In Media, we were reintroduced to using cameras and editing as a way of developing our skills in planning, working in a group and working on a brief. In a group of 3, we used the lyrics of a favourable song to plan and create a music video. Our song of choice was “Let It Go”, a popular song that was featured in the Disney movie, Frozen. In our group of 3, we decided on production roles consisting of the camera/director and talent. Creating a storyboard, we were able to organise our music video. In this essay, I will be evaluating our music video and the production process behind its creation, considering various strengths and weaknesses.
Planning:
The planning process of our music video was a activity that allowed the whole group to bring our ideas together and discuss a way to link the lyrics to the music video and allowed us to think of ways that would encompass a variety of camera shots and angles, allowing the music video to be versatile and eye-catching. Additionally, our planning was an activity that was beneficial as it allowed the group to think of additional details we could add to our music video, such as props, location and effects that could be applied to the video (e.g. transitions) which would allow the music video to mimic the original music video for “Let It Go” but enabled us to add our own unique touch to the production process. However, there were weaknesses during the planning process for the music video. For example, there was lack in detail within the storyboard, as we could have developed our ideas on the various shot types and camera angles and the layout for the storyboard was not entirely followed. Additionally, during the planning process, only one location for the music video was decided and this led to the music video having less variety in location and resulted in the video being less entertaining for viewers. Fortunately, the music video was shot for 2 days and this allowed the music video to include costume changes which were fit for the lyrics of the song, as the lyrics mention “snow” and “the wind is howling like this swirling storm inside” and the talent was dressed in attire fit for the cold weather. Furthermore, as the video shoot was for 2 days, it allowed us to have a dark setting and a bright setting due to the nature light, which was advantageous for our music video as the dark lighting suited the melancholy of the verse 1 and pre-chorus and the nature lighting suited the chorus as the chorus is empowering and optimistic.
Group work:
The group work that took place created a collaborative feeling as each member of our group was providing a creative input or support, allowing us to have a successful end product. For example, whilst editing the video, all members of the group gathered around and gave their views as to which scenes should be included within the music video and which transitions should be included. Additionally,the planning process of our music video was a activity that allowed the whole group to bring our ideas together and discuss a way to link the lyrics to the music video and allowed us to think of ways that would encompass a variety of camera shots and angles, allowing the music video to be versatile and eye-catching. Additionally, our planning was an activity that was beneficial as it allowed the group to think of additional details we could add to our music video, such as props, location and effects that could be applied to the video (e.g. transitions) which would allow the music video to mimic the original music video for “Let It Go” but enabled us to add our own unique touch to the production process. However, there were weaknesses that were evident during our group work as there were moments when only 2 members of the group were focusing on the given activity whilst the remaining member focused on leisure pursuits, showing a lack of commitment to the group and to the task at hand.
Technical skills: Camera and editing
The “Let It Go” music video consisted of an assortment of camera shots and angles which allowed the music video to become eye-catching and have an increase in pace within the music video, allowing variations in the pace of the music video, alternating from fast to slow due to the movement of the camera. The medium close-up shots and mid shots of the talent/artist allows viewers to see the sadness and conflict within the talent. This however, contrasts when we included the tracking shot as they represented the talent physically and metaphorically moving away from the restraint that was holding him back from being who he wants to be. The camera is hand-held throughout the music video as it creates an interactive feeling between the viewer and talent, allowing the viewer to be seen as a friend of the talent, similar to the relationship between the sisters Elsa and Anna within the Disney movie Frozen. Additionally, the camera was hand-held as it allowed us to mimic the original music video for “Let It Go”. The extreme close-up shots of the flowers and the nature surrounding us also allowed us to mimic the original music video, but instead of snow, we had flowers and since we are in the season of Fall, it also symbolises letting go of restraint. As for editing, we including transitions as a way of creating fluidity and fitting the melancholy and gentleness of the music, replacing the sudden jump cuts. However, there were minor issues faced when editing as we had issues syncing the audio to the video. This is a issue that will have to be avoided in upcoming content.
Creating skills: Ideas and directing
Our ideas were developed as a group by which we contributed our own ideas and decided on what to include in our music video. Our ideas were mostly based on the original music video, such as the scenes of walking through the field or walking out of frame as soon as the chorus comes to an end. We focused our ideas on providing various camera shots and angles and making sure the talent/artist kept the music video appealing with his performance. As I was assigned the role of the talent, it was my duty to make sure I performed in a way which kept viewers engaged and made sure to reflect the emotions of the song. However, due to performing in a public area, there were scenes where it is evident that I was uncomfortable and was unable to perform efficiently. However, due to the guidance of the director, I was able to show confidence and was more aware of how I should perform. The directing allowed us to have a vast number of scenes to select from and this allowed us to have a wider range of scenes to include within our music video, as the director instructed us to do different things and perform in different areas of our chosen location.
Targets for improvement:
-improvements in organisation, such as following the storyboard
-full contribution from all members of the group
-confidence whilst performing/selection of a confident talent
-developing skills in audio and video synchronisation
-variety of different locations to shoot
-increased variety in camera shots and angles
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