Filming session 4, 28th/29th February

28th
Out of college; the focus today was to get the footage of the character sitting at home.  For this, we needed to travel 10 miles to a group members house.  Filming took around an hour: shots included close up's of the character and his "telling" facial expressions, stills of various artwork and ornaments scattered around the house and long shots of the character from across the room - not centred in the shot - giving him an air of mystery and to the audience, out of place with the rest of the world.

29th
Final session of filming outdoors today, the majority of footage already collected is of a good enough quality for the video although some shots need to be done again - mainly due to an unstable/shaky camera.  Filming should take no longer than 20 minutes.

Filming was successful, some shots re-done, additional shots taken - all that remains is the picture taking/filming of the stick sequence.

Filming 27th Feb

Out filming for about an hour this morning.  Footage consists of several tracking shots, still shots and panning shots at various locations, including the Ludlow castle ruins and wooded areas in the town.  First footage filmed was of the actor running through the castle ruins and wooded areas of Ludlow - these were taken as long shots, some zoomed in, others not.  The character now has a look of purpose! Other shots taken were of the actor sitting on benches or posing in front or on things such as stone walls and grassy banks. These were taken at a variety of different angles such as Over-the-shoulder, POV and bird's eye view (more or less).  The footage will most likely be edited into straight cuts.

Filming session 2 - 20th Feb

Second filming session aim was to begin filming significant parts of the video, planed beforehand using storyboards and group talks.  Our location for filming was Whitcliffe, on the outskirts of Ludlow, a five minute walk from the college. Various long shots and close ups of me, sitting on a bench, walking through the forest etc. Snow has thawed, may not be able to use the first session footage.

The actor

The actor playing the male character in this music video is me - Jack Purkis!

Costume design idea 1

Sticking close to the indie/rock style, colourful clothing.

Filming/picture session no.1

Day consisted of location scouting and first attempts at filming. Long shots, Over-the-shoulder etc. Locations were all in Ludlow; such locations included Whitcliffe forest, the weir and the the town streets. Costume of character consisted of a black hoodie, brown trainers, white shirt, green chinos.  One problem we could face is that the shots and footage show the areas covered with snow - which could thaw out before shooting is completed.  An area was found for the band performance section of the video.  The space may be a bit small but if a generator is located for the lights etc. then it will be very effective.

  

Costume/colour ideas

Some ideas for the costume aspect of our video. The colours, or lack of them, reflect on the lyrics and are stereotypical of the indie/rock genre.

Location scouting

Ludford bridge 


The benefits of shooting here are that we are in close proximity to the college grounds, so should we need to return for any reason (forgotten equipment etc.), we can without too much disruption to the shooting schedule. 

The area, although near the centre of town, is quiet and largely undisturbed throughout the day. This makes shooting scenes quicker and of a better quality.

The area is reasonably densely wooded, giving the team privacy whilst shooting scenes. 

Audience Feedback

After hearing the groups music video pitch, the audience members were all given an A4 piece of paper each and a pen. They then wrote down their thoughts and personal criticisms on the apparatus given, to which I and the group then read and compiled the feedback into the following statement posted; 


Suitability for target audience

• May suit a larger audience other than students 
• Possibly have more locations on show such as streets and alleyways. 
• As the action tells a story, it is suitable for the target audience.
• Overall, the video idea is suitable. It has a flare of fantasy and imagination to it.  

Comments on Original Idea

• "A good idea, like the montage idea as it is very different and no other group has thought of it."
• "It is a very abstract idea, perhaps include some performance based shots."
• "I really like your ideas. I think what you have come up with is very clever."
• "The original idea is very realistic."

Logistical arrangements 

• "It will be difficult. I wonder how you will get lights to work in the woods."
• "Yes it should work because it's very simple and sounds plausible." 

Does it sound achievable with college equipment?

• "Yes, it seems easy enough."
• "Yes, I believe it can easily be done with a little effort."

Does it sound realistic?

• "Yes it sounds very unique and it could easily be made with simple equipment, you will have difficulty with some things though."
• "Your ideas will be quite easy most of the time, apart from the lights."

Storyboard Idea 2

Sierra Planes lyrics

Sierra Planes - Lyrics:

Light moves off the fallen and on to jungle rain
Light moves off the fallen, calling out my name
But I can't hear the forest begging Cowell for fame
Light moves off the fallen, and on to sierra planes

I want light
I want hope
I want to swing
On my own jungle rope

We want light
And searing heat
Forget your chase and your former place,
We're swimming in the sea

I want light
I want hope
I want to swing
On my own jungle rope

We want light
Around and above
With my jungle rains and sierra planes
Forever being love




SIERRA PLANES EP

Written, performed and produced by George Barnett from March - July 2010.

© George Barnett 2010