Update-24/11/2010

On all of these days, 16th 17th 19th and 22nd of Novemeber, we all as a group have been working on editing. We all have one location to edit, one location is about one and a half to two hours long. At this moment in time i am slowly familiarising myself with with the software so therefore getting my way around it. I am currently working on the begininng of the video which is fun to do. There are three different locations in the opening sequence which is good as i have a choice of settings.

Update 09/11/2010

Today we did some more shooting in the MPA room. It consisted of a various shots, for example close ups and medium shots. We also did the coreographed dance which went well.

Timetable

8th November 2010:
To shoot a club scene.
On Friday 5th of Novemeber, I sorted out the lighting to the room which will hopefully work well. Managed to get a strobe light and a variety of performers.
This is a very significant scene in the whole video as there will be a lot of eye contact between the characters and also physical interaction. It may be cliche but we are still aiming to keep the original codes and conventions of Hip/Hop and RnB videos.

THRILLER ANALYSIS

Michael Jackson- Thriller from MQC on Vimeo.

Thriller is a hit single which came out in1984, recorded by Michael Jackson for the Epic label. It reached number 4 in the U.S. singles chart and number 10 in the UK singles chart. The video is 14 minutes long and is considered as the greatest music video of all-time, and the song itself is considered to be one of Jackson’s signature songs. There is a clear relationship between the lyrics and the visuals in the music video. The video has no hidden messages as it goes straight to the point of it being ‘THRILLER’ .by just looking at the name of the track, it is obvious to the audience you can tell that the genre is gothic horror pop and we as the audience expect to see elements of this in the video. The video starts with a drama scene on Michael Jackson and his on screen girl friend walking through a grave yard after a night at the movies. The lead up to the track creates tension and atmosphere. This is also like a movie. It is one of the reasons why this video is so great, it is different and likeable.

It is very clear that in this video there is a narrative. The narrative is very important as it is one of the main reasons which makes this video so great. Like most narratives it starts of with everything going well then a proble and then the resolution. From the start we are introduced to two characters (one of which is the lead singer) and we are set up to a scene of which features gothic horror elements. The video allows the audience much more varied access to the performer, we see close-up shots; allowing eye contact and close observations. There is also a choreographed dance performance. This routine has become an iconic routine of Michael Jackson; this is part of the huge success of this song and video worldwide. There is a clear link between Michael Jackson and his dance routines; this is evident in all his music videos.

The tempo in the track is effectively used to work well with the dance in the routine. The tempo of the song is highlighted particularly in this music video by the pace of which the main artist and dancers move and walk to. The emphasis on certain lyrics (slamming door) the visuals also highlight this. The quick cuts go according to the tempo of the track. There is also frequent use of close up shots on the lead singer; these allow us to see facial expressions but also emphasis of the lyrics. Another reason as to why Close-up shots carry importance in this particular video, is the constant use of close-ups used to show costumes, this is part of the mise-en-scene. This shows how the mise-en-scene is important in helping to get a message across. However, there are also long shots which allow the audience see the location and mise-en-scene, we are able to see the graveyard with the performers dancing in their ‘horrific’ outfits. This is significantly used to create the gothic horror set and add depth to the track.

Angie Stone Cd Cover Analysis

The cover serves three main purposes:
1. To advertise and identify the contents of the music product. [It is also designed to be eye catching (audience lines of appeal: one line of appeal is called envy or emulation and another one is aspiration). It is also used for point of scale.]
2. To convey the artistic aspirations of the original [designed to show the insight into artist (personality, visual representation of the music) and it also establishes the artist's identity.]
3. It can be used for promotional efforts surrounding the product, as an identifiable image associated with it. [Maximizing sales/revenue and to establish target audience ,codes and conventions of the genre]


1. Typography:
Sophisticated
Simplistic
The font is cream coloured and is formal which reoresents soul music

2. Composition and layout:
Simplistic
Central framed (Implies that everything is hers including the song, music)
Close-up suggest her high status as an artist/song writer
Colours/effects:

3. CPR is reflective of the album cover.
Complementary colours (cream for the title and the twigs).
Complements overall mahogany
The colours suggest that the artist is down to earth
4. Main image of artist:
Mainly soul artists are black and are represnted as natural. This is evident throught the use of the twigs and her natural hair.
Humble - Looking up gentle; giving thanks to god?
Status - suggests quality (every woman).
She looks reflective/peaceful
Subverting the direct gaze pose
Diva? From her body language- The way she has positioned her hands as to say that she is glamorous and special.

4) Appearance:
Mahogany natural afro/blending.
Natural make up.
Absence of jewelery---->Grounded/ generic convention humble.
Natural beauty as opposed to 'sexy'

Overall, the front CD cover suggests that she takes her music seriously and want people to respect her . She doesnt want to be a sex symbol she want to ber herself , simple but authentic.

Plenary

Plenary
1) What are the key features of CD sleeves?
• 8-14 tracks name
Barcode
• Record Company and logo
• Institutional information which includes who produced i t, which studio it was produced in and at which year
• Image can be possible
2) What makes a suitable CD cover design for your particular genre and artist?
• The album cover must relate closely to the music on the CD
• Unique style
• Colours can be either bright or black and white

Production Update

Production Update
Monday 1st of November

Today we went to shoot another scene which is primarily in our opening sequence. We have added a new location into the music video. For the begining we have added a bedroom scene were the main female character is answering a phone call whereby someone is asking her to go out and her getting ready in her bedroom. We have added this scene into the storyline of the music video in order for the story to more effective and add to the female character's role.

Production Update
Wednesday 27th October

Today we started filming the opening scene of our music video and our tracking shots. Before this point we have encountered some problems which we dealt with. This includes us changing our female performer. This is due to our primary female performer Jaymee having commitment issues. However, our new female performer still fits into the conventions of female in a hip hop/ r'n'b music video. This far we have also filmed parts of the performing scenes using tricast but we still need to film more to ensure that we have the best footage to choose from.

Feedback

Ornela, well done for using multi media in the presentation of key aspects of your group's research and planning work. You are up to date with the work and now just need to upload your vox pops.