Coursework blog

Pre production

Preparing for our prelim task there were a couple of things, which needed to be done before we could start filming. We first watched the video of Busted, taking note of how many shots there were in the first minute of the video. We worked in groups, writing down all the key elements. We worked out the cast lists and assigned different roles to everybody. Then we noted down all of the props that were needed for the filming, and also thought about the mise en scene. After noting down important things that where needed, we drew out a storyboard and wrote down each shot, drawing out a picture of the mise en scene, what happened in the shot, and what props, costume and characters we needed. Once we’d finished this, we had about 37 shots in total. We then colour coded each shot with them either being, interior or exterior. I think the storyboard that we produced was effective and easy to read, as it told us exactly what we needed for each scene. Pre production has taught me the first stages into filming for a music video, and all the preparation you need for it so it can be successful. I think I’ve developed skills in the area behind the scenes, and what is exactly needed. I’d think to improve I’d need to be more organized, and don’t leave things till last minute.

Production

Within our group we decided to shoot all of the interior shots first, and then move onto the exterior shots. We decided to use our normal classroom for the interior shots, and change the classroom around a little, so it was suitable to film. I was assigned the role of one of the schoolgirls, and also a dancer in the background for the exterior shots. Filming in a group was easier, because our media group is small, we were all took part during the production, and everyone played a part. Once the interior parts were filmed, we went on to filming the exterior shots, which were filmed in the courtyard outside the media room. I think the shots, which were filmed, were good, however I think when working on our own music video; we’d need more confident people to play a role in the video. The storyboard made it more clear as to what we needed to do, giving us the information about each shot. However, it took us ages to shoot each shot, which is something we can improve on for next time. As we had a smaller class, we didn’t have enough people for a couple of the scenes, making it more difficult to film. For our own music video, I’m going to stick to a couple of people, or just the one person, making it easier to organize and also there is only one person who needs to know what to do and get it right. I’ve learnt more about being organized whilst filming, and cooperating as part as a group which is important for the production stage.

Post Production

For the editing stage, I worked with Sophie as it allowed both of us to develop our editing skills and get use to Final Cut Pro. It was easier working in a smaller group, so then we’d have more chance to have our input into the final thing.
We worked on Final Cut Pro, and after a lesson we were both use to the software and we’re able to edit the music video. We downloaded the music from YouTube, using YouTube converter. As some of our clips were missing and we weren’t able to access the normal busted music video we had to use a black screen for the sections, which were missing. My editing skills have developed from the first time I started editing, and although our final music video wasn’t cut to our best abilities, I think something to improve on for next time is to not rush it, and make sure the lip sinking is in time. Our video could of looked better if we were to have all the clips, but overall I think we’ve done an okay job in the post production. I think for next time, I need to be more organized with the clips, and make sure they’re all imported onto the software so we don’t have any missing clips.