evaluation :]

MUSIC VIDEO

This piece as a whole, to me is sufficient in fulfilling this section of the brief. Most prominently, this music video is very playful and frivolous (without compromising quality of ideas, filming, mise en scene and editing), as is aimed at the 3-7 years age group. We researched into this niche devising what it is that is amusing to them and what kind of song would fit this conclusion of audience choice. Searching through our Ipods and on the web, we came across ‘The Ugly Bug Ball’ which fitted perfectly, reflecting on this it was a well made decision. We then had to key all aspects in with this song and what type of energy we wanted it to give off. This is shown by the vibrant colours, plot of the music video (in that it works well with the lyrics but is presented in unique and not predictable way with stop motion, varied angles/framing, effects etc, which I’m pretty sure will entertain the younger generation), the costumes and dances are quite hilarious and odd which adds to this fun factor which all relates to the upbeat song choice. Working with the results of my questionnaire, analyzing and critiquing each individually, responding in favor of these, adapting and influencing the product so provides entertainment and enjoyment for the viewer to the best of our technical abilities.

The creativeness of the music video also would spark an older generation of viewers as they would be able to appreciate the ability level needed to create such a piece in comparison to the target audience, who would take it as is. This media isn’t perfect (stop motion introduction), the imperfections I feel add to the rawness and spirit of ’The ugly bug ball’, despite using the technologies and software’s to the degree of skill we have at this stage and with the timetable, I feel it is the best we could physically produce. Though the concept was a handful, I am pleased we didn’t stick to the conventional music video as it provokes some sort of reaction than the same old ‘couple walking, arguing blah’ plot which for me is tiresome at the least.

The skills I have gained are abundant, from planning each area of the filming process too detailed tweaking of effects. The pairing went well for the majority of filming with some small hiccups on the way, but this was a good task for me to develop my group working capabilities. Sharing ideas, compromising for the greater good of the work, enforcing a schedule and generally working well as a team. I also had to get to grips with more complex areas of Premiere pro editing because of the type of video and the ideas we had. Importing the stop motion images which were separated into each cut and exporting as a video, then importing and changing the timescale until the frames flowed like a video. Then chroma keying the backdrop so the models were the only objects apparent on screen. This was a hassle as the blue screen appeared grey which meant when I added the chroma key effect it ate away at parts of the models, with no option of re-shooting, I had make do and create the best outcome in these circumstances. Attention to detail was key in many areas of making and producing this media, which consumed a lot of hours. This was a struggle as we had to fit this work in with both of our schedules and organizing lifts (when it was snowing- as am motorcyclist) doing as much in these slots. But also this large workload meant we had to stay positive, and when starting this idea, seeing it through.

When it came to editing, we found some errors in continuity which meant we had to re-film these else it would let down the whole piece. This is one negative that came from our large work load as small details like for example; dancer wearing coat in one shot then not the next, were missed and formed extra work to be completed. Another thing that didn’t go to plan was the idea for the switch from stop motion to real footage, as needed somebody who could do the worm dance and who was also available on the filming dates, which as seen by the video didn’t work out and we had to settle on a rather dull transition in comparison (walking through a door).

If I were to change anything or improve the music video and the work that went into it, it would be to organize dates earlier as I feel some time was wasted. Also it would have bin a lot easier to have done a simplistic video with diverse effects, shots, costumes etc which would have presented the basic skills more prominently. However this was the idea we chose and we were persistent in doing so, working as best we can with the technologies, time and with our capabilities at this stage. On the whole I am pleased with the final result as it is a well thought through and constructed media which achieves the brief set, shown by the overall reaction and feedback but also, I feel it was a success.In the current market, there are no music videos quite like ours, with the chosen genre not being exploited to its full capacity in this medium giving a wide playing field for the product to be consumed. The song is branched from a Disney movie and would be showcased on music channels with the mainstream videos, this challenges the idea of what can be broad-casted on regular tv as this age group does have a niche area for this kind of song/movie. As i researched into the 'dance' music videos, the vast arrangements of shots of people dancing and enjoying themselves struck me as a key component of this music video type as evokes the onlooker to respond in the same way (dance). We wanted this effect to be a counter focus from the story being told via actors portraying (with movement, expression etc) and by the song itself. Also the media production itself does bend the conventions of the music video as many music videos stick to one format of filming, unlike mine which merges two together giving new aspects for the viewer to appreciate.

ALL MEDIAS

There is a distinct link throughout all my pieces, using components from one production bridging over all pieces, adapting this to make the piece more attractive and including new features to make for a group of Medias individual but also as one. The stop motion part of the music video was my main inspiration with the other ancillary projects and this gave me a leg up as to where I wanted to go with the ideas, but not just leaving as is developing them to become stand alone Medias when separate and also a collection when together. As a whole they all give off the same vibe but each with unique twist enticing the chosen audience shown through the feedback for each. The questionnaires prior to the making of the medias where vital in finding out what the audience wants to produce a product that sells, which is ultimately the main goal.