A2 Preliminary Evaluation - Post-Production

Once all of the filming was complete, we had to decide as a class which shots were most suitable for editing and which could be discarded altogether. Afterwards, we split into groups and edited individual videos with the same footage, so as to all take part in the editing process and gain confidence in using the software. We organised the shots in order of the storyboard and cut them down to match the correct time-span. Once shots were placed into the editing software, the audio had to be removed and replaced with the audio of the song. The editing had to match the audio and so most of the hard work was making sure that the lip-synching was in time and that the beat of the song matched the drumming etc. We added fading effects so as to create a smoother transition between shots, as well as including a starry background to close the video. A disco effect was added to open the video and a fading effect was also added to the audio to prevent an abrupt halt to the song when the video ended. The process was time-consuming due to the precision required to create a professional look about the video, but was worthwhile in tying the whole thing together and allowed us to smooth out all rough edges. Next time, I would take more care over the quality of filming and the quantity of shots taken, as this restricted what could be done in the editing process. 

A2 Preliminary Evaluation - Production

During the production of our music video, it was the director's job to organize what equipment was needed each day and who was to bring what to each lesson. The director would decide which parts of the video would be filmed when, and frequently referred back to the storyboard in order to make the filming run as smoothly as possible. Actors would be placed in the correct positions for each shot, lighting and sound would be chosen to fit the shot, and the cameraman would be informed as to what camera angle and shot type was best suited to which part. On one occasion, we asked a technician to help with setting up the lighting and sound so we knew how to use the equipment later ourselves. Some days were unorganized and people were off sick which caused problems either because we couldn't film certain parts of the video or because certain props were not available to use. To get around this, we shot which parts we could but sometimes had to stop and evaluate our situation so as to reorganize ourselves. Roles changed during the production stages due to poor decisions made in pre-production, which meant that time was wasted and certain aspects of our video did not look as professional as others and could not be re-shot in order to improve the quality of our filming. 

A2 Preliminary Evaluation - Pre-Production

Upon deciding as a class which music video we wanted to re-create, our task then was to storyboard, assign roles and comprise a list of equipment and props needed when filming. Assigning roles which most suited everyone was the first job in hand, which then gave us all something to get on with individually or as groups. For example, two people were chosen to storyboard due to artistic ability and began re-watching our chosen video and taking notes on the transition of shots, timing etc. A director was assigned almost immediately, and as George had a camera of his own and seemed the best person to film, he therefore took the position of camera-man. Others in the group again re-watched the video and took notes on costume choices, props etc., such as suits, helmets, drumsticks and guitars. We then arranged as a class who could get hold of said equipment and what day it was needed. After the storyboard had been completed and everybody knew which part they had to play, deciding on a location to film was next on the agenda. Our chosen video limited where we could film to a space with a dark background but which was also well-lit, and so we considered using either the main hall, the AV studio or the drama room if this would be accessible. The main hall seemed to provide the best space to work in as it was the biggest, enabled us to film in front of a dark background and gave us access to built-in lighting and sound, as well as the opportunity to use the stage. As the main hall is a space used by all of the school, we took it upon ourselves to book the space in advance during our lesson time so as not to jeopardize our chances of filming.

A2 Preliminary Music Video