Animatic

Storyboard.

Storyboard

Daniel Broadley Email Response.

1.       What would you say the most important element of a performance video is?

I constantly argue with myself on this question, I guess it really comes down to the artist, they are the most important part of a music video as they are the person you are creating a marketing tool first (however this excludes vides where they are not shown at all). But you then have to build elements around them to display that artist in the best possible context and to do that I've narrowed a few things down which will hopefully help you identify what makes a performance video great.

1) Location:
This is one of the most important elements of a performance video, it is going to fill the screen more than the band are and therefore has to be interesting and reflect the mood of the artist. I prefer locations with space, i think it's easier to exploit a bands performance when there is a large area around them which reflects the amplitude of their sound and charisma. However, this is not to say a small intimate location can work just as effective, it just depends on the band. A band like Don Broco are quite adaptable as their sound varies, for 'You Wanna Know' it was all about exploring their performance personality in a big space, where as 'Hold On' was much more whimsical and quirky which meant the performance elements could be condensed in a smaller space. art direction is something I overlook when dressing a location but again it's an effective way of smoothing out anything that doesn't look professional or neat, whether it's finding a way to disguise lighting stands or tucking in bright coloured cables it all goes a long way, you'll never see a high end commercial rock video with an un neat location, attention to detail is crucial to stop the viewing being distracted by subtleties of imperfection.

2) Lighting:
Lighting is overlooked by almost everyone when starting out, mainly because of budget and logistics, lighting things outside requires power which usually isn't available or even lighting indoors requires soft light which is expensive to hire, it's always down to there not being enough (or any) budget. We overcame this when I first started making music video by shooting outdoors, choosing our timing carefully and using the sun to light the scenes, I would always put the sun behind the bands, which often meant shooting at sun set, then using a simple silver photography reflector, bounce that setting sun back towards the band, and that is the easiest and cheapest way to create some amazing images, this is a great example of that and one of the first music videos I ever made - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzlpo0UvIpg

Lighting indoors becomes tricky as it's really project specific, I tend to feel safe shooting in the day in a location that lets in daylight somehow, then using Kino Flo fluorescent lights (with daylight balanced tubes) light the subjects to make sure everything is evenly lit. But no matter what you end up using for light, always remember that skin tones are the most important thing to light, above all else if the bands faces are lit properly then it will be a great video

3) camera work:
This is a preference based point, everyone has their own way of shooting but it's imperative to think in advance about the dynamics of the song, if the song is aggressive or pacey then shooting handheld always looks great because it enhances the energy, however if a song is delicate and subtle then using tracks and dolly's and tripods are the way to go to help retain that graceful feeling that the song carries. you can also mix these together if the song has different sections that carry different energies. it also doesn't matter what you shoot on, people always get really snobby about cameras, but truth be told I spent the first year of my business shooting on a canon 550D, the crappy kit lens it came with and a really cheap canon 50mm prime lens, all in it was well under £1000, people would always comment on the results and ask if I was using a cinema camera... the other sneaky thing was I would barely do anything in the edit either, I prefer to just make it look as good as possible on the camera and then mildly tweak it in the edit suite, the video above has had barely anything done to it, that was pretty much what it looked like on the back of the camera screen on the day

3.       What camera angles would be best suited for a video where instrument shots are compulsory?

Camera angles are usually down to your own perception, I'm never really a fan of instrument shots, but the ebst thing to do is see what the location is doing on the day, if your background looks amazing then choose an angle that shows a bit of the background too, if it doesnt look great then keep the instrument shots close up. Another cheeky technique is to have half of the instrument in shot and then the drummer out of focus in the background to keep the shot interesting

4.       Given that you know what I am hopefully trying to do, do you have any tips on how to make it look as professional as possible?

If you look over the points in the first question I think you will hopefully be able to take some of that away and apply it to your field, always know your limitations and try and use them to your advantage, never be disheartened if things don't turn out as you imaged on the day, just quickly find a solution that compliments the problems. I think making music videos at a low - no budget level is more about problem solving than it is about over planning and being creative, i rarely write tons of script notes and shot plans on small shoots because too much can go wrong, and once it has you have to be very quick on your feet to find a solution that will leave you with a video that still looks as amazing as you first wanted it too. 

5.       How would you recommend to make a successful video with absolutely no budget? (Similar to what Don Broco did with Thug Workout, if you’re familiar with that).

Thug Workout worked because there was a charm to it, because it was very obvious the band had no technical knowledge on how to make a music video, I think recreating that would be difficult. If there is no money then it's about the idea, if what's happening in the video is entertaining to an audience in some way then no matter how it looks it will be a success

MoodBoard

Planning

for week commencing 16/09/2013

-         Annotate song lyrics to enable my storyboarding to be easier to do.

-         Complete storyboarding

-         Finish Textual Analysis’

-         Complete Moodboard

-         Adjust Pitch

-         Write up post about pitch feedback

-         Test shots with HD Camera

-         Email THE VAULT asking if I can go in within the next few days to take photos of the venue.

-         Construct and post animatic onto blog

-         Schedule list

-         Consider representations in your music video (who/what, why, where, how)

-         Apply relevant narrative theorists to your music video

Asking Permission from the band.

Due to copyright I had to inform the band that I would be using their song, I used my twitter to do this as I felt that it was the best way to contact the band personally rather than going through their management. So far I have not had a response to the tweets.

Daniel Broadley

I have researched into the director of one of the music video's that I have analysed. I decided to do some research as I felt like I needed a little bit more information into the videos, this will enable me to understand them more so that I can create a final piece which will fit into the genre accurately.

I decided to E-Mail the director for some information about what would make a good music video and if he had any tips. However, I initially emailed him asking if it were possible for him to answer some questions and I am awaiting a response. (10/09/13)

I recieved a response from Daniel saying that he was more than happy to answer some questions. 11/09/2013.

 

I plan to create some questions over the next two days for me to ask him. They shall include questions about lighting, camera techniques and also how to produce a low budget video affectively.

• Submit detailed analysis of music videos (at least 3)
• Decide on genre/song of music video
• Preparation of a 25 word pitch to include:
• Mood boards (e.g. animoto)
• Decide on band/artist name and create biography
• Post photos of band members alongside existing bands/ artists asexemplars
• Examples of other texts
• Audience profile and conduct market research (use uktribes.co.uk)
• Set up twitter feed for my fictitious band
• Preliminary evaluation.
• Evaluate what I have learnt from the found footage exercise 
• Look at a range of material beyond music videos for inspiration

The text highlighted is that which i completed through the week. Unfortunately I wasn't able to complete all of them as the work I had given myself was too much for me to complete with all of my other subjects. The tasks are now on my next list of planning.

25 Word Pitch

Location

I emailed 'The Vault' which is a small venue in Rugby about using the location for my video and requested how much it would approximately cost. The Vault replied to say that due to the location being needed for my A Levels then they were willing to let me use it for free. Also, I responded to ask if I would be able to use their lighting and they were more than happy to let me use it. 

This therefore means that I can make my video to be mainly performance with only small bits of narrative if any. 

 

I wanted to film my video at the vault as I have been to the venue several times and the intimate qualities are exactly what I want for my video as it would mean that it will be easier for me to film and multiple members of the band will be in the shot, which will fill it up and make the overall shot look more energetic.

I feel like I must use the lighting at the venue as it will help to create the vibe of a performance video and it will also enable my video to conform even more to what is expected of a performance video within my genre. It also helps to create the 'live performance' atmosphere which is a feature that I myself like a lot and I think that it will aid me a lot to have that feature within my video.

Bring Me The Horizon, Crucify Me Textual Analysis

Textual Analysis of BMTH.docx

Enter Shikari, Sssnakepit Textual Analysis

Textual Analysis of Shikari.docx

You Me At Six, Lived A Lie Textual Analysis.

Textual Analysis Of YMAS.docx

Audience Profile

"The ethos of the Tribe resolves around two core values – self-expression and individuality. Hardcore Kids are passionate about the Hardcore sound, a screaming genre of punk with severe tempo changes, double bass in the drums, and dirty chords from the guitarists (heavily distorted, tapping into any feedback and harmonic noises available!)  Tribe members will actively support independent record shops and local, homegrown bands.

Image is key to the Tribe, and the look is not so dissimilar to the Hipsters – think turned up skinny jeans, tight fitting band tees, plaid shirts and Vans. Tribe members will often have tattoos, showing their creative side through full-scale sleeves or individual flash pieces.  As Skin Deep columnist Paul Sweeney says, “Nothing shows commitment to self expression like custom tattoos and body modification.”"

"
Influenced by the likes of Odd Future’s Tyler The Creator, it’s an aspirational Tribe for many young people – a lifestyle choice that touches on music and fashion. The explosion of skater brands on the high street, from Vans to Nike SB, has made the skater ‘look’ easy to access: think five panel caps, windbreakers and Emerica shoes. Documenting is an important part of the Tribe – filming skate sessions and uploading the footage on to high quality video sites, like Vimeo.

Local facilities play a role in supporting the scene, where councils invest in skateparks such as in London, Bristol and Northampton. As a result, Skaters will often have stronger ties to their local community and will actively support the scene – from local pro-skaters to independent skate shops. Older Skaters are very influential in the Tribe, telling younger members about the latest decks and clothing brands."

Emo is a Tribe defined by its music – short for ‘emotional’, the word ‘emo’ first appeared in NME in 1995. With origins in Washington DC’s 80s hardcore scene , big bands like Fall Out Boy, Bullet For My Valentine and My Chemical Romance now typify the scene. The latter’s recent break up has only served to cemented their legendary status amongst Emos.  Emerging Emo talent dominates the Kerrang! tours of today, with the likes of Black Veil Brides and Fearless Vampire Killers keeping the Emo ethos in chat rooms and the charts alike.

Typically a younger (16-19) tribe, the Emo look is familiar to even the least-youth-savvy. A distinct mix of Goth and Indie, think dyed black hair, eyeliner (for guys and girls alike) black clothing and Dr Martens. However, Emos aren’t restricted to the ‘Daria’ aesthetic; their proximity to other Alt Tribes like Scene Kids means hair dye jobs in red, blue and purple are huge – as are Skater brands.
Horror and darkness have long been associated with Emos – Buffy The Vampire Slayer anyone? However the popularity of magic, zombies and vampires over the last decade means Emos are now in close quarters to other young Tribes like Nerds and Fan Girls – Twilight in particular made it suddenly cool to like the dark side…

The focus on ‘dark’ music, fashion and outlook on life has meant Emos often receive ridicule from other Tribes and adults who deride Emo as an ‘attention seeking phase’. However self-harming and suicide is a real, lasting issue in the scene – forum usernames like ‘xXSilent-SuicideXx’ ‘Princess-of-Pain’ and ‘xSuicideBloodx’ are common. Emos are very active online and have a strong sense of community, and a new generation are successfully raising awareness of mental health issues, promoting movements such as ‘SIAD’ – Self Injury Awareness Day.



All information is from UK Tribes.

Band Twitter

I have created a Band Twitter, I shall be using this for 'updates' for the band and post release dates of videos and albums etc on there.

Band Members

Conor Linett - Bass

Curtis Tew - Vocals

Harry Pentony - Guitar

Kieran Langley - Drums

Will Hayter - Guitar

Band Biography

        I have decided to call my band 'Bury Your Fear'. The reasoning for this is because the general themes of band names within this genre have negative connotations. Using the lexis 'Bury' indicates that there are hidden features within their songs and within their intentions of a band. It could also connote that you just have to get on with what you want to do, and don't let anything stop you because eventually it will be worth it.
        The band formed in early 2011 after they came together as a collective to make music due to the combination of a love of music and a shared boredom with what they were currently doing.
        They released their first EP later on that year and it was called 'Lights Combined' as it was based on their passion for music and where they are hoping to go within the music business.
       

The Song That I Have Chosen

I have decided to use this song for my music video. The reasons that I have chosen is because I think that due to the various speeds of the song it will be quite interesting to create a unique editing style too. I also think that the song will help me to be more creative with my video as it can be part performance, part narrative which will also go in with the song lyrics really well.


Lyrics:

My secrets are burning a hole through my heart
And my bones catch a fever
When it cuts you up this deep
It's hard to find a way to breathe

Your eyes are swallowing me
Mirrors start to whisper
Shadows start to sing
My skin's smothering me
Help me find a way to breathe

Time stood still
The way it did before
It's like I'm sleepwalking
Fell into another hole again
It's like I'm sleepwalking

I'm at the edge of the world
Where do I go from here?
Do I disappear?
Edge of the world
Should I sink or swim?
Or simply disappear?

Your eyes are swallowing me
Mirrors start to whisper
Shadows start to sing
My skin's smothering me
Help me find a way to breathe

Sing it!

Time stood still
The way it did before
It's like I'm sleepwalking
Fell into another hole again
It's like I'm sleepwalking

Wake up!
Take my hand and
Give me a reason to start again
Wake up!
Pull me out and
Give me a reason to start again

Time stands still
(Time stands still)
Time stands still
(Time stands still)

Your eyes are swallowing me
Mirrors start to whisper
Shadows start to sing
My skin's smothering me
Help me find a way to breathe

Time stood still
The way it did before
It's like I'm sleepwalking
Fell into another hole again
It's like I'm sleepwalking
(It's like I'm sleepwalking)
(It's like I'm sleepwalking)
(It's like I'm sleepwalking)

Time stood still
The way it did before
It's like I'm sleepwalking

Planning for 6th September.

Planning 6th September.docx

This is a list of what I am going to do before the 6th of Septmber to enable myself to keep up to date with my work and to make sure that I can keep organised with what I am doing.

Possible Band Name.

Estranged We Are

Bury Your Fear

Blind Sorrow

We Are The Fear

Foundations

Within Fury

Burn Out

Over Existance

I used www.bandnamemaker.com/generator and put in the bold words to try and come up with s name which I thought sounded suitable for a Rock/Metal genre. I chose these words as they have negative connotations which is something that is prone within the genre, aswell as what is stereotypically expected.

Don Broco, Hold On Textual Analysis.

Textual Analysis of Don Broco Hold On

0-33 seconds

The first 33 seconds of the video show a complete contrast to what would be expected of this genre of music. This is due to the lavish stately home setting which ridicules their other music videos to become a binary opposite to them. The editing conforms to the male gaze of a suggestive nature as it cuts to the vocalists face on a C/U to link in with the lyrics and what they are supposed to connote, which is that they are being messed around or ‘Played’. The editing is also smooth which correctly goes along the suave characteristic of the vocalist and the other band members on occasions. The peaceful overall atmosphere; which is completely abnormal in this type of genre as one would expect there to be a lot of performance and shaky/fast editing to run parallel with the fast pace of the song and energetic characters within the band. Also the irony with the attractive girls flaunting their bodies around the band contradict the lyrics suggesting that something is going on; however it could also enable the ‘storyline’ of the plot to move forward as the whole theme of lying can be shown through the girls walking around seductively close to the vocalist and what might be their intention. The irony is also shown within the first few shots when the vocalist is cradling a glass of whisky; this is mainly ironic to the fans of the band who know them quite well as it is the opposite of how they would act and they would know that they are trying to create a comical element within the video. However, at 31 seconds a general characteristic of the genre is executed, where there is a comical gesture (which also collides with the overall comical theme) as the Drummer creates a mimic of someone going to the toilet to aid the comedic features. The seductiveness of the context within the lyrics is shown through the other band members as well as the vocalist as the fast pace editing shows them quickly trying to ‘lure’ the women into the song, which is an example of the male gaze. At 16 seconds the vocalist synchronises the lyrics ‘Stick your tongue between my teeth’ with a seductive nod as to connote that he is inviting a girl to seduce him as he is her.

33- 47 seconds

 From 33 seconds to 47 seconds the video becomes less of a narrative and more of a performance video as most of the shots are of a member playing their instrument / singing into a microphone. This section of the video is especially a self-referential parody to their first single ‘Thug Workout’ as the video to the single was very low budget and self-directed/filmed. This is shown by the over exaggerated extravagant scenery such as the wallpaper and the large fireplace. The naff/camp theme is even reflected in the editing as it is similar to that of ‘Dallas’ or ‘Charlie’s Angles’ which are known for their naff show titles. The vertical wipes link to the retro styling which overall is connected to the overall style of the video and especially the location. The four way split enables the whole band to be seen at once, yet not in the traditional ways meaning that the director was trying to challenge conventions within the video. The dancing around the girls enhances the ‘campness’ of the video as their dancing is supposed to be seductive but yet again it adds a comical element to the overall production.