Beginning of the Website:

Beginning of the Website:

As we began to edit the video, we started work on the website as well. We researched bands with a similar star image in order to gain inspiration for our own website. We really liked the black and white theme that The 1975 uses in their website, and how the front page is a mixture of striking images. However, we equally liked the bold image on The Scripts opening webpage. We noticed how both bands had their name in big letters in the opening page, and how it was in the same place on all the other pages as well. We compared the different sub pages of artists webpages, and came to the conclusion that we needed to involve an ABOUT, GALLERY, MERCHANDISE, TOUR pages, as these were all communally featured. 

Having done some initial research, we decided that we wanted to have a bold image on the front page of website, in order to entice potential consumers. We therefore began to think of a symbol that embodied the nature of the band, and one that we could use to link our three products together. Having discussed our options, we decided that the two key thematic elements of the video were the 'woods' and the 'light-bulb'. Both these elements reflect the star image of the band, as the woods link with the 'rebellious' and 'bad-boy' image we want our front man to embody, and the 'light-bulb' represents the authenticity of the band. As a result, we decided that we would use these two themes in the website and digi-pak in order to establish a link between our three products, that an audience could identify with. Therefore, we decided to do a photo shoot of the lead singer, as we wanted to picture him in the woods so that we could develop this thematic element. Equally, we began to play around with images of trees in light bulbs, as we though this would be a striking image for the front cover of the website. 

Evaluation of Shoot Day:

 Evaluation of Shoot Day:

Before our shoot day, we constructed the set in the studio, so that it would be ready for us to film first thing in the morning. Firstly, we created a room like shape using seven boards so that it formed an open box shape. We then began cutting, numbering and placing the wallpaper on these walls so that it began to resemble a real bedroom. After this, we moved the furniture into the room, starting with the mattress and parts of the broken bed frame. After this, we put the drum kit into the room, and then place the chest of drawers next to it. Having stuffed the drawers with overflowing clothes, we then put some of the broken photo frames on top of the drawers. After this, we set up the light bulb hanging from the ceiling as well as the light bulb and fairy lights. This involved draping or sticking the wire over the walls, so that we could connect them to the power source. As we did not want to ruin the illusion of a real room, we worked hard to ensure that the wires were hardly visible. We then drilled holes in the walls, and placed a light behind the walls so that it shone through the holes in order to give the impression of bullet holes. We added to this destroyed effect, by having some of the picture frames on the wall crooked or partially falling down. We were pleased with how the set look, and as we had ensured that the band knew what to wear and what the actors needed, we were happy with what we had to do the next day.

Before we could start shooting, we had to dress the band and make sure that they looked exactly how we wanted them too. Having done this, we applied a small amount of make up to the band members so that their faces wouldn’t appear shiny under the harsh lights. Moreover, we tied back the drummer’s long hair, as we did not want it to obstruct his face while filming. We were happy with how the band looked, and as we had prepared the studio and set the day before, we were ready to start filming. However, there was a gas leak in the studio and as there are numerous cables and equipment, we had to wait for the green light before we filmed. This pushed back our schedule, so we decided (after a short scout around our school grounds for a location that resembled my house) that it would be better to wait until we would have longer to shoot the narrative section of the video.

Finally, we managed to begin filming thus made the last few adjustments to the set. We filled the set with feathers from the ripped pillows and duvet, and then scattered them around the room. We also tore pieces of the wall paper, and stuffed some of the feathers into the cracks shown. Having placed the drummer in the set, we then put feathers on top of the largest symbol so that they would rain down every time he smashed it. We used a crane just outside the line of the camera, and placed a bucket and a fan up there so that we could scatter feathers onto the band when they were playing, to give the effect that the room really had been destroyed.We gave the lead singer a microphone on  a stand, as it drew more attention to him as the 'front man' of the band and helped to centre the camera in the room.  

During the shoot, we divided the roles so that we all got a chance to do something and we decided that we would change the roles on the next shoot, so that everyone got to do something different. I was the director, therefore was in charge of the keeping the shoot on schedule, deciding what shots to film and encouraging the band. As we were running late, I had to ensure that we keep the shoot moving, thus we could not take too much time in between takes. Quickly a routine appeared though, that involved sweeping up the used feathers, placing them back in the bucket ready to use next time and making a comment on the band. I knew that the band would get quite tired as the shoot progressed, thus I tried to encourage them as much as possible so that they would continue to be excited and look alive in the shots. Also, I found that the best way to change something was to first use a compliment and then criticize, so that the band felt comfortable but also meant that we filmed what we wanted too.

We did have a few problems, such as the base player’s strap breaking, and then breaking again so that we had to re-film the wide shot 4 times, as the continuity would have been affected due to us changing the strap each time. Also, the guitarist began the shoot as quite awkward and timid, and this came across on camera. However, after a few takes and encouragement he soon settled into it, and in the end interacted well with other members of the band.

 Overall, the shoot day, despite being very stressful was a success, as the footage we achieved was exactly what we wanted too. The set looked amazing on camera and the band really worked together, so that they gave a group performance instead of individual ones. We worked well together as a group, as we each knew what we had to do and this enabled us to shoot all that we wanted too. I do wish that we had had more time to film the performance element, as it would have taken away some of the pressure to shoot things well the first time, but I think we did well despite this unforeseen event. I was especially happy with how the shoot went, considering that we only had 2 weeks to prepare for the shoot and did not really have a formal story board. Luckily, everything came to together, and I think this is due to us working well as a team.

Having taken numerous still images of the band during the shoot, we decided to focus the website and artwork around some of these images, as it will promote them more than a piece of abstract art.



Front Man:

Front Man: 

Having seen the band interact together, we decided that we wanted to promote the band via a 'front man' and we chose the lead singer for this part. The lead singer had the most charisma, and as he was to star in both the performance and narrative element, we decided that he would be the best choice. As a result, we created the idea of 'Carter James', thus our product would centre around a lead singer, but would also include the other band members. We took inspiration from bands such as The Script and the Kaiser Chiefs, who are bands but also use front men to promote the group. Due to this, we have decided that the website and digi-pak will centre on the lead singer, and we will film and edit the video in a way to ensure that he gains maximum publicity.

Band Rehearsal:

Band Rehearsal:

Today, we planned what we needed for the band, and the performance element so that when we came to shooting it would run more smoothly. Having written a list of props, we began collecting the items we needed in order to ensure that we would have them all and they would look right in the set. We picked out the wallpaper and carpet we were going to use, and then also the lamp and chest of drawers. We already had the duvet, pillows and mattress but we decided to leave them un-slashed, so that we would not waste any of the feathers. Having done this, we decided to take the photos of the couple so that we could print them out and put them into frames. We asked the two actors to pose in various positions so that the audience would really believe that they were a loving couple.

Having completed all we needed to for the performance set, we began rehearsing the band so that we could begin to get a feel of what it would look lie, as well as removing any potential problems. As the drummer, guitarist, and singer all knew the song, this made our job easier as it already looked realistic. The base played did not know the song, nor could actually play the base, but he suited the start image we had created and had a lot of enthusiasm. Therefore, we spent the time helping him get used to the instrument, and he soon looked as if he could play the base. We encouraged all the members of the band to get into the song, and interact with each other as chemistry between band members is very easily noticed on screen. They quickly picked this idea up and were playing and interacting together in a way that suggested they were a real band. 

The band were very easy to work with, and helped us a lot by providing ideas on how they should interact. After the rehearsal, we began to look at outfits, as we wanted the style to incorporate our star image. Therefore, we decided that all members of the band should wear black jeans, and that we want them to either wear a dark coloured shirt buttoned all the way up, or a t-shirt. We also want the guitarist to wear a denim jacket, to ensure that they did not all look the same. By dressing the band like this, we have kept their look simple, yet still appealing in the hopes of attracting a similar audience.



New Prop List: Location

New Prop List: Location

• X2 pistols

• X2 machine guns

• shot gun

• smoke grenades - white

New Costume List:

New Costume List:

BAND:

• Black jeans x4
   
• Dark blue shirt
   
• Light blue shirt
   
• Grey t-shirt
   
• White t-shirt
   
• Denim jacket
   
• Trainers x4

ACTORS:

- Have two of each, in case they get muddy

BOY:

• Grey jeans

• White t-shirt

• Grey jumper

• Trainers

GIRL:

• Black bodycon dress
   
• Tights
   
• Red jumper

• Converses  



New Prop List: For Studio

New Prop List: For Studio

• Slashed mattress

• Broken picture frames – pictures of the couple

• Bed frame on its side/ broken

• Duvet and pillows on the floor/slashed – feathers spilling out

• Broken lamp

• Single lamp bulb hanging from ceiling

• Fairy lights

• Bullet holes in the wall

• Clothes spilling out of a chest of drawers

• Wall paper ripped

• Light bulb from ceiling



Change of Idea:

Change of Idea:

Unfortunately, we did another smoke test but with a few smoke bombs at the same time, and the result was that our school kitchen was filled with smoke. As a result, we will not be able to use the smoke bombs as it would be a hazard to us and those around us. Having discussed our options as a group, we have decided to start afresh, and pick a whole new song and idea.

We firstly began by narrowing the genre of music down. We decided to have a ‘rock type band’, as if the worst comes to the worst we can always rely on having a good performance element for our video. Having contemplated numerous songs, we finally decided on Elbow’s song, ‘Grounds for Divorce’. The song has a good solid beat, and numerous instrumental interludes which will enable us to have a good performance element and a narrative element.

As we did not have a lot of time to come up with an idea, we immediately fixated upon the idea of ‘divorce’, and heightening it into something dramatic and visually exciting. Therefore, we decided to  use a couple in our narrative section who are having a physical fight that progresses into a gun fight. By having the couple running through a woods, we will be able to use a variety of shots, especially fast paced hand held ones, thus will add an edgier side to the video. We do not want the video to be realistic, but instead we want it to be an exaggerated form of a love fight, so that it portrays the link between passion and violence. In keeping with this idea, we decided to place the band in a torn apart bedroom, in order to convey to the impression that the couple had just had a fight in the bedroom and then had taken it outside. We decided that the lead singer of the band should also play the boy’s part in the narrative, as it will create an intimate link between the actors and the song.

We are focusing on the stereotypical image of a rock band, but using inspirations from bands like Kodaline and The 1975 to make the band more current and ‘indie’. Therefore, our star image is one that is slightly absent from audiences, but provides a cool edgy look that many of the audience members will aspire too. We want the band to infer a ‘bad-boy’ type look, thus we picked the members of the band who had a different style and look but were also attractive.


Here is some images that we took for inspiration: