Evaluation: FourFiveSeconds

1)      Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?
Within our group we all got alone and shared the tasks equally, for instance, when filming each of us had a job/focus. One would be acting, the other filming and the other replaying the video to make sure we had the specific shots that we needed. Within the paper work of the tasks I made sure they were up to date and all complete and Beth focused o completing a large chunk of the editing to ensure we had time to perfect it.
 
2)      How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use?
We planned what section of the music video we were going to do then took screen grabs of each shot. By doing this it allowed us to have a check list of each shot we needed. It also meant we could analyse each shot as much as possible to ensure when we remade the video that it was as close to the original as possible. Theses screen grabs can be found further down my blog.

 3)      What theories could you apply to the video you chose?

When focusing on the theories that I have learned I would conclude that Carol Vernallis’ theory about the camera movement and dietetics of a music video should be doesn’t apply to ‘four, five seconds’. This is because of the little locations that are established in the shots as it is set in one place. Thus leading to the diegesis not relating to where the film is set. Although the music video does incorporate a change in order of narrative which is one of the factors Vernallis stated creates a great music video. In addition, the jump cuts from each artist breaks normal conversion making it an interesting video to watch, again a factor in vernallis’ theory.
Andrew Godwin’s research of the ‘six contradictions’ is also relatable as the music video creates a connecting to the camera as the artist interacts with it, making the music parallel to the shots.   

 4) What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

 To film the music video we used a Nikon camera so that we had the best quality shots. When editing, we used Adobe Premier as it allowed us to bring all of the footage together and easily but effectively produce the music video.

 5) What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

In the original video the plain white background makes the video crisp and professional, trying to replicate this was a struggle that we had to overcome. To do so we used stage lights to make sure no shadows were being portrayed and we positioned the camera at the best angle possible to get the best angles to match the original. Our availability was another obstacle as we struggled to find the time to film and perfect the shots we needed. Due to all three of us needing to be there to film our shots we ended up only having one day to film everything, therefore during this time we had to work quickly and efficiently. With the editing of the video it was very difficult to replicate the dark shadows of the original. To pass this barrier I experimented with the contrast, brightness and shadow effects of the premier tool to give the most contrast between the white background and dark denim outfits we were wearing.

 6) How successful was your music video copy? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently? What did others say about your production?

 I feel the lip singing in our video was successful as its in time and fits with the music video. Plus, we worked well as a team to ensure everything was done to our best ability.
If I were to have a second chance of producing the music video I would have thought about the set of our filming as the background was simple a white sheet. to improve I would have found a completely straight wall and ironed sheets to pin on as it would have been more like the original background in the main music video. therefore helping to make the copy as clear and crisp as the original.
others said that the video was based on performance and the music and we brought across both of those elements very well, through the acting and the lip singing.

 7) What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing your music video, do you think?

 The use of the professional camera really helped us come across experienced and meant we had clear and effective shots, before we had even done any editing. Looking ahead, for the real thing this would be very beneficial for our group. I have learned that getting the correct angle on a shot can make a major difference when trying to bring across a message or meaning in a video. Simply by using a tripod to keep the camera still makes the shot look sharper so that the artist is the main focus of the shot. By realising these mistakes now it gives me a better and more qualified outlook for when we are producing our own music video.

 8) How does it compare with filming an opening to a film?
 The shots of a music video are considerably shorter and vary a lot more. for instance in a realistic film opening the shots are used to set the scene and act as though the viewer is in the film/ in the moment. However most music videos( including FourFiveSeconds) the shots are use to show of the artist and they image. This meant that as a camera operator I had to make sure the camera grasped the best angle of the artist, showing them off and making them look good. It makes the camera work and the editing more important as they have to stand out and look outrageously good to grab the audiences attention.

 9) What are your strengths and weaknesses as a group member?
 Personally I feel that I am a very motivated person and therefore meant that I made sure everything was completed and we had a positive attitude to all of our work. However I am a perfectionist which can mean I end up interfering with others work and become bossy. But I do feel this attitude means that my other team members always know what they are doing, when they need to do them and how to do them... ensuing everyone does their best.  

 10) Looking at the other group's videos which do you think were most successful and why?
 The precise editing of Lorna's group is so skilful and slick that it looks like it could have been a professional video. The effects that she has used as very hard to do and she has made it look easy. The polishedness of her video is what makes it the best...