Christmas Holidays

DUE TO EXAMS - 

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS WILL COMPRISE OF REVISION. 

I'LL CONTINUE TO WORK ON THE 'MUSIC VIDEO' PROJECT AND AUXILIARY TASKS -  

AS OF 

TUESDAY 8TH JANUARY 2013.

The third draft

Plan of Synergy

Editing #9

After exporting Draft #2 I recognised further things that would need to be included:

I began by installing a black image to act as the aspect ratio and dragged it across the whole of the video, (thus creating a fake 'letterbox' effect which I have previously used across my two drafts). I was then able to make the amendments to various clips.   

To me, this was a crucial amendment I needed to make. Although it hadn't particularly been noticed by people, I wanted to make sure my footage was perfectly positioned between the black letterbox. This removed any chance of faces for example been cut out of the shot. I also decided to maintain a 2.35:1 ratio throughout the video. It was no longer a problem to break up the shots with 2 different ratio sizes so I decided to keep the letterbox size constant to maintain a realistic cinematic, music video style. 

Earlier I discussed making a director's title, however I also decided to create a logo. I made this by taking the Kaleidoscope effect in Final Cut Pro X and experimenting with various fonts. I also used a 'prism' effect, which is seen in the final clip of band sitting in the pub. I thought it looked better to maintain this effect, thus making a smooth transition between the logo and the pub footage. 

I thought having a logo was something extra I could incorporate into my synergy. For example, it could be something that appears as a jpeg even on my Wix website. This would be a great way of highlighting who directed the video, allowing the video to be seen by a production company and therefore adding to the professionalism of the project. 

 I managed to create a director's title how I had first envisaged. This clip sees the text appear with a piece of animated footage behind it. Here I took a clip of 'static television' and manipulated the colour and changed the motion speed. 

Auxiliary Task: Poster (plan)

Here is a rough draft of the layout I am planning to use for the Poster part of my auxiliary task.

A few amendments since this was drawn:

• I have decided to position the CD in the lower box. 
• There having a promotional photography spanning across the whole width of the poster. 
• I had originally planned to use a B&W photo, however as part of the synergy I am planning on using some stills from my music video and then editing these.
• I will also make clear associations with the NME logo for example, as well as the Geffen Record Label and booking agencies, etc - what you would expect to see on a show flyer. 

Video Audience Draft Feedback

Here I filmed a response to the 2nd draft of my music video. 

This proved to be really helpful feedback, as it came from a realistic audience who would be viewing the video but hadn't yet seen it. I have therefore taken demographic considerations. 

Soundtrack

The above soundtrack can be heard here: 
https://soundcloud.com/lew-parkerr/title-soundtrack

This is the soundtrack that will be played during the ending title sequence of the music video. It is currently 12 seconds long, however I intend to cut it down to approximately 6-7 seconds. 

I decided to use Cubase music software because I wanted to explore different medias when making my project. Other examples of this can be seen by my use of Motion 5, as well as both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro X.

When making the soundtrack I used a series of samples. At first I detuned a Cello, followed by including an african drum sample. I then experimented with the synth plugins which sit as the main instrument within the mix. I later finalised the soundtrack by adding reverb and finding the correct EQ setting. 

The whole purpose of this soundtrack was to accompany the animated director's title and therefore give more of a cinematic-style to the video. This style is also represented through the use of aspect ratios ('letterbox effect') and a variety of special effects. I wanted to create a soundtrack that sounded innovative.

Royalty-free music/samples

For the director's title, I would like to include a sample of cinematic-style music that will play as the title appears. 

I have now started to explore royalty-free music samples, to find what sort of sample will be most appropriate. I also have the option of making my own soundtrack by using programs such as Garageband. 

I have also considered using guitar pedals to make a soundtrack. I approximate that 

the animated title will last for 5-6 seconds, thus the soundtrack will not have to be long. 

I have looked at websites such as: www.looperman.com and www.incompetech.com for Royalty-free music.

I decided to produce my own music by using cubase. The track is currently 12 seconds long however I will condense both ends of the track and possibly make alterations to suit the motion of the animated text.

I have taken influence from companies such as 'Sitcom Soldiers'. An example of the cinematic-style music I have in mind, can be found at the beginning of the video below.

Exporting Draft #2

In this second draft I have amended some of the things I had discussed for my first draft. This is now the full length of the video and it has therefore given me a chance to break it down into different sections to analyse.

In my final I will included the following:

• The director's title which I have previously discussed in multiple posts. This will appear at the very end of the video after we see the band enter a pub at the end of their day.

• More of a distinction between the use of aspect ratios. Throughout my video two different ratios are used in order to give the scenes the required space (i.e. avoid faces being cut off, etc).
  I have decided I therefore have 4 options:
  a) Use one ratio the whole way through.
  b) Avoid using the 'letterbox' effect altogether.
  c) Discover how I can position the footage inside the clips so that a 2.35:1 ratio can be used the whole way through (most desired outcome).
  d) Make a distinction between Performance and Narrative sections, therefore different ratios for each.

• More consideration to some parts of colour-correction. For example, I would like to explore Light Leak packs more, as I understand there are Organic packs which are particularly effective.

• I would also like to work on my 'Still Here' title and possibly the 'Viva Brother' one also; Whether this will be with kinetic typography or various other devices/features I have discovered in programs such as Motion 5. 

I will now gather further audience feedback so that I can completely maximize the potential of the video and possibly learn something from my peers/audience. As part of this, I will be filming the reactions of my audience watching this second draft.