Camera Angles,Framing and Movement

                                                                 

               Here i have done research on diffrent camera angles and shots to use within our music video.

Camera Angle and Shots

This is an Extreme Long Shot, otherwise known in short term as ELS. This shot is used to establish the whole setting or description. However There will be very little detail within this shot, its meant to be a general impression rather than specific information.
Notes
we could use this shot to establish the group at the beginning of the music video and through out their performance. We would use this to establish the group members and their settings.

This is a long shot, also known as LS. It generally shows the image as approximately "life" size ie corresponding to the real distance between the audience and the screen in a cinema. This shot shows more specific detail aswell as establishing the setting and location. To identify that it is a long shot you can tell by the top of the head, it will be at the top of the frame and the feet would be touching the bottom of the frame. 

This is a mid-close up shot (Medium close-up) also known as MCU.You can tell this is a mid-shot as it is normally of a figure from the knees/waist up. This shot is normally used in dialogue or action scenes.

This is a Closeup shot normally known as CU.  This shows very little background, and concentrates on either a face, or a specific detail of mise en scène. Everything else is just a blur in the background. This shot magnifies the object and shows the importance of things.

This is an extreme closeup also known as ECU. it Generally magnifys beyond what the human eye would experience in reality. An extreme close-up has no background detail whatsoever. This is a very artificial shot, and can be used for dramatic effect.

Camera Angles

This is a birds eye View. This shows a scene from directly overhead. Familiar objects viewed from this angle might seem totally unrecognisable at first.This shot puts the audience in a godlike position, looking down on the action. People can be made to look insignificant, ant-like, part of a wider scheme of things.

This is a high angle shot Not so extreme as a bird's eye view. The camera is elevated above the action using a crane to give a general overview. High angles make the object photographed seem smaller, and less significant.

This is an eye level shot. The camera is positioned as though it is a human actually observing a scene, so that eg actors' heads are on a level with the focus.

This is a Low angle shot. These increase height and give a sense of speeded motion. Low angles help give a sense of confusion to a viewer, of powerlessness within the action of a scene. The background of a low angle shot will tend to be just sky or ceiling, the lack of detail about the setting adding to the disorientation of the viewer. The added height of the object may make it inspire fear and insecurity in the viewer, who is psychologically dominated by the figure on the screen.

Settings and Locations

Setting & Location

One idea could be to do parts of the music video in a dance studio, with the group making up their own dance routine to go with the soundtrack. As the song is dance/pop based it would be good to have a shot of them dancing to the soundtrack as the song is really lively and uplifting. Also in addition the members of the group do performing arts at college so they will have experience in creating a dance routine and being good at it too. We do already have access to a dance studio and that is based at our college so we could take that into consideration. The one at our college has lighting effects and a big mirror so they are able to see themselves when dancing. The dance studio is also fairly big giving them enough room to dance and move around freely. Dance and music go well together so I think it would be good to have this shot within the music video, it will also give them a chance to show off one of their many talents. Pro of this setting/location is that it allows the members to show off their talents and I think it would go really well with the soundtrack as the genre is pop and many pop videos follow the norms of having the girls within the pop videos do dances. However on the other hand one Con of this location/setting is that it may look a bit “cheap” however if we can sort out the lighting and effects maybe we can improve the situation.

Another idea like this image here could be jus of a plain background and flooring and just have the band within the shot. This would be cheap and it also emphasises the importance and status of the band as they are the main focus within the shot. Like this one shown here. I may also include a couple of props that may fit in with the song to make the shot a bit livelier and less boring. For example if we look at this shot here we can clearly see this member of a band is the main focus and the song may be based around a woman’s lifestyle and emphasise the fact that she may be a housewife. Whereas the song we are using is based on addiction I would need props to fit in with that. A pro of this type of setting/location is that it emphasises the importance of the band member/s. It also makes the scene less busy which in some cases is a good idea as some scenes can look a bit “messy” and “over the top”. In addition this type of shot will be easy and cheap to create as well as we can change and manipulate the setting to our own style. However one Con of this type of location/setting is that it may look a bit boring, challenging this I have decided that if I am going to use this type of location I am not going to use it all the time I may just use it now and again within the music video.

This clearly is a location within a house. I think this would be a good idea to shoot some of the video as we can easily access this and it would be cheap. It also looks more elegant. I think this type of setting/location would be good for a calmer less energetic song. So this may not be ideal for the song I will be using as the song is energetic and this sort of location will not fit in, it may clash. However this setting could be considered for the calmer parts of the song. Where the soundtrack is not over powering their voices.

This is one of my favourite settings as it is cheap and easy to construct. It also makes the singer the main focus as everything else in the background has been cut out. I think this would go well within my music video. It also draws attention to the main singer. This setting also looks tidier and would fit in with any context as you can add props to make it relate to the lyrics of the song. However one disadvantage of this setting is that it can tend to look boring. Also as the background is black and the members of the band are black the colours may contrast so I may have to consider a different colour backing.

This is also another of my favourite setting/locations. This location is in London city. I like this location as it is bright and lively. It makes the video seem more realistic and interesting. It will also be cheap to film as we don’t need to pay for any costs, only travel fairs to the location. However this sort of location could also look a bit cheap as everyone chooses to film within cities. However if I was going to do it for my music video I would film it at night time when all the lights are on and everything looks brighter as this would fit more with the style of the band. One advantage of this type of location is that it would be good for filming as we already have “extras” so we will not need to find  people to be a part of the video. One disadvantage is that we may have to get consent of the people that we may catch in our filming so this may be time consuming.

Target Audience for my music video

I think the target audience of the band Crystal Blaque are teenage girls and young adults. The reason i think this is because their songs are a mixture of RnB and Pop attracting the younger generation. They follow in the steps of other Pop and RnB girl bands such as The Saturdays, Girls Aloud, Destiny's Child and The Pussycat Dolls.
I think its aimed at a girl audience as it is from a girls prespective so girls are able to relate to it more.

Soundtrack of Crystal Blaques song - Addiction

http://www.mediafire.com/?84wch3epir62w1s

Hair, Make-up and costume Analysis

 Hair, Makeup and costume Research

Hair & Makeup

 As a production manager it is my role of getting the hair, makeup and clothing sorted for all members of the group, therefore I have looked at some recognised artists/bands such as “The Pussycat Dolls”, “Destiny’s Child” and “Alexandra Burke” to inspire me. The reason I have looked at these specific artists is because they fit into the same genre as the band I am working with “Crystal Blaque”. Each of these artists and groups produce both RNB and Pop music like Crystal Blaque. So I have had a look at various music videos from these artists to gain some knowledge on what kind of style and look these artists’ needs to fit in with the genre (RNB/POP) in this area of my research I have looked closely at hair and makeup. You may have noticed how I have chosen black artists to study,the reason I have purposely done this is because all members of my band are black so it makes more sense to do  research in the kind of makeup and style they go for rather that what a band of white singers may go for as it may vary. Also the colours of hair and makeup may also differ. I have added screen shots of some videos off YouTube for me to analyse.

Here one of the members from destiny’s child is wearing brighter makeup. She has blue eye shadow and her eyes are defined using eyeliner and mascara. The makeup also goes with her blue top and necklace. Her hair is also blue. I think the blue compliments her complexion. She has also used a shade of brown lipstick to give off the “Sexy look” as well as wearing a low cut top to show cleavage. She has short hair contradicting the “sexy look” making her seem more elegant.  A pro of this type of look is that it gives off a sexy but elegant and sophisticated look making record labels take more notice as it offers both characteristics in one look. However a con of this type of look is that there is too much of one colour making the scene a bit boring.

Here Beyonce has gone for the more natural look. She looks like she is wearing shimmer to emphasise her complexion. She has outlined her eyes drawing the audience attention. She is wearing her hair down. Half the hair is pulled out of her face given the audience more exposure to her face. She too is wearing a little bit of natural lip gloss. This whole look I personally think is given off the “innocent look”. A Pro of this look is that it is natural and gives off a good message to the audience that you don’t need a lot of makeup to look pretty. However a con of this type of style is that it doesn’t stand out well on the camera and you tend to forget what the main focus is as this look blends in well with the background colour.

This is Nikki Minaj, another artist in Crystal Blaques genre however unlike the previous two artists she normally goes to extreme levels with her makeup and style making it as outrageous as possible. Here as you can see she is wearing red lipstick. Red lipstick has connotations of sexiness, luck, passion and anger. These connotations help us build up characteristics of the artist and give off a false impression. She also has jet black hair making her facial features stand out more.  A pro of this style is that it is not “too much” and she only wearing red lipstick to bring her out rather that bright eye shadows and hair. Here is has gone more nearer to the natural look. This look also relates to all ages ceating a larger target audience which means bigger sales. On this specific look I don’t think there are any cons in my opinion. This is my favourite look.

Here is another print screen shot of Nikki Minaj. Here she has blonde hair giving of the idea that she may lack intelligence or be less sophisticated. She is wearing pink Barbie like lipstick giving of connotations of devious , love and romance. She is wearing black sunglasses to hide her eyes this may be to draw more attention to her other features rather than her eyes.  A pro of this type of makeup and hair style is that it will stand out on camera and draw the audience’s attention. It also in a way makes her different to other artists. However a Con of this type if makeup and hair is that potential record labels may not take her look seriously as it’s not really presentable and maybe will only target the younger generation which result in fewer sales.

Clothing



Here Beyonce has gone for the “sexy look”. She has worn a short belly top to show off her figure which attracts the male audience. She is also wearing a tight fitted tank top to show off her “assets”. She is then wearing tight fitted jeans shaping the bottom half of her body. A pro of this outfit is that it is “figure hugging” which attracts the male audience making the audience more diverse. On the other hand it could be a bit intimidating for the female audience as they may feel self conscious and may not be happy with their body so may affect their confidence. In addition to this it portrays women as being “sexual objects” which the media such as music videos are good at doing.

This outfit is still sexy but not showing too much flesh, it is also tight fitted to show off her figure. This type of outfit is good for attracting both female and male audience’s as its showing enough to attract males but not enough to make a woman feel uncomfortable or unconfident about herself. The type of clothing Alexandra Burke is wearing here relates to the lyrics within the video as most of the video is based on a sports ground she is wearing something to fit in with the set but at the same time putting her own sexy look to it. The colour of the outfit also fits her complexion well not making her seem as if she has gone over the top with the outfit. This outfit also allows her to move around freely within the music video so restriction is not an issue as this could make her seem stiff. One pro of this type of outfit is that it is nicely fitted but at the same time not revealing too much. However one con of this outfit is that it doesn’t really make her stand out as the main subject of the music video.

Here is a three shot of the singers from “Destiny’s child”, I have chosen to study this shot as it has three members of the band just like my band “Crystal Blaque” this allows me to analyse how production designers cloth the members of a band to all fit in with one another and show they are all members of one team. Here all the band members are wearing white this makes them all as equal as each other as they are all dressed the same unlike if one person was dressed in another colour and wore heels to show status you would think that individual is the main group member. So this look creates equal status. The colour white normally represents innocence and purity this may shine a positive light on the band. They are also well covered meaning they are breaking the norms of women being seen as “sexual objects” in music videos. However I have to take into account that this band are quite old now so the style of the clothing may differ to what girls in music videos may wear today.  Pro of this style is that they are breaking the normality of how the media constructs women and a con would be that the outfit is a bit plain and boring.

This is a mid- close up shot of Alexandra Burke. Here she has gone for the more stylish elegant look. What I like about this outfit is that it is really classy and elegant due to the style and colour however at the same time it is also sexy but not showing off too much. This type of look in my opinion will attract all types of audience as it is a universal look. This is my favourite look and may take this into consideration and use it on my own band members.

This is a three shot of some of the members from the “Pussycat dolls” a POP/RNB band in America. Here the clothing is more urban and street fashion. It doesn’t seem as if they have been dressed up by professional designers it seems as if they chose their own clothes on their behalf and went for the care free look. This sort of outfit creates a fun care free music video as it seems the members never went too far extents to look like pop stars or these fabulous style icons. I also think this type of look would attract more females from the young teenage to young adult population as this look would more likely apply to them. By going for this look it feels as if the members of the band just wanted to have fun with the music video rather than worrying about looking good. The outfits are also really casual, it also fits in with the background of the set (graffiti) creating a young careless rebel look. One pro of this type of clothing is that it is fun and you don’t feel downgraded by the clothing as anyone can dress like this. However a con of this type of clothing is that it is not really stylish for a music video although it does fit with the context and genre of the song.

Crystal Blaque Song (for music video)

ADDICTION

.Verse 1

Gone so cold
Feelin that you neva knew before
When u need your fix
You loose control
I should know
See I am on a mission to steal your soul I'm your addiction
Knees gone weak
Instant reaction when you hear me speak
Your pulse is racing coz your wanting me, constantly
See I am on a mission to steal your soul I'm your addiction

.Chorus

One touch I got u forever
Narcotic make you feel better
Aint no distractions
I got you hooked on me
I think its come to the time
Your gonna loose your mind
Coz your be slavin for me that your cravin an boy it aint easy

.Verse 2

Seeking, what you've been waiting for me now you got some more
Of me, feeling inside trna control the right that you are
Taking, I've got what you need
I can feel your heart beating
Calling out you want me want me
Aint no, denyin I put you on a high
No chance, I'm comin down you are mine tonight
I know, you want me for life
Desperation start pleedin callin out you want me want me

.Chorus

.Bridge

What it is that I have got
That leaves you delirious yearning for my touch
Flirtatious tensions got you thinking bout me desperate for my love
Dreaming bout me in your sleep
Like a drug your addicted to me
I've got you waiting an lusting
Until I cum back coz all I takes is one touch

Competition i have found for my band to take part in

I have been searching the interent trying to find a successful way for my Band (Crystal Blaque) to become more popular and recognised and i have came across a competition called "Live and Unsigned".

Here is a bit about the competition-

The competition gives you plenty of opportunities and provides the chance to perform live in front of some of the country's top producers, Label execs, promoters and DJs. If you make it through the auditions you will compete at the Live Showcase finals with a chance of making it to the National Grand Final and the Live and Unsigned Festival.
Over £100,000 in prizes are up for grabs along the way with the winner offered a comprehensive winners package which includes; festival slots (Including representing the UK at the biggest festival in Asia I rock), UK tour exposing their music to over 40,000 people and a recording contract with Future Music, with up to £50,000 investment!

 

AUDITIONS

Auditions are held all over the UK where you will perform, in front of our prestigious judging panel, a live piece. Should you be successful at the auditions you will be put through to the Live and Unsigned showcase Regional finals and be invited to perform on the main stage.

 

THE SHOWCASE REGIONAL FINALS!

Those successful at auditions will be given a place in the Live and Unsigned showcase Regional finals which will be at the most prestigious venues throughout the UK. The regional final will also include all the best unsigned acts in your region in a showcase to Judges from National Radio, Kerrang, BBC Introducing, Regional Press & record labels as well as the general public.
You will be battling for a place in the National Grand Final and the Live and Unsigned Festival at the O2.

 

THE WINNERS

You could be performing live on stage in a bid to become the UK's best Live and Unsigned act at the National Grand Final at the The Live and Unsigned Festival at the O2 in London!
You could win festival slots, tour dates, recording time and equipment...and much more!
The winners will be thrust into the media spotlight! TV, Radio, Print ... this is your chance to get your music heard!
The Festival showcases the best of the UK's unsigned talent in front of a capacity crowd and industry judges plus National press, A&R, and industry representatives will be there.

I think my band should take this competition into consideration as it will benefit them in a number of ways. The Audition is in London to so wont be far from them to travel. They will have record labels watching them aswell so this will give them a larger chance of becoming recognised and signed.

Here is a link to the website-
http://www.liveandunsigned.uk.com/competition

My allocated Roles

The roles that i have allocated myself to are Production Designer and Producer as well as doing many other smaller jobs within the group. I have been professionally trained by my lecturer in these specific roles.

What i need to do-

Producer-

• co-ordinating
• supervising
• controlling matters
• creating scenes and conditions
• have ultimate creative control (work closely with director)
• gather ideas
• coach artist in studio
• responsible for schedules and negotiations
• research competition

Production Designer-

• Sort out hair and makeup
• Sort out costume
• Set construction
• choose location
• changing furniture and props around
• find decorative items
• "dress" the set

My research on what makes a good music video-

What makes a good Music Video?

I have conducted research through a questionnaire that i handed out to my targeted audience. I have deduced the main and most common points from the research.

• Needs to relate to song

• Context makes sense

• Not just of one object or person all the time (has variety)

• Depending on target audience the dancers, actors, actresses need to dress to target them. E.g. men would like to see women with less clothing, rock fans may like to see the band with the latest gear such as latest conversers

• The setting where it’s based and does it relate to the song

• Good music and beat

• Lighting and how it reflects the singer

• Bright not too dull

• Time of day

• Not too many people in one shot as it gets confusing and too busy

• The music video needs to make sense

• Don’t film the video in too known places e.g. London (it looks cheap)

• Good dancers

• Maybe put a bit of humour into it

• Actors and actresses need fit the song. E.g. if song is full of attitude need an actor who can express de attitude to fit the song

• Graphic matches

• Attractive actors, dancers etc.

• A story line

• Black and white videos (depending on context)

• Shot with the actual artist in so they can become recognised

• Two sided story ( husband and wife)

• Cut-ins

• Change in colour

• Depending on audience add things that may target and relate to them for e.g. for teenage audience it would most likely to consist of sex, drugs and alcohol

Allocated Roles within my group

Role allocation

Producer- Natasha

Director- Tarric

Editor- Jigar

Photography- Tarric

Production Designer- Natasha

Camera- Tarric