Friday 14th October

This was our first filming session located in Manchester, Castle Field. This location was chosen as it was a quiet area, but known for the old buildings yet pleasant scenery. Also, the main theme of our chosen song was ‘train’ as it appears in the title and throughout the lyrics during the chorus. Therefore, this area was also appropriate as the world's first passenger railway terminated here in 1830. Numerous shots were used to represent the performer’s lonely, depressive state. For example, a high angle shot of him sat on the edge of the step of the canal, throwing stones. The high angle suggests his vulnerability, being sad due to the departure of his girlfriend. With nobody else in shot also portrays his loneliness, showing the viewer that he is perhaps isolated and doesn’t feel like he fits in without his girlfriend as he is use to.
Similarly, a low angle shot of him slumping down the stairs of the canal was also used to essentially represent him looking ‘down’. His views on his life at the moment alone, show him as not having the courage to look up and also show that there are no signs of his life going ‘up’ and progressing. Moreover, it could also give the impression from this shot as though he is being ‘walked over’ and degraded.
Throughout the video, shots of him walking down the stairs are used to be ambiguous. The initial shot shows the unhappy character simply walking down the stairs, however, we also intended the shot to also represent his decreasing mood as though going further down into depression.
Whilst in the area, we took advantage of the nice scenery, and used it to also film the happy memories of the couple. They lie on the grass together vertically with the top of their heads touching, talking and laughing to each other to show their close relationship. A bird's eye shot from the camera is used to show them looking up at the clouds together, supposedly to be a romantic gesture of the two of them looking up at the sky. We decided against the idea of the girlfriend lay next to the performer, because we felt that the used shot was more effective in showing their thoughts being connected, but also showing how their views sometimes are hit, head on.
Above the canal, there is a brick arch which the train tracks run along behind. We got a shot of the train going past to include in the sequence, as it is appropriate according to the song title and could be used throughout the video to slot in suitable footage.

Michael Jackson- Bad album analysis

The album is Michael Jackson’s Bad album from 1987, this was the album which promoted Michael Jackson’s “Bad” era, evidence for this is the spray painted text of “Bad” which promoted that he is rebellious and will do as he pleases as by placing graffiti his own album cover, the clothing of a leather jacket with an excess use of chains and buckles gives the stereotypical representation of a biker, a rebellious image across America in the 80s. The white background represents how he is breaking the mould and has come out the black and white world of pop music in the 80s, it represents that Michael is special.

The Back of the album has the list of songs that Michael Jackson has placed into the album, there is an image of him once again which is a juxtaposition to the “Bad era” that he has been seen promoting at the front, the image looks as if Jackson is self conscious and tired, this could represent that he is able to show a more softer and calmer side, this is used quiet a lot in album covers as the artist may; like Michael, have a few slow and influential songs such as “Liberian Girl” and “Man in the Mirror”. The back also possesses Michael’s name a number of times, this could represent that the audience could not forget a name like the talent of Michael Jackson, so when they see the name they are instantly attracted to the album, so if they repeatedly place the name in the album so they will buy the name, rather than the music.

Duran Duran- Duran Duran (The wedding) Album poster

This poster in an authentic Duran Duran poster promoting their self titled album in 1993, the poster has an sepia color filter to represent the retro old fashioned style that Duran Duran promoted in the 90s, there are pictures of different weddings which happened at least 50 years previously which could conclude that the album promotes an classic connotation that happiness can last a lifetime, the images show smiling faces which could give a positive analysis of the album to the audience as they would buy it and enjoy it in a positive light. The name of the band is Duran Duran, yet so is the album so the poster name of Duran Duran could split the audiences opinion and makes them think if the poster promotes the band or the actual album, this will give an lasting opinion on the audience which will conclude on having them go out and buy the album. The poster also promotes some of the song on the album, which could show that the album may have song the audience like where they might not of though them songs were on the album if they were not given information about it.

The poster also show the many formats that the album can be played on, this gives the indication to the audience if they are actually able to buy it, that if they have the correct hardware to use the product. There is also the quote of "The Band New Album" which could lure the audience into buying into the album as they will know that they have not herd the music on the album before.

Duran Duran- Duran Duran (The wedding) Album Poster

This poster in an authentic Duran Duran poster promoting their self titled album in 1993. The poster has an sepia color filter to represent the retro old fashioned style that Duran Duran promoted in the 90s, and includes pictures of different weddings which happened at least 50 years previously concluding that the album promotes a classic connotation that happiness can last a lifetime. The images show smiling faces, which could give a positive analysis of the album to the audience as they would buy it and enjoy it in a positive light. The name of the band is Duran Duran, yet so is the album so the poster name of Duran Duran could split the audiences opinion and make them think if the poster promotes the band or the actual album, this will give an lasting opinion on the audience which will conclude on having them go out and buy the album. The poster also promotes some of the song on the album, which could show that the album may have the song the audience like where they might not of thought those songs were on the album if they were not given information about it.

The poster also show the many formats that the album can be played on, this gives the impression that the audience are actually able to buy it if they have the correct hardware to use the product. There is also the quote of "The Band New Album" which could lure the audience into buying into the album as they will know that they have not herd the music on the album before, hence it being 'new'.

Eminem- Recovery Album Poster Analysis

There were two different posters to promote this album. The first poster is of eminem sitting still watching TV including a background of a rocket ready to launch. Him relaxing watching television demonstrates his normal self, linking him with the audience doing normal things. There is big writing at the top of the poster, clearly indicating the name of the album; Recovery. The O is replaced by an aid sign, which relates to the word recovery, indicating the idea of 'reforming'. At the bottom, it shows the release date and also states more footage associated with it; 'includes the single not afraid' This is trying to persuade the people to buy it, as it effectively has a bonus feature, making it seem like the audience is getting an extra track for free. The background colours in both posters are the same, to show that they are from the same artist. The picture of Eminem makes the poster get more attention as he is a popular artist and also at this time had not released a song for a while. The album name perhaps tells us that he was in recovery state of mind, so he couldn't make as much tracks as previously. The font and colour used for the release date is also white which makes it really stand out against the dull background as it is the biggest writing on the posters. Overall the poster is relatively simple compared to others, but still portrays the message that a new album is about to be released and most importantly when it is gong to be released.

The Beatles - Abbey Road Album Cover

First issued on 26th September, 1969 Abbey Road was the final Beatles album to be recorded but not their last to be released.
This album cover is probably considered to be the most iconic album covers of all time.
The picture was taken on Abbey Road, London, closely outside to where they were recording their music, in Abbey Road Studios.

The album cover is the primary reason for the conspiracy theory of Paul McCartney being dead and replaced by an imposter.
John Lennon is dressed all in white to represent an angelic symbol, like a clergyman.
Ringo Starr is dressed in a black suit, mimicking that of perhaps an undertaker.
Paul McCartney is also wearing a suit, but without shoes. It was traditional for people to be buried bare foot and because he is not wearing any footwear enforces the conspiracy that McCartney is dead or a ghost. He is also walking out of beat with the rest of the band, further singling him out from the others. However, being the only left-handed player of the band, I belive that their positioning in the photo was not structured and therefore happened by chance.
George Harrison is dressed in casual denim wear, to perhaps portray the grave digger.
Because The Beatles were already a massive sensation in this time period, everybody recognised their image straight away. Like many album covers the actual singers are the main focus of the picture. Likewise, in this image The Beatles are the central focus.
At an initial glance of the cover, the image looks average as to what a normal every-day photograph would look like. It is only until you look deeper into the picture that people start to get carried away with the hidden messages relating to McCartney being dead. The props used further enforced this idea, as there is a hurse in the background linking to the subject of a funeral.
In my opinion, being a dedicated Beatles fan means that when you see the image and observe it intently you can notice the hidden messages linked to the conspiracy. However, in terms of attracting new fans, a problem would arise, as they most likely won't know enough background information of the story in order to be able to relate to the album cover's contraversial meaning.

Chris Brown - F.A.M.E album cover

F.A.M.E stands for Forgive All My Enemies. This album was released after a while, after battling with personal problems. During this time, he made enemies and this album cover refers to his life and how he is willing to forgive everyone and try forget everything that has happened, in the hope to move on. A large picture of Chris Brown is used and many small images behind are behind it, indicating this album is primarily about him. Also there are small words stating 'enemies' and 'forgiven' which again refers to his album name. The bright colours makes the album stand out and creates attention to the viewers, in the hope that they will buy it.




The back cover can be considered quite simple. The tracks are located on the right hand side of the CD. A bar cose is used and information of music record this album was produced in. The back colour is completely different as it isn't as bright. Also there is a picture of Chris brown wearing a helmet, this could indicate that he is trying to cover his identity from his enemies.




The inside CD cover is just a picture of the artist with a helmet falling down, and seeming as he has hurt himself. This picture can be combined with the album cover name. As this picture can tell us that during his personal problems, how hurt he felt, and how much pain and trouble he had to go through.

Original Story Board

Research Into Different Music Genres

A music genre is the process of music being categorized and identified into different musical categories. This is usually done through the instruments, vocals and lyrics. Here are a few examples of different genres and what distinguishes them from the other genres.

Pop Music

Pop Music is perhaps the most well known music genre with most of the popular music stars of today being categorized with them such as Beyonce, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber. It is the music most known by the public as it is played on a variety of different music video channels and radio stations.

Dance Music-

Dance music is composed specifically to facilitate or accompany different forms of dancing. It can either be a whole musical piece or part of a larger musical arrangement. Some examples of Dance Music artists are Aphex Twins, Chris Clark and B12.

RnB-

RnB can be associated with Pop Music as it is similar and also a very well known musical genre. It uses a strong vocal line over a strong musical beat with rhythm, repetition of them and a range of notes in the voice. Some examples of RnB artists are Jason Derulo, Bruno Mars and Dappy.

Rock Music-

Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during after the 1960’s particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, mainly inspired from The Beatles at their peak in their musical career. Today, Rock has centered on the electric guitar usually as part of a rock group with bass guitar and drums. Examples of Rock Artists are part of the rock music genre are Elvis Presley, Gomez, Green on Red and Air Traffic

Shot List

1. Medium, Low angle shot of picture in Michaels hand.

2. Shot/ reverse/ shot close up of Michael and picture.

3. Medium shot as Michael sits up on bench.

4. Medium shot of Performer of Michael with the guitar.

5. Long shot of Michael in the street.

6. Medium Shot of Michael getting on the bus.

7. P.o.v of Michael looking out on the bus.

8. Shot/ Reverse/ Shot of the P.o.v and medium shot of Michael on the bus.

9. Medium shot of Michael in car park.

10. Long shot of Michael in crowded street.

11. P.o.v shot of Michael looking at couple in street.

12. Pan shot of Michael running through town centre.

13. Medium shot of Michael with guitar on park bench.

14. Medium shot of Michael looking onto river.

15. Establishing Shot of train station.

16. Medium shot of Michael running past camera in station.

17. Close up of Michael running to train.

18. Extra long shot of Michael and train leaving.

19. Close up of photo.

20. Out of focus long shot of woman.

21. Shot/ reverse / shot medium shot of Michael and woman.

22. There is then a long shot of them walking up to one another.

23. Shot/ Reverse/ Shot of Michael and girl.

24. Medium shot of girl with Michael with hands in his head in background.

25. Long shot of Michael on balcony Lip syncing

26. Close up of picture on the floor shot goes out of focus.

Locations

Park – This is where the first location will start. The performer is drinking and depressed sitting on the bench due to his girlfriend leaving him. Hopefully the weather will match the performer's emotions of being sad through pathetic fallacy.

Quite street in town – The performer will be singing whilst walking down this street.

Castle Field Canal/Park – The performer goes to his and is girlfriends favourite place to rememeber how happy they were together. This enforces the memory shots that we are going to include along with this shot.

Bus station – A scene will be shown where the performer is singing and his head is against the bus window. He looks out and sees other happy couples. The bus scene will also help demonstrate the theme of the 'journey' to find his girlfriend.

Piccadilly Gardens- He goes running towards the Train station thinking he can still convince her to stay. This location is busy, so it is ideal in representing the chaotic atmosphere matching the performer's rushing state of mind.

Train Station- The performer looks for his girlfriend here. As a train is leaving, he would just miss it, and give the impression by the audience that he has not only missed the train but his girlfriend also.

Café – These casual shots would portray memories of the normal stuff that couples would normally be doing together.

Pre Planning

Props:

In todays lesson we have discussed what props we will be using in the scenes within the music video.

We need the following props:

- 4 empty beer cans

- A guitar

- A suitcase

- A digital camera to take pictures of the location with a tripod.

Costumes:

Michael is going to play the boy in the music video and his costumes consists of a casual TShirt, jeans and trainers.

Bethan is going to play the girl in the music video and her costumes consists of a green coat with scarf and leggings.

Roles:

Within our group, all four of us have different skills thta we can combine in order to create a successful music video.

Michael- Male star performer - the boyfriend

Bethan- Female performer - ex girlfriend.

Saba- Director/ Taking pictures of the locations

Abdul- Filming the scenes for the music video

Primarily Michael has the most experience with editing, so he would essentially be in charge of the editing.
Abdul understands photoshop, so his key job of this course will be to create the CD cover and poster promoting our music video.
Bethan is a keen English literature student and therefore will mainly be in charge of the blog and the formality of the posts and questions published.
Saba is going to help with the blog also, but input a lot of creative ideas into the music video and CD cover.

Locations:

1- Park bench where Michael will be drinking

2- Victoria train station

3- Streets in Manchester town centre

4- Market Street

5- Piccadilly Gardens