge near Braunstone, Leicester, we have chose this from inspiration of Azelia Banks-212 video in which a majority of the video is shot from a mid angle showing nothing buy the singer and a brick wall. I think this will be very effective and emphasize the song as well as the costume and actor (including facial expressions to show what the song is conveying).

This will be another main setting in which the video will take place, this was an idea we reconstructed from watch a YouTube video based on the Gotye song  'Somebody that i used to know'. I think that it will be effective especially with the flow and tempo of the song as it could be portrayed in  the sights that would be visible when driving and the speed. Also as the video focuses on the guy being a celebrity driving is a universal factor no matter what your status is, this will help with authenticity as well as the fact that we have access to a top of the range Mercedes.

Although it is not definite, we aim to film scenery and background shots in and around London  this would make the video look more authentic as successful celebrities often live in the heart of the country, in this case it is the capital. the big buildings dazzling lights and famous buildings would elevate the class of our video and make it look professional. 

The inspiration from this was gathered form Empire State Of Mind-By Alicia Keys and Jay z were they include shots from New York in thier video.

Another setting that we are yet to find is an apartment, preferably upscale and expensively decorated, if theworst comes down then we will use a room that we poses already and decorate it with upscale props ourselves  the idea came from a series of drake videos, firstly being 'I'm on One' in which a majority of the video is shot in an all white apartment this gives it a classy elegant feel. Another video that inspired us was Drakes 'Headlines' where they are all gathered at a table wearing expensive clothes drinking champagne and smoking cigars.

Artist Profile

L.O.G (League of Gentlemen) were all born in the same neighbourhood in lower east Brooklyn to their single mothers, all of them have never seen or heard about their Fathers to this day. Jamal the oldest member has 3 brothers from which 2 still remain alive they are both younger than him. Damien the youngest member has one older brother who is currently serving a life sentence in Compton penitentiary system. The group also features other Members who are seen in music videos and heard in various songs however Jamal and Damien are the only members who constantly produce albums and songs as well as who are featured on most artwork for the group.The group was founded by Jamal and his brother Shaun originally found the group when he was around 16, however they later met Damien and collaborated to produce their first mix tape 'life of a Real G'. Three years later their much anticipated first album is set for real ease and the first track to be announced is called 'My Life be like'. They are now very succesful and recognised acrooss the world and have done tours in Asia, Africa, U.S.A,Canada and the UK.

Digipak Layouts

Digipak Layouts

Research of camera shot to be used for Digipak

Research for my Digipak

Here i have selcted a few pictueres that i hav seen that could possibley mirror the ones that i am going to do for my digipak, i have tyhought about the distance of the shot, positioning, lighting and pose as well as colour scheme forn each shot on my digi pak, thsi will help me to decide exactly what i want to feature on my digipak.I will also look into the mise ens cene i will use in the backround (if any) and what the model will be wearing.

Above is a picture that i viewed on facebook a while ago i like the mid shot used as it enables the shot to be clear yet not too distant from the model, i also like the costume as it is plain and fits with the backround. The lighting used is also partucully effective as it emphasises key features on the model as well as not making the picture too dazzling , what is shown is natural lighting i beleve, this will be hard to obtain for my use as it looks like the model is in an exotic location. The main feature i like about this photo is the use of the pen in his mouth, the original picture that i viewed had an autograph on the picture, this is a clever technique as it shows the model doing something to the cover when he is in the shot.

This is a picture of an actual poster that i have the famous RUN DMC symbol has been imitated many times due to its simplicity and classic look, i would try to feature the same style of classical bold letters on my cover if i was to do a digipack related to this. I like the shot used as it caputures all the artists and also leaves enough room for emphasism on the logo, i also like the costume that the artists are wearign, in theis decade that was considerd somewhat fashionables however would still be outragous due to teh heavy chains and hats.

This cover for Puaha T's album , it shows a chapter form the bible, and uses a contrating colour scheme to capture the importance of the title, it also uses a gradient textured look to look distressed in the title, this reflects what the title means and also what the album could be reflecting.I would go for this look possible for my back cover , inside cover or if i was going to go for a simple classy look.

Here i have selcted a picture more in tone with my overall genre as it features the graffiti like writing  the cover as well as the dark gloomy backround with a picture of Busta Rymes wearing urban styled clothing with exesive jewlerry and a stand out pose pointing to the audience. This is a mid shot however digital effects have been used to highlight his hand and face as you can see. The lighting used would not be applicables as it is obvious that an artifitial backround has been used.the costume and mise en scene is also partucally effective as it fits with the 'Anarchy' title as well as the 'gangster' 'ghetto' theme.

I like this picture of French Montanna as it it in black and white and shows a classic old school look. I also like the pose he is doing in this shot, he is almost smuggly saluting his game of rapping. As French montanna gre up an area with gang violence, kissing your chain would be a sighn of success or honour.

Pitch feedback

Feedback.

After we did our pitches from Animoto, we waited for people to ask us about the video. Aswell as the animoto we also gave a small introduction on our video so we can enable the audience to understand it better. Firstly, we did not get asked any questions which is a good thing as it meant everyone understood what we doing well. We were then asked questions by the teacher only about how we would portray the athletes at the end reaching their goal. This got us thinking about it but we explained how we could change this fact and be unsure about the athletes becoming professional but having children who can be playing the sport and then it will show them as teenagers and them training hard. This was the main feedback that caused concern for our group but we are making decisions as a team to go through this.

Risk Assesment

Risk Assesment-
                        As we creating a video about sporting inspiration with a Hip Hop twist, we will have to consider many hazards that may occur to actors, director, camera person etc.

• Make sure there is no wires that are linked to the camera and maybe a microphone if we use it as a prop.
• Look at the surface area of where the actors and other members of the filming are going to be to ensure theres no trips or injuries.
• Any sport being done by the actors, have no actions that may cause any damage to the actors.

Locations: 

In the park when recording the american football player, be aware of any equipment lying around.

Any actions we do (e.g. takedowns, tackling, throwing the ball, running) some of these may be hard to prevent but we must keep all of these in our minds so that nothing major does happen.

If the actor is wearing jewellery they must take it off because of it being a physical contact which can lead to very dangerous accidents.

Take into account the conditions on the day with the pitch.

When the boxer and the American football player will be training in a gym, we need to ensure the training they are doing is safe and done properly. 

When the boxer will be training in the boxing ring, we will have to make sure there is nothing on the floor that may make him trip.

The basketball player will be playing in a sports gym so again the floor must be in good conditions and not be wet and we can ask the caretaker to make sure the floor is good for when we use it. 

These are the main risks that are associated with our video, however they are not all of them but I have not listed them due to them being smaller and less likely incidents but hopefully once we film our video nothing major or little will happen and the video is filmed to how it was planned; again this is very likely as all plans have mistakes but anything that does occur will be posted on the blog to keep everyone informed about how we doing. 

Album Cover inspiration-Tier 1

Album Cover Inspiration 

Currently we are conveying ideas as to what we should construct for an album cover, we are making lists of different colour pallets and overall ideas that we could use and we are also writing up any text that is to be written on the Album cover such as thank you notes, album track listing, company's represented and any additional information.. Below is the first set of ideas i have came up with including reason as to why would construct my cover around them.

I thought this was a particularly effective album cover as it shows numerous conventions of a typical Rap Hip Hop genre including the tattoos visible, chains low trousers, dew rag and rich dark colours. 50 Cent is also one of my favourite hip hop artists who produces a variety of songs. There is also a symbolical element to this cover which is one that i would also like to do as he is shown o one light side and one dark side showing is split life, the glass is a symbol for him breaking into the game.

this album cover does not follow the normal conventions of a Hip Hop artist, even though Odd Future fall into the alternate Hip Hop genre. I find this cover effective as it is simple and expresses the band in no way therefore the customer buying the product would remember this cover and instantly recognise it wherever else they might see it. The person on the cover is part of Odd future but does not feature directly in songs.

This was one of the first albums i ever brought, i find the cover to express the music portrayed by the Wu Tang Clan very well as it is messy, distraught sand angry almost, this is also in black and white which also is very effective.i also like the way that the album title is shown in a variety of colours and formatted in an unusual way.

I find this cover to be effective as it goes well with the album title and also is graphilogically effective thought the use of colour being dark and misty as well as through the positioning of band members and the use of the yellow in the flag which is contrasting to the rest of the covers.

One of my favourite albums, a true masterpiece with a simple picture and title, i find this to be one of the most effective covers as it uses a simplistic classic effect which gives it a classy elegant look.The contrasting colours make it eye catching yet not too aesthetically dazzling. The title is also very hard hitting and uses a full stop for emphasis.

I have seen this picture many times and it has always stood out becuase of its simplixity and colour scheme as it uses diffrent shades of grey to emphasis certain features on Sinatras face. I also liek the way that he is posing not directly looking at the camera and with his hands paralell to each other.