In todays triple block of media lessons, we decided to try our hand as a class at a initial lip sinking exercise in preparation for next years A2 coursework task where we are instructed to design and create a pop promo video. As preparation for todays exercise we all learnt the lyrics for the chorus of the song 'Rather Be' by Clean Bandit, we were told this is what would be used for the exercise. This is a upbeat song with a strong rhythmic emphasis and sense of fun making it ideal for the task. Learning the lyrics prior to this made the process quicker on the day in the relatively limited time we had.
Once we got into the studio, we found three sets already erected for us to utilise. These were a green screen, club-like scene and standard casual set. We were then split into groups and told to assign ourselves to one of the sets. It was then explained that all three groups would be working off the same track at the same time, as we would be using a digital clapperboard that was hooked up to speakers. It was here that I learnt the importance of the clapperboard instead of it just appearing a Hollywood cliché as it did before. The clapperboard becomes crucial in the edit for timing and syncing purposes. We were told that either one or various members of the groups had to start in front of the camera and take on the performance task, while the others took more filmic roles. With a notable reluctance in my group, I decided to step forward and try this first having been told that we would swap roles when all the groups rotated around the room in order to make the most of the three different sets. This gave me a very different viewpoint from other members of my group as I had a front row seat watching all the technical aspects at work in front of me. However, this doesn't mean it was easy. We had previously been told that the success of a music video is nearly reliant on the performance and energy of its artists. As one would expect, this was at first challenging as it is easy to misplace the lyrics in the heat of the moment. However, with a few more tries it steadily improved. This gave me the experience to understand that when it comes to shooting the video me must allocate enough time for the performer to adapt to what is a very odd environment, regardless of how confident they are as an individual. Time will eventually lead to a better performance.
After completing a variety of shots as a solo performer, the group then moved onto the night club set where we swapped roles. What made this set unique was that there was a track set up for the camera. Unlike the majority of the group, I had some degree of experience with a tack having utilised it for one shot of my thriller video. Tracking shots have the potential to look great, but they must be handled steadily so that the shot appears slick and smooth. This makes the job of 'track operator' perhaps more difficult than that of the camera man perched on the stool. I started by operating the track. We practiced with the performers prior to 'action' in order to coordinate a general pace and therefore avoid mistakes and force a premature 'reset'. This task took concentration and communication with the camera man but wasn't too difficult due to the short space we were moving within. It was here I learnt that we were in fact aloud to verbally communicate with both the performers and camera man when creating music videos, as opposed to shooting a thriller. This is because the sound recording from all of the shots would be deleted and replaced solely with the music track. This is useful as it meant we could send instructions to the performers during a shot. After this, I then gave camera work a go on the track using the stool to sit on as I was pushed from side to side. With this particular set up, it was my responsibility to monitor the playback and do my best to retain the shot we started with before moving. This obviously included returning to the camera terminology and operating skills that we had learnt during our AS course. I was surprised about how I had managed re-engage with the etiquette of a shoot so quickly. I also noticed while filming that our performers for this section were far less confident. This is of course no fault of their own as some people simply enjoy it more than others. However, it did allow me to notice the difference it can make to the footage. Despite this, this is only a introduction so the quality of performance is far from our main concern.
After the shoot we then transported our footage to the edit suite to be cut together, meaning we had to also re-engage with the editing skills we had picked up at AS. We then all gathered around a single computer to learn the technique for editing this specific type of video, as it is vastly different to editing our thrillers. This involved first downloading the track onto Final Cut Pro and then sifting through our clips in the same way. Using the clapperboard and digital time code that we had filmed at the start of each clip, we were able to insert the clips into Final Cut so that they were already in in sync with the music, and still would be even if we shortened or extended them at any point. It was simply a matter of matching the frames per second. We dragged every usable clip onto the time line and accordingly removed the sound recording. Then it was simply a matter of creatively extending and chopping clips which was made very simple as they were all in front of you. Here, we learnt that it was highly recommended to cut on the beat of the music, yet not in a consistent pattern. If it is in time with the music yet in a sporadic manor then it still interesting and not predictable for the audience. In actual fact, I found this editing process easier than with the thrillers due to its simple visual nature and the reliability regarding syncing due to clever use of the clapper board. However, with the music videos it becomes much more about the cuts chosen and the connotations related to them. For example, we were instructed that when the singer begins to sing in the song, this should always be partnered with footage of the artist if it is a performance based video. This is one of the many stipulations that a record label would request in regard to the video of an artist. In conclusion, I found the day enjoyable and reassuring. Creating this mini music video was greatly enjoyable while also realising that some aspects that I speculated would be very difficult such as the editing, were actually very achievable. I am delighted with what we made and think it is entertaining.
No comments:
Post a Comment