Sleep on the Floor by The Lumineers

I saw this video on Youtube a few days ago and I found some elements of our video in this.

This narrative music video silences the conversations playing the music over the script and allows us to symbolise the lyrics to their story; running away. 

Again, like our video it has the element of running but theres is more of a love story and how they are running away from their individual problems to be together and get married.

even though ours isn't like that the actual simplicity of the video is just allowing us as an audience to go through their journey together and hopefully we can do that with ours and show the two different satires just come together and forget about their problems (Use of Gratification Theory) 

Vlog - BFI Trip

Oh what a fun trip I had, talking to a drunk American in Starbucks to sining Queen and Adele at the top of my voice. All in all a good old trip learning about performance videos!! 

Even though that wasn't benefical to us as we are doing a narrative music video and have actually already started filming it was a good time to just sing some of the greatest songs and see other Media Studies music videos that got 100% (one was rubbish). 

Editing Everything

Vlog - Day 2 Filiming

Unfortunately we had a few problems on this day as all trains were delayed and then our battery just died on us when we was actually at the station.

Vlog - Day 1 Filming

On Thursday, 1/2 of us went to Forty Hall to start shooting the rural / family breakdown narrative.
After having difficulties before with the DSLR camera and no SD card, my IPhone was the next resort and even though it wouldn't be HD quality. it creates a sense of realism and rural affect because my character is broken and that teenagers (and children) are going through this.
However, besides all of this, the shots came out pretty good and even though it was freezing and I didn't get out of breath as much as I thought I would, it was a successful first day and had a good laugh when JB fell (the commitment from her filming was great)

Shooting - Day 1: Rural - Forty Hall

Finally, we have started filming!!
JB and I set off bright and early to Forty Hall to film my running away rural shots.
We decided to choose Forty Hall because much of the vegetation and landmarks were picturesque and made JB's decision easier on where to position herself as a director, capturing not only myself but the sense of nature while portraying a character with real difficulties.
With that, we decided to take primary shots of each of the places we went and there after start to shoot!

Shooting Schedule

Finally we have decided to sit down and just decide when either my story or Ruby's can be filmed.

Thursday 17th November - Megan Running (Rural) - Forty Hall

Monday 21st November - Both Meeting Each Other - Alexandra Palace

Thursday 24th November - Megan House Argument - House

Friday 25th November - Ruby Escape (Urban) - Southbank 

Story Board: Video

Improving from our first draft of storyboard, our next task was to create a "shot for shot" story board with the music playing over the pictures.
Drawing people was very difficult but nevertheless, creating this allowed me to see how long each story can fold and develop over the music video and how we will show both narratives.

 

Ruby's Storytime

Story time with Ruby about how you need to commit to the RUN!!

Storyboard

Here is our first draft of out storyboard illustrated by the talented JB.

ADELE KNOWS BON IVER!

Over the weekend, Adele posted a photo of Bon Iver's new album cover onto her Instagram.
AIN'T SHE THE BEST PERSON EVER!!!

http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/10/adele-bon-ivers-music-is-one-of-the-true-loves-of-my-life/

Final Idea

And we finally have our final idea!!
Not giving much away in detail, it's short and sweet

Upside Down & Inside Out by Ok Go

THE ULTIMATE VIDEO!!!!
this is actually amazing and I want to do it, maybe not lip synching at the same time but zero gravity; YES PLEASE!
The fact that all their videos are in one shot is just insane!!

Email to the Record Label

We emailed the company, Jagjaguwar, to ask for permission to use the song so our video doesn't come under copyright.

Mac 3 - Lip Synching

Our task was to try and lip synch our song and see whether doing a bit of a performance would fit our style of video and us as group performing. It did not go well and we know now that NONE of us are lip synching, not even a line!!

   

New Idea Research

We finally have a different idea. Still keeping the same song but instead changing the contrast of old/young.
The two characters are going to be the same age but have two different reasons why they are running away.
1st = family breakdown
2nd = fear of coming out

Here is my research on reasons why the first character is running away and how the impact of family can make you think about everything and in the end, run away.

Here is the other research as why adults run away. The two characters are both the same age (17/18 years old) and still have parental support and still can be affected by their parents opinions/choices hence why the second character is scared to or already has told her family about her sexuality and therefore she runs away because of the answer they gave or they answer she thinks they will give her.

Wash by Bon Iver

Here is our song that we have finally decided would fit our narrative music video idea. Even though this idea is still not 100% with our group following the pitch from last week we know that no matter what the story is of the song, we are still going to do this song.

Andrew Goodwin's Theory & the lyrics.
"Claire, all too sore for sound" this reflects when it is the YOUNG character being told that she isn't good enough or she'll never become a successful scientist.
"I'm telling darkness from lines on you" this can reflect the OLD character who has a low point in their career and remembers times when she couldn't see herself becoming what she is. Shown through more high angled shots or dimmer lighting, symbolising the lyrics to an extent.
"Like they stole it" this is when the OLD character losses something she's kept for all this time when she was young and it has lost a bit of her identity.

Climb 

Is all we know 

When thaw 

Is not below us 

No, can't grow up 

In that iron ground 

Claire, all too sore for sound 

Bet Is hardly shown 

Scraped 

Across the foam 

Like they stole it 

And oh, how they hold it 

Claire, we nearly forfeit 

I' I'm growing like the quickening hues 

I' I'm telling darkness from lines on you 

Over havens fora full and swollen morass, young habitat! 

All been living alone, where the ice snap and the hold clast are known 

Home 

We're savage high 

Come 

We finally cry 

Oh and we don it 

Because it's right 

Claire, I was too sore for sight 

Cigarettes In The Theatre by Two Door Cinema Club

Here is another song that I thought would go well if we were do to a more balanced music video of Narrative and Performance. However, as our group are more towards the Narrative approach, this still can be shown even though the tempo of the beat and the lyrics can have that element of lip synching; something we probably will still do in our song Wash by Bon Iver.
Also with this Two Door song it is only 2 and half minutes which means we wouldn't of been abel to do it however as the tempo and beat of the song is very fast and snappy our shots would of hopefully been good.

Here are the lyrics to the song and the video as well.

It starts in the theatre 

A night of encounters 

If I hadn't been there 

If not for a cigarette 

And you could see it change 

Look past the blinding light 

Look past the blinding light 

Just keep taking now 

Tell me your favourite things 

Tell me your favourite things 

Difference in opinion was never an issue 

Collect all your questions 

Because this time we've all night 

And you could see it change 

Look past the blinding light 

Look past the blinding light 

Just keep talking now 

Tell me your favourite things 

Tell me your favourite things 

Mac 3 Pitch

Last week, we pitched our first original idea to the group. It did not go as well as we thought. So with the help of the others we have another idea that still has some original ideas from our first initial pitch.

Mac 3 Vlog

Just a little introduction into this new group and out first idea for our A2 music video

Where Is the Love by Black Eyed Peas

After the horrible events that have happened this year, the re-vamp of this song that first released after 9/11. Using people with different races, sexuality, beliefs coming together to make the world a safer and happier place. This video is very simple but having os many celebrities and families of the people who have had their son/daughter or someone taken away from them because of all this anger and hatred towards a race or sexuality they don't like. 

5 Narrative Music Videos

Here are 5 narrative music videos that have a significant message behind the song or the way the story is being developed during the song. With that, many of the songs will not included the artist themselves and could possibly have an actor lip syncing specific lyrics to address a message

Hozier - Cherry Wine
This song is highlighting the importance of domestic violence and raising awareness of those in a relationship who hide the fact that they are being abused until it becomes seen with bruises and scars on their body that makeup can no longer hide. A raw video that perfectly suits something going on in today's society.

Taylor Swift - Love Story

This song is quite literally a love story. Using Taylor as the protagonist and is "Juliet" and telling the story of how she falls for her Romeo. This Narrative is very cliche and our group know we are not doing that type of love.

Beyonce - If I Were a Boy

An important narrative video. This is telling us that a woman can have a mans job and be good (or even better) than them. Also, acting like a man with the male traits of ignoring their partner on a night out, and showing the man that that's how they feel when they go out. Switching when it falls down and they find out, reversing back to the man doing the "harder" job and leaving the woman (Beyonce) back to reality.

Ed Sheeran - The A Team

Looks very much like a A2 Music Video. About a homeless person who just wants to be helped after the struggle of drugs and not be able to survive. But instead using her body and her vulnerability to get around and just be somewhat stable. 

Florence and The Machine - Delilah 

This narrative is about the spirit inside you, reaching out and just letting go. Having the devils and voice in the back of you, dragging you a long having the choreography to the beat of the song.

5 Performance Videos

Here are 5 Performance videos with the artist/band lip syncing and playing instruments in the video

The 1975 - The Sound 

James Bay - Hold Back the River

Sia - Chandelier 

George Ezra - Listen to the Man

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

Wash by Bon Iver

Our group have discussed that Narrative is the best option for our style and this song I think would be perfect for a Narrative music video. I intend not to watch a music video if there is one because this song is so pure and you can interpret in any way you want. I imagine certain scenes would be in London walking the streets or something but that can be discussed with my group when we come to ideas for our pitch for the 26th.

Here are the lyrics for the song. The song is 5 minutes long but it can easily be cut at 3:25ish. A definite contender for our final song!

Climb

Is all we know

When thaw

Is not below us

No, can't grow up

In that iron ground

Claire, all too sore for sound

Bet

Is hardly shown

Scraped

Across the foam

Like they stole it

And oh, how they hold it

Claire, we nearly forfeit

I' I'm growing like the quickening hues

I' I'm telling darkness from lines on you

Over havens fora full and swollen morass, young habitat!

All been living alone, where the ice snap and the hold clast are known

Home

We're savage high

Come

We finally cry

Oh and we don it

Because it's right

Claire, I was too sore for sight

I' we're sewing up through the latchet greens

I' un-peel keenness, honey, bean for bean

Same white pillar tone as with the bone street sand is thrown where she stashed us at

All been living alone, where the cracks at in the low part of the stoning

All I Want by Kodaline - Part One & Two

In Monday's lesson we discussed music videos and differentiated them between Performance and Narrative. These two videos by Kodaline were a perfect example of narrative. With my group, we have decided that we would rather do a narrative music video and rather tell a story than a performance video as we think it will suit the genre we have chosen (Indie).

Part One 

I really enjoyed this video because even though he hasn't got the prettiest face (he's a monster) he still doesn't give up and truly reflects that beauty doesn't matter in society. Also he doesn't let people get in the way and will still fight for the person he loves besides his mum and his dog. 

Part Two

The follow up of the second part and he finally picked up his bag!!! This video I think is better than the first one because he loses his dog and that truly hurts him more than anything he went through before hand (name calls from the men at work). And even though he keeps searching for his dog, the woman he has finally got after all this time helps him because she can see how much it means to him. This video definitely had a more emotional appeal and no-matter what, the dog still loves his owner no matter what he looks like because he does not care at all. 

'Send My Love (To Your New Lover)' by Adele

Again another simple video in one location but it's Adele so it's great!

I really like the idea of all different movements of the same person at once and would be really interesting to see how it comes out if we was to do a taster of those kinds of shots.
It does confuse myself as well but it really captivates you and even simple music videos can work really well.

However, when I heard this live, I really liked the background screen whilst she was singing this song. With all letters and words scrolling across like she was sending a message, that would be quite cool to see how that would work over a white screen with someone lip syncing in front.
Also, her makeup is really simple as she normally has her eyeliner but this video doesn't have it so it's a very laid back video that can still be enjoyed by millions of people.

Here is the video

'Tears' by Clean Bandit

I saw this music video a couple of weeks ago and really liked a few of their ideas.

Given the fact they definitely had a bigger budget then we will but some look very easy to consolidate on.

I really enjoyed the powder colours coming out of their instruments. But if we had to use the colours (which I do like the idea of) I would use it in another way.
With that, the dancers coming together in the water was quite clever and if we was to do a performance video, I would recommend dancers in the first draft on our video ideas.

However, there was only one location the actual mise-en-scene was simple, especially the dancers but the nature (wind, fire and rain) was quite clever but I don't think we'll bringing fire into our video!!

Here is the music video

 

Prelim: Bad Day

By Daniel Powter

Indie Artists & Record Labels

Here are just a few examples of Indie Artists that the group can consider for inspiration towards our own music video

Florence and the Machine

It's clear to see that I enjoy Florence and the Machine's music.
Record Label: Republic and Universal Republic (USA)
They first started out with an independent record label but as they became more popular they are now part of a huge success, with Republic Records also signing with artists like The Weeknd, Amy Winehouse, Lorde and more
Last Album: How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.
Over the years their fans have grown and their music can be targeted for any social group.


Mumford and Sons

Record Label: Island
Island are a branch off of Republic. However, with Island, Indie artists in particular are the likes of Ben Howard, Hozier, Catfish and the Bottlemen and even Bon Jovi!
With that, they have made their own live promotion company, a record label; Gentlemen on the Road, which obviously, they are signed to.
Last Album: Wilder Minds
Like Florence and the Machine, their fans have escalated and more of the older demographic are enjoying their soft, lyrical music.

Saint Raymond

Record Label: Asylum Records (USA), but originally started out as one of Gabrielle Aplin's first signing on her record label (Never Fade Records)
Asylum Records are a smaller record company unlike Republic but still hold to some artists that everyone knows. The likes of Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX and Nelly Furtado.
Last Album: Young Blood (debut)
The fans are more underground as Saint Raymond has only been around for 3 years, reaching a more younger, youth demographic as he was lucky enough to support high profile artists like HAIM and Ed Sheeran on their own respective tours

Indie Artists

Examples of artists using a variety of performance or narrative that fit the conventions of an indie music video

Genre Research Project

Today we have started researching as a group what genre we wanted to do for A2 Media.

As a group, we decided that our genre would be INDIE.
It was a popular vote as the majority of us listen to this music and I find that the lyrics in the majority of indie songs are so exposed and can have a meaning about specific events in their own life or even effect the fans and how they interpret the lyrics.

As all of us listen to this genre of music it will be easier for us to find a sign that can fit our idea of a video. Whether that is narrative or performance.

Here are some Indie genre artists and their videos that show either performance and narrative.

Performance

Narrative

Mark Scheme

A2 Media Studies Blog Checklist by jfoster10

Glastonbury 2016

Ahh the time has come and gone for THE best music festival the UK has to offer.
Venturing out of the traditional music Glastonbury is known for but is now starting to bring us more pop and dance artists and even Adele!!

I mean, just look at this lineup!

You're welcome 

3 Favourite ECS Music Videos

1) 2016

I really liked this one because the story behind it, really represents what is happening right now for women. Also, their variety of shots and the song really match the whole narrative.

2) 2015
The use of projections and the other shots over the main focus shot is really clever and really reflects the song and it was quite good to see a school project to use a shots with a band, a common convention for a music video.

3) 2014

The scenes in the bedroom with the hospital gown were my favourite shots because the way it was edited in time with the beat of the music really captured the performance and is a good example for inspiration on whether to do a performance or narrative.