1) Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?
For this task my group included myself, Sophie and Leah. We all had individual tasks allocated based on the different skills we had as a collective group. Leah was primarily filming instead of acting because she had more experience using a camera rather than acting. Me and Sophie were actors for the music video and we really enjoyed the roles because the original video for 212 proved challenging to copy as there is a rap verse which was difficult to film with correct timing. As for editing, most editing was done by me and Sophie however we ensured all three of us had an editing session.
2) How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use?
In the planning stage we carried out some work that would help us when filming. Once we had decided on a music video to replicate we created a storyboard of transitions in the first 30 seconds of the video. Additionally, we made a shooting schedule in so that we knew when we had to start editing and not take so long filming. Finally, we also took note of all the props we needed and locations so that when it came to filming we were organised and prepared.
3) What theories could you apply to the video you chose?
Andrew Goodwin's theory suggests a music video will frequently include shots that help sell the artist's music, often through sex appeal. In 212, Azaelia Banks has close ups of her face including an extreme close up of Banks licking her lips. Another theorist which can be mentioned is Carol Vernalis because she states that editing is a key concept in a music video. In 212 there are many jump cuts which matches the pace of the song itself.
4) What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?
We used a camera to record our footage, then we transferred the footage onto a computer so that we could begin editing using Adobe Premiere. I find that Premiere is a good software when editing because it allows us to use a whole range of effects. This allowed us to make our video almost identical to the actual music video for 212 by Azaelia Banks.
5) What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?
When planning we needed to allocate roles to each member in our group. The music video we aimed to replicate includes a female solo performer along with a male supporting performer. Therefore, we figured that Sophie would take the main role in the video and i would also feature in the video. When shooting we needed to consider what props and make-up we should use for example, i wore a hat similar to the one in the original video and Sophie had her hair in two plaits. We did not need to consider the timings of each scene when shooting because we could alter that we edited the footage later on.
6) How successful was your music video copy? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently? What did others say about your production?
Our music video copy was successful because we produced 30 seconds of footage which contained the correct amount of close up shots that we found in the original music video. Our shooting phase of the project was quick because we had good locations nearby therefore we could ensure we filmed good quality footage. If we could have done something differently then it would be to share tasks more equally such as planning, editing and updating our production diary.
7) What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing your music video, do you think?
I have learnt that an equal amount of effort is required from each individual in the group in order to produce a successful video. Organisation is key to keeping all group members satisfied and interested. This will be significant when completing our own music videos because it is a lengthy and stressful process trying to make our video stand out from the rest. As a result, it is essential that everyone puts in maximal effort to allow the completion of a high quality music video.
8) How does it compare with filming an opening to a film?
Music videos are different to film openings because a music video requires footage that matches the genre of the music. This means that every shot must link with the previous shot and have a meaning which is linked to the song. Additionally, a music video needs a performer who is convincing and confident so that the video looks realistic.
9) What are your strengths and weaknesses as a group member?
My strengths include communication and listening and i think these are important traits when working in a group because everyone may have ideas they wish to share and it's vital that as a group we come up with various ideas so that our options are kept open. Sometimes when i work in a group I may become confused about which group members are allocated tasks to complete. However, i noticed from the prelim that organisation is important and this includes keeping track of who is completing which task.
10) Looking at the other group's videos which do you think were most successful and why?
I found that the 'four five seconds' copy made by Pip, Beth and Travis was most successful because it was the first time they had used the green screen for shooting and i believe it was really effective. The video by Kanye West, Rihanna and Paul McCartney requires good performing to replicate it to a good standard. This group managed to do this and they all performed convincingly and editited their footage to a good standard.
