Wednesday 19th June
We worked on a plan to be ready for the visit to Tamworth Castle on Tuesday the 12th July. We decided we'll get some establishing shots, plan where we want to film each scene . We discussed what we wanted each scene to be. We want Scene 1 to be at a crime scene, scene 2 as a detective montage, Scene 3 is still unclear, and we are going to have Scene 4 be a detective montage.
We have decided on the 12th we will arrive at the sixth form around 8:30, and leave for the castle at around 10:30. We discussed filming the public and what to avoid, then we set each other targets for the end of the lesson, like finishing a character profile or writing a script for scenes 3 and 4.
Restrictions
No filming the public
Learning to work around the public while filming
Actions
Scripts for Scenes 3 and 4
Test Footage for the ghost scenes
Character profiles
Research into Tamworth castle
Requirements for the day
Cameras
Actor's Clothing
Microphones
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Wednesday, 8 June 2016
Friday, 29 April 2016
Sound on Sound style article
Behind the scenes of up and coming artist HONNE's new music video
Hayden talks about his new music video for the artist HONNE and their new single, Someone that loves you.
Hayden has recently made a music video about a character, who walks around Tamworth, swims in a river, clones himself and eventually kills off seemingly his entire species with his laser eyes.
Hayden said, "Being new to the industry, music videos are a great way to get your name out. Music videos can be about anything, which means going for a low budget is an option. I chose to have no actors at all for the video. By doing that, I could rely on my own creative skills. It was a challenge, but by opting for an animated character in real space I could generate footage without having to use a camera or crew. The original idea was to do frame by frame animation but due to time restraints I decided the use of "2.5D" (2D elements used in 3D ways) worked much better."
We asked Hayden about planning of the animation.
"The process involved storyboarding and gathering ideas to use for the video. At first the idea was completely different, and involved a nameless character in a house searching for an item that was never decided. After quite a few doodles on a whiteboard, characters drawn on a computer, and some abstract ideas were put to the test, I presented the idea to the artist HONNE. If he didn't like the idea, I would have had to start from scratch."
Then the initial filming began. It was mostly just still videos of Tamworth, that would later have meaning added to them. Some of the scenes however he knew was needed from the start. The clips were edited separately before being put back together in the right order. Finding the right order to follow with the feeling of the song proved to be tough.
Later on we filmed extra clips for the music video. Normally you wouldn't be able to get away with this, but since Hayden wasn't filming on location and actors weren't hired or anything along those lines, he could. Usually videos like these when done to a professional standard would be filmed all at once, and each scene would be planned out well in advance.
Hayden used 'After Effects' to create most of the video. 'Premiere Pro' and a couple drawing programs were used too.
Next for Hayden came the advertising. You have to get the video out there somehow. People usually think of YouTube when they hear about a video being posted online, however there are other websites that are going to get the word out about your video. Twitter is one. Getting HONNE to tweet a link to the video on his official page means that quite a bit of HONNE's fan base is going to see the video. Facebook also works well, the problem being that your video will not get shared unless it really stuns people, in whatever way possible. Becoming viral on Facebook may make little income, but it gets people listening to the song and it is more likely to spread globally rather than nationally. Vimeo is also a great website that is often used by filmmakers to learn new techniques and get new inspiration.
Most of the video involved techniques like motion tracking, and rotoscoping (essentially the separation of layers in order to put objects behind objects - for example putting a digital object behind an object in your footage). Keyframes were the most vital tool in making the video. If you want a variable like position or scale to change during the video, you would use keyframes.
The client said they enjoyed how they would be associated with a fun character and they were very happy with the professional quality of the animation. They wanted some changes. They wanted the character to have more meaning, and therefore be more interesting. To fulfil this Hayden added more to the narrative by filming extra footage that had more of a plot. He changed his initial ideas for a frame by frame animation because he felt he could achieve more by using After Effects. That meant there would be more time to make each scene a little more interesting.
He decided to gain feedback form a focus group by putting the first edit onto Youtube. There was generally positive, constructive feedback. A couple of errors were pointed out that he otherwise would not have noticed. A few people noted that some of the color grading could use some work. It was also pointed out that the resolution was not great, and it was reducing the quality of the video on Youtube. He also used social media to gain feedback from people in the creative industries. The response was positive.
After correcting some errors, Hayden posted the video online and it was well received.
You can hear HONNE's new single, Someone that Loves you on their website or on Youtube/ Spotify.
Hayden talks about his new music video for the artist HONNE and their new single, Someone that loves you.
Hayden has recently made a music video about a character, who walks around Tamworth, swims in a river, clones himself and eventually kills off seemingly his entire species with his laser eyes.
Hayden said, "Being new to the industry, music videos are a great way to get your name out. Music videos can be about anything, which means going for a low budget is an option. I chose to have no actors at all for the video. By doing that, I could rely on my own creative skills. It was a challenge, but by opting for an animated character in real space I could generate footage without having to use a camera or crew. The original idea was to do frame by frame animation but due to time restraints I decided the use of "2.5D" (2D elements used in 3D ways) worked much better."
We asked Hayden about planning of the animation.
"The process involved storyboarding and gathering ideas to use for the video. At first the idea was completely different, and involved a nameless character in a house searching for an item that was never decided. After quite a few doodles on a whiteboard, characters drawn on a computer, and some abstract ideas were put to the test, I presented the idea to the artist HONNE. If he didn't like the idea, I would have had to start from scratch."
Then the initial filming began. It was mostly just still videos of Tamworth, that would later have meaning added to them. Some of the scenes however he knew was needed from the start. The clips were edited separately before being put back together in the right order. Finding the right order to follow with the feeling of the song proved to be tough.
Later on we filmed extra clips for the music video. Normally you wouldn't be able to get away with this, but since Hayden wasn't filming on location and actors weren't hired or anything along those lines, he could. Usually videos like these when done to a professional standard would be filmed all at once, and each scene would be planned out well in advance.
Hayden used 'After Effects' to create most of the video. 'Premiere Pro' and a couple drawing programs were used too.
Next for Hayden came the advertising. You have to get the video out there somehow. People usually think of YouTube when they hear about a video being posted online, however there are other websites that are going to get the word out about your video. Twitter is one. Getting HONNE to tweet a link to the video on his official page means that quite a bit of HONNE's fan base is going to see the video. Facebook also works well, the problem being that your video will not get shared unless it really stuns people, in whatever way possible. Becoming viral on Facebook may make little income, but it gets people listening to the song and it is more likely to spread globally rather than nationally. Vimeo is also a great website that is often used by filmmakers to learn new techniques and get new inspiration.
Most of the video involved techniques like motion tracking, and rotoscoping (essentially the separation of layers in order to put objects behind objects - for example putting a digital object behind an object in your footage). Keyframes were the most vital tool in making the video. If you want a variable like position or scale to change during the video, you would use keyframes.
The client said they enjoyed how they would be associated with a fun character and they were very happy with the professional quality of the animation. They wanted some changes. They wanted the character to have more meaning, and therefore be more interesting. To fulfil this Hayden added more to the narrative by filming extra footage that had more of a plot. He changed his initial ideas for a frame by frame animation because he felt he could achieve more by using After Effects. That meant there would be more time to make each scene a little more interesting.
He decided to gain feedback form a focus group by putting the first edit onto Youtube. There was generally positive, constructive feedback. A couple of errors were pointed out that he otherwise would not have noticed. A few people noted that some of the color grading could use some work. It was also pointed out that the resolution was not great, and it was reducing the quality of the video on Youtube. He also used social media to gain feedback from people in the creative industries. The response was positive.
After correcting some errors, Hayden posted the video online and it was well received.
You can hear HONNE's new single, Someone that Loves you on their website or on Youtube/ Spotify.
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
Pre-production
Copyright Issues
The owners of the rights to the song are Detail Records. To get
permission and legal rights to make a music video we would need to contact them
at hellodetail@gmail.com. They seem to have given permission for a music video
to be released by a third party.
Storyboards
http://xomf.com/g/bpxcw
Editing logs
Each time I needed to make a new scene, I would create a new project and import my footage into After effects. I dragged the footage from the camera onto the new composition button even if I didn't need the footage, because I needed composition settings from the video like FPS, resolution and aspect ratio. After each scene had been completed, I would convert the video to MP4 to make it fit youtube's formatting better.
If I was using real footage, I would duplicate the layer, and use the rotobrush tool to coat the objects I wanted the character to stand behind. Then I would insert the character in between the two layers, with the roto layer on top.
Then I would use the motion tracking tool on the lower footage layer and track a spot onto the character and set the target to a null object and parent the character to it (explained later) so the character would look more in the footage.
Next, since I would want to move the character, I would keyframe the character by pressing the stopwatch on the first frame I want the character to start moving in, and set the end keyframe by dragging the time scrubber on the timeline forward on the last fram I want my character to move in. I can't keyframe over keyframes that have already been keyframed (from the motion tracking) so I would attach the keyframes to a null object and make the null object the characters parent. That means the character will follow the animation information of the null object.
Each time I needed to make a new scene, I would create a new project and import my footage into After effects. I dragged the footage from the camera onto the new composition button even if I didn't need the footage, because I needed composition settings from the video like FPS, resolution and aspect ratio. After each scene had been completed, I would convert the video to MP4 to make it fit youtube's formatting better.
If I was using real footage, I would duplicate the layer, and use the rotobrush tool to coat the objects I wanted the character to stand behind. Then I would insert the character in between the two layers, with the roto layer on top.
Then I would use the motion tracking tool on the lower footage layer and track a spot onto the character and set the target to a null object and parent the character to it (explained later) so the character would look more in the footage.
Next, since I would want to move the character, I would keyframe the character by pressing the stopwatch on the first frame I want the character to start moving in, and set the end keyframe by dragging the time scrubber on the timeline forward on the last fram I want my character to move in. I can't keyframe over keyframes that have already been keyframed (from the motion tracking) so I would attach the keyframes to a null object and make the null object the characters parent. That means the character will follow the animation information of the null object.
Risk
Since we are filming next to roads, we need to be careful.
While editing, wires must be tied down to avoid people tripping
over them, and drinks must be kept away from computers to avoid electrocution
and damage of sixth form property.
Filming from the top floor of the indoor car park would have several risks involved, like accidents with cars, and being on such a high building, we could risk falling.
Filming from the top floor of the indoor car park would have several risks involved, like accidents with cars, and being on such a high building, we could risk falling.
Budget
If we were to buy equipment needed specifically for the video, we
would need:
A PC
running Windows 10 – The HP 110 Desktop PC http://www.ebuyer.com/665321-hp-desktop-pc-110-desktop-pc-j2f55ea-abu?gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMerCMTafKfDiXVUQJdd5M1w8bfjcwFCjPnnXNN_NiuBoCBqjw_wcB#fo_c=951&fo_k=98efa4c66b3c8bb2f2fce91ae68be91f&fo_s=gplauk?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=51482417219&pkw=&pmt=
This camera records in 1080p. DSLR's are not great at recording audio, which will be fine for our use because we will not be recording audio anyway.
Adobe Creative Cloud Membership –
Illustrator – Shape creating program for Michael
Photoshop – Photo manipulation and great for sketching
for Michael
After Effects – Used for applying effects like
roto-scoping after the video has been arranged in Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro – Used to arrange clips and work with
sound
SpeedGrade – Color grading of clips easily
Membership per month costs around £30, but Adobe
offers a 30-day free trial which we can use.
If we were to need a van, we could hire one from
B&Q’s service for £15 an hour. It takes probably around 6 hours to film,
which would total £165.
The total budget is £960.
We can take out a minimum of a £500 loan from HSBC if
we need to.
Production schedule
Start of project until the 23rd of march: Pre
production
Wednesday 23rd March: Capturing of footage around
Tamworth
Thursday 24th March: Editing of footage
Saturday 26th March until Sunday 3rd April:
Editing footage
Wednesday 6th April: Editing of footage
Thursday 7th April: Editing of current footage, Michael
drew for the project
Role allocation
Drawn assets
|
Filming/scripting
|
Post Production
|
|
Michael
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Hayden
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Location recess
Mood boards
http://xomf.com/qhllv
http://xomf.com/qhllv
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Video Editing
Video editing
Wednesday 9th March
To start a project, I would create a composition in After Effects. To make a composition I will need to select composition from the drop down menu and then New Composition. This will give me settings to pick from, like the framerate, the resolution and color settings. I could also create a composition set to my footages exact setting by dragging my imported footage into the empty timeline. To import, drag in files from the finder window into the project files tab
. This will create a composition based on the current settings of the footage you have chosen, you will be able to change the settings later.I started by naming it so I'm clear on what footage is what without looking at it. I then imported the footage for arranging into the timeline. If I drag footage into the timeline it will form a block. This can be trimmed. By dragging other footage into the timeline, I can use layers to see footage in a certain way. Layers work like stacks of paper. If the paper is all the same size, you can only read the paper on top. Cut the paper into a circle smaller than the paper below it, and you can see the circle on top of the paper below it, and you can read parts of both.
After arranging my clips, I will export this into After Effects using the Export drop down menu at the top. The reason for this is because while Premiere Pro is great at dragging clips around and trimming clips, After effects does much more. If you want to color correct, use masks, animate or create transitions, Premiere Pro will not be as good as After Effects.
To achieve animation of any kind, I will need to use keyframes. by pressing the stopwatch button on the timeline to start keyframing, I can set that frame to be a certain setting. Say I wanted to fade out a layer, I could keyframe the opacity at 100% for the point I want the effect to start at. I would drag to the part of the timeline I want the layer to disappear, then set the opacity to 100%.
If I found that any animation moved too strictly, I could use the Graph Editor by clicking the button in the timeline on the far right. If I click on the keyframed effect I'm using, I should be able to drag the graph around to round out the animation. After effects comes with built in "Ease in/ out" buttons that set the graph to a template.
There are many different types of layers that I could use to help me work faster. For example, I could use a null layer to apply effects to. This layers effect has no visual information, but it can be used as data. If I wanted many layers to move in a direction, fade out at the same time, or be filtered at equal amounts I could apply this effect to the layer. I could then "parent" (the child layer follows the parent layer) the layers needing the effect - drag the squiggly line over to the null layer (or select the null layer as a parent from the drop down box), which means all effects applied to the null layer now apply to the child layers. I could also use the adjustment layer to separate the effects from the footage. All effects applied to the adjustment layer apply to the layer below it.
Effects can be applied by the Effects pane. You could use it from the dropdown menu, or set the layout to "Essentials", which gives you menu for everything you would need to use on the right side of the screen. Effects can be dragged from the pane to any layer. Motion tracking can also be found in the same window. To use the pane, create a null object. Click the layer you want to track, click track motion and drag around the square to the point you want to track. track it forward using the play button, make sure the target is set to your null object using Edit Target and hit apply. Parent the layer you want to follow the tracking information to the null layer.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
Music Video Regulation
Regulation is the censorship or banning of information. Censorship was first used in World War I to prevent the spread of information that could be useful to the enemy. Locations and times were marked with a black stamp to avoid giving the enemy an advantage. Age ratings for movies came around that time. Up until 1985 these ratings for movies were optional, then they became enforced. people could not buy or rent movies if their age was under the certificate. Later these age ratings would be enforced for games, because of cases like Mortal Kombat.
Music video age ratings and parental advisory warnings came much later, partly due to MTV's censorship. There was arguments on whether MTV censored too much, as they were very politically correct. Source
Cher's video of her performing on a battleship was initially banned by MTV for being too sexualised. Cher wore fishnet stockings and revealing clothes for her music video, which came out in 1989. Later MTV unbanned the video, playing it only after 9PM but censored.
This shows that when you had television you could censor. You could also complain to the regulator Ofcom.
Bjork's Cocoon from 2002 was banned for its sexualised imagery - it's a little weird.
Watershed in the UK and Northern Ireland starts at 9PM and ends at 5:30AM the next day. PIN protected channels, pay per view and premium subscription services, and digital on demand streaming like Netflix however have more relaxed rules. It is Ofcom's job to control the Watershed. The watershed is put in place to protect children from adult content. Anything viewed past watershed is allowed to feature adult themes like sex, gambling and violence. TV shows may not air whatever they want then, as there is still restrictions on potentially harmful content. Adverts have to follow these rules too.
Music Video Examples
http://www.vevo.com/watch/robin-thicke/blurred-lines-%28unrated-version%29/USUV71300526
This link will show you the unrated version of the video.
Blurred Lines was banned and censored for lyrics promoting date rape. The music video has Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell Williams dancing with almost naked girls. The music video director Diane Martel said in an interview with Jordan Feldstein "I knew it would get it banned quickly ... Getting something banned actually helps you."
https://vimeo.com/11219730
Born Free by M.I.A's music video is about people being killed because of race, gender, or other differences. They show this by replacing something that would be more realistic like muslims for example, and replace them with gingers, so it makes more sense to a western audience. In the video a ginger gets blown up in slow motion, with no details hidden, and quite close up. These two videos were both uploaded to websites other than youtube because they were re-uploaded to these websites after being banned.
My music video will not have controversial themes, so I won't have to worry about regulation. The song is copyrighted, however Chet Faker's website has contact information which we will need clearance from to post the video to Youtube.
Music video age ratings and parental advisory warnings came much later, partly due to MTV's censorship. There was arguments on whether MTV censored too much, as they were very politically correct. Source
This shows that when you had television you could censor. You could also complain to the regulator Ofcom.
Bjork's Cocoon from 2002 was banned for its sexualised imagery - it's a little weird.
Watershed in the UK and Northern Ireland starts at 9PM and ends at 5:30AM the next day. PIN protected channels, pay per view and premium subscription services, and digital on demand streaming like Netflix however have more relaxed rules. It is Ofcom's job to control the Watershed. The watershed is put in place to protect children from adult content. Anything viewed past watershed is allowed to feature adult themes like sex, gambling and violence. TV shows may not air whatever they want then, as there is still restrictions on potentially harmful content. Adverts have to follow these rules too.
Music Video Examples
http://www.vevo.com/watch/robin-thicke/blurred-lines-%28unrated-version%29/USUV71300526
This link will show you the unrated version of the video.
Blurred Lines was banned and censored for lyrics promoting date rape. The music video has Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell Williams dancing with almost naked girls. The music video director Diane Martel said in an interview with Jordan Feldstein "I knew it would get it banned quickly ... Getting something banned actually helps you."
https://vimeo.com/11219730
Born Free by M.I.A's music video is about people being killed because of race, gender, or other differences. They show this by replacing something that would be more realistic like muslims for example, and replace them with gingers, so it makes more sense to a western audience. In the video a ginger gets blown up in slow motion, with no details hidden, and quite close up. These two videos were both uploaded to websites other than youtube because they were re-uploaded to these websites after being banned.
My music video will not have controversial themes, so I won't have to worry about regulation. The song is copyrighted, however Chet Faker's website has contact information which we will need clearance from to post the video to Youtube.
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Project outline
What is the type of production?
The production is a short film/ animation made as a music video for Chet Faker and Marcus Marr's The Trouble With us.
Who is the client?
The client is the promoters for Chet Faker and Marcuss Marr. He wants help in branding their new EP, Work.
What are your ideas for a media production?
The music video will be of a character that causes trouble in various ways around Tamworth. He will crash down to earth, clone himself, swim in the river, and stop cars from moving. We can add lots of filler footage in.
What is the budget for your production?
After effects will be a great program for simple animation of the character.
http://www.ebuyer.com/665321-hp-desktop-pc-110-desktop-pc-j2f55ea-abu?gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMerCMTafKfDiXVUQJdd5M1w8bfjcwFCjPnnXNN_NiuBoCBqjw_wcB#fo_c=951&fo_k=98efa4c66b3c8bb2f2fce91ae68be91f&fo_s=gplauk?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=51482417219&pkw=&pmt=
Here is a desktop PC we could use for animating.
HP 110 Desktop PC - £330
https://creative.adobe.com/plans?plan=team&store_code=gb&mv=search&sdid=322TC1MJ&mv=search&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!82892952290!e!!g!!adobe%20cc%20suite&ef_id=VuGwqAAAADPmlBM7:20160413084634:s
Adobe released an easier way for students to pay for the programs they make - you can now pay monthly to get every Adobe CC program.
Adobe Creative Cloud membership for one month - £53
How will you finance your project?
http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/loans/flexible-loans
HSBC gives loans of a minimum of £500.
What production equipment do you require?
A desktop PC plus multiple software's to animate with;
Photoshop
After effects
Premiere Pro
Illustrator
What are your transport requirements?
http://www.diy.com/hertz247/
A van can be hired from B&Q for around £15 an hour.
What talent do you require?
Animation knowledge, and After Effects knowledge.
What crew do you require?
Animators and editors
What clearances are required?
Chet Fakers label Future Classic and Downtown own rights to the song, and to monetize the video especially we would need to get a clearance from both of them via their email address. Without clearance we could lose any money made from the video if they choose to claim copyright.
Downtown
carter@downtownrecords.com
Future Classic
ed@futureclassic.com.au
Chet Faker can also be contacted by this email address:
info@chetfaker.com
The production is a short film/ animation made as a music video for Chet Faker and Marcus Marr's The Trouble With us.
Who is the client?
The client is the promoters for Chet Faker and Marcuss Marr. He wants help in branding their new EP, Work.
What are your ideas for a media production?
The music video will be of a character that causes trouble in various ways around Tamworth. He will crash down to earth, clone himself, swim in the river, and stop cars from moving. We can add lots of filler footage in.
What is the budget for your production?
After effects will be a great program for simple animation of the character.
http://www.ebuyer.com/665321-hp-desktop-pc-110-desktop-pc-j2f55ea-abu?gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMerCMTafKfDiXVUQJdd5M1w8bfjcwFCjPnnXNN_NiuBoCBqjw_wcB#fo_c=951&fo_k=98efa4c66b3c8bb2f2fce91ae68be91f&fo_s=gplauk?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=51482417219&pkw=&pmt=
Here is a desktop PC we could use for animating.
HP 110 Desktop PC - £330
https://creative.adobe.com/plans?plan=team&store_code=gb&mv=search&sdid=322TC1MJ&mv=search&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!82892952290!e!!g!!adobe%20cc%20suite&ef_id=VuGwqAAAADPmlBM7:20160413084634:s
Adobe released an easier way for students to pay for the programs they make - you can now pay monthly to get every Adobe CC program.
Adobe Creative Cloud membership for one month - £53
How will you finance your project?
http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/loans/flexible-loans
HSBC gives loans of a minimum of £500.
What production equipment do you require?
A desktop PC plus multiple software's to animate with;
Photoshop
After effects
Premiere Pro
Illustrator
What are your transport requirements?
http://www.diy.com/hertz247/
A van can be hired from B&Q for around £15 an hour.
What talent do you require?
Animation knowledge, and After Effects knowledge.
What crew do you require?
Animators and editors
What clearances are required?
Chet Fakers label Future Classic and Downtown own rights to the song, and to monetize the video especially we would need to get a clearance from both of them via their email address. Without clearance we could lose any money made from the video if they choose to claim copyright.
Downtown
carter@downtownrecords.com
Future Classic
ed@futureclassic.com.au
Chet Faker can also be contacted by this email address:
info@chetfaker.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)