(Blog not in order. All posts were created in September but updated throughout the project - 2014)

Evaluation (Questions 1-4)

Digital Storboard

As a group we thought it would be helpful to create a digital storyboard showing our video in a plan form, as shown below:

Sketches

Digi-pak Sketches:

As shown above, we were quite set on our final idea for our digi-pak and so I took on the role of sketching exactly what we had in mind. This includes a range of aspects that we thought were necessary; On the outside left panel I decided to have a close up image, selected from the shoot we did earlier in the project (to highlight the star image) to place on the front cover. This was the same image we used in our magazine advert. At the top of this panel we decided to have the name of our artist (CONCORD) and we were sure to use the same font as we did for the rest of the digi-pak as well as our advert. On the outside, right panel we thought it would look professional if we included star ratings and quotes from newspapers and magazines. These were obviously made up. However we did source the quotes from respectable, well known companies (i.e. GQ, DJ MAG, The Daily Mail).  On the inside right panel we included a panel dedicated to our fans to create a mutual connection. This was based around images with 'fans' and a quote of the artist in the middle, thanking and showing appreciation for the fans and their support. On the inside left panel we included a short biography, to inform our fans what the artist is all about and an expression of passion for music within the text. The point of this is to connect with the fans and potentially mould them into dedicated fans who care about the artist, not only for their music but as an individual. Obviously, between these inside panels, the CD slot will appear and behind will show an image relevant to the others on the digi-pak. Finally, the back panel will be used to show the tack-list, typed in the font used on the front panels. We will also include a small image of the front of the digipak (as noted) and a barcode to make it look official. This will be saved from google images. Also, there will be a bar at the top of this panel that shows the management of the album, sponsors and credit to those who took part. This was inspired by other digi-paks (e.g. Kanye West). 

Magazine Advert:

For the magazine advert I came up with a few possible ideas that could be printed in a magazine for exposure of the artist and the single. Even though we did like a few, our final is shown in the bottom left corner of the image above. This shows a double spread (landscape) image, as we feel it would capture the attention of readers more than just one page that would merge with other advertisements. If it is shown on a double page it will be it will be dedicated to our artist and is more likely to stand out. We plan to use bright colours (Blue) on a white background using Photoshop to edit an image from our shoot. This colour scheme will reflect the 'loudness' of the video itself as well as the special effects included (i.e. ...). However, using this colour scheme will challenge the colour scheme chosen for the digi-pak (ironic approach). In this advert we would also like to include ratings and quotes from magazines as shown on the digi-pak panel. Also, quite importantly we would include the release dates of the album, the most popular track, availability to download and where to download. 

Shot List

• Firstly, we use a tilt shot. We do this to establish the artist and their star image. As the artist is dressed in the same way in all of their appearances, it was important to use this shot to show this in order for the audience and fans to be able to associate the costume with the artist themselves. The tilt shot alternative between two different costumes that appear throughout the video (natural costume and costume with props). This makes us familiar with what we should expect while we are watching as well as what to expect during the future of the artist and their work.
• The next shot is a POV/tracking shot. This shows another aspect of the costume used during the video. Also, this gives the illusion that the audience are the ones skating. Also, it reveals something about the personality of the artist and their image.
• The next shot is a pan and goes hand in hand with the previous shot as we get to view the artist on the skateboard from a different perspective.
• The next is a close-up of the horse mask itself. This part of the costume is key in terms of our star image and what we aimed to create. This is the meat dress of Lady GaGa, the masks of Daft Punk and the hair of Miley Cyrus.
• We then use a long shot that shows the statement dance of the video. We al have a young person (to reflect our target audience) in the background on a BMX. As we show a skate park, our variety of locations we have included in the video are kicked off. In this way it could also be classed as an establishing shot.
• The next shot is the first handheld shot. It includes a completely different setting, involving complete darkness aside from the LED's that we are using as a prop. These bright lights reflect the personality of our artist and the overall tone of the video. LOUD.
• After this, we have a high angle shot in order to capture the amount of people surrounding  our artist to highlight their popularity as well as the amount of young people in a 'party environment' to reflect our target audience. The audience of this age group could then relate to the setting and it is promoting the 'high life' that teenagers would like to have. We also colour corrected it and added colouring effects to make the shot more lively.
• This is another long shot with the purpose similar to the fifth shot. This shot also reflects in our rhythmic editing as the dance moves with with the beat of the music. 
• We have another close up (Shot #2).
• We have a really fast passing medium close-up of the silhouette profile of our artist. This is used to show a different view of our artist.
• (SHOT #7)
• (SHOT #6)
• We then use a close up of our artist driving. This explores a new location of our driver which are target audience are familiar with.
• The next shot is a long shot of the shadow of our artist dancing. This is a test for our audience to see whether they have picked up on the star image.
• This shot starts as a medium close-up and then turns into an extreme close-up. This shows a new location as well as the artist in a different iconic outfit.
• This shot is the second part of the previous and shows the statement dance of our artist in the new location - waterfront. It almost qualifies as an establishing shot as the next few show  the sites of Ipswich Waterfront.
• We then use an areal shot of the artist in this area to add to the variety of shots we have used throughout the video. Also, the stereotypical 'vulnerable' meaning of the high angle shot contrasts with the independence and importance of the character.
• The next shots are the repeats of previous but are used to show the use of dance like effects during the video that reflect the build up of the music (towards the drop).
• (Sped up version of first shots, to reflect the pace of the video compared to the beginning.
•  From this moment on the shots are repeated, and effects are added to create a new effect.

Audience Feedback & Decided Improvments

Here is an example of one of our questionnaires ^
(Tanzy's copy)

We asked 40 17-25year olds about our star image, narrative of the video, our song and what they thing should be improved. From our market research we found that 80% of the participants liked our horse mask narrative, one of the comments included that they found it 'funny' and 'interesting' and are extremely excited to see our final piece. The majority of the participants found our star image was good and they enjoyed the idea that our DJ is anonymous which gave a different edge to our video.  30% of the participants felt our song choice could be improved because the tracks are too 'jumpy' and don't connect well. However the majority of the participants did  like our song and felt it would go well with our narrative and dance routine.  Another comment was to include lip-syncing, but we are not sure how to include this because the main characters are wearing masks it could be hard to incorporate. Some people also suggested that we should use a range on camera angles and styles to increase the variety of shots and add more styles and more flare.  From the market research, we will take into account the range of camera angles and shots, because we think it is a valid point that our video needs variety to keep the audience's attention. This is important in a music video because it is made to promote the song and give the artist exposure. If the audience doesn't enjoy the video they are less likely to share it with their friends and across the internet, which in consequence doesn't promote the video. The  track itself, may be jumpy but we intend to correlate this through the editing. Through rhythmic editing, we can make the track and video reflect each other.  

Conventions of a Music Video