https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743 Jack Connolly en-us 2017-01-17 09:17:12 UTC 2025-11-02 11:59:57 UTC hello@padlet.com jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/147472834 In the first session of the new term, we were introduced to our new unit of music video production. Immediately we were put into groups to complete some early primary research on what people thought about music videos. This had a positive impact because research as been a problem for me in past units so it was helpful to start off on the right foot by getting some information that may help us to produce early ideas for our video. One problem that we encountered was that because we were just walking up to people in the street, many were unwilling too take part. This lead to a limited number of respondents to our questionnaire. We counteracted this problem in two ways. One way, was to go out another day and do it agin to get more respondents, but another way which proved effective was to complete an online survey that people could complete at their own free-will, which overall produced more though out answers. 

On Wednesday we looked at the styles of music videos. We were showed examples of each style, then we had to find current music videos that use these styles and talk about the effectiveness of the video and how this corresponds to the style. Music video producers such as "light engine films" would need to complete research like this in order to find a style that suits the song that they have been asked to make the video for and in order to find inspiration from other videos.

Thursday was a very productive day, completing a Padlet page for Unit 11 which is all about the next stages of my education and development. Here i had to include all of the different things that i have completed which will help me to progress to the next level. This includes the website that I produced last year and all of my university application documents like personal statement and extra things that individual universities have required. One problem that I encountered was that some things like my CV and website weren't up to date, so to solve this I  
Added new videos and images to my website and included this on the pad let page.]]> 2017-01-17 09:18:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/147472834 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/147473357 At the start of this week, we looked at a brief history of music videos in order to help us produce our report on the topic. I learnt a lot about the different genre's, when they came in to music and what bands brought them in. For example the start of Rock N' Roll with Bill Haley and his comets one of the first ones to portray this. This helped to provide us with information which we could take to give us inspiration for our own report into the history of music. On Thursday we completed research for this. We had to ensure that we had a music video for ash 
decade swell as a protest song that described or talked about a current issue in the world at the time. One problem that I found with this, is that there are many different interpretations of protest/political songs and their impact is varied throughout the world. I solved this problem, by focussing on songs that had impact on the US. This improved my research because it's easier to find correlations throughout history and make comparisons. For example, the problem of racism in America was a problem in the fifties but has also still been a problem right up until the 90s. Overall, here i was able to develop key secondary research skills that I haven't particularly focussed on in this course before by looking deeper into a specific topic to find key sources of information.

On Wednesday, we looked at the different styles in music videos. Once we were shown examples of each style we had to find our own and explain why the artists uses this and the impact it has on the song/video. One problem I encountered was about the style interpretive. I was told this interpretive was a style by which there was no clear meaning to it and it was left up to the audience to make a judgement. However after doing online research, I found the interpretive can also be where the artist shows literal images of the lyrics themselves. this made it easier for me to chose a song and i went went for Fireworks by Katy Perry in the end.

To improve on my secondary research I should be more organised when collecting source referencing so I haven't got to go back and collect them all at once.]]> 2017-01-17 09:21:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/147473357 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/148066213 This week on tuesday, we began planning for our history of music videos report. This included collecting links of songs throughout the eras and also key information about them. I had to ensure that whilst I was looking at these songs I was also looking at world events at this same time to help me make comparisons and change through time. One problem with this is that it's hard to make comparisons between different genre's throughout time. I solved this problem by using a similar genre of pop/pop-rock throughout the eras whilst touching on other eras to show when they came into the industry and who pioneered them.

We also began preparation for our pitch this week and for me personally, the hardest part was trying to find a song as this would then help build the basis for a video idea. This was a major problem that I had because I wanted to make sure that I chose a song that I could really get into and ideas would flow well. In the end, I opted for Wham's Club Tropicana (1984) as i wanted to do an upbeat and sing a long song that i could add comedy and fun to. Whilst researching for this I looked at appropriate props that could be used as well as equipment that i would need to make it successful. I wanted mine to be set partly on a beach but going to a real beach would be too complicated so I came up with the idea of using green screen in a studio which would show a video of a beach scene in the background. Next time, when preparing for a pitch I would decide on a song much earlier so i could build up more of a completed idea for it.

This week I also completed my report on the history of music videos based on information that I had researched the week before. I ensured that I did this a week before the deadline so i could focus on other aspects of the Unit and get ahead. I was unsure elf the best way to reference my links but i was shown a way of doping it in word and this was very effective as it was all laid out for me and it made it look professional]]> 2017-01-19 13:32:12 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/148066213 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/149551038 This week, the main focus was on our Pitch Presentation for our idea having only come up with my full idea the night before, i was lacking with ideas but knew the style that i wanted and the way i wanted it to be filmed. I opted to go for a unique approach to my pitch, something that no other student did. For mine, I had a costume related to my song choice under my normal clothes which i revealed whilst my song choice played. This brought comedy and entertainment to my pitch which people enjoyed. I didn't however have a concrete idea which is why my idea wasn't chosen. In the future I will come with more of an outline of what I want to happen in my video. This will help ensure that my idea is picked and I can be director which is my preferred job role. Overall, from this i have learned to be more prepared with an idea in order for people to trust your vision and to get people on board with your idea, instead of just trying to be different in your pitch.

]]> 2017-01-26 11:12:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/149551038 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/151077932 On Tuesday, we were put into our groups for production. Each role was handed out and we had to come up with a production team name and a logo. Although at first I was disappointed not to have received one of my preferred job roles, I soon got enthused about the role i had been given (camera operator) and the job I had in hand. One problem that we first encountered was that our director wanted to have much of the video in first person. This would not allow me to fully utilise the abilities of my video camera. We therefore decided to have me as the character in first person. Using first person in our video will give a unique perspective to the audience which will really help them put themselves in the characters shoes. POV will also create a sense of anonymity which is also seen in the music video "smack my bitch up" by the Prodigy where throughout the video we think that the POV character is a male but it actually turns out to be a female, which adds shock value to the video, making it interesting to watch. This would also not only help us to get the exact shots that we want, but it also means that i can do my job as camera operator. We also compromised on using more establishing shots so we can utilise the abilities of my camera. We will also try and make these shots quite ambiguous to keep people watching and wanting to find out more. 

On Wednesday I was unable to attend the session with my group as i was at Anglia Ruskin University. This was not a problem because i gave my group warning prior to the day. this meant my group could prepare for the day without me. I was then able to communicate with my grow in a messaging group where I gathered information from that day. In the industry, this would often happen where a member has other duties so they cannot be present for a team meeting. A protocol would be in place to ensure that minimal disruption is caused to production.

]]> 2017-02-02 09:54:33 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/151077932 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/155095793 This week we began to complete pre-production for our group's music video. As camera operator, my tasks were to complete a location recce and Risk assessment which are both vital in ensuring a smooth production. Location recce's are key as only well thought out location planning will lead to a successful production. This is because, for all films made, permission must be granted before a public/ private area can be used for filming. This ensures that there is no controversy surrounding footage from a certain place and any rights issues have been agreed. We completed this successfully as not we also came up with contingency locations if our original ones could not be used. This ensures that production continues to run smoothly which is key to sticking to deadlines, vital in the film industry, with large companies such as Warner Bros who would have a specific and public date to release a film. Location recce's also help the director to plan the shots that they want and find the best angles for the cameraman to work with. For our production, it is important that our filler shots remain ambiguous to the identity isn't given away and the audience remain to be intrigued. This can only be achieved by going to selected locations beforehand and analysing them.

 The risk assessment was my other task in hand. Here, I had to analyse all risks that may occur during production. This is also important as it will help us take the necessary precautions in order to complete all production as safely as possible. This is especially important in the industry when high risk films are produced such as James Bond where where stunts are performed. There will always be a medical team to give aid, should an accident occur. Accidents are reduced however with a risk assessment because precautions are taken. It is important that this is dome because accidents may have a huge impact on the production of a film especially if actors are seriously injured.§

For our production the biggest risk is travelling to and from different locations in a car. therefore we need to ensure that we reduce any the chase of an accident as much as possible in order to remain and feel safe.

]]> 2017-02-21 10:06:50 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/155095793 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/156000732 At the start of the week we began filming for our video. We started off at Josh's house where we were filming the male's part of the video. Here we had to look closely at the storyboards and shot descriptions to accurately replicate what was planned for our shots. I ensured as Camera operator that I took at least 2 of every shot. This would help give us variety when editing and ensure that we wouldn't have to re-shoot any shots, wasting precious time. In the film industry this would also be necessary because actors may only be available for a certain amount of time so would not be flexible to re-shoot. This is why planning is key because sit ensures the filmmakers know what shots to take and can do it quickly and effectively.

On thursday we planned to film at a shop in the Town centre. This had been organised with the shop owner prior to filming however filming elsewhere beforehand meant that we missed our slot so we had to ask another shop if we could film. They were happy for us to do so but didn't want us to show their faces. This was a problem as we wanted to to use the GoPro for this scene. We overcame this by using close over the shoulder shots instead which cut off the face of the shop owner. This was effective because there was focus on hand movements which helps to portray the story well. Unlike ours, in the industry they would be more prepared with their location and add signs which show that filming is taking place. At the shop we also had to be pastiest with customers coming in which is also the same in the film industry where production crews will sometimes have to wait a while for the right moment e.g sunset.]]> 2017-02-24 12:43:34 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/156000732 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/157258775 On Tuesday we had to complete more filming at Josh's house after we reviewed the footage and realised that more shots were required. This is unprofessional practice as in the industry, film production companies would be more prepared with the exact shots that they want so will film all the scenes that they need from one place at one time, instead of having to go back. This helps to save time and transport costs.

Also this week we shot the opening scene for our video. This involved using a drone to capture a high to low shot of a housing estate to help set the scene for our video. Although my job role is camera operator, the drove was flown by a trained supervisor. This shot adds professionalism to our film as it comes from a unique angle not expect cat our level. Drone's are now commonly used in the film industry, as they are cheap ways of getting aerial shots and high tracking shots. Previously helicopters were used, however these cost lots of money to run and generate a lot of shadow, noise and gushes of wind on the land which can disrupt the setting. Drones are also more versatile and can be maneuvered in and out of small spaces. The problem with using a drone is that they will not fly in no fly zones so can only be used in certain areas. For our production to ensure that we could fly the drone, we looked at a no fly zones map and checked whether our area was one or not. In post-production we will have to stabilise the footage and change the colouring to give it the effect that we want. This will ensure that the shot looks well finished and gives a good impression to the opening of the video.]]> 2017-03-02 09:19:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/157258775 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/160466669 This week, the main focus was on editing. As camera operator, although i didn't have any direct involvement with the skills of editing itself, I had lots of say on the shots that were picked and how these were put together to create our video. From a personal point of view I was happy at the variety of shots we had, especially towards the end of the video. This allowed us to continuously change shots to keep the viewer interested right up until the ending, which helps to create a more successful video. 

In The future however I will endeavor to ensure that as a team we are more organised in regards to filming. This is because, in this project we had to chop and change a lot of planned shots. This can lead to the video feeling slightly disjointed where people are unsure of how the story fits together. To ensure this doesn't happen in the future, all planned shot changes should be recorded and storyboards should be re written to help piece together the story better and avoid confusion. In the industry, all shots and timings would be specifically completed so that they know exactly which shots are happening where. This also helps to stick to a deadline for a viewing. ]]> 2017-03-16 10:06:02 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/160466669 jackconnolly https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/160466732 Today was the premier showing of all of our videos. Despite a last minute rush to add a text message graphic to a shot in our video, the video was completed on time and shown to an audience of other classes. The feedback on our video was overall very good, with only small confusion on the story itself. People really liked our variety of shots and different first person style which captured the audiences attention well. We were also effective in communicating with audiences queries. One strength of mine is my communication and explanation of our thought process behind the video. This really helps my team as i can explain why each choice we made was made.

Throughout the process we were relatively organised. This is because we were able to consistently write meeting minutes which helped us to plan each day. We were also able to compromise well for example: using Alex's idea of first person video but improving it by adding in a wider range of shots  which help expand the creative possibilities in the production of the video. Our team members were also in everyday which helped to keep the production flowing so there was no delay in our schedule. This shows professional practice as industry workers would need to consistently turn up in order to complete the job on time and not risk losing their job.

Overall our client was very happy with the professional product that we produced and agreed that we worked well as a team.

In the future, it would be better to organise actors early so that our own team haven't got to worry about acting and can get on with their won jobs. e.g. camera operator. This may interfere with the quality of production as we are not fully focused on our role. 

Personally I was very happy with the quality of my personal job role. I feel i have really been able to express my camera operation skills by filming creative and ambiguous shots which help to captivate the audience. I was really able to take a leadership role in what I thought was best and where we should film, This showed me taking on important responsibilities that are crucial to the success of the film. location, Such as shot types and camera movement. 

We tried to keep some similarities to the original music video for example with the colouring effects on the video for the males life which compares to that in the original. The hot types and lengths we used also ensure that it's kept at a similar pace and goes with the song itself.]]> 2017-03-16 10:06:19 UTC https://padlet.com/jackconnolly/vti6cgdfi743/wish/160466732