Initial Screen Test

Today we decided we would hold a preliminary screen test. This was primarily to determine which of two members of our band would be the lead singer. Despite initially choosing Chris, we had to consider who was most right for the song being used, which forced us to think again. We decided we would shoot Callum and Chris in the film studio, lip-syncing to the song in order to find out who suited it more and looked most comfortable. This was a very casual screen test, and is of course very early on in the process so neither of the boys knew the words perfectly and we actually had to use a broom in place of a microphone. However, watching them perform just over 30 seconds of the song informed us sufficiently to be able to make this crucial decision.

(Callum)

(Chris)

Upon reflection, we have decided to go with Callum to be the lead singer of our band. Chris performed admirably during the screen test but looked slightly unnatural at stages and it could be argued he didn't quite grasp the right mood. Callum was casually likeable in his performance. The deep register of George Ezra's voice is also more suited to Callum aesthetically, making it more realistic that he could actually be singing. Furthermore, Callum is a singer in real life meaning he has a better understanding of the way the mouth needs to move at certain stages of the song. Without doubt he still needs working on with possibly a bit of homework to go and watch the way certain singers perform, but I confident that we have picked the right man. 

In addition to this, we also managed to organise a gathering with the other two members of the band. This was mainly to give us the opportunity to talk to them and discuss the concept so that they understand what we are trying to do with the video. Also, we took a few stills of the boys as a group just to see them together. We did a traditional 'line up' picture and also arranged them into the positions they are likely to be in for the bulk of the video. At a later stage we are likely to hold another screen test, hopefully with instruments. This will give us another chance closer to shoot day to see them in a performance environment. In the mean time, I told them to check their emails regularly for any news and also aquatint themselves well with the song we are using.