Further Research

We have recently came across an amateur video of a song we like and we discovered that this video contained loads of ideas that we really liked. It followed the theme of memories which we have planned to do. Some of these ideas are:

• fast forward and normal time sequence
• tree shots and scenery shots
• disjointed shots
• rewind - memories i.e. seatbelt and reversing car  

In this video we also seen some small ideas we liked such as the fingers dragging across the wall and the shots of the main character from behind. We hope to incorporate these ideas into our video which will allow us to help convey the memory theme.

Costume Updates

Next Step

Planning Schedule 

What We Need To Do?	When Needs To be Done?	Did it get Done? (Y/N)
Monday 24th Feb Racheal: Organizing Costume for Re-Filming.  Niamh: -Weekly Schedule -Organize Re-Filming  -Update Filming Development Blog Page Maria  -Continue Website Development -Mail Paddy about photo shoot.	Tuesday Class and Homework	Paddy came back to us to say that he had exams, and would be busy for next week or so. This is a set back, but will continue with other aspects which paddy is not involved in. The rest was completed.
Wednesday 26th FEb Racheal: -CD experience, with picture of Aoife & Anna Maria  -Website Development -Update Website development Blog Niamh: -Arrange/Plan PhotoShoot -Improve presentation	Wednesday Class + homework	The work we are currently doing with the Website and CD are working development projects, therefore will be worked upon in class and at home.
Thursday 27th Feb Racheal: -Continue CD work -Screenshots of developments / ask focus group feedback on things.  Maria: -Continue with website -Screenshots of website development / ask focus group feedback on things Niamh: -Ensure everything is being documented in group blog  -Improve presentation	Thursday Class and Weekend.	All this work was completed.
Friday 28th Feb Racheal: -Screenshots of developments / ask focus group feedback on things.  Maria: -Screenshots of website development / ask focus group feedback on things Niamh:  -Organize Re-Filming at the weekend -Organize all equipment		All this work was completed.

Final Digipak Idea and Storyboard Thoughts

We're not still completely finalised on the images to be used in our digipak. So now were just considering how to lay it out and fonts and colours we would like to use. I found the following layout of a digipak off another blog and think this is useful in helping us to storyboard our final idea for the digipak.

In terms of colouring for our digipak, I think its necessary or us to pay attention to Paddy as the artist in order to capture his style. For this, I went on his Facebook, Twitter and Youtube sites. By examining the images he has on both these sites and the language he uses, it is useful in determining what his style or atmosphere is and therefore helps in choosing colouring for the digipak. 

By looking at different images of Paddy, taken over a period of time, I got to get a real wide view of his fashion and styling. By adapting some of the colours he wears, we can then possibly employ them in our digipak. We also should consider his surroundings in some of these videos. 

While I know it is necessary to take account of the actual video we are using, I think including the artist is one of the more important factors in digipak design.

If we look at all of these images of Paddy taken from both video and still images, I think this is very useful in gaining a true sense of his style. These are taken from different places at different times and this means we can gain a good overview. One thing that seems to be prevalent with me is the amount Paddy wears jeans, this may be something we could consider in terms of colouring or when implementing a certain teture. Hoodies, T-Shirts and Shirts all of quite natural, muted colours also seem to be a favourite of his. This shows a side to his personality which is not over the top and therefore I think it will be necessary for us to use these colours in order to gain a real sense of artist influence in the cover.

Editing Filming Development

After Importing the clips of our filming in class, we noticed when re-watching them that the quality of the film wasn't the best, and we feel that the composition of the shots, as well as some of the frame work of the shots could of been slightly better done. As well as this we feel that the costumes, in the memories scenes, would be more obvious that they are from years ago.

Therefore, we have decided to re-film it all again, and use the previous film as a 'trail go.' We are re-planning our costume to ensure that the actors in the video represent the era of time. This means that for the memory clips, which are suppose to be memories of the girl from years ago, we are planning to alter the costumes of the actors to present this time period. This week we will spend time, re-planning our film and doing more research into costumes and composition and frame of the shots to portray the correct meaning.

Below is an example of the Trail Film:



What We Learnt From this Experiment:

Memory Scene (Beach / Outdoor Scenes)

• Change outfits, more dated clothing to represent that these are memories from the past. Each scene different outfit. 
• Change actors, use Anna instead of Orla, as Anna looks more like Aoife
• More Scenery Shots E.g. Footprint in the Sand, Boot out in the Sea, the wave of the water going in and out. 
• Add more locations, i.e. Helens Bay Beach, Walking Along Seaside, Bangor Marino, Park etc. 

House Scenes 

• When younger Aoife takes her coat off, currently struggles. 
• Aoife look more upset / sad - when parents fighting watching them 
• The Scenes are in Good/Dinning room and Kitchen/living room.

General Points 

• Steady Camera Work 
• Frame / Composition
• Remember Teddy Bear
• Plate Smashing 

Website Development

We started with the website development, by going back to are research survey which we handed out way back at the beginning of our planning stage. The two websites below were found to be the more favoured.

After asking the focus group specifically what they liked about these website, we had a good indication of what the audience where expecting and what exactly appealed to them. Having established this we began to look through serval different templates of different websites, which followed the same codes and conventions which we found in our research, as well as going by what our focus group said appealed to them. 

We narrowed our search down to two possible choices, we then went to the focus group to see which one they preferred, they stated they preferred the first one. Therefore we decided to go ahead with the development of the first template. 

Throughout the development process of the website we will be using our focus group continously to get feedback on what they like, what they don't like etc. This is to ensure that our final website which is created appeals to the target audience and attracts them. 

Diary Enter- Day 1 Filming

We began to film yesterday. We originally aimed to get the majority of our filming done with some setbacks we were unable to do so. However, we did get a number of the scenes filmed and we have began to sort them out so we can determine if any re-filming is required.
During this day of filming we realised that some of our original ideas would have to be changed due to settings and due to the fact it is difficult to get all the actors available at the one time to travel to the different scenes. This proposed us with some difficult challenges however we have realised that hopefully some changes could in the long run improve our idea. As we knew from past experience not everything will always go to plan.

Examples Of Double Exposure

Following previous research into albums, we decided that double exposure is the method we would like to implement in our digipack. Following is different examples of double exposure, I will outline which is our preferred design and which is not, this will then be followed by my own attempts at double exposure. Obviously, at this stage it is still going to require some deal of experience and therefore I am going to look more into tutorials for this and play about with it more. We are liking at the moment the idea of using a human silhouette and landscape imagery.

I really like this one to the left, I think the stark difference between the silhouette and the cigarette and I think if we tried to use something like this it could be quite interesting.

I think this is amazing how well the two completely different objects connect with each other. I am definitely going to look into editing things in this way as I think it could provide for a very interesting image and would help highlight our creativity and imaginative ideas.

I think the very subtle differences used in this is clever and wouldn't take much effort to complete. I like the uncertain edging of the photo and this is something I can see applicable to our final piece.

This piece is so so plain and I kind of like the idea of keeping it black and white with very basic images. One thing I have noticed throughout all of the double exposure is the colours applied all tend to be monochromic/black&white and I think this is something that we will stick to, however I think it could possibly make for an interesting idea.

CD Album Research & Conclusion

As part of our preliminary research, we looked into the different album styles adopted by different artists. The main artist we focused on were Ed Sheeran, Jose Gonsalez, Ben Howard, Lana Del Rey and Kate Nash. We noticed the different styles that they adopt, with some featuring edited images of the actual artists, some using extremely abstract images or some using images relevant to the album title. One thing we have taken for definite from this is our preference to adopt a more abstract cover as we feel it will allow us to adopt a more artistic and creative flare to our piece. We also think that by doing this we will be able to explore a wider range of different approaches to digipacks.

When we have looked further into this, we have came across an editing technique called double exposure. On the next post, you can see different examples of double exposure, and my own personal attempts at double exposure. We have decided this is definitely the idea we would like to apply to our digipack and are now beginning to look into the images we will use for our album. Please refer to following posts for examples of double exposure and my working through it.

Website Storyboards

As part of our project, we have to design a website for Paddy Sloan are singer/song writer. Below we have come up of a layout and basic format which we will try and follow with the development of our website. We did this, to outline which pages we wanted, and to give us a generally understanding of what needs to be included in the website. 

Website research

Having completed our research prior to our planning, we have already looked at serval aritsts in this indie genre websites and our fully aware of the codes and conventions which we have to follow when creating our own. Please refer back to our individual research to see evidence of this. With the next step in our project being to create a website, we decide to use the ones which from our research we favored, and looked at them in more depth. At the end of our research, when we were presenting our findings to the target audience, we handed out a survey  where they stated that were preference was Tom Odells website. Once we have completed this and have a clear image of how we want our website to look we will produce storyboards for the website. 

Looking through websites we have noticed a similar pattern throughout which tends to be simplistic and yet effective. Most websites offer fans the opportunity to purchase the musican's merchandise such as concert tickets, CDs and tshirts. A well layed out display of concert dates is also shown with some allowing footage to be shown from previous gigs and new soundtracks. All the websites shared information on the artist such as who they are, they're record label, and information about their music. Pale colours are common throughout, ususally with black writing against a white background offering a strong, clear website layout which can easily be used. Access from the website is also hyperlinked to the artists social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram In an aim to gain more publicity. Some of the websites from the artist we research can we shown below. Other than Tom Odells website,  particularly liked the following:

Tom Odells Website:

However, some websites we discovered that we did not really like due to layouts, colour schemes and general over all appearances and we plan to stay away from conventions like this. An example of a website we didn't like is the website of Bombay bicycle club: 

Filming Schedule

Film Planning 

Monday 17th February

• Balmoral Station 9:03-9:53 / Or Driving (Need to ask Parents)

Location 1 - Bangor Sea-Side 

Actors required: Anna, Niamh, Chris, Aoife, Younger Aoife

Props: Teddy Bear, Coats/Scarfs/Glover (Winter Clothes), Umbrella, Lighting Equipment, Camera, tripod  

Scenes: Shot 1-6, Shot 18

• Get Food in Bangor, Train Home/Drive to house.
• Aim to Leave Bangor at 1:30 LASTEST
• Anna (aoife’s sister) can go home.

Location 2 - House Scene AND Street Scene

Actors required: Niamh, Chris, Aoife, Younger Aoife 

Props: Teddy Bear, 3 Different outfits (Niamh, Chris, Aoife, Younger Aoife), Plate/Cup to smash, Coats/Scarfs (winter gear). 

Scenes: Shot 7-12, Shot 13, Shot 18

Tuesday 18th February

• Cranmore Park, Lisburn Road 10am. 

Location 3 - Park Scene AND Car Scene 

Actors required: Aoife, Younger Aoife, Busker 

Props: Guitar Box for money, Guitar, Coins,

Scenes: Shot 15-17, Shot 4 + 14.

Film Schedule :

Scenes	Camera Shots	Actors Required	Props Required
Scene 1  Location: Bangor Sea-Side
Shot 1 -> Shot of the family, on the sea side edge with the wind blowing in there faces, they have there arms up letting the wind blow against them.	1.Long to Medium Shot	-Niamh  -Chris  -Anna	-Teddy Bear -Coats / Scarfs
Shot 2 -> Shot of the family again walking around the sea side edge, holding hands.	2. Long to Medium Shot	-Niamh  -Chris  -Anna	-Teddy Bear -Coats / Scarfs
Shot 3 -> Shot of the daughter swinging on a swing in a park in bangor.	3. Medium to Close up Shot	-Anna	-N/A
Shot 5 -> Shot of the family in a field going on a walk, walking from one field to another around/over a fence.	5. Long to Medium Shot	-Niamh  -Chris  -Anna	-Teddy Bear -Coats / Scarfs
Shot 6 -> Shot of the same scene as the shot 1, but this time just the young daughter on her own, fade out and a shot of the daughter few years later will fade in.	6.Long to Medium Shot Young girl shot fade out, and this girl older fade in. Most be shot when the weather conditions have changed.	-Aoife -Anna	-N/A
Shot 18 -> Shot of the theme park/rides in bangor	18. Long to medium shot	-N/A	-N/A
Scene 2 Location: Car Scene
Shot 4 -> Shot of the car window, with condensation and a happy smile on the window.	4. Close up Shot	-N/A	-N/A
Shot 14 > Shot of the car window, with condensation and a sad smile on the window.	14. Close up Shot	-N/A	-N/A
Scene 3  Location: House Scenes
Shot 7 -> Shot of the parents arguing and the sisters watching through glass doors.	7. Long Shot to Medium Shot of parents, close up of sisters faces focus pull from parents to sisters.	-Older Aoife -Aoife -Chris  -Niamh	-Teddy Bear (Aoife holding)
Shot 8 -> Shot of Aoife holding the teddy bear upset.	8. Close up shot of Aoife	-Aoife	-Teddy Bear (Aoife holding)
Shot 9 -> Shot of children's POV looking at the parents fighting , change of clothes from first scene with them.	9. Close up (over the shoulder shot) of the children watching there parents medium to long shot of parents.  -Shot reverse Shot	-Older Aoife -Aoife -Chris  -Niamh	-Change of Clothes
Shot 10 -> Shot of parents POV looking at the children (change of clothes), showing them fighting and children watching.	10. Close up (over the should shot) of the parents showing the children watching there parents fighting.  -Shot reverse Shot	-Older Aoife -Aoife -Chris  -Niamh	-Change of Clothes
Shot 11 -> Shot of children's POV looking at the parents fighting , change of clothes from first scene with them.	11. Close up (over the shoulder shot) of the children watching there parents medium to long shot of parents.  -Shot reverse Shot	-Older Aoife -Aoife -Chris  -Niamh	-Change of Clothes
Shot 12 -> Shot of parents POV looking at the children (change of clothes), showing them fighting and children watching. This scene the father will smash a plate against the wall and the children will be watching the distance, just before they leave parents don’t even notice them.	12. Close up (over the should shot) of the parents showing the children watching them, but older sister trying to distract younger and take her away.  -Shot reverse Shot	-Older Aoife -Aoife -Chris  -Niamh	-Change of Clothes  -Plate/Cup to smash.
Scene 4 Location: Street Scenes
Shot 13 -> Shot of the house and the siblings walking away from it.	13. Long to medium shot, shot reverse shot from the house to the sibling, to emphasize them leaving	-Older Aoife -Aoife	-Coats / Scarfs etc
Shot 18 -> Shot of the mother walking out of the house with suitcases and getting into her car and leaving.	18. Medium to long shot	-Niamh	-Car -Suitcases
Scene 5 Location: Park Scenes
Shot 15 -> Shot of the sisters entering the park, walking alone the path and younger sister stops at busker. Older sister doesn’t notice and walks on.	15. Long to medium establishing shot.	-Older Aoife -Aoife  -Busker (Paddy)	-Guitar box for money.
Shot 16 -> Shot of older sister turning around and realizing and giving the younger sister money to put in the box.	16. Medium to close up of her throwing it in.	-Older Aoife -Aoife  -Busker (Paddy)	-Coins
Shot 17 -> Shot of the sibling laying on the grass.	17. Medium shot laying on grass, and there a POV shot through there fingers up looking up at the sky	-Aofe	-N/A

Improved Storyboards and Animatic

After recieving our feedback, and completeing further research we came up with a more complex and engaging narrative, which we hope will please are target audience. We will represent to them our updated storyboards and animatic to get further feedback and to ensure that our idea appeals to them and is interesting.

Improved Storyboard:

As a group together in class we drafted up a quick shot list to guide our storyboard shown below:

This was just to get our new idea which we developed from further research and the ideas from the feedback from the target audience clear in our minds before we began the storyborads.

Storyboards:

The two storyborads at the buttom, (Two Shown Above ^) are not in the correct place as when we were going over the storyboards, we decided that we wanted to put these two scenes in as we thought they would add to the narrative. Therefore they are labelled 15a and 15b and come after shot 15 on page 4 of the storyboards.

Animatic:

Feedback: 

We showed, this second draft of the Animatic and the Storyboards to our target audience, to ensure that the ideas which we had changed and further developed attracted and appealed to them.

They stated that they thought that are changes from the 1st draft shown to them had vastly improved and that it was much more engaging and appealing. Therefore we began to start to plan actually filming what we had planned. We think it would be a good idea to do a trail filming experience before we do the real thing.  

Photo-shoot

To begin creating our website we will be going to a local event at which Paddy will be performing as a support act. This will allow us the opportunity to take photos of him performing live, interacting with his audience, and to take videos of him in action. Adding this to his website will give a more professional look and give fans and new viewers the chance to see him preform.

Above, is a few of the pictures we took at the Gig. At the Gig we also took some videos which will feature on the website

We will arrange a further photo-shoot with paddy, to get more images of him for the website and the CD cover. 

New ideas

After we received the feedback from the first draft of the animatic we realised that it is necessary to improve on our original ideas. We decided to look at some other videos and research new ideas and found some interesting new concepts. One of the main ideas we liked was the idea of filming through the perspective of the character ie looking through their eyes, as well as this we liked the idea of having lots of different toes of scenes each being cut from one to another throughout the video to show the memories. This would give a wider range of style to our video and interest an audience more. This idea can be shown through the latest land rover advert. We particularly liked the finishing scene were it is a last shot of the young girl on your own, bring ping attention to her. 



We also particularly liked the reverse efect used in the following music video, which helped to create a compex narrative, like our target audience have stated they would like to see:

Next Step

Planning Schedule Next Week

What We Need To Do?	When Needs To be Done?	Did it get Done? (Y/N)
Tuesday 4th Feb Team Work  -With the Feedback from first draft animatic, create finalized narrative plot (idea) for music video. Racheal: -Redo Storyborads Maria: -Updated Group Blog  Niamh: -Update documents such as Feedback, Shot List, Filming Schedule etc. All docs which need changed according to new plan.	Tuesday Class and Homework	Most of the work was completed on tuesday in class and for homework. However, all the documents i.e. Filming Schedule weren't completed.
Wednesday 5th FEb Team Work  -Make Relevant Changes to Storyboards acting on feedback, as well as re-do Animatic  -Arrange a Photo-Shot with Paddy.   Individual Jobs in Team Work Racheal: -Globster presenting CD covers research findings Maria  -Creating Animatic + Update presentation of the blog. Re-do costume. Niamh: -Organize filming, create globster of website research findings.	Wednesday Class + homework	This animatic was re-done is this class, although wasn't completed. Paddy got back to us and said that, he had a gig on friday night and wasn't free at all this week to meet up for a photo-shot. We have planned to go to the gig to take photos.
Thursday 6th Feb Racheal: -Continue with research into CD covers and experimenting  Maria: -Update the blog, the presentation and also the difference things we have researched, talk about what we have posted on the facebook page.  Niamh: -Ensure all documents are update and begin storyboad website.  -Need to come up with a plan for the Photo Shot.	Thursday Class and Weekend.	The animatic was completed and research into the CD and website was completed. The website storyboards were also designed.
Friday 7th January  Racheal: -CD covers research Maria: -Continue with the website development i.e finish storyboards and begin real website.   Niamh: -Ensure ready for filming for the weekend.	End of Friday Class	The website storyboards were contined and the website was started. CD research was completed and now just doing some examples and experiementing with final cut pro.
Weekend Work  Team Work -Film Gig and take few photos.	Monday Class	Completed.