Filming Blog: Filming in Unsual Places

Filming Blog

I filmed my video today, which is November 22th. Throughout my filming process I ran into a couple problems but I did make some improvements based off my last blog and previous issues. For starters, I made an effort to those unnecessary background items that I didn't like. For example, in my first scene, which required the actor to wake up from the bed, I noticed a pile of baskets and books on top of the shelf. They were messily placed on top so I made the decision to remove them from the shelf. I will say that caused an empty space in the shot so in the future I would be mindful of setting the scenery. Considering the shot was a bedroom scene, I could have kept the basket of books but replaced them to look more sophisticated. Another issue I ran into was daylight. Majority of my music video was taken with natural lightening so it was very important to align with the sun and its timing. The sun had began to set in the midst of my recording and I'm pretty sure you can differentiate the lightening differences in the shots. That was a problem that I am confident I can fix. I'd just schedule myself a specify time of the day to film, preferably in the mornings. I also included an extra scene that I did not plan on my storyboard. I am not one hundred percent sure that I will include in my music video yet. The scene has both of my actors in the grass taking pictures of each other with polariod cameras. Polariod cameras are also new additions since I did not mark it as a prop item. 

One of my proudest  the most moments in my filming process, was my use of scene cutting. I tried my first attempt at filming the same scene from different angles. In my editing, i will connect these clips so they move in a continuous motion. This is my first attempt and I think getting familar with this technique will help me with future projects. Something interesting that happened, was the unusaul places I had to stand and set my camera. For the mirror scene, I stood in the tub to a good enough shot of my actors. Overall, my filming process went pretty smoothly. My actors were cooperative and patient for majority of the time. My actors were my family members and towards the end of filming they got pretty irritated but I'm happy they pushed through for me. 

Planning Storyboard for my Music Video

 Storyboard Blog:

I have very shaky thoughts on these ideas. Though I am in the earlier stages of planning I am not completely confident in my music video just yet. I actually entirely transformed my initial idea and song. I am now using the song "Just the Two of Us" by Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr. It is a very old song that falls under the the genre of R&B/ Soul music, so it is not super far from my original idea.

First Scene

- the first scene will consist of two point-of-views, one for each actor or "bestfriend." It will be a two separate bedroom scenes where both actors will be waking up from a slumber then getting out of the bed. This scene will be a master-shot with the actor and the bedframe in the camera, partially. For one of the actors point of view, I swap the angle of the camera from master-shot to a mid-shot, only to capture getting out of the bed from a different angle.

Second Scene

- Second scene will require track movement. In this scene actors will walk down a mini hallway. This is supposed to give off the concept of a morning routine styled introduction to my music video. The significance this has to my music is introducing the characters. In this case, the characters are bestfriends with an intense yet platonic love for each other.

Third Scene

- this scene is a continuation of scene #2. The actors have walked down a hallway to enter a bathroom where they both stand in the mirror examine each other, to then release a small smile that ques the beat drop of the music. The camera will record from the charaters point-of-view and only record what is seem in the mirror.

Fourth Scene

- Scene #4 will an entirely different setting, characters are now outside. This shot will be a close-up of the "bestfriends" and their hands, which will be interwined. I want to try and included friendship bracelets as a prop. This is the first scene that establishes the relationship of the actors. 

Fifth Scene

- This scene is a mid-shot of the actors continuing to hold hands but now you will see the entire body and face of the actors. They will walk towards the camera naturally and slowly, and the camera whill simultaneously move backwards.

Sixth Scene

- Now this scene is another continuation. In scene six, it will now be a back-shot of the actors as they continue to walk forward. This time the camera will not follow the actors in a traking motion. This is a still shot.

Seventh Scene

- This is the first scene that I will include lipsyncing in, possibly. I mentioned in the conventions how lipsyncing in music videos is very common if not necessary amongst the R&B Soul genre. This is a close shot of an actors face and I will attempt to blur the background of the scene, possible with my equiment. The actor will lipsync "and I wanna spend my time with you" directly at the camera.

Eighth Scene

- This is another continuation of my last scene. This lipsyncing with continue in this scene done by my other actor. This scene is suppose to create point-of-view of the "bestfriends" holding each other by the fist and spinning. I will do this shot by grabbing the actors hand and spinning with the camera being hand held in between us. 

Nineth Scene

- This scene is exactly the same as scene #8, except the other actor while now carry out the point-of-view action I previously explained. I want both actors to lipsync while recording the spinning scenes in scene eigth and nine.

Tenth Scene

- This scene is a wide shot of the spinning. This shot will capture the action in its entirety. I included this because I want to capture an aunthentic depiction of a close friendship. This is a moment of enjoying time spent together, as if nothing else is more important but the moment these two friends are spending together. My song is a musical representation of this concept.

Eleventh Scene

- This scene is a pan shot of a photos of the friends together. These photos will be spread across a table or container top showcase various amounts of captured moments. This scene conveys the long-lasting friendship storyline I am trying to create.

Twelveth Scene

- Last and final scene that I have to plans for. These scene are fairly simple, the only action or movement is done by the camera. I would like to capture a wide, backwards shot of the "bestfriends" walking hand and hand into a distance. My alternative idea is to capture a shot using reverse zoom movement. The actors will be still resting each others head on one another.

I changed my song and idea because I was having the tough time with creating a storyline that I felt matched the song. So with the help of my cousin, we found a simpler song that is one of my all time favorites. I also like my new concept a lot more, as it relates to my actual life and close friendships. I am a person that loves my friends alot more than I love myself, when I am with them I feel like no one else exist and I am a very firm believer that healthy platonic friendships are very important in life.

Planning for my Music Video

Planning Blog:

Song Title: LOVE AGAIN by Brandy & Daniel Caesar

Props

In this music video I will use a cellphone as one of the props. The cellphone will be the only prop that holds significants to the storyline. Other props include: blankets, pillows, chairs, toothbrush and handbags/purses. As you can see yall my props are home essentials, which I already own. These props are not definite its just a vague idea for scenes I have in mind.

Costumes

The costumes will align with the concept of walk through the day of someone. Meaning, the attire will include pajamas and everyday clothing. What I expect the everyday clothing to consist of is jeans, sandals, flowy blouses, graphic tees and jewelry. Some of these items are a product of my research blog.

Schedule

On 11/16/2020, I wrote and complete my research process

On 11/17/2020, I planned out my costumes, my props,filming location 

On 11/17/2020, I expect to start my storyboard

On 11/20/2020, storyboard and storyboard blog should be completed

On 11/22/2020, is the start of my filming and should be the only day I spend filming

On 11/23/2020, my editing begans. Will spend the 23rd - 25th doing such.

Location

Most of my recording will happen at my home or at the home of one of my family members. Like I stayed before, the whole concept is supposed to be relatable to an audience. I personally believe, shooting at the a home is the only appropriate. 

Backup Plan

I dont have much of a backup plan. Everything seems pretty bulletproof and accesible as far as my set goes. The only thing that I think could go wrong is the availibity of my actors. In this case, I do have backup actors.

Research Blog: Music Video Conventions

  Research Blog:

The song I will use for my commercial is Love Again by Daniel Casear x Brandy. This song falls under the R&B/ Soul genre. My research process consisted of me binging this genre on Youtube and taking note of all the common techniques, elements, and sophistication of these music videos. One of the main things I noticed was that every video consisted of a love interest. Not only is this very common in the R&B genre but it is very common amongst music videos in general. I believe including a love interest well help me in conveying a storyline and establishing some kind of plot.

Another common element I noticed was slow motion video editing. This was most common in the early 90s R&B music videos and still used to a fair amount. Now in days, this technique is not as reccurring in the videos but without a doubt, you are expected to see it. Along with slo-mos, I noticed alot of cutting scenes of random objects that would corelate with the scenery of the video. What I mean is, in these videos I noticed brief scenes that did not consists of the actor nor did they necessarily add to the storyline. But, I believe they served a purpose of establishing the scenery, establishing the mood of the video. Depending on how you look at it, you could agrue that including scenes of the surroundings does help in conveying the mood or message of the story or song.

Some scenes you would find in music videos are the solo scenes of the artist lip syncing the song. This is very common, you could even classify them as essential. I dont intend on inluding this because my main proirity is to convey a storyline. I also should keep in mind the 1 minute limit I have to do so. Another common scene are closeup/ extreme close up of the actors faces. This is something I found very common in the early 90s videos and I think this technique would be very cool to use. So I will try close up shots on the actors faces and body language, if possibly.

All this information was very useful, I think I have a clear enough understanding on how I could recreate a R&B/Soul music video.

Introduction to the Music Video Project

 Introduction Blog:

For this music video project, I will be working by myself. For one, I rather have full control of what I do. Working in groups can always be bitter sweet because everyone's input is not always valued or your not able to produce something you are fully proud of. Also, especially in this time, where social distancing and a pandemic is very present, is not the safiest nor reliable thing to do. I dont want struggle with getting in contact with people or the struggle with knowing whether or not my groupmate are going to properly contribute.  So, working by myself would prevent this from happening, allowing full creative control without the hassle of depending on others to pull through for everyone else in the group. I am very aware of the extra work that'll be pinned as an independent worker.

The song I choose is a 2019 R&B/Soul record called "LOVE AGAIN" by Brandy & Daniel Caesar. This song is one of my favories. Its a love song that highlights the strife in relationships at the hands of miscommunication and inability to express genuine intentions. I love the artists in general and I love the instruments in the background. The simplicity of this songs makes it very beautiful, very catchy, and definitely something you could use to portray a story. Actually, that is my main reason for choosing this song. I wanted something that could portray a storyline that relates to audiences. 

I think in general, love songs are some of the easiest songs to connect to story. I would to create a story based on two people that are having a strain in their relationship due to miscommunications. I am not sure if I will necessarily make the portatyed relationship romantic or not but it will definitely be between two people that have love for each other. This song is suppose to narrate that message. I think it will do a good job at that, along with introducing a new song to the audience. Not only is it a beautiful but it holds a very beautiful message. The message they convey is something I can somewhat relate to. I am very certain many people will do the same.

the cover of the single

Croc Commercial CCR

Critical Reflection:

Crocs intertwines the ability to be comfortable and fashionable. They challenge the way people catorgizes clothing. It would be very hard to catergorizes this shoe because of how versalite and durable they are to every activity. It could worn around the house, to a workout, to school, to parties and basically in any scenario you feel is appropriate. 

My product is relatable to audiences. they engages communities and are accessible to everyone. One of the main goals of crocs is remain comfortable, diverse and affordable. They've created their own catergory of shoes that interwines the use of universal fashion without the discomfort and costly prices. The way I would disturbute this product as a real media text, is through social media platforms. More specifically, I would use website like YouTube, to advertise this product. Not only is YouTube commercials already a primary form of advertisement for this prouduct, but YouTube's allows further public outreach. They direct million, probably billions of viewers to watch videos everyday. Another social media I would use, is a video-sharing network called TikTok. On this app, you share mini 15 second to 1 minute long videos that each a daily amount 100 million viewers. This all at the cost of making it on the "for you page." They have a pretty simple algothirm and the clips on this product Youtube are already short enough to plasture on TikTok.

Throughout this project, my production skills did progress a little bit. I got an understanding of how to properly edit. I was able to understand that as far as commercial editing goes, less means more in some cases. With minimal editing you get a clearer promotion of your product. This eliminates the possible confusion of any audience, that would be very helpful in conveying an idea. As far as my recording, I have a better idea on how to improve the quality of my projects. I now understand how to protect my videos from a corrupted resolution. 

Project Blog: Crocs Ad Commercial

Well this is my commercial. I am proud of it being it is my first film, but I am aware of how many improvements I could make. Something I would work on in the future is: my time management. I never took into account just how many days I had to conduct this project. I referred to my schedule majority of the time, but other time I waited until the last minute to either film or write these blogs. My procrastination did take a huge toll on me this time around but I am sure if it continues, it'll be a problem. What would change about the commercial is my setting. I dont like the location at all. I don't like how you can see so many irrelevant items in the background, such as: cars, houses and the dirty roads. I don't think it necessarily ruins my commercial but I would film infront a more satisfying background in the future. This is my first production so I don't expect myself to have a perfect commercial nor a professional looking video. With that being said, I do have a couple thing I am proud of. I am proud of my editing skills and duplication of products commercials. I liked the way I didnt overdo the editting/ edits which would be the transitions and texts. My commercial was smooth and pretty, self-explanatory. I also like the product of my commercial, as far as its comparison to an actual crocs commercial. I did a good amount of research that helped me understand the company's advertisment strategy. They usually showcase the versality of crocs in their colors and usability. I clearly, showcased this in my commercial. I focalised the shoe in action, which helps convey a message that this product is durable, fashionable, multipurposeful, and suitable for all ages (i included a variety of ages in this commercial). I didnt want to film my commercial as a storybook of "why you should buy these shoes" because it isnt a scheme used by the company. I wanted something straight to the point and relatable, which is why I based it off daily activities we all do. 

In conclusion, this project was an experience that I did enjoy. I will look back this blog to eliminate future mistakes and better myself as a creator. 

 

Editing Blog: Recreating the Crocs Logo

 Editing Blog:

I did all my own editing and I did on my phone. I used an app called Videoleap which is where cut, aligned, and transitioned my clips. Before actually editing my commercial I went through all the videos had recorded the previous say and trashed whatever clips would not be used. I also trimmed some of the clips so when I put into my editing app it would be easier to find and got through. In the actual editing process, the first thing I did was adding the videos together and did excess trimming to the clip. I also was aware of how many seconds to make each scene, for sake of a 30 second long commercial. Mostly all of my clips required me to trim the beginning and the end, this helped the commercial "flow" without those awkward 2 seconds of my actors standing around, waiting for their que. I trimmed each scene to around 4 to 6 seconds and I believe they were long enough to relay the message I was going for. After cutting and aligning, I started putting in transitions. The transitions were minor and not after every clip. I used transitions for my first to second scene and for the outro clip of the products logo and slogan. These transition were fades and very easy to insert. After transition, I began to add the white bolded phrases I talked about in my storyboard blog. I simply added a text, with a normal font, made the color white, and upped the size of words, bolding them across the screen. I did this for 4 of the 6 scenes and each text was about 2-3 seconds long. 

The last thing I had to add to my commercial was the logo and slogan clip, which is at the end. Instead of googling their logo I decided to recreate it. This was mainly because I did not find a clear and satisfying version online. I wanted a white worded logo with a green background, so I remade it with an app called Phnoto. First thing I did was get the exact signature green the crocs company uses as a background. Then I found fonts that were almost identical to the actual Crocs logo, they weren't exactly the same but they didn't look to far off. Since their logo is pretty simple, this did not take long at all. I centered the words and changed the size a couple times and was all done. After, I put the photo in edited commercial and made its time about 5 seconds long. Last but not least, was the music. I literally went on Youtube and search "commercial songs" and found this song called Makeba by Jain. I overlaid the song on my commercial and was done with my editing process:). 

Here's my recreation of the Crocs logo and slogan: