Filming @ The Red Lion

We visited the Red Lion in Gravesend as previously planned, for a five hour slot of filming. All members of the band and our own group arrived on time so things were able to run smoothly. However one issue we did encounter was the availability of instruments for the band to mime along to, and instead we had to provide our own. To transport an entire drum kit around was proven a struggle, yet we managed it in the end! Jon, the lead vocalist, had also made arrangements prior and consequently had to leave earlier than everybody else. Although this was originally perceived as a worry to the group, we worked around this by firstly filming individual shots of him, as well as frames of the entire band, then save close ups of the remaining band members for later.


Me, Sarah and James all were given a chance in filming and directing, making sure to work together as a team and share our input. We made sure to shoot everything twice over, as we came to the conclusion that too much footage is far better than not having enough. The band also co-operated with us and followed our instructions when asked, which made the whole day much easier. Once the allocated time slot was up and we had collected over an hour of footage, it was a wrap!

Update on Location

Upon visiting our previous choice in location, Resident Studios, we were unable to record any footage to the quality that we hoped, due to insufficient lighting (although promised when booking) and a lack of time due to delays in travel; as a result of the unpredictable snow and weather conditions at the time. Although we had missed two hours of our planned booking time, we were still instructed to pay full price. We agreed that the filming was below par as a consequence, so rather than travel to the studio for a second time with the cost of another large fee - we believed it would be better appropriate to choose a different location for our music video. Here were some of our plans:

1. An underground car park. There are many of these around that portray an industrial look, and we thought it would bode well with the sounds of the song. However this may not allow us much freedom as there would most likely be restrictions as to what we can do, and may not be allowed permission to perform all together. Finding access to a power source may also be an issue, but it is essential to the making of our music video for lighting and other aspects.

2. A hall in New Eltham. Sarah was aware of a local hall that may be of great use to us, even hiring out the location for practice in filming. We were allowed much opportunity to film whatever it liked, but unfortunately the hall did not set the scene in the way we had intended, as the general mise en scène contradicts the aggressive nature of the song - coming across as too plain and ordinary. There were also many fixtures in the room that were unable to move, again disrupting their look.

3. The Red Lion pub. One possible location we were aware of was this particular pub in Gravesend, which offered a stage where actual bands have performed gigs in the past. We decided this was perfect for our band as it coincides with our bands image and have rented out the hall for a five hour slot, which we hope this time will become a success.

Location

We had decided as a group that a performance would be best suited for the songs music video, as many other indie artists do. However, the quality of the clip will rely heavily on camera movement and angles, so we must be sure to be skilled and experienced with the equipment in hand.

One location we found to hold the shoot was within an actual recording studio in London, called Resident Studios. James had came upon their website when browsing for ideas of where to film, and we believed it would be a suitable place for the band, conveying the sense of professionalism and reality because genuine musicians have performed or recorded here previously. The price was fairly affordable, if we split the price between the three group members. The studio also provides many items of band equipment, therefore we do not have to worry about transporting the instruments ourselves, which could prove difficult.

Below is an example of what is capable, by a band called Nine Dragons.