Editing: Audicity

In our Just a Day Feeder music video, there is a pause in roughly 1:50 minutes into the song , in which we will extend this gap to 5 - 15 seconds. In this gap, like in the storyboard, we are planning to put a comedic scene where our narrative characters storm into the frame when the band is rocking out, queuing the pause. iMovie does not have a setting where the music track can be split or cut. It can only edit the clip's audio, therefore we have to use a third party software.

Therefore, I used Audacity, a cross platform open source sound editor, to extend the pause on the music track.

Above shows a the track with a 5 second gap

Above shows a 21 seconds gap

However, this was proved the more difficult option to editing sound software because during editing our product, we would have to make sure the clips would perfectly fit in sync with the song file. Therefore, the song was then split as two tracks on Garage band, and uploaded to our MV project. This way, whilst editing, we could just move the second half of the track along the timeline if the cut-scene (where narrative and performance mix) became longer.

Above: The purple area is part 1 of our track before the cut scene

Above: The green section is part 2 of our track after the cut scene. These can be shifted easily while editing.

Filming: Battery Point - 2/3 of Terminal Moraine

As stated in another post, this filming session only included Alex and Dylan from Terminal Moraine. (Because they're in year 10, and it is half term I did make sure they were available to help via parents) There was little problems in organising this as both are very enthusiastic about helping and also gaining more awareness for their own band.( As well as being reliable people).

Mise-en-scene
Again, there was little to set up as we were just filming against a graffiti wall. When organising this, I ensured to notify both Alex and Dylan to wear the same clothing as they did for the green screen filming. However, Alex's shirt was in the wash so he wore a different one. And he cold because it was so windy so we thought it would be better if he just put his jacket on too. Considering the the music video was meant to have different locations, I thought it didn't matter much at this point if the clothing was a little bit different too. (The jacket was leather - if that's not 'rock', and hence allowing our target audience who likes rock music and rock clothing too, then I don't know what is anymore!)

Lighting
We started filming at 11:00am, therefore there was plenty of bright light. As there was open space around the wall itself, no un-wanted shadows would be casted either.

Filming
Although the corrupted tape wiped out half the footage, we had the essentials so all there was to re-film was Dylan and Alex's solo shots. We had no ipod speakers so they just listened to an ipod, whilst hiding the earphones in their clothing. The film went considerably smoothly, as both band members had done this before and Dylan already knew the lyrics (but to help him we also sang along while filming). Although the plan was to film solo-shots, they wanted to film playing together, and because its always good to have more shots than you need, we filmed it anyway. The only minute problem that occured was that is was very windy and caused hair to obscure the face at times.

Editing: The Corrupted Tape

We started uploading the green screen footage last week, but because the lesson finished and none of us had free lessons, we had to cancel it. The other day we uploaded the rest of it and found that in the time between 'now' and the last upload, the tape became corrupted (most likely by being near a mobile phone). However, what we had uploaded was the band together and the all important footage of the drummer Ben (the reason why we needed green screen in the first place).

Although incredibly frustrating this is, we immediately went to find Ian to organise another green screen filming session (which would be done quicker as we have already done it once and know who to set up). But even more frustratingly, the Media technician Ian has been told he cannot use the school's equipment after school anymore, and therefore we would not be able to. I thought about filming in our free lessons, but our band members are in year 10 and therefore have no free lessons.

Thinking through many solutions as possible, we came up with the quickest solution, and that was to film on location (Battery Point) during half term (Jemma won't be joining us as she is in Egypt). The reason why this is the most efficient solution, is because the only clips wiped was Dylan's (lead singer) and Alex's (guitarist) solo-shots. Neither of them require organised transportation for their instruments like a drum does, so it will be much easier than working our way around green screen again.

Filming: Quarry- Fake Band and Cut Scene

After school we trekked to the quarry with the camera, tripod, and guitars to film our make-up band of non-musicians but equally enthusiastic volunteers, and the cut scene which we hopes will make the video funny and more enjoyable.

Mise-en-scene

There wasn't much to arrange in terms of setting for these shots, besides moving to the planned, most suitable place which had the least random boulders. However, as Jemma had brought a few outfits, and specific items I asked for, I just helped co-ordinate them. As for Simon and Luke, there wasn't much to style because both already had interesting and slightly rock-styled clothing on that day. Before hand I had shown them my sketches and asked for something similar, but I didn't want to stylise them too much, as our video was meant to be relate-able and fun, rather than symbolic and "artsy".

Lighting

We did some test shots for lighting, and at 3:40 it was perfect because the sun was just about setting, therefore giving us very bright and warm light, at the right direction as well. However, this also meant we had to be quick with our filming because the sun was facing behind the quarry cliff, it it went past that point, the section of the quarry we were at would be casted with shadow. We had no other light source, so if we wanted studio lights we would need to bring a portable battery, which would be difficult to get to the quarry as it includes walking through a forest area.

Filming

We started filming our fake band first, with a simple mid-shot through out the whole song (which was playing on ipod speakers so our non-musicians would know when to fake-play the guitar, and for our lead signer). For this shot, the camera was left on the tripod to make it steady. We then proceeded to steady cam around the band, while someone followed behind the camera man with the ipod speakers so they could hear it better. Again, it didn't matter if we (camera-man and ipod-holder-person) talked for filming this, as the dialogue would be cut out and the performers needed to be directed. Afterwards, Luke mentioned he had to leave early, so we set up the camera on the tripod again and did solo-performance shots of him. As we watched the filming of this, we also shouted things such as "Mosh! Head mosh NOW!" to hype up the performers and make them more enthusiastic. Solo-performance shots was also steady-cammed and done at different low angles. We then moved onto the cut scene which was especially fun to film. We set up the tripod as there was no one else to hold the camera and briefly went through what we had to do exactly. At this point, we also improvised slightly and added more actions in to make it funnier. For example, rather than just the two narrative characters storming in, arguing, then leaving, they would interact with the performers. The female character would pick up the mic stand in anger, and the lead singer would swipe it away. For this scene, dialogue would be heard, so although we did not script anything specific, we had a briefing on what to say roughly that would be funny and help make the narrative more logical. However, I must admit during ad-lib I did get carried away and swore, but the cut scene was taken several times, with exact dialogue changing slightly. After Luke left, we then filmed the solo-shots for Simon (the other guitarist) and Jemma, our lead singer. Following conventions for guitarist-shots, there was low-angled shots of Simon, high angled, and close ups of his face and guitar. As for Jemma, we made sure more was filmed so it would be easier to choose the best clips for lip-syncing. For all the solo-performances (including Luke) we also filmed them singing the repeated lines of the song, such as "Do you think its funny now" so when editing, we can have a variety of shots (it would be boring to watch one person sing the same line three times). Lines in the song that have pauses afterwards or emphasis put on them was also filmed more, such as "All by myself". Overall, it was a successful day of filming as we managed to get all the shots that were necessary. This is important, as it would only delay our schedule further if we had to do pick-up shots.

Filming: Narrative Pick Up Shots

After uploading the Narrative footage onto iMovie, we found that the lighting was too dark, that you could only make out silhouettes of people and furniture. This was odd, as the footage film appeared fine on the camera screen. Therefore, we had to film pick-up shots today. We made extra precautions that this problem wouldn't happen again and over-exposed everything (as our teacher said, you can always make things look darker on the computer, but it's harder to make it look lighter). Because we filmed this after school again, and the winter season meant the sun set early, and we were indoors, natural lighting was difficult. So we made a lighting set that we could control, by closing the curtains and turning the main lights on, therefore distributing light evenly. We also set the camera on a night time mode and Light mode, which meant that everything would appear brighter.

Our Narrative in relation to Narrative Theories

Tzvetan Todorov's theory that narrative's follow a generic cycle of events fit into ours as we have a clear narrative plot line with no twists (it would be cool if we did, but that would only complicate the video). The Equilibrium is the male character; Jack's peaceful state when he is content with his binge drinking, drug abusing life style. A problem is caused when the female character (Agent of Disruption) tries to make the male character realise what he's doing to himself is wrong. This puts the male character in a Disequilibrium as the two friends argue, showing a state of confusion. The male character then acknowledges the problem, seeks to solve and finds his friend. Both protagonists and the story line reaches a new equilibrium/harmony when they have a renewed and stronger friendship.

Vladimir Propp's typology theory of narrative structures does not fit as there is not enough characters in our music video. Moreover, our characters do not venture on a quest, and a music video does not last long enough to include all characters along side performance. If we were to make this theory fit, we could have our performers act as the other characters, and merge narrative and performance together. This would be interesting as it would contrast music video conventions of having narrative separate to performance. However, it could be done and researched on, as other artists have become the narrative character before.

Levi-Strauss' theory of binary oppositions only works when there is an outwardly struggle between characters, such as good versus evil. In a sense, the idea of self-abusing lifestyle versus the righteous and moral lifestyle could also be a binary opposition in our music video, but it is not a clear theme and would only be prevalent in mentality, and that in itself is a very forced idea to fit into the theory.

Filming: Narrative shots - Jack's house

This was done after school, and we planned to finish it all in one session. The shots we filmed was the male protagonist, "waking up at twelve in his clothes again" and the female lead (Male's best friend) storming into his room, telling him to get his life together. The scenes to be shot outside Jack's house would be a continuation of their argument indoors, but also shows the male character with a regretful expression, presenting the lyrics "How come it ended up like this?". The shots taken from outside will also show continuity as there will be later scenes of the female character walking home.

Mise-en-scene

First of all, we set out to make Jack's living room like it was a bachelor pad, as opposed to a family living room. This meant removing the homely cushions and family photos etc. We scattered rubbish from the recycle bins, threw a blanket over the sofa, and left open DVD covers and beer ans as if the character had a night of binge drinking. As there is a reference to drugs in the song, we filled a sandwich bag with flower and tied it up to look like a bag of cocaine or some other drug. A laptop was also put on the sofa, so whilst filming we could play the original Feeder music video, as a fan tribute and textual reference. We also made note of what Jack was wearing, so if we ever needed to film any shots again, we could keep continuity.

For filming outside Jack's house, there was nothing we could actually do in terms of mise-en-scene, besides making sure not to film number plates and houses in detail.

Lighting

It was convenient that by the time we were adjusting the lighting, it was afternoon and the sun happened to shine right into the living room. The stretched shadows gave the "waking up late" feeling we needed, however, after some practice takes we realised this wasn't necessarily a good thing. With our main light source behind the character, Jack's face was shadowed, so on screen the lighting was very dim. Therefore, we played around with the gradients and dark/light modes on the camera and finally set it so that anything we filmed would look lighter on screen. For close-ups, we had someone crouching down out of frame, and illuminating the character 's face. (However this was impossible for shots with both me and Jack in, as we only had Jemma to do the filming).

When we were filming outside, the lighting was perfect and any adjustments could be made whilst editing.

Filming

For the narrative shots indoors, we started by filming an establishing shot of the Jack waking up. We did close ups, pans, and tilts of the beer cans, wine bottles, and drugs to put emphasis on his problem, and why the female character would be angry. It also sets the scene better. As mentioned before, there was some problems lighting these shots due to the position of the sun, but we worked around it.

Next was filming the shots of the female character (me!) entering the room, and arguing with the male character. We had cues for when to enter the room, and cue-places (marked by tape) for where we should stand, because in some shots I would walk out of frame, or too far forwards. It was fun filming the scene where me and Jack argue, because we didn't have a script we had to ad-lib our dialogue. There was little importance in what we had to say as the dialogue would be cut out, so we had fun shouting random and insulting stuff at each other to put across the correct emotions. Although, I still needed directing from Jemma who constantly told me to stop smiling whilst filming. This was another method for filming this shot efficiently - as mentioned, the sound would be cut out of this footage, so Jemma could tell as throughout filming what to do if we forgot, therefore allowing our time filming to be used the quickest and most efficient way.

When filming outside, there were times we had to re-take the same shot due to a passing car or person. This delayed our filming time, and by then it was all the more important to get it done because the sun was setting. We also had to make sure we weren't shouting too loud as it disturb the neighbours (we did think of just lip-syncing the shouting, but it didn't look realistic so actually shouting and showing the motions worked better).

With this shot (above), where the female character walks away and Jack follows, the camera also follows from behind. We had to be careful in this because we (me and Jack) tended to walk too fast and we had to time it just right so the camera would be close enough to film the male character pulling the girl back at the shoulder. This shot was important, because it had to be steady enough for the audience to see what was happening, but also a little un-even to represent the discourse in friendship (i.e. the argument).

Throughout filming we made sure to always take at least three of each shot, and any extra shots that weren't planned on the storyboard, in case any were unsatisfactory, and so that there would always be a choice to see which clip fitted with the song.

Filming: Green Screen

Today after school we filmed Terminal Moraine's shots with the green screen. Overall it was an exciting and unexpected experience as this was not planned while we were storyboarding. Me and Jam had a free lesson last, so we used this time to help Ian Johnson (media technician) carry the lighting equipment (extension cords, tripods, screens, frames) and set them up. Jack arrived later with Moby (Jemma's dad's camera that we used last year) and started setting the shutter speeds etc.

Setting the scene

We adjusted the frame to its highest, knowing that it would be better if we wanted to do low angled shots (it would be bad if you could see out of the edge of the green screen). After that, we threw the green screen fabric over the frame and began taping it to the frame with duct tape, pulling it tightly over to create tension. This way, we did not have to iron the fabric (it was a polyester, so it was resistant to creasing anyway). Safety issues arose when me and Jemma were standing on chairs to tape the top sides of the green screen to the frame, so Ian insisted he'd do it himself.

Lighting

From last year I had learnt how to set up and pack away the redheads that belonged to Jemma's dad (who works in film). However, this time we used the lighter and safer studio photography lights. In terms of assembling them on a stand, it is similar to the redheads. But these do not have bandoleers to control the concentration of light, and instead uses a screen that you cup over the lights. The screen itself is a frame with synthetic black netting and dampens the light. The frames of the actual light could not be bended into different shapes, but could be turned portrait/landscape, depending on the area you want to light up. It was rather hectic during this time, as we lacked extension cords so we had to find the janitors and other media technicians for more. It turned out that there was an event happening in the other hall which was using the majority of spare extension cords, so Ian just unplugged his computer and took the cords form his room.

The Band

At roughly 3:30, the band arrived and we hurried them to go get changed. I left the rest of the setting up to Jack and Jam (this was basically taping down lose cords and adjusting the lighting according to the shadows when someone is stood on the green screen) to find Ms Hancock in the music department. We had emailed her beforehand that we found an indoor location to use in school for filming, and she agreed we could use the drum kit. However, she accidentally double booked the old drum kit, but said that if the people who were planning to use it did not show up, we could find her to ask for it. So, it turned out the drum kit was free, so with the help of the band members we carried the drum kit carefully to the hall.

The band members were new to Feeder's Just A Day, and the lead singer did not learn the lyrics like we suggested. So I ran to find some large pieces of paper/card and wrote the lyrics down for him (meanwhile a print-out was given to him to read over). Jemma also had to run out to find another extension cord as the camera was starting to run out of batteries. In the hall, there was a laptop plugged into the speakers, so we went onto Groove shark and played the song three times before we began filming. (At this point, we were stressed because many problems had arisen, and we needed time to relax and get into the creative-filming mood!)

Filming

With shot list in hand, we started filming. First we went through the song three times, filming a standard close up with all three band member son the green screen. More difficulties rose when we realised there was very little space on the green screen floor and at times the bass guitar would almost hit the lead singer, and the drummer Ben would sometimes be masked by Alex.

(As you can see from the image above, it was difficult to frame the guitars without showing the edges of the green screen - though we did do this on the camera successfully)

Next we filmed all three members with the steady cam twice and moved on to filming each member on his own, using steady cam also (which included close ups and pans of the instruments). It was important to film lots of footage of the drummer, as there was no way to transport the drum kit to locations. This was the main point of filming green screen, as we can create the look of many different locations. During filming Ben (drummer) we had the speakers on maximum, playing the song so he could play similar beats, giving us the most realistic footage to sync with the song. However, the drumming itself was so loud it drowned out the song and Ben couldn't hear it. Therefore, we gave him my ipod with the song on it to listen, which proved most effective.

Below are images of Jack, filming the drummer-solo shots with steady cam. We also made sure to film more of Dylan, the lead singer because we only had two singers for our music video, despite planning to have more. We wanted the music video to look like a tribute video where there was multiple bands, singing to the song, showing they love it. But with only two singers it meant we needed more footage of them to distribute throughout the clips when editing.

Filming: Quarry Opening Shot

As planned in the storyboard, the opening shot of "Just A Day" will feature Jack abseil down from the quarry wall, picking up a guitar, and playing the first few chords of the song. From research of music videos, we discovered that opening shots are usually longer, so this idea will fit nicely with the convention. It also sets the scene for the band that will also be playing in this setting, later in the video. This idea also fits the quirky and random vibes of Ok Go videos that we hope to work towards.


It is difficult to organise the mise-en-scene of a quarry as it is public property (and we can't exactly move the boulders) so we made sure to chose a open area, with a plain rocky background. From the test shots we found an open place where there are less shadows, and even if the sun begins to set, the shadows will stretch forwards from where the camera will be positioned, and therefore the tripod's shadow won't be seen in any long shots. (Though this doesn't matter much for the opening shot)



Because I have pre-arranged commitments, I couldn't personally be there for the filming of the opening shot, but Jemma did inform me of the shooting and how well it went. However I did remind them that Jack had to wear something different to his narrative character. (We couldn't find someone else to do this wall climbing shot).


They chose a sunny day for better lighting as it was out doors (this is fortunate, considering its October!) and had Jack's brother to help them in setting up the rope and other climbing equipment. Adam (Jack's bro) has a certificate as a rock climbing instructor so knows the health and safety procedures for climbing. Although, he did protest against Jack not wearing the helmet (it looks better aesthetically) and to no avail :)

As you can see from this screen-grab... the helmet, although a sign that we value the safety of our performers... looks unprofessional(but the ghost-hunter logo is still cool!). In terms of styling and mise-en-scene, not only does it look amateur-ish, it also does not fit the genre of our music.

Drum Kit SOLUTION!

This is genius (or at least close to). After pondering on the annoying idea that we cannot use the drum kit outside and therefore hindering our already late schedule... it occurred that we should bring the location inside, rather than take the drum kit outside! And so, we are planning to use a green screen! This plan is specifically for filming the shots of the drummer Ben and the drum kit. It is essential that we have footage of the drum kit as "Just A Day" is of the rock genre, where drumming is a prominent feature and is often shown in music videos through extreme close ups (usually with the drummer hitting the symbol, in sync with the music, or during a moment in the song with no singing). We talked to the media technician, Ian Johnson who told us we do have the facilities to film a green screen (extension cords, lighting, green screen and frame), all we had to do was organise the people and book a hall for filming after school. Thankfully, this fits into our schedules and Terminal Moraine's (Jemma has been keeping contact with Ben and I have been chatting to Alex's mum). We plan to film all the shots we need in one session on a Tuesday or Thursday after school.

Emails About Drum Kit

-----Original Message-----
From: jer1503
Sent: 04 October 2010 10:30
To: Rebecca Hancock
Subject: Drum Kit

Mrs Hancock,

This is the media studies group who have recently been talking to you
about borrowing a drum kit to use in the filming of our music video
coursework.

After some deliberation, we have decided to ask you if we could borrow
the drum kit to use by the graffiti outside the back of Sixth Form.

If this is possible, could you please specify some times this week in
which you would be willing to let us borrow it for an hour.

Thank you so much for all your help.

Jemma Rowlston

__________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----
From: Rebecca Hancock
Sent: 05 October 2010 09:39
To: jer1503
Subject: RE: Drum Kit

Dear Jemma
The drum kit is not for use outside, I'm afraid. We rely on the kit for
GCSE, A level, and Music tech recordings, for concerts, Jazz band,
luncheon club and for Drum lessons, and I am not prepared to risk it
being used outside. I could consider you using the old kit in a
location away from the music department (still on the school site), but
it would need to be indoors.
Sorry to be disobliging, but the drum kit is a vital part of our music
department equipment.
Miss H

__________________________________________________


-----Original Message-----
From: jer1503
Sent: 05 October 2010 13:49
To: Rebecca Hancock
Subject: RE: Drum Kit

Dear Miss H,

Thank you for your quick reply.

We underestimated the vitality of the drum kit to your department and
are completely understanding of your hesitance to lend it to us for use
outside.

We shall contemplate the chances of using the old kit on site, but for
now we would just like to thank you for taking your time to reply and
consider us.:)

Thank you,

Jemma

The Drum Kit Problem

Ben has made it clear and transporting his drum kit to use would be very difficult. Therefore, we decided to borrow the school's old drum kit.

However, Jemma has been keeping contact with Ms. Hancock, head of the music department via emails, and found out that there would be problems with borrowing a drum kit for filming.
We would not have to reassemble the kit itself, but moving its separate pieces would increase the chances of breaking it. Therefore, we were not allowed to...

1. Use the drum kit out of school
2. Use the drum kit out side
3. Use it past 5:00pm

And of course, due to this several problems arose...

1. We could not film on the planned locations (Battery Point, behind open air swimming pool, by the graffiti wall)
2. Which meant our video would not have alternating sets
3. Thus conforming to less conventions
4. And ultimately looking less cool.

For now, we'll think about the matter and how we can film around it.