Flat plan of magazine advertisement

Unfortunately, this hasn't came out very well. You can see the idea of how I would like my magazine advertisement to look like with lots of information and pictures within the advertisement to grab the readers attention.

My school has re-opened today after being closed for a week. Unfortunately, still due to the snow and ice we cant film the final part of our footage till it clears up because me and Abbas think it will be extremely dangerous for me and my actors to run on a track which is really slippy and icy. During this week, I and Abbas are going to edit the footage we have already shot so we can show sir a slight rough cut of the innovation of our music video. The final footage however that still needs to be shot will be put on a hold for a few weeks until the snow and ice has fully cleared. Sir has informed me that what I should also do now is focus on planning our Digipak and magazine advertisement as we will be starting these after christmas anyway. So these next couple of weeks before breaking up for the christmas holidays me and Abbas are going to edit the footage we have already shot and also begin developing a planning concept for the innovation of our Digipak and Magazine Advertisement. That is all we can focus on for now until the snow has cleared up.

Unfortunately due to the snow and treacherous weather conditions the school was closed again today. Taking into consideration of the weather and school closure, I am hoping that Mr Earl will set a further deadline because Me and Abbas need to access the school media server in order to edit our footage. During the time I have being off, I have being looking at magazine advertisements to see how bands are potrayed. I have not yet analysed them in too much detail yet but I am going to purchase some more magazines over the weekend so I can see which advertisements look most effective. I am going to look at rock genre because that is the genre I and Abbas are implementing within the innovation of our music video. Hopefully, at the beginning of next week we will return to school and then begin editing our footage in class.

By school being closed the past few days, Me and Abbas havent being able to edit any of our footage yet because all our footage is on the schools hard drive. This is really unfortunate as we were meant to have our rough cut finished by the end of this week but due to the horrendous weather conditions we cant access our media server due to the school being closed. Im hoping the school will re-open tomorrow or friday so me and Abbas can make a good start at editing our footage. We will just have to wait and keep checking the school website to see when we are able to access the school grounds. Due to the school being closed, Im hoping Mr Earl will give us an extra week to finish our rough cut because the snow has really intefered with our deadlines and time management. All we can hope for now is the snow to clear up so we can then attend school and edit the footage we have shot and actually film the second and final parts for the innovation for our music video.

Unfortunately, me and Abbas could not shoot our footage today regarding the horrendous weather we have received in the North-East. There has been about 10 inches of snow and expecting more so inevtiably we could not shoot the second part of our race scene today because the racing track is covered in snow therefore it is too dangerous to run on due to healthy and safety issues. Also, the roads are very dangerous to drive on at the moment and buses are running behind schedule so therefore today couldnt have not gone to plan unfortunately. I do understand that Mr Earl wants a rough cut of the innovation of our music video at the end of next week, however we will just have to wait till the weather has calmed down which will hopefully happen before the end of next week. We do so far have some footage shot from last month of the first part of the race scene and the training sequences so during next week we will have to begin editing that footage before we can go forward in shooting any more footage. By editing the footage we have already shot, this will make things less stressful and time convenient. That is all we can do for now until the weather clears up because it is an unfortunate that we cannot shoot any further footage outside until the snow and ice has fully cleared up.

I contacted Bethany Simpson last night which is one of our main actors that we need for the next shooting of out footage to see when she was next available to shoot. She informed me that she is working every night this week till half 5 except Saturday which is her only day off this week. As we need everything shot by the end of this week, i informed Abbas that Beth is only available for shooting on Saturday so now our plan is to shoot the second race scene for the innovation of our music video on Saturday. We are just hoping the weather is going to be reasonable on the day as we know that the North-East is expecting snow this week and if this happens the weather could lead to several constraints on the planning of shooting our next footage. We want to shoot the second race scene on Saturday where I, the underdog wins the race and becomes victorious through training hard in progress for the race. If the weather is a major concern then I and Abbas will have to come to some sort of an arrangement where shooting will have to take place perhaps early next week because we understand that we can't shoot our second race scene if the weather is severe.

Just been looking on the BBC news website to see what the weather is like for this week. Most days are expected rain but Thursday looks like a promising day so by all means we are planning on shooting the rest of our footage on Thursday after school. I just need to double check with my actors because as far as i know i'm not too sure on whether they are working on thursday after school. I am going to ring my friends Bethany and Sophie and see whether they are available to shoot on thursday after school. If they are not then I need to see which others days they are free. I understand that all the footage has to be shot by the end of this week so we can show sir an example of our rough cut in the next couple of weeks.

Comparism

Looking back at what progress I’ve made from AS to A2, I think I have improved quite rapidly just not as much regarding editing as I still at present find editing the most challenging task. When I first took media studies last year, my first task was to complete an exercise project which was to help develop my skills. The task required me and three of my friends to film a scene from a script that was given to us from our teacher. As I was just beginning to learn the concepts of filming and representation, I didn’t quite know where to film and what shots to use as I was just beginning my process of learning. However, we did end up filming in a suitable location which was in the hall at our school and within the team I and my friend Gemma were selected to act out the script. Looking back at my exercise project at AS level, I think since then I have definitely made a clear improvement specifically developing my acting skills.

The next project that was set was to produce a continuity project. Part of this project, me and my team partner, Bethany Stone had the choice of choosing what we wanted to do for the project. For example, we did some planning and both agreed that we wanted to create a “Chick-flick” project as we both liked that type of genre. Considering our progress of planning, we did not do anywhere near as much as we are set out to do now for our final A2 project. This year we are very familiar with updating out progress on blogs on a weekly basis. Last year I only left a few blogs since the whole class and teacher was just coming to terms with how it works and etc. Looking back from last year my planning has improved dramatically.

This year I am currently working with Abbas and we both update our blogs up to three times a week to depict a strong overview of our progress and ideas. I have already published 43 post so far so this emphasises that I have took the time to write down my ideas and plan effectively for the innovation of our music video. Moving on to the development of camera shots, in mine and Beth’s continuity project we developed a slight better understanding of which shots were most effective, how important the lighting was when shooting as well as which locations looked most professional and suited the genre and representation of the project. When filming our continuity project, I and Beth knew that we had to take many shots from different angles as we knew it was important to have more footage than we need due to perhaps changing our mind of which shots we want to use and if in an unlikely situation we were to loose parts of the footage.

We understood how important it was to use many shot-reverse shots as apart of out project we had a two-way conversation which was I and my teacher Mr Earl. My team partner, Beth made sure that she captured many shots so that it was easier for us to pick in the development of editing the final piece. Even looking back from my exercise project to my continuity project, our knowledge of filming and what shots to use did improve slightly. Additionally, I believe my acting skills improved as I was able to transform more effectively into the role I was playing. After our continuity project was completed, I and Bethany carried on working together and we were set to film our final project at AS level. We had the choice again of what genre we wanted to use. When having a debate about it, we both decided positively to film a short-film portraying horror as we knew that we would be able to do many things with it from the most effective shots and props. As we already had experience from filming our exercise project to continuity project, we had a good understanding of what would work and what would not. I again was the main actress in our final project and Bethany was the one who was filming. This is the project where my acting skills excelled as I was good preparing myself to get into character as well as relating to the genre.

Looking back at last year, I really enhanced my knowledge of camera angles and shots. For example, when filming our final project last year, I and Beth decided to film a chase scene in our project where I would get chased by the man that is stalking me. I had the idea of using some point of view shots from the stalker as I knew this would look extremely effective. From implementing this idea, I could see that my knowledge was progressing as I was coming to terms with what shots would look more realistic and effective. As a result from looking back at my final project from last year, the chase scene looked really effective. I was overall impressed with how effective my final project looked and in the process of planning and filming as well as acting, I believe that my skills had progressed dramatically from first filming my exercise and continuity project. Also from looking back at last years projects, firstly there were many continuity errors in my exercise project but then less in my continuity project and finally there were actually no clear continuity errors in my final AS project. This was down to effective editing of the footage.

Last year, I and Beth still found the editing really difficult from first being introduced to it. Our teacher, Mr Earl really helped us come to terms with how to use the software to the best ability. For example, he helped us in making the chase scene look really effective with the effect of a slow-motion technique and many cuts and fades. Without his help, I don’t think me and Beth would have learnt as much or therefore have as such a good project. After Sir helped us tweak our project, I and Beth still had a go at editing out own footage, however it took us longer than we though to get everything right. In my honest opinion, my partner Beth was the one that found it easier in using the editing software, I found it really difficult. However, I did assist in helping Beth throughout the whole project just I needed a little time in working out the functions of the software.

I and Abbas are now still currently about to shoot the next bit of footage for the innovation of our music video but we have not yet begun editing. However, looking back at the progress I made last year, I think me and Abbas are not going to need as much assistance as we both already understand the basics of the software however I still think I may find it difficult as I am not as confident as I would like to be with editing my footage on the adobe premier software. However, I know that if I do struggle then I have Abbas to help me and my teacher Mr Earl which is a useful source. Looking back at all the choices I have made, I think they have all worked out effectively, considering the marks I have achieved and positive feedback. For example, for my final project last year I came out with a B grade which I was ecstatic about. This proved that my success of planning and development was highly achieved.

This year, I am currently trying to maintain that high level and come out with a B grade in my A2 final project. From all my experience and skills I have developed from last year, I believe that this can be achieved. I overall think I have improved rapidly in becoming a good producer. I now know that planning is vital in going through the process of beginning production. I also know now that depending on people is important also because in order to film footage effectively, you need to reply on your actors to turn up to the settings. I am fully confident this year that my project will become a success as I have used two close friends as my actresses so I already know that they are extremely reliable therefore having no interferences or mishaps. This year, I believe that going through the progress of planning by up dating my ideas on blogs is a reliable source in helping me to review my progress effectively from the start of the year. This way I can see which ideas were efficient and which were not. I am currently at present working at a good pace and I hope that everything will go to plan with my final A2 project due to developing my skills throughout the last year.

Sir has informed us to have everything shot by the end of next week so that gives us about 10 days to get as much footage shot as we can. The weather is a concern at the moment because it hasnt been really nice weather recently. It also gets quite dark at about 4 o'clock which we will have to work around because we dont have enough free time at school to go off and shoot in the day. We are thinking of shooting this weekend. I am going to ask my two actors, Sophie Balfour and Bethany Simpson when they are both available because they have work committments. We still need to render out footage on the school computer that we have already took. We know it takes a long period of time to render so we are going to have this done by the end of next week then start filming out last bit of footage next week sometime depending on what day we arrange to suit our actors needs. Redering is a long process and this will have an impact on my approach to editing accordingly.

Yesterday, I developed a concept for mine and Abbas's digipak. The example is only just a rough cut but it emphasises our ideas. For example, having pictures of an olympic torch on the front cover contrasted on a white background as well as the back contrasted with a picture of our band on a white background. Me and Abbas like the idea of having a white background as it makes everything stand out clearly and look more effective. We want to catch the public's eye and draw their attention to our digipak so we honestly beleive that a white background will be most effective in drawing the public's eye. We also want to have many colourful special effects on the front cover so this also looks appealing to the public. Below is an example of a concept of our digipak. However, in the full process of thinking about the design of the Digipak, our ideas may change after the completion of our music video.

As I am beginning to think of the concepts for our digipak in more depth, I think that it will be extremely effective to have a variety of special effects placed around the cover to make our album stand out and draw attention to the public. Pink’s album front cover inspires me as the bold colour, pink stands out and makes the cover look funky and edgy which is what I want to do with the innovation of my digipak cover. The way how the white typography stands out on the pink writing is also extremely effective as white and pink contrast nice together. In my digipak I want to have a white background with a mixture of bright bold colours placed in the background so that everything stands out and creates a superior illustration. The way how the light and bright colours are used for Pink’s album front cover is ultimately appealing to me and as a result I am definitely considering of using many bright colours so that no individual will miss seeing my cover. Pinks album cover conveys her personality as to be seen as a stereotypical rebellious role model due to the way she is shot holding a chain in her mouth and wearing a white vest, which is conveying her masculnity. The plan is to make our digipak not look cliche but attract the public's eye with the use of a mix of bright bold colours on a white background. This will hopefully engage the audience and attract their eye.

During lunchtime today me and Abbas recorded our song again in A27, the music room.
The reason why we recorded it again is because the first time the song was recorded, pippa (the singer) made a slight error so we wanted to record it again to get it right so there were no repeated mistakes with the lyrics in the song. Now that we have shot some footage and heard the song being played over and over again, I am starting to come to terms that there is a clear link between our footage and the lyrics within the song. I have listened thorougully to the lyrics and I think that they effectively link with our footage including the race scene, and the different methods of training in preparation for the race. The lyrics link highly well with the narrative of our footage. For example, the key lyrics that will relate to the innovation of our music video is the words "We are the champions" which will link at the end of our music video when I the underdog wins the race therefore feeling on top of the world.

Over the weekend, Abbas managed to download Adobe Premier on his laptop so this means that we can edit everything on his laptop during lesson and outside of school. Abbas is back from London tonight so tomorrow I am going to discuss with him which day will be the most suitable to film next because by the end of this week we intend to have the second race scene shot where I, the underdog win the race due to an increase in training to prepare for the race. My friend, Bethany Simpson is one of our main characters in the innovation of our music video and I am going to contact her tonight to see which day will fit in with her because she works full time at the moment so this means we are going to have to fit out time schedule around her as she plays a key role in our music video for "We are the Champions". When I find out later on tonight then me and Abbas can begin filming our next footage straight away because I want to leave enough time for editing as that is the longest part in the development of making a music video. The editing has to be perfect but as I am already aware of the software, this means it is going to make things a little easier.

This is an example of the first ever test footage Abbas filmed of me running on our school track. I couldn't upload this footage till now as I didn't have the media server on my computer but it is all sorted now. This example of our footage is not really any idea of what we want our final piece to look like but just the concept of how I will be filmed running around the track and eventually winning the race. When reviewing this footage we realised immediately that the school track would not be suitable for the innovation of our music video because it did not look professional enough and the markings on the track were all faded. We then experimented different locations and found that Maiden Castle's sport centre was the best and looked the most professional and realistic as the track was new and all the lines on the track were clearly emphasised. When reviewing our practice footage on Abbas's camera we could see that the track was really accurate and suitable for our music video. As I have already mentioned, Abbas is going to London tonight and he will not return till earlier next week. This means that I still cannot upload some of our practice footage as it is all on his camera and the rendering will take a great deal of time. Next week we are going to focus on doing some editing to see an example of what our music video could look like as well as shoot further footage of the second race scene.

As me and Abbas have already shot some footage for the innovation of our music video for "We are the champions". We understand that we have to shoot the second race scene sometime next week as we have only shot the first race where the blonde actor (Bethany simpson) wins and I loose. We have much of the training methods shot, just we need to recap over what other training techniques we could shoot. Abbas is going to london on thursday and he won't be back till monday night next week so therefore I will have to wait untill he returns until we can shoot further footage. I have already discussed with Abbas when we can next do some shooting and we agreed that one day next week would be suitable. We just need to ask our actors first which day is best for them because one of of our actors (Bethany Simpson) which is the blonde girl I will be competing with in the race, we need to ensure we can film when suitable for her as she is one of the main characters in the innovation of our music video. At the moment we are up-to-date with all our planning and at the end of next week were hoping to have the second race scene shot where I, the underdog wins the race and becomes the "Champion".

In the half-term as I have already mentioned, Me and Abbas filmed our rough cut for the innovation of our music video. Both were a rough cut of the first race scene and training sequences. Today in class, we have realised that it is going to take a few hours for our recent footage to be rendered. According to this, it means that we won't be able to upload the footage on our blog till next week. During the process of filming we seemed to have learnt alot from this point last year. Last year when I was working with Bethany Stone it took us time to film and find what shots worked the best but now me and Abbas straight away took some effective footage and we knew what methods would work. For example, we knew that we had to take several footage from different angles to enable us to have more to work from. Last year, I seemed to fail in doing this as me and Bethany didn't take enough footage, therefore having to go out again and obtain more footage. I beleive that I have made a huge improvement from last year and in the process of developing my skills, I am going to apply my acting skills in the rest of our filming.

Yesterday, me and abbas filmed some more footage for the innovation of our music video. For example, Abbas took a series of footage showing the different training techniques i use in preparation of winning the second race which will be depicted at the end of our music video. Many different training methods were shot but when we put it together, we do realise that we might have not shot enough so in preparation for this in the next coming weeks we are going to ensure we shoot lots of footage in case if some footage isnt as useful. As Abbas has the video recorder at home, I cannot upload any of the footage yet. When I return to 6th form next week I will upload the footage of the race scene and the training sequence that we have completed so far.

Footage

Today me and Abbas shot some footage for our music video. We shot abit of our race scene where the blonde girl wins the race and the underdog looses by a tiny amount. Next weekend we are going to shoot more of our race scene where I (the underdog) wins the race. This Friday me and Abbas are going to shoot some more footage for the innovation of our music video potraying the different methods of training I do to prepare for the next race. We have got permission again to use the running track at Maiden castle so everything is going well at the moment.

Today me and Abbas have asked our actors if they are free in the half-term next week. They all said they would make time so we can shoot a series of our footage for our music video. On Monday, we are going to check the weather forecast to ensure which day will be the best to shoot. We want the weather to be decent and quite sunny but not rainy. When we have sorted out which day is the best then we will discuss with our actors if they are free. Also through the half-term I am going to think about ideas on what we could put on our digi-pak and also think of ideas for our magazine advertisement so we have a general idea before beginning the process.

After a lot of thought Me and Abbas have decided that within the process of making our digipak, we want it to relate effectively with the innovation of our music video. For example, we are thinking of using a olympic torch light as our main image on the front cover as this signifies athletes which is what we are portraying in our music video. We beleive that a white background will be also extremely effective with a series of multi-coloured special effects in the background which will stand out and appeal to the general public. Over the half-term we are going to plan out exactly what we want on our digipak so that we have a general idea of how long it will take to create over a period of time.

The other day in class, I was given a document analysing a series of digipak cover. After reading through several pages today, I am beginning to have more of an idea what I want my digipak to look like. However, im still not certain on what picture I would like on the front. Tomorrow in lesson I am going to discuss my ideas with Abbas and see if we can come to a decision on what we exactly want our digipak to look like and portray to the public.

Me and Abbas are still finishing off our production schedule as we are just missing the dates of when we are going to film as we are not defitnetly sure which exact days our actors are available and what the weather forecast is like for next week. We are going to shoot some test footage today for the innovation of our music video and during the half-term we are going to come into school one day and shoot as much footage as we can as this will mean that we are ahead of schedule and have enough time to spend editing in lesson. During lunchtime today we are going to record the music track in A27, the music room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8rRSEXLV3Q&feature=related

Rocky IV – Training scene

In this montage sequence, there are various cuts between two men who are training to compete in a fight with one another. The blonde man is represented as dominant as he is training with all high-tech equipment whereas the other man is training with basis equipment such as skipping ropes and etc. The use of the cuts is extremely effective as it makes it clear to the audience the difference between the two men. In this video the man with brown hair who is lower class is represented as the underdog. For example, at the end of the video the man with brown hair reaches the top of the mountain and becomes victorious. This is effectively shown also with the use of various cuts between him and the other man. The camera is cutting between them both to show the blonde man training on his treadmill increasing his incline but the camera cuts rapidly to the other man who actually reaches the top of a mountain. Mine and Abbas’s innovation of our video is going to be quite similar to this one. For example, we are going to create a montage where there are a series of cuts of the underdog training and at the end she wins the race and beats her competitor that actually beat her in the first round.

Chemical Brothers - Electrobank

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0dxByaPWhM&ob=av2e

Chemical brothers - Electrobank

This music video is an example of a narrative video with a clear storyline portrayed. From this video for ‘Electrobank’ there are many hand-held camera movements which creates a realistic vibe. We can see that this is extremely effective in creating energy. I and Abbas are thinking of using a series of hand-held footage as this will create the illusion of movement and a documentary of reality. In the video for Chemical brothers, the narrative is created by the camera frequently cutting to the blonde girl. This creates the dynamic aspect of the video and the audience can instantly tell that the blonde girl is antagonist as she is represented as a negative stereotype. For example, the majority of people instantly think negatively now about blonde girls as they are represented as two-faced and twist stirring characters. The narrative is clear in this video and in the innovation of my music video for “We are the champions” I am going to have an antagonist and pro-antagonist as this will create the clear dynamic storyline. As well as shown in the Electrobank video, in mine and Abbas’s music video, we are going to have the antagonist being a blonde character and the pro-antagonist being a brunette. At the end of the video the pro-antagonist will win the race and this refers to the fairytale of “Good always wins evil”.

Chariots of fire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEF4zH6XHCk&feature=related

This video is a similar example of how I and Abbas want our video to look like. Within this video you can see the development of training a man is preparing for to be fit enough to compete. In our music video we are going to be portraying the steps of training and preparation same as in this video for chariots of fire. We want at the end of our video for “We are the champions” a happy ending where an individual finally succeeds in winning the race. Same as chariots of fire, the man wins the race which is exactly what will happen in our video accept it will be the feamle underdog that wins. This music video is a great example of ideas that we would like to portray in ours as our plan is to film an individual preparing for a race where eventually she will win. The ideas shown in the chariots of fire video are the ideas that we are going to use for creating the innovation of our music video. The only difference is that we are going to use a female character as we want to be different and not always portray the man been the dominant character. We are going to have several female racers as this makes it more realistic as in the athletics male and females are separated into their gender. We are going to have a blonde girl (Sophie Balfour) that wins the race first time, but a brunette which is myself, that trains hard and actually wins the race in the end and becomes a champion relating to the lyrics of the song "We are the champions".

http://abbasted.blogspot.com/2010/10/queen-we-are-champions-analysis-and.html#comments

Having looked at and analysed the lyrics, me and Abbas have decided that it will make more sense if we were to create one story throughout the video instead of a series of stories as the lyrics are not long enough to portray a chain of stories. We think it will be more effective if a girl actor which will be myself, act in our video referring to how she took up running but then failed to complete her ultimate race but in the end turning out to be a champion as her hard training pays off. By having one character within the music video, the audience will be able to empathise and sympathise more effectively as the character will be the centre of the story. We are still definitely going to have a happy ending so the audience are fulfilled.

Mine and Abbas's Pitch!

Abbas Tajik and Emily Smith - Music Campaign Pitch from Chris Earl on Vimeo.

This is our pitch that I and Abbas presented in front of the class last week. Within the presentation we were on edge of deciding two songs, but now we are going to use 'We are the champions' for our cover. This presentation gives a overview of how we want our music video to look like.

By next week me and abbas are going to produce a production schedule which will have wrote down when and where we are going to shoot our footage for our music video. We are still currently thinking of our locations but the shootage of the band will be filmed mostly in the studio at school and perhaps outside. We do know that we are going to shoot footage outside of school depending on the free time our actors have. We are thinking of shooting some practice footage in the October half-term week so we can see if our ideas work and would look good in the video for our cover of 'we are the champions'.

'Runaway love'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISvMS6s421vY&ob=av3n

This music video has had a huge impact on the innovation of mine and Abbas’s music video for the cover of “We are the champions”. We are currently already thinking of having a few people act in our music video who are all trying to achieve something that is important to them in their life. In this music video, ‘runaway love’ there is various actors who all live different lives. There is a storyline to this video and at the end everyone is peaceful and content which contributes to the happy ending. This is exactly how I and Abbas want our video to achieve as we want the audience to empathise and sympathise with the characters. We like the idea of showing various diverse individuals who are totally different but all trying to achieve the same feeling of victory. This music video is extremely effective in developing the audience’s feelings and emotions. I want the public to empathise with my music video so the idea of creating an effective and depth storyline will help to keep the audience drawn to the screen. A happy ending is the end to satisfy the audience as they are left content. Me and Abbas have already came to the conclusion that we are going ahead with having a happy ending to the end of our music video so the audience is left fulfilled.

Today, Me and my partner Abbas presented our pitch for the innovation of our music video. We have finally made up the decision of pursuing a cover of "We are the champions" by Queen. We have asked a band in Year 12 for their permission to record them singing this song. They have agreed and they are happy to be filmed as part of our music video. We were on edge of choosing "We are the champions" or "We will rock you" but when we asked the year 12's they were strongly forward with recording "We are the champions" as they are already well familiar with the song. At the moment we are strongly forward into using the contrast of black & white to portray an edgy and rock look for the band. We are thinking shooting most of our music video in black and white followed by the digipak and magazine advertisement being the contrast of black of white maybe with a few hints of colour and use of special effects. We have decided on a name for our band which will be as follows; ASTOUND which actually refers to rock. Our logo will be extremely large which will stand out on both the digipak and magazine advertisement hopefully drawing the public's attention. We really like the name as it is original and stands for rock which is the genre our band portrays. For our music video, we want to create a storyline so the viewers engage and sympathise with our video. We have thought about using a few actors and making each of them act out apart of life where they did not succeed but then eventually ended up victorious. For example, someone perhaps not getting good exam results but then by the end of it working hard and obtaining a good grade. We haven't made a definite choice yet though but the storyline will be clearly thought through in more time. All we know is that we want the lyrics to related to the video and how we are the champions lyrics relate to individuals achieving something in life so the audience can engage and sympathise with the characters. We intend to develop a clear throughout story by the end of half term. However we could face many problems such as not actually knowing what we want to do because we do change our minds freuqnetly, also we may find it difficult when using Photoshop and the editing software again. However, we will try our best to try and work our way round them to achieve out outcome of creating a superior, music video, magazine advertisement and digipak.

British rock band video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VXc2eZtPN0&ob=av2e

This week i have being focusing on looking at British Rock bands and their music videos and Digipak's. As me and Abbas have finally chosen that we are going to create a cover of Queen's smash hit "We are the champions", we have took the time into looking at a couple of Queen's videos and how they differ from American rock bands. Queens first ever official video was "Bohemian Rhapsody". This music video is really different to another other rock band. All of the video is shot in black and white which potrays their dark and rock image. The band is shot on stage quite abit and also the band are shot in close up for a majority of the video and individual shots as well as many special effects to create a rock and exciting image. I particularly like in the video where the band is shot in a kaleidoscope effect. This draws my attention as it looks extremely creative. I would most likely consider trying to create this effect in the innovation of my music video for 'We are the champions' as i think it will create an appealing image for the band and look edgy. I also like how the band is shot on a black background. This also creates their sinister / rock image. Their Digipak also includes many special effects and is extremely bright coloured schemed unlike their video for Bohemian Rhapsody. The way how there is an image of the swan at the top with a sparkle of flames, it creates an exhilerating effects and encourages the audience to buy their album as a swan is a sign of love. For my digipak i am still deliberating whether to use a contrast of black & white or bright colour scheme. Looking at Queen's digipak i can see that a bright coloured cover does create a desireable effect so i migth consder it.

Over the past couple of weeks me and abbas have being discussing what song we would like to implement for our music video. At the beginning of term we were determined to use an american rock band's song but we have changed our mind. We are now going to use a successful British rock band, Queen as their songs are extremely well-known. We changed to using a British rock band because American rock bands were not as appealing to us anymore because over the past few weeks i have being researching into British rock bands such as Queen for example and i had a huge urge to change my mind and use a British rock band because the audience that will be attracted to a British rock band will be British. This is one of the reasons why choosing a British rock band because me and Abbas want to target a British genre, not American. Also, Queen's music video and micro elements are extremely creative. My next task is to post blogs analysing a couple of Queen's music videos as well as other British rock bands to analyse what elements/shots we could consider using also as they may have approved to be a success for them.

Me and Abbas have choose two songs that we would consider using in our music video. The songs are both by Queen, "We are the champions" and "we will rock you". We have contacted the official Queen to ask permission on whether we can use their song or not. We have currently waiting for an answer. If we do not get permission from Queen, we have a back-up plan. For example, one of our friends in our year can play the guitar really professionally so he said that we could use his music in our video. Also, we have another friend who is good at singing as she is in the choir and she said that she would record the voice for our music video. This week we are going to ask one of our teachers if we can use the school's studio room so we can record the cover. This is only if we do not get permission from Queen itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYnCzHYHCpA&feauture=fvst





This week i have decided to look at the multi-million US rock band, "Aerosmith". The video I have being deeply looking into is "Walk this way" which was a huge hit in 97's. The video is filmed as a two shot with two bands located in rooms opposite eachother which is really effective as it keeps the audience focused. The band is shot frequently on stage with all the spotlights on the band. From seeing how good and effective it looks on the music video, it puts me into the decision of going forward to shooting most of my innovative music video on stage as it creates a rock vibe sensation.





This digipak is an extremely interesting and versatile front conver for a rock band. However the name of the album "Toys in the attic" clearly links with the defying image represented on the cover. The colours used are quite unusual for a rock band to use as your normally connote a rock band with the colours red and black but in this case the colours used are red, orange and brown which are all neutral covers. The digipak and music video are totally diverse. The cover connotes the natural and child-like side to the band which helps audience to emphasise whereas the video connotes the rock chick side. The way how the digipak and videos are totally different is extremely creative and diverse. I think that it is an extremely good idea as the fans can see two sides to the band. I may be considering using this technique when producing my digipak and music video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx364Lm53Aw

This week i have being listening to and looking at a recent American rock band, "30 seconds to mars". Their recent global success was with the song "Kings & Queens" which was a huge UK and US hit. Their video is impressive and the way how the sunliight is captured at the beginning creates a desireable effect. Alot of the music video is shot in the City with hundreds of the community cycling around. Looking at what this music video implements it leads me to the decisions of thinking of filming in a well-lit and pretty locations with many people being apart of the video. The digipak for their album called "This is War" is also extremely creative and impressive. As you can see the picture placed on their digipak is a tiger. This connotes that this band is dangerous yet exciting and ready to deliver. Tigers like to be let loose and free and this links with the music video for "Kings & Queens" as members of the puplic are being therselves and let free roaming the city. I like "30 seconds to mars" alot and i think they are one of the best American rock bands around. From looking closely at their digipak and continously watching their music video i have learnt a lot about how to make things work and look creative. From their video i am considering filming in perhaps a city location with many members of the public joining in as this will create a reality and help the audience to engage. This is the best music video i have looked at so far over this summer and when i return to 6th form i am going to discuss with my team members to look closely how this band are shot in their music video and see if we can come to a decision of how we want out innovative music video to look like and capture an exhilerating effect that the public want to watch over and over again.

Sad This week i have being well familiar with Green day's work. Green Day is an american punk rock band that formed in 1987 and have became an established success. I am focusing on their music videos and digipak's to obtain some ideas for my innovative music video. Green Day produced a song in the past called "When September ends". This song was a huge interantional hit and the music video to go with it was extremely controversial and appealed to a wide genre of the public. The music video potrays a depressing image with the continous links with the film that conveys sadness and betrayal between a young couple. The band is shot is shot closely aswell and the members in the band are all wearing dark make-up around their eyes to connote their punk/rock image. I think this is extremely effective and this idea makes me think more about using this in my music video. There are many American rock bands to focus on but Green Day have some very effective elements that could lead to being implemented in my music video. Additionally the digipak for their album, "American Idiot". The cover conveys an oppressing and dark image due to the three colours being implemented which are red, white and black which are all sinister colours. The image on their album is someone holding a heart which conveys love, however there is blood dripping which signifies fear. This creates a well controversial image for the band which is extremely effective. I like the colours Green Day have used on their album and i think i may think about using some quite depressing colours but with a meaning to hopefully attract the pulic's attention.

APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION

In the past few weeks I have being doing some deep research into a very well-known American Rock band, Guns N Roses. This American Rock band is quite similar to Nickelback which I am strongly focussing on. Guns N Roses seem deeper regarding their video to “Sweet Child of Mine”. The video is shot in black and white which instantly connotes simplicity but notorious. Throughout the video the band are shot playing on stage which seems to be a strong element in helping to engage the audience. This idea is a one I am interested in implementing within my innovative music video as it has proved to be a success with one of America’s most popular rock bands, Guns N Roses. Guns N Roses are classifed as one of the most dangerous bands and from their album cover placed above you can see the sinister atmosphere and fear that this band creates due to the colours used on the colour and the images of skulls. The effective use of the skulls and the cross depict a terrorised religious image. It shows the audience that the band express their religion and contact with dead people. From the music video and the digipak together, this band is extremely deep and well controversial to any other american rock bands. The creative effects and elements implemented within their music video is a few that may stick in my mind to help me express and create a innovative rock music video.

Nickelback - ROCKSTAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmeUuoxyt_E

All the right reasons

This album cover connotes the genre of this American rock band. The Cover portrays a western view. All colours used on the front cover of this album are dull and masculine colours. For example, all colours are grey and black which connotes an oppressing atmosphere. The video for Rockstar is a widespread genre of both females and males singing along to the song. The video connotes a happy and content atmosphere. The front cover of the digipak and the music video together don’t have a clear link in marketing. However the sense the clear meaning of the digipak and the video together depicts freedom and how everyone can have the choice for who they want to be and decide independently when and where to take the next step in life.

Nickelback – I’d come for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gassa97xDMY&feature=related

Dark Horse

This music video links with the cover of the bands music album in a very oppressing and creative way. The video is well controversial and masculine but in a way that is empathetic with the audience. Nickelback is an American rock band and the music video for this track conveys elements of masculinity. For example, in the music video the male gender is represented as dominant relating with the man trying to pressure a young vulnerable girl but in the end the girl’s dad coming to the rescue. The front cover of Nickelback’s Dark Horse album connotes darkness and isolation as well as masculinity.

Nickleback

If today was your last day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maINUv2H8A0&feature=related

Dark Horse

The video for “If today was your last day” is one of Nickelback’s recent hits. The video reflects masculinity and portrays a dark and sinister atmosphere. There is a clear representation between the video and the front cover of the album. For example, the dark and oppressing image. Within the video the band are shot in a dark room with spotlights over them and many takes of the video is shot of two men wearing black hoodies looking rebellious. This links with the album of Nickelback’s album, Dark horse as the cover of the album is contrast black and white which is connoting a rebellious and masculine community. The use of the typography is effective as it also relates to a sinister and oppressing atmosphere due to the way the letters are broken up and portraying an oppressing view. The effective use of the padlock demonstrated on the digipak relates well with the music video as the padlock is connoting an entrance to another world and within the video the two rebellious look-alikes try to help the mankind therefore trying to open new doors for them. This is the clear link between the digipak and the music video that is prominent.

Radiohead - Just

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIFLtNYI3Ls

The Bends

This video by radiohead was extremely appealing to me and when I began to watch it I couldn’t take my eyes off it due to the subverted use of subtitles appearing on the screen. The song differs between two genres, rock/indie. This relates with the genre that I and my group members are thinking strongly about and intending to work hard at. Rock/Indie is the genres that I and my group members are intending to subvert into an innovative music video. This video is prominent and well controversial. The elements in this music video are extremely effective. The piece of art that was most striking was the use of the subtitles. This keeps audience engaged and empathised. The subtitles stood out for me the most as when I was watching the video I wanted to know why the man was lying on the ground so when the subtitles appeared on screen I was highly drawn to the screen and looked closely at the words. The music video kept me guessing and asking questions of why and what is happening. This is what I enjoyed the most as most music videos I watch the videos aren’t so striking but Just by Radiohead was most appealing and remarkable in my eyes. This music video’s micro and macro elements are extremely versatile and this leads to targeting the generation young/middle-aged viewers. The age range most suitable and understanding of this video would be 16-40. The elements are there for confusion and people who are older might understood the concepts relating to the genre. The way the man is represented is quite peculiar. For example, he is portrayed to be quite insane who has contact with the outside world referring to knowing to lie down on the ground. The front cover of Radioheads album is unique and extremely creative. The artistic photo of a weird looking figure has being designed to reflect upon and relate to the music video Just. The use of the unusual photo on the album reflects with the strange and sci-fi meaning within the video as a man lies on the ground due to knowing something that nobody else knows. The contrast of white, black and red are extremely effective and all the colours connote a spiritual and sinister atmosphere. The digipak for Radioheads along with the music video have a visible link between genre and representation. For example the video is extremely masculine and the colours on the album cover connote masculinity and darkness. The figure of the man potrayed on the cover looks unusual and relates to the weirdness of the man within the music video who lies on the ground. There is a clear link between the music video and digipak which is an sinister outlook. The album cover connotes to the audience that the band is quite sinister and the target audience is quite middle-aged due to the variety of strange concepts within their songs.

A2 project first entry

Today I, Jamie and Abbas discussed our ideas on what genre music video we should do. We all agreed that pop and R&B would be the best and have the most popular and convenient songs that would relate to producing an extraordinary video. We still haven’t properly decided on which song we would like to use. We are going to some further research into what song we think would be the best for our music video. When we do find the song then we will look on YouTube to see if anyone has done a cover on it and hopefully we will get to use the song we all want! We all know that the more popular the song is the easier it will be able to find on the internet as many individuals would have made a cover. We are only at the beginning of our A2 project so we were are goinig to think extreemly hard as a group and try and find the best cover song for our inventive video.

Week 2

me and beth decided to name out film "foresaken" which is about a girl that gets stalked and kidnapped by a serial killer. We began filiming on wednesday and it went very well, it just might need a little tweeting but editing it will be our solution.

Week1

This week has been quite successful, I discovered some music that is suitable for the opening of mine and Beth's film and I found a variety of articles of missing children that will relate to what our film is about. The stroryboard and script and casting is all done and we know where we are shooting. We do need to get some rope and a knife so if anyone has any please let us know:) thankss xx