Megan Cardwell Media NNC: September 2016

Thursday, 29 September 2016

Primary & Secondary Research (unit 2- 2.1 & 3.1)

Primary Research

So far, for primary research, we have had a presentation from James Clarke, the creator of 'Worksop's Got Talent' (http://www.worksopsgottalent.co.uk/index.php) where he spoke to the class about his condition, why he decided to do WGT, how much he is planning to raise, what he would like to include in the music video we are to create using the song Nickelback 'Rockstar', who he would like to be involved in the music video and the prizes he is to give out to people who buy tickets to see WGT.

Another way I have carried out primary research is by using a
Panasonic AG-HMC151E and learning how to operate it. I have obtained a number of basic skills which I put into practise such as:

Attaching a battery to the video camera
Powering the video camera on and off
Inserting the SD card media into the camera
and using the pull-out screen and adjusting the viewfinder to view the image.

(http://mcardwellnnc.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/camera-angles-shots-and-operation-task-2.html)

I also created a blog on the three stages of production, so the research I carried out allowed me to understand what professionals have to go through. I created another blog about green screens and how we used premiere pro in the post-production to remove the green screen in the footage we recored and replacing it with either an image or a video.

The group made further developments on the music video by making a table that students and teachers can fill out if they want to participate in the music video. We have also decided to film the whole music video on the green screen in the TV studio in college as this way we have more chance of having creative backgrounds that link to the lyrics in 'Rockstar' as we don't have anything such as mansions in Worksop, unfortunately. We also created business cards which we could give to staff and students in case they needed to rearrange their appointment for the recording of the music video, or cancel if they're not able to make any of the slots. A google document was created for the group to update information to such as:

How long each line is
The lyrics, split up into lines
Who is going to be doing that line
Whether any props are needed
And any other additional notes

13/10/16

We have now almost completed the filming for the 'Rockstar' music video, we just have a couple more people to film this afternoon and that is the final time we are going to be filming any footage. Some students and staff and backed out, but the people that we have recorded, brought in props such as wigs, shutter glasses, hats, sunglasses, cigarette suits and a banana suit. For the people that didn't have any props, they improvised with dancing and mimed as well.

Secondary Research

I took inspiration from the music video, 'Nothin' On You' by B.o.B and Bruno Mars and the idea to use still images of students and teachers and then use certain people to mime the lyrics. As fro the background their is a still image of buildings and signs only we would take pictures of the college and import them onto a green screen. This idea came to me when the year 1's were discussing the lyrics for 'Rockstar' by Nickelback with our teacher. I mentioned my idea and then proceeded to show the music video to the group, and the feedback I received was positive as they thought that using the 'Nothin' On You' music video as inspiration is a good idea.

The group watched a number of Michael Jackson music videos, such as the music videos where the videos are filmed as short films and they have a form of narrative. For example:

We found Michael Jackson's short film styled music videos interesting as they involved a narrative and a lot of thought was put into the costumes, setting/location, the props and the post-production effects.

Comparing Research Tools

From the primary and secondary research I have carried out I believe the primary research benefited me the most as I had the chance to test out the green screen and a professional camera at first hand. Trying things out for myself was better than researching it through secondary research as I found I remembered the information quickly and easily.

Primary & Secondary Research (task 2)

Another way I have carried out primary research is by using a
Panasonic AG-HMC151E and learning how to operate it. I have obtained a number of basic skills which I put into practise such as:

Attaching a battery to the video camera
Powering the video camera on and off
Inserting the SD card media into the camera
and using the pull-out screen and adjusting the viewfinder to view the image.

How long each line is
The lyrics, split up into lines
Who is going to be doing that line
Whether any props are needed
And any other additional notes

13/10/16

Secondary Research

The group watched a number of Michael Jackson music videos, such as the music videos where the videos are filmed as short films and they have a form of narrative. For example:

Friday, 23 September 2016

Camera angles, shots and operation (task 2)

Shot Sizes & Camera Angles

Creative exploration that I need to carry out:

Similarly to the skills I need, I'll develop my knowledge of cameras, editing/post-production, how green screens work and how to use props effectively by researching about them and using the supplies around college.

There are a number of general camera sizes which I was introduced in which are:
(https://www.asu.edu/alti/ltlab/tutorials/video/basics/type1_els.htm)

Extreme Long Shot (XLS)

XLS's are used for setting, or establishing the scene and to allow the audience to comprehend landscapes. This shot is also used in big budget films where landmarks such as the Hollywood is presented.

Long Shot (LS)

LS's are used to introduce a character and the setting they're in. A long shot could possibly let the audience discover the genre of the media form from the characters dress code, make-up, props, the setting in which the character is in, and the characters action codes. For example, the person in the image to the left is running, suggesting that the genre of this film is action.

Medium Long Shot (MLS)

The MLS is frames the whole subject from the knees up and the shots shows the person/s in relation to the surroundings and it might also be used when there are two or three people in the shot.

Medium Shot (MS)

The MS is also known as the waist shot as it frames the person from the waist up and it also commonly used in interviews.

Medium Close Up (MCU)

The MCU frames the person's head and cuts off around mid-chest and this shots is most commonly used to show the person's facial expression, whether they are crying or smiling. This is also used in interviews and in news reports

Close Up (CU)

CU's frame the subjects face and cuts off mid-neck, showing the face and it shows the face and the entire head. The subject fills almost all of the frame and it captures facial expressions and emotions in great detail.

Big Close Up (BCU)

A BCU is when the camera is almost fully zoomed in on the subject's face, so facial features such as eyes, eyebrows and a small part of the nose is visible.

Extreme Close Up (ECU)

An ECU frames a certain part of the person's facial features. This shot really zooms in on something the director really wants the audience to see e.g. the subjects eyebrows furrowing, the eyes crying or the mouth smiling.

Low Angle Shot (used to make the audience feel intimidated, and to make the character look intimidating and superior over the audience)

High Angle Shot (used to make the character look inferior and small and therefore placing the audience in the superior position)

Eye-Level Shot (audience is on the same level as the character/s)

Worm's Eye Shot

Canted Angle Shot

Bird's Eye View Shot

Apart from the basic camera shots there different one as seen in the video below:

We had an induction to the camera itself before we went out and recorded some footage. From that, I obtained these skills:

I can attach a battery to the video camera
I can power the video camera on and off
I can insert the SD card media into the camera
I can use the pull-out screen and adjust the viewfinder to view the image
I can switch between Manual and Full Auto mode
I can use the zoom to frame the shot
I can switch between manual and motorised zoom
I can switch between auto and manual focus and use the focus ring to focus the image
I can white balance the image to get the correct colours
I can switch between auto and manual iris
I can use the iris dial to increase or decrease the amount of light coming into the lens
I can use the neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light coming into the lens
I can start and stop recording a shot by pressing the red record button
I can switch modes to playback what I have recorded
I can hold the camera steady when using it handheld by using one hand to take the weight of the camera underneath whilst holding the camera using the wrist strap.
I can attach a camera to a tripod
I can adjust the height of a tripod
I can pan and tilt a video camera by using a tripod

Monday, 19 September 2016

Mac Basics

This is the finder and this allows you to search for all the files that you have. The search bar is used to find a specific files that you may be looking for.

The doc can be found at the bottom of the desktop. It can hold a large number of applications that are most commonly used.

This is the launchpad and it is an extention from the doc as it gives a wider variety of applications.

To connect to skinner, go to 'Go' and then to 'Connect to Server...'

Once you have connected to the server, click connect.

Then enter the username and password to enter skinner:
name: mediastudent
password: password

Select the media file then click 'OK'.

This is the 'Skinner' shared file in which includes three other files: public, students and windows.

These are the files within the media file.

To print a word document, go to 'file' and then to 'print'. The shortcut to this would be to press command + 'P'.

Once print has been clicked, this window will appear with the details on printing. Selecte the option for the black and white printer, then click print on the bottom right hand side of the window.

This is the window that opens when 'file' and 'save as' is selected. Name the document according to the word document then press enter.

This is the information about one the the screenshots that I have taken and Command + I was selected together in order to see this information.

This is the options that appear when system preferences is selected.

Sunday, 18 September 2016

Worksop's Got Talent Charity Event (unit 2- 1.1)

Introduction to the Task

We have been asked to create a music video using the track 'Rockstar' by Nickelback for the charity event, Worksop's Got Talent (http://www.worksopsgottalent.co.uk/index.php)

Worksop's Got Talent will be raising money for a charity called 'RP Fighting Blindness'. RP stands for retinitis pigmentosa, and this is a disease within the eye in which could lead to blindness or loss of vision. RP Fighting Blindness needs to raise money so they can fund cutting edge research in order to find a cure or treatment so this charity event could highly benefit.

Donate Now: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/rpfightingblindness

The RP Fighting Blindness website: http://www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk/home.php?home=yes

Initial thoughts on the 'Rockstar' music video:

I had already listened to the song and seen the music video, but after I had recapped myself I feel that the simplicity of the video is what makes it so rememberable. I can see how they came up with the video as the lyrics link with the video. As this video was released in the early 2000s, technology developed a lot from the 90s, so for Nickelback to do a standard video when they could've done a lot more to make it more interesting, such as doing something so simple like changing the camera shots or angles. I also don't like the lyrics, (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nickelback/rockstar.html) particularly the lyrics in the chorus. The way he generalises that everyone wants to be a rock star and have girls and drugs come easy to them angers me. The music video and the song has received a mixture of responses, as it was awarded 'Record of the Year' in 2005 and 'Juno Award for Songwriter of the Year', in which I personally am confused about and could strongly argue against. However, what I do agree with is that 'Rockstar' received overwhelming amount of negative reviews from music critics and is considered to be one of the worst songs of all time, even though it shockingly reached number 2 in the UK and it lead to being certified Platinum. It has also sold 4.5 million copies in the United States. A lot of people and celebrities took place in the music video and it resulted in over 100 people participating. Some of the celebrities that participated were Eliza Dushku, Paul Wall, Wayne Gretzky, Gene Simmons, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kid Rock and Nelly Furtado.

Chad Kroeger told musicomh.com: "We had a lot of fun with that one. Just crazy nonsensical things that help paint this picture of someone dreaming about being a Rock Star. It's what you would also do if you won the lottery. I hope it comes across as us having a lot of fun and even to some degree, making fun of ourselves."
(http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=9333)

Ideas:

From the presentation and discussion we have from the creator of the Worksop's Got Talent charity event, James Clarke, we decided to use the general format of the 'Rockstar' music video but embed video footage from the auditions, props that link to the lyrics and possibly involve green screen.
Using the idea for the green screen, I thought it would be interesting for teachers and students to hold a green piece of paper and while in post-production, a video from the auditions could be projected onto it, and then transition to full screen of an audition as the main purpose of the music video is to promote and to entertain. The next task I'm going to set myself is to print out the lyrics, and look at each individual line and make notes next to it about what we could record. For example, 'I'll need a credit card that's got no limit' - either a student or teacher can be filmed miming the lyrics whilst holding a credit card.

Skills needed:

In order to create this music video I'll need to develop:

my skills with a camera
editing
green screens
use of props

Creative exploration that I need to carry out:

The camcorder that the group is going to use is the Panasonic AG-HMC151E and it earned 'Trusted Reviews' interest because it "marks another crossover between consumer and professional domains" and they believe it's "most definitely a pro-grade model"

Friday, 16 September 2016

The Three Stages of Production

Introduction
In order for a film, music video, advertisement, TV series or even a video game to be successful, there are three stages of production in which need to be carried out to ensure the form of media will be high in quality. These three stages are:

Pre-production
Production
Post-production

Pre-production

The first stage, pre-production, would certainly be the most important as this stage is the planning and managing of the budget, scripting, story boarding, the selection of actors/actresses, the location/s, equipment and the hiring of temporary employees and their contracts. This is all of the processes that will be measured before the camera starts rolling.

The planning and managing go the budget could be a quite difficult stage as there so many things that the budget has to cover. For example, the actors/actresses would need accommodation such as a trailer or a hotel, the temporary employees would need to agree on a contract, the whole crew would need food and drinks, location/s would need to be hired out for a certain amount of time depending on how long it's needed for, equipment could possibly need to be hired or bought, a method of transport needs to be considered and organised so the equipment, crew and actors/actresses can be conveyed to any other location they may need to be.

Production

Production begins when planning has been finalised and completed to the correct standard. Within the production stage, the storyboard comes to life and the scenes are filmed. During planning, a time frame would've been set and going over the deadline could also mean going over the budget. If the production process takes longer, this could have a knock-on-affect and cause the release date for the film or music video to be delayed, due to not having as long in the post-production stage. During the production stage the crew need to set up the equipment in the correct positions, and ensure the lighting, microphones and cameras are running. A large quantity of the footage that is recorded may not even be included in the final piece, but could still be used as 'bloopers'. If actors/actresses are involved, this may mean that they could have a considerable amount of takes, depending on if they know their lines in the script. Multiple cameras would be in use at the same time as the director may want to have multiple camera angles and choose from the best one when in the post-production stage.
Actors/actresses may only be free on certain days and they might be seen in the beginning and the end of the film or music video. So instead of recording their parts at two different times, they can be recorded at the same time as this is more convenient.

Post-production

This stage consists of editing the footage, sounds and visual effects recorded and add in non-diegetic music in the production.
I carried out some research on post production and came across a website where it gives 13 different steps on post-production:

http://www.raindance.org/the-13-steps-of-post-production/

Picking an editing format
Hire a picture editor
Hire a sound editor
Do ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement)
Do Foley
Secure music
Do re-recording/the mix
Get an M&E (Music & Effects)
Get your titles
Get a DCP (Digital Cinema Package)
Get a dialogue script
Get a campaign image
Create a trailer

Tuesday, 13 September 2016

Michel Gondry & His Music Videos

Michel Gondry

Born on the 8th of May 1963 in Versailles/Yvelines/France, Gondry has played the drums in Kayne West's hit single 'Diamonds From Sierra Leone' (2005), he directed Kate Winslet's Oscar nominated performance in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' (2004), he graduated from Ecole Olivier de Serres in Paris. The film 'Dave Chappelle's Block Party' (2005) inspired Gondry to make 'Be Kind Rewind' in (2008). A collection of DVDs were released about a number of different directors including Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, Jonathan Glazer, Chris Cunningham as well as other directors.

Michel Gondry has even solved a rubix cube with his feet!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD-8SMOh9Qg

Gondry has made his name by creating many weird and wonderful music videos, including:

Cibo Matto's 'Sugar Water' (2009) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN9auBn6Jys
Kylie Minogue's 'Come Into My World' (2001) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63vqob-MljQ
The White Stripes' 'Hardest Button to Button' (2003) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4dx42YzQCE
The Chemical Brothers' 'Let Forever Be' (1999) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5FyfQDO5g0
Bjork's 'Bachelorette' (1997) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5nNfbTS6N4.

This music video for Cibo Matto's 'Sugar Water' (2009) has a split screen/double narrative and follows a pattern of visual symmetry and is flipped/revered as seen in the image on the right. The right side of the screen has a backwards narrative, whereas the left side is shown forwards. Midway through the music video (2:00mins) the two narratives cross and the women on either side of the screen pass and switch positions so the female which was as first going forward, is now on the right side of the screen going backwards. This music video conforms to the conventions usually found in music videos as it follows a narrative, the artists are performing and some of the lyrics link to the video, for example, the woman on the left side of the screen sings 'when a black cat crosses my path' (02:48-02:53), a black cat is seen transitioning from the right side of the screen to the left.

At 03:32, Gondry has used the title of the song itself, and visualised the lyrics 'sugar water' as seen in the image below, which would be a convention of music videos. Including the title of the song and singing it in the chorus or verse is also a very common convention found in most music videos.

Research on Robert Popper

Robert Popper

Robert Popper is British comedy producer, script editor, commissioning editor and writer. However, Popper didn't start his career in comedy straight away, as he went to university in Manchester and studied French and Italian. Once he left university he decided he wanted to pursue the career of being a musician. Though that isn't his professional career, he does have a range of original songs in which he has posted on sound cloud (https://soundcloud.com/robert-popper). He began his career in comedy when he started to write bizarre and unique letters in 2004, under the name of Robin Cooper, to trade groups, department stores, clubs and political parties. Aware that the imaginative letters he sent would receive some sort of response, he turned them into a book (https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=VSzdAgAAQBAJ&source=gbs_book_similarbooks).

Popper is known for script editing in Peep Show (2008-2015), The Inbetweeners (2008-2010) and South Park (2010). Furthermore, for producing the shows Friday Night Dinner (2011-2016) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMtMjZCAhHA), The Timewaster Phone Calls (2009) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFbuqM7AVBk), Peep Show (2005-2007) and Look Around You, which he stared in as well as Peter Serafinowicz (2002-2005).

For the TV series 'Friday Night Dinner', Popper said that went he was writing, he specifically wanted Simon Bird to play the character he had created as he felt that he would portray the character just the way he wanted. Popper found the inspiration to write Friday Night Dinner from true stories that occurred at home at dinner with his own family. Specifically in an episode called 'The Fox' (Season 3, episode 2), Popper's family found a frozen fox on their door step, they didn't know where to put it so his father attempted to throw it over the fence, but it ended up being stuck at the top of a tree. However, this isn't quite the story in Friday Night Dinner as he felt he had to alter the story slightly in order to make the story for believable for the audience of Friday Night Dinner.

From the discussion the group had with Popper about higher education, I went from completely ruleling out university to considering the option. I'm still not too sure about what I would take in university as there is no course in radio that I know of, but I might research further into what I want to do in university if I was certain on going.

Primary Research - Interview with Robert Popper over Skype

The interview with Popper himself was highly effective due to hearing his personal experiences and having the opportunity to create questions for him to answer. For example, a student in the class asked how much the comedy industry has changed since he began in 1995. He said that because he had no internet, he had to write letters to companies to companies he wanted to work with. In the modern day, students and other people that want to excel in the career they want to do can post their work to YouTube and as we have the internet, we have more of an advantage educate ourselves.

Secondary Research - Using the internet to research Robert Popper/ I also watched a number of episodes from Friday Night Dinner, The Inbetweeners and Look Around You.

Websites used:

As I carried out secondary research before I interviewed Robert Popper, I did find it effective as it allowed me to watch a number of his shows that he's written or produced, however interviewing Robert Popper allowed me to find out a number of things that I would not have been able to find through secondary research. Secondary research didn't allow me to ask specific questions about Popper where as primary research did.