Thursday, 28 November 2013

Group: Call sheet and Risk Assesment for filming

Date: 28/11                            Location: Bedroom
Meeting Time: 5pm                 Group: 3     
    
Crew & Cast Contact details:
 
John Jones
_____________________        
Adam Howland
_____________________        
Sam Hawkins
_____________________        
Alex Wallace
_____________________            
 
 
 Props & Equipment                               crew responsible
 
Camera
Camera track
Bin bag of clothes
Whiteboard
Lighter
Pictures of Martha
 
 
Location
What is the hazard?
 
Think about road safety, filming at night, potential damage to equipment
Who/what might be harmed and why?
 
Think about who needs to be aware of the risk
How will you reduce the risk?
 
 
What steps will you take to ensure that the risk is lowered?
 
Bedroom
 
 
 
  • We are using a lighter to burn a picture, someone could get burnt
  • John, as he will be holding the burning picture
  • We will have a bucket of water next to John to put the picture into after its burning if it gets too close to his hand.
 

Group : Progress update

  • During todays lesson I have begun to edit some of the footage for production. I have incorporated one of our stop motion techniques into the footage through using a tracking motion on after effects software.
  • Furthermore, we have also progressed in our editing today, as we were able to assess our qualitative feedback from the rough cut in order to improve aspects of our production.
  • We have also begun to plan shots for our shoot which will take place tomorrow, as well as put up the call sheet and risk assessment ready in advance.

AW: Printwork digipack

Firstly  I got my original image which was a screenshot from our project

 
I then added a motion blur of 12 pixels


Before pasting over a layer of light effects, and setting it to a hard light blend at 70% opacity

 
I also added a gradient map below this, at 80% opacity and hard light filter

 
I adjusted the curves at this point as the image was getting unclearer and darker the more layers I added over the top

 
I also added a large triangle of yellow into the top corner, and set it to 'lighten' blend mode as this corner of the image looked very bland, and it also added a different colour other then the red and blues we were using already.




This then gave us our final picture which we used as a panel on the back pane of our digipack


 we also repeated a similar process with two other images, using different blurs, blend modes and gradient maps to create slightly different effects

Monday, 25 November 2013

Group : Rough Cut Feedback


  • Todays lesson we carried out a rough cut of our footage in order to assess the effectiveness of our current progress for our music video. Therefore we were able to gain lots of helpful feedback in terms of aspects which are effective in the music video and aspects we can improve on/ideas we can incorporate into the production.
  • Some of these ideas were that we should remove some of our footage and replace it with stop motion animations, as well as having an after effects shot in there which is A* grade. Adam has been working after school and at lunchtimes to help create a really cool effect where it looks like our performer is holding a load of pictures, when in fact he is moving holding a blue screen. We will use this as an element of our work, so it looks like he is carrying the stop motion images in his hand.
  • In terms of the qualitative feedback we have gained, we do have aspects of our production in which we need to improve. For example in terms of the beginning shots of the artist walking into the video, we either need to make the cutting rate faster, or ensure that we re film it with some moving images, rather than a static one.
  • Furthermore, there are aspects we still need to film, which is why we have planned a shoot this week for Thursday, 28th November, in order to fill in the missing gaps within our footage. This will consist of shots within and internal location (bedroom).
  • We did show our tracking motion ideas to everyone in our rough cut feedback, and overall they really liked the idea and thought it was very effective, so therefore we will also need to consider filming some more shots of the artist holding a clipboard in order to create more similar shots of this standard.

Group : Shoot review

On Friday 22nd we filmed some other aspects for our production in Tunbridge Wells. The shots consisted of John Jones holding a clipboard of which we are using in order to incorporate various effects via aftereffects editing software.

After practicing some effects using this footage we are pleased with the outcome, due to the fact that the footage allows us to incorporate various editing effects and techniques within our production so in terms of that we can be fairly experimental in what we do with the footage. I have been currently testing out an effect on aftereffects in order to use a tracking motion, so that instead of holding the blue cardboard we edit it to hold a moving picture or a much larger image.
I believe in terms of the location we used for the shoot it works very effectively within our production shooting in this alleyway location, due to aspects such as the graffiti in the wall reflected within the shots. Furthermore, the fact we took several of the same shots was a reliable source, as it gave us several clips to then choose from should we notice and problems in each of them.

Thursday, 21 November 2013

AH : Print progress

Today I have altered the text for our print work in order to help in to conform to other music adverts. I have done this by using creating a hierarchy in terms of the size of the texts being used which is evident in many other adverts. For example the name of the artist is always the largest font, where as aspects such as the title of the song and release date are to be kept smaller in order to conform to the conventions of other adverts. This helps to reinforce the importance of each piece of text being used on the advert.

Furthermore, I have also edited the text by incorporating a shadow effect underneath in order to make the aesthetic of the ad. Below is the method I have used in order to do this, as well as considering the rule of thirds instead of keeping the text and logo all central to the layout.





Group: Call sheet and risk assessment


Date: 21/11           Location: Tunbridge Wells

Meeting Time:9:10     Group: 3         

Crew & Cast Contact details:
John Jones
_____________________         Phone:
Adam Howland
_____________________         Phone: 07931502180
Sam Hawkins
_____________________         Phone: 07778104392
Alex Wallace
_____________________         Phone: 07837121732
 
_____________________         Phone:
 
_____________________         Phone:
 
 
 Props & Equipment                               crew responsible
 
Camera
Camera track
Clipboard
Location
Cast
Technical notes
Tunbridge wells- Alleyway
John Jones-
Tracking shot of artist walking towards camera holding clipboard for still motion image framed in long shot
Tunbridge wells- Alleyway
John Jones-
Mid Shot of artist standing still
Location
What is the hazard?
 
Think about road safety, filming at night, potential damage to equipment
Who/what might be harmed and why?
 
Think about who needs to be aware of the risk
How will you reduce the risk?
 
 
What steps will you take to ensure that the risk is lowered?
 
Tunbridge Wells- Alleyway
 
 
 
  • Possible weather conditions
  • Equipment may be damaged if it rains
  • Ensure equipment does not get wet or damaged

 

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

AH : Print analysis





In consideration with the rule of thirds it is evident that the use of centring the text has been used in order to position the text and image all within the middle of the advertisement so that it is easily visible to the audience. Therefore we don't actually conform to the typical rule of thirds layout but instead we have created an image which is based purely by focusing images and text within the middle of the page in order to keep it fairly minimalist and structured in a simplistic way.
 
In terms of the connotations of the typography, the use of minimalist fonts are used, in order to ensure that it is easy to read through the use of the bebas font. In terms of the connotations it could be considered fairly experimental due to the fact that the font is fairly narrow, therefore not conforming to many typical advertisements that other artists use. The colour of the font is brought out due to the black and white contrast between the text and the background which therefore makes it much more visual to the audience and simple to read.
 
In terms of the semiotics of our advert, it is evident in terms of mise en scene that the lighting of the window in the background has been enhanced via Photoshop, by the use of the colour enhancement effect in order to bring out more colour. Therefore it helps to reinforce even more the silhouette which is place over the top of it even more so that it is clear for the audience to see. This however disguises the aspects of mise on scene such as the facial expressions of the artist as well as the costume he is wearing by the use of a shadow effect in order to hide part of his image, therefore helping to challenge the star image and add some complexity across the range of media subsidiaries we are using to represent the artist. This use of silhouette also conforms in some aspects to Barthes theory, whereby enigma codes are depicted. For example the audience will be thinking to themselves what does the artist actually look like.

The within the advert the star is present, however his image is disguised by the use of a shadow effect so you cannot see his features properly. Furthermore, the use of extra diegetic gaze has not been used for this part of our production work which is reinforced by the fact that he is not looking directly back at the audience, so therefore it does not break the 'fourth wall' in this case. In terms of the star image it does not give much away about the artist, due to the fact that we cannot see aspects such as his costume or his facial features or expressions.  This however helps to conform to Dyers theory when accompanied with the music video, due to the fact that it adds to the incoherence of the artist. Therefore as an audience we continually strive to complete or make sense of the image which they do through continued consumption by actually watching the artist so they can identify more aspects of his star image in order to get a better understanding. Therefore in some ways you could consider it to present the audience with a coherent aesthetic through aspects which are conventionally in each piece of print work such as the unique artist logo, which Mikill Pane conventionally alters in relation to the name of his track for each of his songs.

 Furthermore in terms of representing the artist it is evident in Mikill panes other print work such as his album cover that he uses similar characteristics in order to make it minimalist. For example in this album cover for blame miss Barclay he uses a single image of himself which is the approach we have taken, also accompanied by a simplistic style of font being used.
 

Group : Progress update

During the course of the lesson we have each been developing our print work ideas and trying to progress them further. In terms of our music advertisement we believe that the aesthetic of it does not help it to stand out as we would have liked so we are trying to develop an effect on photoshop to do so. We have a session booked in order to understand how to apply the tracking for our stop motion effect to our production on after effects  on the 20th November.

We are hoping to complete another shoot his week within an internal location (bedroom), as well as in an alleyway location, which we have already planned for the 21/11, however we need to find out when everyone is able to film. Therefore when we do so we will need to book out the equipment ready, which will consist of what we have been previously using to film. Therefore we need to complete a callsheet and risk assessment ready for the filming in the alleyway location In the near future, as well as book out all of the equipment to use for the film session.

 

Monday, 18 November 2013

Mrs Fernandez feedback 2

There are some very interesting visual ideas here; I particularly like the brick wall image and the concept of vintage TV / games console.  However at the moment there is no coherent aesthetic across all three pieces.

Also, your analysis does not explicitly use semiotics as requested, nor discuss reading path with it labelled.

Current analysis of print is L3, concepts as developing 3, but potential to be L4.  Please go back and use critical theory properly to deconstruct your proposed designs.


SH:Draft print work analysis




Is the artist present or absent?
According to Dyers paradox, in this advert our star is both present and absent which is how we are creating his star image. The fact that the star is in the image and is the main focus portrays him in a present way, this is very typical of the rap/ indie rap genre in which the artist is very present in all sorts of print, however in our one we have decided to also portray him in an absent light by having him not breaking the fourth wall like conventional prints do.

Is the work autobiographical?
This print is fairly autobiographical, as you can see be the big, bold, black, simplistic font and the presence of the artist, the audience already know that the track is going to be about the artist, the fact that he is present makes it more intimate to the viewer and heightens his sense of him contributing to the narrative himself and his meta-narrative.

Are there links between your video and print work?
So far in this print, I have tried to incorporate the more rural look which helps to bring the artist in closer relation to the audience. I have also added a subtle colour wash, the orange, yellows and reds have become more prominent which is the sort of colour we are looking to use in our video as it gives a slightly more vintage feel which has links to some elements within our video.

Typography
The font of the image is modern and minimalistic, however with a gritty urban twist. We believe this connotes the views and portrayal of our artist, who we have shown to be fashionable and modern but with an ironic and slightly comical touch that is definitely shown through the music and the video. The subtle rugged look to the font has connotations of a new age youth and urbanism, it is used to portray the artist in a more present way to the audience and not as a big mainstream pop star, making him more attractive as an 'approachable star'.

What are the idealogical discourse portrayed?
There are some links towards a rebellious sort of attitude, portrayed by the graffiti wall with the care free look on the artists face. The artists represents more of the younger, teen, audience. The way he is dressed, with a fashionable coat with mirrored glasses and his in-fashion faded hair makes him seem to appeal to more of the psychographic of opinion leaders and trend setters. This is something that is very much prominent in our video.

Representations
The wall in the image is an urban looking structure, we believe that it portrays the artist in a non-pop star sort of manner, appealing to his target audience.

What is the reading path?
The big bold text is the most eye catching part of the image, this is what is seen first as it stands out so much, however we are considering making this more subtle by giving it a bit more of a rough, urban feel. After this the eyes are drawn to the face and specifically the glasses of the artist. Then down to the 'vs GOTYE' bit of text, we will also be adding the title of the track on which will most likely be the final line on the reading path.
When looking at the rule of thirds we see that the layout of the magazine advert is slightly unconventional in the positioning of the image. Generally you would see the main image, ie. the artists face being placed upon one of the green dots. However we have decided to be more experimental in the structure of this advert. The advert would be placed as a small advert strip along the bottom of the page therefore the advert is not actually very square, so we thought pushing the image to one side rather than attempting to adhere to the rule of thirds would suit the type of advert much more.

 
 
 
 
4. Deconstruct USING SEMIOTICS all separate aspects of mise-en-scene (lighting, nv lang, composition, props etc)
5. How do these aspects represent the artist?  You may refer to Dyer here
6. Comment on myth / ideological discourse that are constructed through the text
 

AW : Print Work Draft Analysis


Rule of Thirds and Layout Design

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKLu-KIhdJIO6q8TgRBNCy23XVePWvF6bHxhhA-ELLN2B3pEmYOhsQTummyVhNBvjkFzd7ARZ6PfcqRJKWhxMnu2Td1iHAjIhpW35k2-OW2PiJbiIFpL62jvv3RAxkKL9nfWXwlOh-C8S/s1600/rule+of+thirds.jpg

From this image of our front and back cover with the rule of thirds applied, we can see that our design infact challenges the rule of thirds as there are no focus points over our star image or any of our main text. However we believe this assists our minimalist design and gives it a slightly alternative edge rather than just being very plain and basic. The reading path of the front cover begins with the large silhouette of the artists face, before leading down to the title of the track, and then back to the top where the reader links the artist name with the large image in the centre.

 Typography

The font we have chosen is very minimalist and basic, however is narrow and tall, thus making it different and slightly alternative from a common don't such as Ariel or Helvetica. We have taken our inspiration from the brand DONDA Design, who make album cover for rap label G.O.O.D Music, on a post I made yesterday, where they use the Bebas font with a very simple solid image gradient underneath, to create a stylish and simplistic design


http://photos.osmek.com/get/89457.600x600

 

Lighting

This is the main focus point of our image as it is a silhouette of our artist, keeping a very clean and minimalist look, we did not want to edit the lighting of this image too much however we did make the image greyscale to keep it even more plain, making sure none of the audiences focus was taken away from our artist. The fact he is in the shadows also shows that he is hiding and trying to cover himself, but that he will be revealed in the process of listening to the track.

 
Composition

The composition of the text, when applied to Dyers Star Theory we see that the artist 'Is both present and absent' in our front cover, aswell as in our back cover where some of the images involve his face, and other do not or distort it, leaving the audience striving to get the full picture of this artists life. This technique can also be seen in Kendrick Lamar's album cover for Good Kid Maad City, where it shows a childhood image of his, thus he is present in the shot yet absent as the image is not the artist as we know him.


http://www.bonafidezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/kendrick_lamar_album.jpg

 

Link between print work and video


The print work is linked to our video as both of our pieces incorporate the round window you see in our front cover, however for the album cover it is Mikill Pane's face and in the video it is Gotye's face thus linking the two artists together in the audiences mind, so they think of it as one mashup Song, rather than two separate songs put together.

AW : Print Work Inspiration Post

A collection of print work from DONDA Design

We have looked at different rap artists work that we like and are going to use this sort of minimal style for our print work