Music Video Shoot Account

On Monday we were able to see for the first time what our A2 course would be like. When we came into the studio 3 different sets had been set up. One green screen, one long black rocky looking role next to a dolly which we used to do tracking shots against and a small home setting with a couch. There were 3 groups and throughout the day we would rotate between sets. 

The first set that our group was on was the green screen and because it was the first I think we were not to sure on what we should do but our confidence grew and we got more and more creative as the nerves wore of from standing in a open space, lighting focused on you and a camera pointing at your face. The fist shot of our green screen was simply just Imi and Will standing next to each other lip-singing to Get Lucky by Daft Punk. They basically just did what they wanted. 

The second shot was where we were able to do the tracking shots. I was the one filming it which I really enjoyed. Although we did have some problems with timing- how fast we should be walking and matching this with the person we were filming. I wished we could of spent more time perfecting this shot because I think that it needed some perfecting but it was hard with everyone in the studio. 

On the third set this was where I had the most fun. Me and Emma were the ones being filmed and we had a really good time. I think throughout moving through each set we felt more comfortable and therefor we became more creative. 

I think it was really good using the studio and the space was used effectively because quite a lot of people were filming and it did go well although I'm not saying more space wouldn't of been appreciated. Although there were two things I did find were challenging. Firstly one person could hold back everyone which just ended up wasting everyones time and this was a bit annoying and secondly there was limited amount of time on each set because of the need to rotate between the groups therefor the amount of time on each was varied and we need more time on the tracking then we did on the green screen for example. 

The lighting we used was set up. If we hadn't of used it our sets would of turned out anywhere near as good and we also learnt certain important things which would really help when we were filming. For example when using the green screen the light has to be set up so as to not add any strange shadows because this could make editing more difficult. The lighting was great although with so many people in the studio we had to be very careful where we were stepping. 

Although I think editing was my favorite part of the whole process because we got to see how well we did in the filming and watch everyone and ourselves act. I found this editing a lot easier than the thriller because you didn't necessarily have to match it to the action, mostly to the words of the beat. As well as the fact that when editing the music videos I did more editing then when we were doing the thriller so I think for this reason I also enjoyed it more. 

I think as a team we worked well both when filming and when our groups slightly changed for editing. We shared the roles equally and I  think everyone got the chance to try everything in the studio. I really enjoyed this day and am looking really forward to this course, I think it will be a lot more fun than the AS course and I am already thinking of ideas for next year. 

Synthetic VS Organic Artists

In the music industry there are two different types of artists/bands known as synthetic and organic. The synthetic approach is a more commercial artist of whom they let their producers and the music label fully create their image and sometimes turn them into something they are not. The organic approach is a more 'naturalistic' approach with the success of the band or artists based purely on their own efforts and talents. Im not saying one is better than the other but they are both clearly different. 

Synthetic Artists

As an example I am going to use Beyonce to explain the idea of a synthetic artists. Firstly one of the reasons we can label her a synthetic artists is because of her image. Clearly we can see that she is made to look like an super star- selling to the masses through her perfect skin, figure, clothing and make-up. By selling this image, creating the look her producers can ultimately get more money out of her because people will aspire to be her, therefor buy her album and go to her concerts. Another thing which makes her a synthetic artists are the venues she performes at. If you look at the poster of her it says 'world tour'. An organic artists may not be able to tour to that level showing that synthetic artists have more money and perhaps as well more fans. This can be seen in the venues that Beyonce plays at in front of thousands and thousands of people. Another way be can say that Beyonce is a synthetic artist is because her audience is mainly young teens, a younger audience who enjoy the music as well as are more up-to-date with new media. This way the record label is also making the majority of their money. Lastly if we look at all of her music videos in each we will see a lack of something...... an instrument. A common characteristic of a synthetic artists is that in their music video you will never see them playing an instrument. Most of the time they will just be there wearing not too many clothes so that they can sell the level to as many people as possible. 

Organic Artists
As my example for an organic artist I am going to use the Artic Monkeys. What makes them an organic band is the fact that their image is more individualistic, what they wear isn't trying to sell an image to their audience, its more based on the music. Therefor the band lacks the glamour and marketing that synthetic artists have. Therefor usually the band doesn't make as much money as synthetic artists therefor there music videos are mostly low budget and are not produced to the same level as quality as others. Although one thing that you will always see are instruments 
demonstrating their talent. The venues that these artists play at are generally small, they wont pack out a stadium like Beyonce does because they don't have the same popularity this is unless they are playing at a festival. For example if they are touring with other big well known bands like when The Artic Monkeys performed at Lollapoloza. These festivals are generally the chance where organic artists get known. Although performing in these small venues gives the band a sense of community with their audience. 

CD Cover Analysis

Propp and Todorov Theories