Rough Cut

Rough Cut from Sarah Chamberlain on Vimeo.

A Band Name

The artist of our chosen song performs solo, rather than in a band as depicted in our music video, therefore we saw it fitting to create our own name for the group. We wanted something that would suit the energy conveyed by the band members within the video, but also something fairly sharp and aggressive - as the track is quite heavily influenced by the rock genre. Below are some of the initial names we came up with:

 

The Riot

The Reverb
Revolt
Revolution
Rampage
Rage
Destruction
Disturbance
Deranged


EDIT: After much deliberation, we have decided that The Reverb shall be the name of our band! I believed that this would be the most marketable of our options, because all others appeared a little too "heavy metal".

Editing on Final Cut

With our footage now filmed in its entirety, we are able to begin piecing together our music video! Final Cut Express is a professional editing programme and is what I shall be using for the completion of our coursework. By watching online tutorials, I have been able to come to grips with the various tools available from the software to create a realistic music video. Although quite time-consuming and at first complicated, the editing process is proven to be very enjoyable.

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.

Thoughts & Ideas

On first thoughts, we believed it would be ideal to incorporate a performance from the band along with a narrative story for the music video, splitting between the two.

Although lyrics to the song are at times fairly ambiguous and difficult to analyse, the subject of "dancing" is evident. The song appears to have quite a basic meaning, about simply losing your inhibitions and having a good time on a night out. However, on second thoughts it could be considered too difficult to incorporate a narrative storyline within a song thats subject doesn't allow much depth or space for creative input, without perhaps not looking right. Rather than using clichéd club scenes or such, we made a play on words with the song title and came up with a concept that people have to own an actual licence to be permitted to dance - involving parties within secret locations and police then discovering the plot. Nevertheless, this could still come across as too cheesy, which could defy the band's rough and ready image.

On the whole, we though it best to concentrate solely on a performance for our music video, which is often common for similar artists in this scene. Below are two videos by British band the Arctic Monkeys, one of the most successful and popular artists within their genre, which both are performances also. We hope to recreate something similar to this effect with our own attempt.

The Brief

1. A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, together with two of the following three options:

* a website homepage for the band;
* a cover for its release as part of the digipak (CD/DVD package);
* a magazine advertisement for the digipak (CD/DVD package).

2. A promotion package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer, together with two of the following three options:

* a website homepage for the film;
* a film magazine front cover, featuring the film;
* a poster for the film.

3. The first level of a new computer game, together with two of the following three options:

* the cover for the game's package;
* a magazine advertisement for the game;
* a radio advertisement for the game.

The basic task is to create a brand, and I decided that this will be done through option 1; the making of a music video for a new artist, and their accompanied products (two of either a website homepage, a cover for the CD release and an advertisement promoting the record - as stated above). I will need to ensure that we maintain a consistent house style within my group throughout all three chosen media platforms. This can be presented through similar colour schemes, page layouts and modes of address. I must also first research similar media products and analyse existing music videos.