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Meeting 10

After filming, we had another meeting, to tell Megan how it had gone and what we think went really well. We were a little disappointed with not using the new logo, as Megan had designed this and we weren't told sooner about the change of mind about the new logo. We also would have preferred a different costume choice, but as they didn't like our costume idea we sent them, and so decided on jeans and t-shirts, they did come in what we had said, we just felt afterwards that suits and ties would have looked better for the video.

We also told her about how soon we had finished and it gave us time to film good interviews with the whole band, 2 band members and the director, without being pressed for time.

We then started thinking about editing, and decided that Heidi would be the main editor for the video, with me to help, and Megan (as she couldn't make the shoot) would be the main editor for the behind the scenes with Fran to help.

Filming

Earlier in the week I had given all the crew, and sent an email copy of the production schedule to Ian to send on to the other band members.Therefore, everyone arrived on time to the shoot on Sunday -9am. When we got there we finished getting the Top of the Pops backdrop down and got the cameras all ready. We also spoke to the lighting person -Lloyd Wallis- to tell him what we wanted from the lights.

We rang Megan to make sure that everything that she wanted had been done and that she was happy with the filter choices for the lights. We chose the filters on the lights to be blue and yellow, as they are primary colours, connoting happiness, which can relate to the lyrics in the song.

At 10 o'clock the band arrived and set up ready for filming. This is when we found out that they would rather keep their original logo, and so we added a red filter to the lights (as it's a colour used in the logo) and did not put the new logo on the backdrop, but left it blank. After running through the song a few times, we took the photos for the album cover and poster. We also consulted Megan on how she wanted these to look. We filmed the behind the scenes throughout these stages and continued to do so throughout the day.

We then ran through the song about 7 or 8 times, making sure that we got all the angles and shots that were on the storyboard.

Afterwards, we filmed a group interview with the whole of the band, talking about themselves and how they formed etc. After this we did an interview with just Ocky (lead singer) and Ian (who we communicated with) about the shoot itself and what they hoped to acheive from it. Finally, we filmed a directors interview talking about the filming and why certain decisions were made. The questions we asked for this we got from watching other directors interviews on real DVD extras.

We finished well ahead of schedule (about 2 hours) and had little to pack away as another group was coming in after us to film another band. This is evidence of our clear communication and planning.

Meeting 9

Before filming, which took place on January 23rd, we had a final meeting to run through everything that we had to do. In this meeting we discussed how many times through we expected to film, given the shot list that Fran had come up with along with the storyboard.

We then had final thoughts about the backdrop and decided we would put the logo that Megan had created and printed in large to put up behind the band.

We then went to the hall to set the stage up ready for it, took down the Top of the Pops backdrop, tidies the stage and made all the preparations that we could before filming. This included getting the cameras and tripods and putting them on charge, ready for Sunday.

Lyrics and Timings...

(5secs) You've done it all,(6secs)

(7secs) you've broken every code (10secs)
(12secs) And pulled the rebel to the floor (18secs)
(19secs) You spoilt the game,(21secs)

(22secs) no matter what you say (24secs)
(26secs) For only metal - what a bore! (31secs)
(33secs) Blue eyes, blue eyes,(36secs)

(37secs)  how come you tell so many lies? (43secs)

(44secs) Come up and see me,(46secs)

(46secs) make me smile (49secs)
(50secs) Or do what you want, (52secs)

(53secs) run on wild (57secs)

(59secs) There's nothing left, (1 minute)

(1 minute 2) all gone and run away (1 minute 6)
(1 minute 7) Maybe you'll tarry for a while (1 minute 13)
(1 minute 14) It's just a test, (1 minute 15)

(1 minute 17) a game for us to play (1 minute 19)
(1 minute 22) Win or lose, (1 minute 23)

(1 minute 24) it's hard to smile (1 minute 27)
(1 minute 28) Resist, resist, (1 minute 30)

(1 minute 32) it's from yourself you have to hide (1 minute 38)

(1 minute 39) Come up and see me, (1 minute 40)

(1 minute 41) make me smile (1 minute 44)
(1 minute 45) Or do what you want, (1 minute 47)

(1 minute 48) run on wild (1 minute 52)

(2 minutes 25) There ain't no more, (2 minutes 27)

(2 minutes 28) you've taken everything (2 minutes 30)
(2 minutes 32) From my believe in Mother Earth (2 minutes 39)
(2 minutes 40) How can you ignore (2 minutes 41)

(2 minutes 42) my faith in everything (2 minutes 43)
(2 minutes 47) When I know what Faith is and what it's worth (2 minutes 52)
(2 minutes 54) Away, away, (2 minutes 57)

(2 minutes 58) and don't say maybe you'll try (3 minutes 3)

(3 minutes 4)Come up and see me, (3 minutes 5)

(3 minutes 7) make me smile (3 minutes 11)
(3 minutes 12) Or do what you want, (3 minutes 13)

(3 minutes 14) run on wild (3 minutes 18)

(3 minutes 32)Come up and see me, (3 minutes 33)

(3 minutes 34) make me smile (3 minutes 37)
(3 minutes 38) Or do what you want, (3 minutes 40)

(3 minutes 41) run on wild (3 minutes 45)

(3 minutes 59)Come up and see me, (4 minutes)

(4 minutes 1) make me smile (4 minutes 5)
(4 minutes 6) Or do what you want, (3 minutes 6)

(4 minutes 7) run on wild (4 minutes 12)

Song end (4 minutes 14)

The Different Types of Music Video...

The Goodwin Theory:

There are 3 different types of music video: illustration, amplification and disjuncture.

An illustration music video is one where everything in the video relates directly to the lyrics, for example, if the lyrics were about a man in a car on a motorway, the video would show exactly that. A good example of this is Taylor Swift's You Belong With Me, where everything that happens in the video is because the lyrics are saying it is what's happening. The video tells the story of the lyrics. This is also what a performance based video is called.

In our music video, we plan at times to put what is being sang on screen. We were thinking about putting them on screen, but without the use of another object, like in Ne-yo Closer, rather than Owl City Fireflies, where the word 'fireflies' appears on a toy computer screen when they are sang.

An amplification video relates closely to disjuncture videos, however, this type only enhances a concept whilst still linking to lyrics. An example of this could be Bruno Mars' Grenade where he pulls a piano around town. Initially it looks like it has nothing to do with the lyrics, but Bruno Mars explained in an interview "The concept of the video is my struggle, to tell his girl I'd do anything for her, so I'm going as far as dragging a piano to get to her just so I can sing my heart out."

A disjuncture video is a video that completely ignors the lyrics of a song a creates a video that builds new meaning to the song. An example of this could be Bop Bop Baby by Westlife, where the video is in the style of The Three Musketeers, which has nothing to do with the lyrics.

An example of a disjuncture video (Westlife - Bop Bop Baby)

An example of an amplification video (Bruno Mars - Grenade)

An example of an illustration video (Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me)

Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) Music Videos...

In both videos (Steve Harley's and Erasure's) there is no real narrative structure to them, presumably as it would be difficult to fit a narrative effectively with the lyrics.

As a result the Steve Harley video just uses a variety of shot types and camera movements in order to keep the viewers interest throughout the song, and the Erasure version uses the gnome and bright colours (in a disjuncture style as it does not relate to the lyrics in any way) to keep audiences attention.

Due to the lack of ablilty to use a narrative, we will use a purely performance based video, but make sure that there is a variety of shot types, and use the writing on screen idea in order to make sure that the video is appealing and does not bore viewers, as you can find that if a video is only performance people do not watch to the end as nothing different will happen. We need to make sure that viewers of our video want to stay and watch to the end.

Erasure Make Me Smile(come up and see me)

Steve Harley - Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)

About Make me Smile (Come Up and See Me)...

This song was written by Steve Harley, and recorded by his band, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel in 1974 and relesaed the next year. In a television interview recorded in 2002, Steve Harley described how the lyrics are vindictively directed at the former band members, whom he felt had abandoned him. The single was the only number 1 for the band and their most successful, selling over a million copies globally.

The song was used for many high-profile film soundtracks, such as The Full Monty and Velvet Goldmine.

Although over 120 covers of the song have been made, the most notable were from Duran Duran and Erasure.

Duran Duran released make Me Smile as a B side to their number one single, The Reflex in 1984.The song featured in their concerts through the 80's before being droppped from their set list. Howver, over 20 years later they used the song again at their concert in the Birmingham City Football club ground in 2005.

Erasure's version of the song charted only at 14, but was deemed a success by the duo. It was released in 2003 and was used in the first episode of TV sitcom, My Name Is Earl.

Another notable cover comes from Robbie Williams, who used the song as part of a medley with 'You Can Leave Your hat On' and 'Land of 1000 Dances' as a B side to 'Let Me Entertain You' in 1998.

Seven Summers - Youngblood

About Seven Summers...

Seven Summers is an alternative and indie rock band from Essex, who released their debut self titled album in January 2010.

The band members are Alex Baker on drums, Jon Holland on bass, Neil Wilson on guitar and Matt Cardle as lead vocalist and on acoustic guitar.

They became #1 on the Official UK Independent Album Breakers Charts for week ending 25 December 2010 after lead singer Matt Cardle won The X Factor in 2010.

They released the single 'Picture of You' in 2010, and also made records of 'Way To Be', 'Youngblood' and 'Dirt'.

Communication with another band...

Get closer to them, given them more screen time, make them wear a hat! 

Hope helpful. 

On 12 Jan 2011, at 17:15, Alex Carrier <alex.carrier_cfc@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi Neil,

We were wondering if we could ask one more question. How do you make you lead vocalist stand out, or do you try not to?

Thank you :)
Alex and Fran

---

Subject: Re: a level media
From: wilson_neil
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:49:05 +0000
To: alex.carrier_cfc@hotmail.com

Hey thanks, been a pleasure to help. Good luck with the project.
On 11 Jan 2011, at 13:53, Alex Carrier <alex.carrier_cfc@hotmail.com> wrote:

Thank you it's helped a lot :)

Thanks,
Alex and Fran

---

From: wilson_neil
To: alex.carrier_cfc@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: a level media
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:48:39 +0000

They were set quite dark for realism, effect and also means the metal stuff shines nicely when you point a spot at it. Hope that helps.  

On 11 Jan 2011, at 11:56, Alex Carrier <alex.carrier_cfc@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi Neillo,

Thank you for your help.

Also, the colours in your videos seem to be quite dark. Was this to portray a certain message and theme, or was in coincidence?

All your help is really appreciated.

Thank you :)
Alex and Fran

---

From: sevensummers
Subject: Re: a level media
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:49:16 +0000
To: alex.carrier_cfc@hotmail.com

Hi Alex, hi Fran, 

This is all I can think of right now. Hope is useful.

It's a good idea to figure out the purpose of the video before you start. We wanted something people could watch on YT so they knew what to expect if they came to a show. As we weren't producing for TV we didn't have to worry about making it too elaborate or commercial ... it's just us, in a room, playing our songs, a bit like being invited into a rehearsal. We wanted to get the detail in and make it quite personal hence there are lots of very close up shots of parts being played and sung. 

We wanted the videos to join up and make sense with everything else visual we had. We already had our album artwork and logo (though not released), and wanted that feel and identity to come through on film. It is a very 'Seven Summers' production ... not over cooked, or processed too much.

Facts - 

Shot in 1 x 6 hour day at Musicbank

Band + Nic + Chris + 1 runner

1 camera - Panasonic HS9

2 lights

Edited in Final Cut Studio on MacBook Pro

Hope that helps ... good luck

Neillo

On 10 Jan 2011, at 14:23, Alex Carrier wrote:

hello,
We are currently studying media in year 13 and for the coursework we have to plan, produce and edit a music video for a band. 

The band we have been given is quite similar to yours and so we were wondering if you could give us any imformation on how you planned what would go in your misic videos and how they would look.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you :)
Alex and Fran

What is a Producer?

A producer of a music video is responsible for making sure that the visuals used complement the song they are promoting. Generally, they are in charge of the financial and administrative aspects of music video production, making sure that effective delegation is being made with the other team members also making the music video.

Meeting 8

Today we were told that we would now not be able to use the Peppercorn Theatre as it is used on Sundays for a club.

We then had to rethink the idea again, as we think it would only fit, in a theatre setting. As we would now probably be using the school hall, it would not suit this location.

As a result, we have looked into the music videos of bands such as The Foo Fighters, who have videos of the band performing to an empty audience. We think that this style could fit the band's image quite well.

Fran and I had also got in touch with the band Seven Summers, who are an indie band that also play in pubs in their local area of Essex. As they had already produced music videos, we asked them about how they planned what was included in their videos and how they looked. They told us that as they produced them mainly for You Tube they wanted a video that showed people what they could expect to see if they came to one of their shows. Therefore it was just them, playing their songs, "a bit like being invited into a rehersal".

As this is an idea used by many bands, of all popularities, it would be a good convention to use in in our video.

Meeting 7

In our next meeting, we discussed the location, who's doing what on the day of filming, how we are getting there, what we need to tell Group Therapy, clothing and equipment needed.

As Megan has already booked going to see her dad on the day of filming (and this is the only day Group Therapy are free so we had to do it this day), she will not be able to get to the shoot. However, we don't think this will be a problem as Megan is designer, as long as she works closely with the rest of us, and she has told the band exactly what she wants them to wear, the shoot should go smoothly without her, as long as she is available to reach on the phone throughout the day.

As the behind the scenes also need to be filmed today, we will have cameras on the band for the video, as well as one to film the behind the scenes. Also, Heidi will take the promotional stills whilst the cameras are being set up, and the band will be given an opportunity to warm up.

As Heidi and I both drive, we should have no problems getting to St Neots on the day of filming.

We made a list of what we needed to say to the band, but as I was unable to connect to the internet that night, I had to email them the next day.

Additionally, Fran and Heidi have booked out the cameras to ensure that we have them that weekend.

Meeting 6

When the meeting began, we all had worries about the wedding idea. Firstly, because they also target pubs and so specifically doing it for a wedding audience excludes this. Secondly, because the venue would make it difficult to make it look genuine. And finally, because getting the costume of a wedding dress, and enough extras to make it look like a real wedding would be hard.

Therefore, we decided to rethink this idea.

We then thought of the idea of having it as a type of audition, as it will probably be the first time people have seen the band and an audition style would be something that many viewers could relate to.

The only extra/s we would have to get for this would be 1-4 people to sit as judges, really enjoying what they were listening to.

Meeting 5

As we didn't have a definate idea for the video yet, we focused entirely on deciding what to do. As they are a pub and wedding band, we decided to go back to that and set it in a wedding scene. We thought that this would then give viewers a real idea of what the day would be like if they booked Group Therapy for their wedding, making sure that all guests, in particular the bride and groom, look like they are have a really good time.

Ian had told us that he would look into booking the Peppercorns theatre in St Neots to use as our venue, and therefore, we knew that we would have a stage and eating design, which could clash with our idea.

We agreed to meet the next day for another meeting, as we had another lesson to go to when we found this out.

Meeting 4

We had now recieved a final decision that we would be using Make me Smile as our song. Therefore we looked over all the research we had done into this song and the meaning behind it. We found that the main lyric "come up and see me" was sometimes linked to the quote "come up sometime and see me" from the film She Done Him Wrong.

When we looked into the film we found that it was released in 1933 and was a rom-com starring Mae West and Cary Grant.

We wondered about having this film as the main theme of the video, but as the film is not very well known, and the storyline was quite complex, it would be very hard to fit it into the 3 or 4 minutes that the song lasts.

Meeting 3

In our third meeting, we had still not recieved a definate song choice from the band and so we had to do research on both Mustang Sally and Make Me Smile, as there was a chance we could do either. During this meeting we also e-mailed Ian asking for a final song choice.

Meeting 2

In our second meeting we collaborated our reasearch and found that the band would probably target an older audience, of about 30 annd over, mainly men, although also women. They play in pubs and weddings, and do not want to chnage this as that is what they like. There are many similar bands and band images that we can take ideas from to create the look of Group Thearpy. We particularly like the band, The Dead Beats that Heidi researched, and like the way they promoted themselves, and the colours they used.

We also started to look at their logo as by this time, Ian had e-mailed me a copy of their promotional leaflet, with this included.

We decided that we didn't really like the logo and would look into redesigning it in a way that matches the image portrayed in the video.

Meeting 1

In our inital meeting we established roles within the group and what we would exactly be doing before the filming.

For the planning and research we each decided to focus on a different point, so we could cover more in a shorter amount of time.

Therefore we each researched different factors that we needed to look at to come up with an initial idea.

Alex-Target audience

Megan-Different bands' images

Heidi-Similar bands

Fran-Venues they play at

Lyrics during the video...

During modern music videos, it is becoming increasingly popular to put the lyrics on screen as they are being sung. This can be seen in Keri Hilson, Party Girl Rock, Ne-yo, Closer and McFly, Party Girl.

Because this can be seen as an effective way to really make a point of what the lyrics are saying, we will try to include this in our video if we feel it is appropriate.

Lyrics...

You've done it all, you've broken every code
And pulled the rebel to the floor
You spoilt the game, no matter what you say
For only metal - what a bore!
Blue eyes, blue eyes, how come you tell so many lies?

Come up and see me, make me smile
Or do what you want, run on wild

There's nothing left, all gone and run away
Maybe you'll tarry for a while
It's just a test, a game for us to play
Win or lose, it's hard to smile
Resist, resist, it's from yourself you have to hide

Come up and see me, make me smile
Or do what you want, run on wild

There ain't no more, you've taken everything
From my believe in Mother Earth
How can you ignore my faith in everything
When I know what Faith is and what it's worth
Away, away, and don't say maybe you'll try

Come up and see me, make me smile
Or do what you want, run on wild

Openings

In the openings of music videos of new and emerging artists, the opening of the video usually indicated who it is by and what the song is called. In Bruno Mars, Just the Way You Are, the opening is the artist writes out his name and song title using the cassette tape, a theme running through the video, because this is his first solo single, although he has been featured in other songs previously.

Cee Lo Green's Forget You, the name and his name appear on screen, also in the style of the theme continuing through the video, of an American 50's style. This is also because it is his first solo single, even though he appeared on Gnarles Barkley Crazy.

Lady Gaga and Beyonce also use this in their second collaboration on Telephone. This is probably because this is the first single they have done together that had major chart success.

Also, in The Ting Tings' video for That's Not My Name, the band name is always on show in the video as it was thier first single.

As a result, we have decided to use this method as it is Group Therapy's first single.



About Group Therapy...