Production Day

This week, Clementine and I were given a Production Day to experiment with different techniques and concepts we had for our music video. We took the feedback we received from the class and used it to decide which shots we should try out before filming. We planned out a structure for the day to ensure we used our time effectively, splitting our time up into five 1 hour periods. We dedicated each slot to a different shot or technique we wanted to try.

Experiment 1

Clementine and I plan to project images and words onto our character to reflect inner conflict. This was inspired by projector photography that we had seen online.

We used one of the film studios and a normal classroom projector, and we took it in turns to stand on a chair so we were the correct height. We first attempted to project text onto Clementine. We chose a lyric from the song and I typed out the words so that it was repeated across the screen. This worked quite well however we discovered that there wasn't enough lighting to see the character lip-syncing, so we would have to set up an alternative light source with soft lighting so as not to affect the imagery of the projected image.

We then wanted to try out different imagery, so we projected an image of prison bars to reflect how the character feels trapped in her relationship and by the pressure to remain perfect. We had the same issue with the lip-syncing being visible, especially with the empty space between bars.

Finally we experimented with using sensory videos, to reflect the changing and conflicting emotions within the character. This was our favourite and most successful experiment as the colours turned out really nicely and the images moving across the screen reflected the different tones within the song. Another success was that the display was bright enough to make out the characters features, so when we tried out lip syncing you could clearly see it. We saved the videos we used as we really liked the imagery, and we plan to use it in our final product as the footage is not copyrighted. There is a feature on YouTube that allows you to change the speed of the video, so we may play around with this so it matches the changing pace of the song. I especially liked the clips of ink spreading through water, and this could look quite effective sped up. The lava lamp effect was still successful, but less effective as the shapes didn't interact and it didn't carry the same impact.

Experiment 2

Our next idea required a mirror, as we wanted to try editing the footage so that the reflection didn't match the characters movements. We tried doing this through two different techniques. In our first attempt we took a handheld shot that swung between the character and the mirror. In order for this to be successful the actress had to switch acting styles to reflect the difference between the character and the reflection. In our attempts, I held the camera and would signal to Clementine when the camera had turned off them and they would switch expressions. This worked quite well, however we also tried using a tripod so the composition of the shots were the same, then we filmed two different versions of the same shot - one where the character was confident and the other where they were upset. Later we used Final Cut Pro to edit the confident reflection on top of the other shot to have the same effect. However the lighting in each shot was slightly different and the cut wasn't so smooth, so this would be something to work on if we chose to carry out the scene this way.

When we uploaded the footage we discovered that the shots were quite grainy, and after looking at the camera setting we realised that we had forgotten to adjust the ISO. Lucky we had enough time to refilm the scenes, and it turned out much better quality.

Experiment 3

For our next experiment, we chose to try out a new equipment - the crane. Clementine and I had visualised a potential shot for our music video that we both wanted to try out, and the crane allowed us to do this with much smoother camera movements. Another option would be to use a gimbal - which we will most likely use due to the inconvenience of transporting the crane - however we wanted to compare the two. We used the crane to record under the table (the main character is kicked by her partner as a signal to stop talking), before rising to capture the other characters oblivious to the conflict. This will potentially be our opening shot to the music video, to introduce the characters and conflict.

This experiment was successful as we still plan to use the shot, and we now have a rough version of what it will look like. We practiced aligning the camera movements with moments in the song, which will be useful for when we shoot it on the day.

Experiment 4

For our last experiment we tried out a technique that was suggested during our pitch to the class. We poured some water on the floor to try film the characters reflection. We positioned the puddle by the window as we hoped the light would make the water more reflective. We were only successful in capturing a silhouette, making this the least successful out of our experiments. Our idea for the music video would be to use red wine, which may have a better reflection. However this we would have to figure out a surface to use that wouldn't stain, as well as a cost effective way of spilling wine - one potential solution would be to use Ribena. We will keep the idea of puddles as an option, however it is not currently on our shot list. As we figured out quite quickly this wasn't a successful experiment, we used the rest of the time in the venue to try out silhouette shots, which had a dramatic effect and we are now considering using it in the music video.

Evaluation

Overall, this production day was successful as we are more confident in our ideas for our music video, and we were able to rehearse the more complex shots so it will be easier to film on the day. We were able to work out which shots we want to include and which don't work so well with our idea, and the day of experimentation also helped inspire some shot sequences and build more of a narrative around the song we chose. We achieved everything we had planned, and had some extra time to try some editing and review the footage from the day. We were able to identify some problems we may encounter when filming, which will give us some time to come up with solutions so we are prepared on the day.

Montage