Another One Bites the Dust - finished

4. How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

We used several forms of technology in the construction stage of our video. Firstly we used a standard digital camera. This provided us with an average quality and it meant we could play back what we had just filmed to see if it needed shooting again. This also meant that we could save time because we didn’t have to go and re shoot another day if we hadn’t realised the shot wasn’t right until we came to editing. We didn’t used a tripod for many of the shots because we wanted the camera to be able to get right up close to the zombies to be able to capture close ups and we also wanted to be able to move with the zombies.



We used an Apple Macintosh to edit using a program called Final Cut Pro. This application allowed us to put all the clips together in a time line first so we knew which shots were going to be in what order and we could watch each one through to see which one we liked the most. It allowed us to use many effects in our video such as equalize and glow. It was very easy to add these effects and you could change how much of each effect you wanted in that section of the video. Final Cut Pro also allowed us to add transitions to our shots, allowing them to flow more easily and give the video an overall more professional look. The effects were easy to add to the video and also easy to remove if we decided we didn’t want them. This made the editing process a lot easier and quicker. It also allowed us to insert our green screen shots and add images or videos to the background.



To do the green screen, we went into the studio at college and used the HD camera to get a variety of shots, which we were only going to use if we needed them. The high definition cameras allowed us to capture details in the shots and better quality shots. In the end we decided to use one of the shots of Liz and Beatrix playing and then have Matt come out afterwards, with a secluded image of the park behind us.





To get the photos for the CD pack and magazine advert we used a DSLR camera which we borrowed from the photography department. These camera are much better at making photos seen professional and they are clearer and of a better quality meaning that our CD cover and magazine advert will be of a better quality than if we used a standard digital camera. To edit the photos we used Photoshop Cs5, as opposed to cS3 at college due to it allowing us to basically add any effect we wanted. Photoshop was useful so that we could crop the images how we liked and again, it was easy to add and remove effects making the process quicker. The application allowed us to used different textures and images behind our pictures and we could fade the pictures around the outside giving us our desired mysterious and gothic effect which relates to the song and genre of the video. To upload the designs we made of the CD pack and magazine advert, we used a scanner at college. This allowed us to upload anything that we had drawn or written on paper instead of having to re-do it on the computer, allowing us to save time.


In the research stage we again used an Apple Macintosh and Youtube to watch and analyse videos and in the evaluation stage so we could upload our video. Youtube made it very easy for us to watch other videos as it contains the majority of music videos and you can watch them again and again which made it easy for us to do the analysis of other videos. It also made it easier to allow other people to watch our video. We could have done this using Final Cut Pro, however you can only watch the video on one computer, whereas with Youtube, the video could be watched on any computer and even at home . We also used Microsoft Word to write down our thoughts and anything we wanted to include in our video and to also write up the evaluation process.

3. What have you learned from your audience feedback?

We have shown many people our video, friends and people we don’t know so that we could get unbiased reviews too. While we have received some criticisms, we have mainly received very positive opinions on our video. We created a questionnaire to give to other media students where they could write what they thought on the video. By doing a questionnaire you can compare each answer and people can say what they really think.

The first question we asked was whether people enjoyed watching our music video, which is what we wanted to achieve. They all said that they did and they said it was original and comical. We wanted to get a comical feel to our video as the song has quite a comical feel to it and we wanted our video to resemble this. The second question was whether there was anything they hadn’t expected. They said it was as if the zombies were being controlled by the music and that it wasn’t something you’d expect in a music video. We then asked if they would recommend it to other people in which they all replied yes. We also asked if the theme fit in well with the song which they all replied yes to again. We then asked if there was any improvements that they would recommend. They said that the lip syncing could have been better, however it was well edited. We also asked how did they feel when watching the video? Two said they were interested and excited to see what would happen next, however one said he was confused at first and we also found out that it was funny. We wanted people to be confused at first as we wanted to leave them wondering. We also asked what they would rate it out of 10, we overall was an 8.3.
From this questionnaire we found out that our video was comical and very unique and they the song we chose, fit out theme very well. They said that they didn’t expect the video to contain zombies and that the end was a surprise when the zombies were the bands fans, and it was as if the band were controlling the zombies with their music. However, from this questionnaire we have found out that the lip syncing could have been slightly more in time and this was one of the main problems we faced when it came to editing. All three people that we interviewed said they would recommend our video to other people which we found very compelling.

During the post production of our video, we asked many people what could be improved. One suggested that we should cut up our shots where the zombies are coming towards the band separately so that the video seems at a faster pace. We did this and realised that the video looked much better and more interesting. We were also told that we should contrast the colours in certain shots so that the band were in colour but the zombies were in black and white. This gave a very strong effect and came across as the band were the protagonists. We now know a few things we should have done differently, however as the video has gone past the deadline we cannot alter these changes. If we could, we would have captured Matt singing many more times and made 100% sure that he was in time with the song, however due to the tiny screen on the digital camera it was difficult to see if his lip syncing was correct at the time. We also would have perhaps used the tripod for more of the shots as some people were saying that some of the video was a bit shaky, where it didn’t need to be.

2. How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts (the magazine advert and CD digipak)?

Our CD pack and magazine advert both use images of the band we were captured in the media studio to so that the lighting was effective. On the CD pack we used the same image on the first three pages which is like an old paper style. We put a bright red blood dripping text over the top of it which is eye catching for the viewer and shows what the concept of the album is. On each page we used different images of the band and on the back page we used a brick wall. We wanted to have separate photographs of each band member instead of a group shot so that they audience can clearly see who the band are. This fits in with our video due to it being mainly performance based and the narrative section of the video involving the band.

The texture used on the CD pack:

The wall used on the back page of the CD pack:

On the magazine advert, we used the same style pictures but with a different background that was a little darker. We put a white box around each photo to again, make the band stand out. We used the same blood dripping text as on the CD cover so they link together. We again, did this in photoshop to give a more professional effect.

The texture used on the magazine advert:

We based the CD pack on Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to fit in with the song. However, instead of the band all looking towards the camera, we made them look at each other. For the magazine advert we used Razorlight’s ‘Slipway Fires’ with the band looking at the camera and we made the lighting dark and had the band name and album title around the photographs. To take the photos, we went into the media studio as it has very good lighting to give them a professional feel, and we used a DSLR camera too.

We feel that our CD pack and magazine advert help sell the video as they represent the theme of the video by the blood dripping text used. We used this on both the CD and magazine advert. However we used different images on each as this way it is more interesting for the viewer. On each we used both professional photographs of each band member so that the audience can clearly see who each band member are due to our video being mainly performance based.

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Our video defiantly breaks away from conventions to do something different and original as very few videos use the theme we have used. The only natural convention we have used is the idea of performance in our video, however the storyline that comes with it is very different to other videos.

However, we do feel that we have used four out of six of Goodwin’s Analysis of a music video. Our video definitely relates to our genre of old/classic rock due to the performance element. We wanted lots of performance features in our video of the band playing but as zombies. To do this we hired a drum kit, used Liz’s guitar and bass and recorded us filming in St Johns Gardens, which some volunteers dancing and jumping around us dressed as zombies. We also included shots from the green screen which an image of the park in the background. This image was a secluded part where it is although you don’t know what is lurking in the background.

There is a definite relationship between the lyrics and visuals in our video. We tried to shoot and edit the video with the idea in mind that the zombies were going to “get you too” like how Freddie sings in the video so we tried to shoot in so that the zombies were swinging for the camera and grabbing it and attacking the band.

We feel there is also a diffinate relationship between the music and the visuals and this is illustrative. For example, when the tempo the Another One Bites The Dust get's faster we made the cut rate of our video faster.

We feel that our video doesn’t really included Goowin’s two final conventions due to the fact that they don’t fit in with the nature of our video. We felt that voyeurism wasn’t necessary in our video due to the fact there our theme had nothing to do with genders or relationships, etc and therefore the sexualisation of women wasn’t needed.

We also didn’t use much intertexuality as we wanted our video to be very unique and use our own ideas which our video was. We got inspirations from other videos such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller such as his costumes and make up and the use of the supernatural. However our video is completely different and original as we used different clothing and had a very different storyline. Jackson’s video doesn’t have the idea of zombies being the bands fans and he doesn’t really turn into the supernatural either so the endings are very different. His video also includes a love/romantic storyline, which we decided wasn’t necessary in our video.

The mise en scene in our video gave it a gothic, dark feel due to mainly the clothing. We wanted everybody in the video to be wearing black and white except the band who also wore an element of red to make them stand out. We also ripped up the clothes of the zombies and smeared fake blood on their faces, arms and clothing. The location we chose was full of trees, bushes and other various things that the zombies could hide behind and come out of. There was also a big statue/feature in the middle of the park which was perfect for the nature of the video and also allowed us to use a long shot of a zombie coming from behind it.

We used many different shots in our video to give to keep the audience interested. This ranged from long shots, close ups and over the shoulder shots. We wanted lots of close ups to show off the band, medium shots to show the clothing which is important in our video and long shots to show the zombies coming towards the band.

We used lots of effects when it came to editing. We wanted to change the lighting so it was darker and in some sections, slightly disorientated. We couldn't capture this lighting during filming due to it being a public park and the only access we had to light rigs were at college which we couldn't take with us. So to get this we used different effects such as equalise and glow. We cropped each clip during the middle and put them in a different order so that it was more entertaining for the viewer, built tension and gave the video a faster pace.

For the sound, we used the song 'Another One Bites The Dust' by Queen. We chosen this because we already had our zombie theme in mind and we thought this song fit in perfectly due to it being quite comical and the song title literally means 'another one dies' which again fit in well. We didn't used any other sound in our video.

Goodwin's Analysis

Andrew Goodwin defined a music video as being of six characteristics. We have used the first four of these characteristics in our video, and we believe they are the most important.

1. We feel our video definitely relates to our genre, which is old/classic rock. Key elements of rock music are performance, black and white clothing, and unusual themes. Although the beginning of our video is not performance we have used much of it towards the end. This is because at the beginning we wanted it too seem like the band were running from the zombies and attacking them, and at the end we wanted the zombies to be the bands “fans” so therefore we performed at the end. We captured footage of performance from different angles and shots and we also included performances of us in the green screen we can be seen at the end of the video.

Performance:

Green screen:

Many classic rock videos and rock music from the 80s contain dark clothing such as boots and leather jackets which we included in our video to gives us the effect that we were an old rock band. The whole band are wearing black and white and we also added in aspects of red to make them stand out.

Matt's boots:

Liz's jacket:

2. In our video there some is a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals. When we came to edit our video, we tried to timeline them so that what Freddie in the song was singing, something to do with those lyrics was happening in the video. For example, when he sings “I’m gonna get you too” one of the zombies grabs the camera, as if she is going to get the viewer watching the video. As you can see here, she is just about the grab it:

Also, in the third chorus after the instrumental section, when Freddie sings “another one bites the dust”, this is the first time you see the band as zombies, which is as though the band have ‘bitten the dust’ as they have turned into the ‘dead’. Here, is the first moment you see the band, as zombies:

3. Again, there is some aspect of a relationship between the music and the visuals. We tried to edit the video so that the cut rate was slightly faster than that of a pop video. We cut up all of the clips of the zombies coming towards the band and mixed up the order so it wasn’t just one long clip of one zombie. We also tried to make it so that when some of the handclaps can be heard, we changed to a new clip. Also, when the tempo of the song got faster and the guitar is introduced, we speeded up what the band was doing, for example instead of walking we were running and attacking zombies.

4. Our video features many close ups. This was to advertise the band and to make them known by the viewers and we mainly featured close ups of the band’s instruments . We also captured close ups of the zombie’s for example there hands. The first shot you see of the first zombie is a close up of her hand, which gives a mysterious effect as the viewer doesn’t know what is going to happen or who or what they are.

5. We feel there is no notion of looking around using telescopes or screens with screens and there is no voyeurism due to the fact our video isn’t based around the idea of two different genders, it’s based around the idea of being two different states, the living and the dead and therefore we felt sexualisation of the female body in our video wasn’t necessary.

6. Although our video is based on performance like many other videos, we felt there wasn’t any obvious intertextual references in our video as we wanted to use unique ideas.

Make up tutorial

We have uploaded a video to allow you to create the same look as we did in our video. If you follow our steps and do as Heather did, then youll be looking like a zombie in no time. Hope this video helps when its comes to halloween.

Magazine plan

CD pack plan

Front cover:


Second page:


Third page:


Back:

What Went Well?

overall we stook with our idea throughout this whole process even when we encountered many problems and were told our idea was too ambitious, we still made sure we worked hard to create a fascinating music video.

our filming went well - as we were able to set a date and go out and create a whole music video in one day, everyone turned up and all that we need were in reach. the location was also secure and we felt safe enough to film there.

our editing process went well - we were able to use the editing facilities we have in college to edit in transitions as well as cuts and effects. using final cut pro, we were able to add different features such as slug lines and names.

Our theme went well - the overall theme of a zombie apocalypse sounded like it was an impossible task to complete but using our commitment, dedication we were able to create a professional looking music video based on a zombie attack. we made sure it was completely different from the typical music videos we see today, we wanted to outshine them and i think this was successfully done. Having all the props and makeup helped build our confidence, to the point we started believing in the work we were doing.

How is A2 different from AS?

In AS we are first introduced to the course and are told that we have to create an opening scene based on a genre of our choice. You have to make the opening scene look professional and interesting so that your target audience will be eager to watch more. We have to make it look authentic and appealing. In A2, its more demanding than AS because we have to watch countless music videos and analysis them to see how they are made, we also have to examine what makes music videos so popular and how it appeals to the public. We also then have to add lots of visual effects and make our video look like a high standard one. Research is also a major part of A2 music videos, because we have to look at what our target audience like and we have to see whether they will be intrigued by our music video. Therefore A2 takes more effort, thought and commitment into making the best music video possible.

Problems we faced throughout the whole process

Throughout the production process we did unfortunately face a few problems. First of all, our initial filming date didn’t go so well. Everyone was either late, didn’t turn up other than myself or didn’t know where to meet everyone, we had no form of contact with each other and we basically weren’t organised. However, we then resolved this by organising a new date, one where we knew everyone was free all day, we made sure we all had our phones on us and we organised a place where everyone was going to meet. This day then proceeded to go very well. We got all the filming done before it went dark, the weather was perfect and everybody showed up and we had lots of zombies.

When we came to editing, we realised that Matt’s lip syncing was very out of time with the song. We filming it many times but due to the camera we were using it was different to see if his lips were in time with the music as the screen was tiny when we watched it back. During editing, we have tried our best to match it up, it isn’t perfect but it isn’t really obvious unless your concentrating on it.

It was also difficult to get the green screen 100% perfect. We had to import the clip we wanted to use and then get rid of all the green so it went black. However around our faces and necks it was very difficult to get rid of the green so it doesn’t look that realistic. We improvised by using a green image behind it, we chosen one from the park with lots of trees to it looked mysterious as if you didn’t know what was lurking behind them. Matt was also wearing a white t-shirt so when we came to do the green screen bit for him, his t-shirt went see through! However, many people have said this looked comical and fit in well with the video so we decided to leave it in.

Detailed shot list

We posted a shot list about a month ago which we used to plan our video but we changed a few of them. Here are the actual shots we used in order in the finished video.

1. Close up - the first shot we used was a close up of the bands feet running to get the audience wondering what was happening.
2. Medium shot - to show each band memeber running into the park.
3. Medium long shot - we then used a medium long shot instruments into the middle of the circle as if they are a team and going to defeat the zombies.
4. Close up - to show all of the instruments (microphone, guitar, bass and drumsticks).
5. Low angle shot - we did this to make it seem as if the band are the heros and indestructible.
6. Close up - we used a close up of the zombies hand to make the viewer wonder what is happening.
7. Medium shot - to show the first zombie coming out of the trees.
8. Long shot - to still show her coming out of the trees but as if it's from the band's point of view.
9. Medium long shot - to show Beatrix running towards the first zombie.
10. Medium shot - of the zombie being hit on the head and falling to the floor.
11. Close up - of the zombie on the floor.
12. Medium shot - of a zombie limping across the park.
13. Over the shoulder shot - over Matt's shoulder of a zombie coming out from behind the statue.
14. Long shot - the zombie coming towards the band.
15. Medium shot - of the zombie looking at the camera
16. Medium long shot - of another zombie coming out of the bushes
17. Medium shot - of the zombie attacking the camera.
18. Long shot - of another zombie attacking the camera
19. Long shot - of the band running towards the zombies.
20. Long shot - of the zombies running towards the band.
21. Medium shot - of each band member hitting each zombie to the floor.
22. Long shot - of the band running again.
23. Long shot - of one zombie getting up off the floor and one coming out of the trees.
24. Medium shot - of zombie coming out of the bushes.
25. Long shot/three shot - of three zombies getting up off the floor.
26. Low shot - of two zombies coming towards the band, to make them seem scarier.
27. Medium long shot - of two zombies coming out of the bushes.
28. Long shot - three zombies coming towards the band.
29. Medium shot - camera tilting as two more zombies come towards the band.
30. Long shot - of all the zombies coming towards the band and surrounding them.
31. Medium shot - of zombies infront of the band while they perform.
32. Over the shoulder shot - over Liz's shoulder as she plays and zombies dancing.
33. Close up - camera goes around the band and zombies where the can see the zombies heads.
34. Long shot - all of the band and zombies.
35. Low angle - of the zombies dancing.
36. High angle - of the band, and the zombies hands.
37. Green screen footage - of Liz, Beatrix and Matt.
38. Long shot - of the band.
39. Medium shot - of Liz, the bassist.
40. Close up - of Liz's hands playing the bass.
41. Close up/low angle - of Beatrix, the guitarist.
42. Close up - of Beatrix's hands playing the guitar.
43. Long shot - of band playing and zombies dancing.
44. Medium shot - of Jack, the drummer.
45. Medium shot - another one of Beatrix playing .
46. Medium shot - of Matt singing.
47. Medium shot - another one of Liz playing.
48. Long shot - of the band.
49. Medium shot - of the production companies name.

As you can see, we have used a lot of medium and long shots. We decided to do this so that the audience and viewers can clearly see who the band are, and what they do.

Meeting Notes

Last week, we went into the studio again to do a photoshoot for the CD pack and magazine advert. We used the studio because the lighing was better as they have professional lights. We took lots of different shots so we had lots of choice. On the front cover we are doing a 'bohemium rapsedy' concept as we are doing Queen. However, we are doing different poses to make it more original and more interesting.

On the inside Matt and Jack are doing to be back to back and Liz and Beatrix are going to be back to back on the opposite side. On the back, we are all going to be stood against the wall with the track list over the top.

We are now editing these photographs in photoshop using a textured background. We are using a old paper looking style for the first 3 pages of the CD cover:



And a brick wall for the back page which we will all be stood against:



We are also in the process of writing the evaluation which will be posted soon.

Main Effects We Used - Equalise

We used a lot of the equalise to enhance the colour to make the video as gloomy or as dark as we wanted. We used it to seem as if the video was 'gothic' due to the theme being zombie apocalypse.

Main Effects We Used - Glow, Tint and Soft Edges

At the beginning, we used glow to enhance the whiteness of the shot as well as making it disorientated to give a mysterious effect due to the fact the band are running and the view doesn't know what is going to happen.

We also used tint to adjust the colour of the screen so it seemed black and white but there was a hint of colour. We used this effect to give a gloomy and dark effect due to the genre of the video.

Finally, we used soft edges to create a dark frame around the screen so again give it that dark and spooky effect.

Main Effects We Used - Overdrive

One of the most symbolic effects we used in our music video was overdrive. This effect causes the shot to flash different colours such as blue and orange. We used this when the band were transitioning from humans to zombies. We did this to show the viewer that the band were being attacked and eaten by the zombies.

Storyboard

This is our storyboard from ages ago, which we couldn't upload due to a picture error on blogger.