Evaluation
My role within the production of our music video was to help direct and work as camera operator.
When planning the music video, I helped search and contact and band that would be happy for us to use their song for our video. I contacted a few different bands via twitter and a small band called 'Atlanta House' messaged back. I sent many messages finding out what the band wanted from the music video and if there was a specific style or range of techniques which they'd want us to include.
They told us that they want us to have full creative control but asked that we could keep them updated with our planning and decisions. Below are screenshots of the conversation from Atlanta House.
When planning the music video, I helped search and contact and band that would be happy for us to use their song for our video. I contacted a few different bands via twitter and a small band called 'Atlanta House' messaged back. I sent many messages finding out what the band wanted from the music video and if there was a specific style or range of techniques which they'd want us to include.
They told us that they want us to have full creative control but asked that we could keep them updated with our planning and decisions. Below are screenshots of the conversation from Atlanta House.
Our aesthetic quality came from inspiration from a range of music videos. At first we decided to focus on music videos within the same genre as the song we choose, however we decided to explore different genres so we had a wider range of techniques and styles. After watching music videos such as, 30 Second To Mars - Up In The Air, Madeon - The City, Amazarashi - Kyomubo and a range of Biffy Clyro music videos. We felt that lighting was one of the most important features, we felt that it emphasised the aesthetic appeal.
From watching the 30 Seconds To Mars and Madeon music video we decided that we wanted to try and film powder paint both being thrown by and onto a subject. We felt that powder paint would improve the aesthetic of our music video and also represent emotion which is linked closely to the lyrics of the music video.
From the other music videos we watched we decided that our shots would consist of mid close ups, close ups and extreme close ups as, when cut quickly, they can improve the aesthetic of a music video. As well as this we decided to make our music video as bright and vibrant as we could as it is commonly done within indie music videos, which is our bands genre.
From watching the 30 Seconds To Mars and Madeon music video we decided that we wanted to try and film powder paint both being thrown by and onto a subject. We felt that powder paint would improve the aesthetic of our music video and also represent emotion which is linked closely to the lyrics of the music video.
From the other music videos we watched we decided that our shots would consist of mid close ups, close ups and extreme close ups as, when cut quickly, they can improve the aesthetic of a music video. As well as this we decided to make our music video as bright and vibrant as we could as it is commonly done within indie music videos, which is our bands genre.
We had many difficulties, set backs and problems when producing our music video. One of our first issues was finding a day which worked well with all of the members of the group and with the actors we had originally planned to use. There was only one day which worked well for everyone, however when we'd decided to meet on that day one our actors had to cancel as they were ill.
Another issues we faced was the fact that our lesson were disrupted frequently so we were unable to film or plan. This meant that our production fell even further behind schedule as we just couldn't plan a day to complete the filming.
Another issues we faced was the fact that our lesson were disrupted frequently so we were unable to film or plan. This meant that our production fell even further behind schedule as we just couldn't plan a day to complete the filming.
Working to a Brief
A client brief takes many forms and there are many different ways in which you can respond to it. For example, sometimes a brief can be a piece of work which is specially commissioned from you by a company due to your reputation/specialism in a specific field. Alternatively some companies put their work on tender, this means you have to generate ideas and provide a swift but suitable response to a brief in order to get the contract to provide work. There are different ways in which a client brief could be presented to you, these are listed below:
Alongside the music video production, we had to complete an assignment called 'Working to a Brief'. The aim for this assignment was for us to work alongside a client, discussing our process and ideas with them and ensuring that we created something which they were satisfied with.
The brief we choose for our assignment was 'Negotiated' this meant that we work closely and collaboratively with our client, discussing and agreeing the aims and objectives. We decided on that brief as we could only communicate with our band via social media, therefore we could negotiate our ideas and work closely with the client and their needs.
I contacted the band through Twitter, I explained our assignment and asked if they would give us permission to use their music and we could work closely with them to discuss their ideas and what they wanted us to include in the video. All screenshots from our discussions have been posted in the original evaluation above.
All work produced is subject to legal, ethical and regulatory constraints. We had to make sure we were aware of these contraints and how we worked within them.
Negotiating the brief:
It's important to clarify or modify the original brief with the client either before or during the project.
Below is a screenshot taken from the bands twitter account, sharing the video we had created.
- Contractual - Brief that is outlined in an employment contract, such as written work for publication.
- Formal - Meeting could be organised with the client, they outline their requirements for you.
- Negotiated - Might help the client develop the brief by working collaboratively, discussing and agreeing the aims and objectives.
- Informal - Client could call you and discuss their requirements over the telephone.
- Tender - Some briefs are sent to several companies through post, email or you are invited to respond with your ideas.
Alongside the music video production, we had to complete an assignment called 'Working to a Brief'. The aim for this assignment was for us to work alongside a client, discussing our process and ideas with them and ensuring that we created something which they were satisfied with.
The brief we choose for our assignment was 'Negotiated' this meant that we work closely and collaboratively with our client, discussing and agreeing the aims and objectives. We decided on that brief as we could only communicate with our band via social media, therefore we could negotiate our ideas and work closely with the client and their needs.
I contacted the band through Twitter, I explained our assignment and asked if they would give us permission to use their music and we could work closely with them to discuss their ideas and what they wanted us to include in the video. All screenshots from our discussions have been posted in the original evaluation above.
All work produced is subject to legal, ethical and regulatory constraints. We had to make sure we were aware of these contraints and how we worked within them.
- Legal constraints is ensuring that you are legally obliged to deliver to your client the entire project which is laid out in a contract between you. Failure to do so within required budget and deadlines could be a breach of contract and lose you money, respect and possibly the entire project. Due to the fact we didn't have a budget we didn't need to worry too much about legal contraints. We had to ensure our product was what the client had wanted which was discussed in our negotiated contract.
- Ethical Constraints is behaving ethically throughout the production process. Keeping in mind that you cannot do, say or produce whatever you'd like. Making sure that the thoughts, ideas and opinions of everyone is considered in everything that is done. We made sure that our ideas were all approved by our client, we also discussed our ideas, thoughts and opinions before, during and after a shoot so that no one felt unsatisfied with the finished project.
- Regulatory constraints is where every medium is controlled by it's own governing body, such as Ofcom. These governing bodies lay down and enforces the rules and regulations that you must work by. It's important to know what restrictions governing bodies could place on your product and what the possible consequences could be if you ignore them. It's important to make sure you're clear about codes of practise and leglistation that apply to your area or work. As we were producing a product for a college course we didn't have to worry about regulatory issues.
Negotiating the brief:
It's important to clarify or modify the original brief with the client either before or during the project.
- Negotiating changes to proposed final product. This might happen at the request of the client or producer, it could happen at any stage and should be subject to an ongoing review process. It's important for you to be willing to adapt as and when require however you should always ensure that the client is in agreement before the work begins.
- Negotiating changes to the budget. Contingency planning is essential, there should be money put aside to cover any unexpected costs. It may not cover all of it but it allows you to keep things on track.
- Negotiating changed to conditions and fees. You may need to negotiate a change in the conditions of the contract or the payable fee, even schedule of payments. You must be prepared to discuss these matters with your client and ensure necessary amendments have been agreed and are in writing.
Below is a screenshot taken from the bands twitter account, sharing the video we had created.