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Showing posts from November, 2024

Lipsyncing practice

 During class today, we practiced lipsyncing as it's one of the main components for filming a music video with a main lead.

Editing practices

 We edited some clips from our shooting practice on capcut to practice and later on perfect our editing: Here's a rough edit of our practice filming on the song "somebody else" by The 1975.

Shooting practices

Our little practice for anti hero is above^  In class, we also worked on practicing our cinematic skills for shooting our music video. We practiced with the song "somebody else" by the 1975 emphasising practice on how to shoot with shadows. Some clips of the practice are below: For fun we also practiced with the masterpiece, Celine Dion's "My heart will go on":

Production Schedule and weather forecast

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  Music Video Production Schedule (Mid-Dec to February) Pre-Production Phase (Mid-December – Early January) Week 1-2 (Mid-Dec to End-Dec) Tasks: Finalize the concept, storyboard, and shot list. Secure permits for locations. Hire cast, crew, and any needed specialists (e.g., choreographer, stunts). Scout and secure locations (consider weather and accessibility). Rent or purchase equipment. Schedule rehearsals, if needed. Weather Considerations: Winter Conditions : If filming outdoors, weather may cause delays, so ensure locations have backup indoor options or covered spaces. Contingency Plans : Have an indoor shoot location ready if outdoor conditions (snow, rain, etc.) become problematic. Week 3-4 (Early January) Tasks: Confirm all logistics (permits, insurance, transport, catering). Create a detailed shooting schedule for each day. Conduct costume fittings and rehearsals. Finalize equipment and transport logistics. Weather Considerations: Cold Weather & Daylight : Days are sho...

Planning: Equipment list

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  Filming a music video as a college student can be both exciting and challenging, especially on a limited budget. However we have access to good quality equipment even with limited budget. 1. Camera Entry-Level Option: Smartphone: IPhone 15 DSLR or Mirrorless Camera :  the Canon EOS Rebel T7i  Alternative (Renting/Sharing): Canon EOS 90D or Sony A7 III  for higher production quality. 2. Lenses Standard Zoom Lens (18-55mm) : If you're using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a standard zoom lens can cover most of your shot types (wide shots, close-ups, etc.). Prime Lens (50mm f/1.8) : Great for achieving a cinematic look with a shallow depth of field and better performance in low light. 3. Tripod and Stabilization Tripod : A basic tripod is essential for stable shots. Consider an adjustable one to handle various heights and angles. Gimbal or Stabilizer  (Optional): If you need smooth, dynamic movement shots, a gimbal like the DJI Ronin-SC or a cheaper alternative (lik...

Costume and props

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 As we will be showing two sides of the same character, our main lead will wear casual clothes and in contrast her 'supposed' doppelgänger will wear flashy and more bold clothes, emphasising on the contrasting themes and visuals of the music video. This is our aimed visual; For props, we will be using mirrors, a fake knife, some food items, guitar and a laptop to give our music video a good narrative to it. 

Casting and audition process

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 For the casting, we only need one female protagonist. For this we asked our school fellows who were interested in the role to turn in their cvs, side by side, we assessed their lip syncing and acting abilities to see who is best suited to the role. By judging through aesthetics we decided on our batch mate and friend Sania Khan, who is also a fan of Taylor's music and the overall theme we are aiming for.

Location Scouting and risk analysis

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 Our shooting will mostly take place indoors as we will set up our props in a studio apartment. We will also film a few scenes in a park near the apartment. Filming a music video in a park and at home can be a creative and cost-effective choice, but there are several risks involved in both settings. Here’s an overview of the key risks and how to prevent them: Risks in a Park: Permits and Legal Issues: Risk:  Filming in public parks often requires permits, especially if you have a crew or equipment. Failing to obtain necessary permissions can lead to fines or having to stop filming. Prevention:  Check with local authorities about permit requirements and secure the necessary permits before filming. Ensure you’re aware of any park-specific regulations (e.g., restrictions on commercial filming, noise, etc.). Weather Conditions: Risk:  Outdoor filming is vulnerable to weather conditions (rain, wind, extreme heat), which can delay production and damage equipment. Preventio...

Budgeting and Ancillary tasks

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  Being college students, our budget is limited hence we will be working with a certain range. To ensure this, we will keep our locations close, less people on the team working and will try to spend more on props like the lighting and costumes.  For ancillary tasks we will be using; Teaser Clips:  Share short, engaging snippets from the music video—like 5-10 second clips of the most visually striking moments, catchy lyrics, or exciting visuals. This builds curiosity and anticipation. Personal Posts:  Share the video across your personal social media accounts, highlighting why it’s important to you and how it reflects your artistic journey. Ask for Engagement:  Encourage your followers to comment, share, or tag friends who might like your video. Ask them to share their thoughts or favorite moments in the video. By combining these tactics, you can effectively promote both your music video and digipak to your audience, driving engagement.

Planning: Story Board and Shot list

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 We made this rough draft of our shot list; Followed by this shot list that will guide us through our project:

Song analysis

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  “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift explores themes of self-awareness, vulnerability, and internal conflict. The song’s lyrics reflect Taylor’s struggles with self-doubt and her role in her own problems. The opening line,  "I have this thing where I get older, but just never wiser,"  sets the tone of feeling stuck in cycles, while the chorus— “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me” —captures the raw, self-critical realization that she is both the cause and the solution to her struggles. The contrast between the song’s upbeat, catchy melody and its heavier lyrics amplifies the theme of internal tension. The playful sound masks the deeper vulnerability and self-reflection, with Swift using humor and irony as coping mechanisms, especially in lines like  "I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror."  The song balances the burden of fame with personal self-criticism, embracing the "anti-hero" archetype as a flawed protagonist. At its core,  “Anti-Hero” ...

Planning: Concept development for "Anti-hero"

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  In this music video for "Anti-Hero," we envision a surreal, dreamlike world where Taylor Swift navigates her inner struggles and self-awareness through a series of whimsical, otherworldly landscapes. For the "Anti-Hero" music video, we’ll create a striking contrast between the song’s introspective themes of self-doubt and inner conflict and a vibrant, almost surreal pink color palette. The dreamlike, whimsical pink hues will provide a sense of soft fantasy, suggesting a world where emotions are heightened and distorted, almost as if we’re viewing Taylor’s psyche through a rose-tinted lens. This soft, pastel world, while visually appealing, will highlight the tension between the superficial beauty and the deeper turmoil within, mirroring the internal struggles in the lyrics. At the core of the video, the pink palette will shift between lighter, almost playful shades and deeper, more saturated tones, reflecting the emotional complexity and fluctuations in Taylor’s s...

Trends

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  In recent years, the landscape of music promotion has undergone a dramatic transformation, primarily due to the rise of digital platforms and social media. These shifts have reshaped how artists, record labels, and fans interact, making promotion more dynamic, decentralized, and accessible. Here’s an overview of some key trends in music promotion, with a focus on digital platforms and social media: Streaming Platforms : Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube are central to music promotion. Curated playlists and algorithmic recommendations drive discovery, with playlist placements offering major visibility boosts. Social Media : Platforms like  TikTok ,  Instagram , and  Twitter  are vital for fan engagement and viral promotion. TikTok, especially, has become a powerful tool for songs to go viral through trends and challenges. Data and Analytics : Platforms like Spotify for Artists provide valuable data, helping artists target specific audiences, optim...

Music video theorists

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  One interesting video to analyze from a theoretical perspective is  "You Belong with Me" (2009) , as it incorporates themes of gender roles, identity, and the "gaze" in ways that align with several theoretical frameworks, such as  feminist theory  and  theory of the male gaze . Let's explore this. 1.  Feminist Theory: Feminist theory examines the ways in which gender and power dynamics are represented in media. "You Belong with Me" is about unrequited love, but it also reflects certain traditional gender roles that are critiqued or subverted. In the video, Taylor Swift plays the role of the "girl next door," a relatable, quirky, and somewhat "unconventional" female character who contrasts with the more traditionally feminine love interest of the song, portrayed as a cheerleader or "perfect girl." The video positions Swift's character as a more "authentic" and "real" version of femininity compared ...

Representations

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  Representation in music videos plays a crucial role in reflecting and shaping social issues and diversity. Over time, music videos have become a platform for marginalized groups to challenge stereotypes and assert their identities. Racial and Ethnic Representation : Artists like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Bad Bunny use their videos to celebrate Black and Latinx cultures, tackle racial inequality, and redefine mainstream narratives. Gender and Sexuality : LGBTQ+ artists like Lil Nas X and Troye Sivan have used their music videos to explore queer identities and challenge traditional gender norms, fostering greater visibility for sexual diversity. Body Diversity : Artists like Lizzo challenge conventional beauty standards by promoting body positivity and celebrating diverse body types and skin tones. Social Issues : Music videos like Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” critique racism, gun violence, and police brutality, while Janelle Monáe’s “PYNK” explores themes of gender, sex...

Music video genres

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  Different music genres often have distinct visual styles that reflect their unique sounds and themes. Pop music videos tend to be vibrant, upbeat, and polished, often featuring bold colors and high-energy choreography, as seen in artists like Katy Perry and Beyoncé. Rock videos can be raw and intense, with darker, grittier aesthetics, often incorporating dramatic lighting and performance-focused imagery. Hip-hop visuals are known for their flashy, street-inspired style, with a focus on luxury, urban environments, and confidence. EDM videos frequently embrace futuristic or surreal visuals, creating an immersive, otherworldly experience. Country music videos typically feature rustic, natural settings, emphasizing storytelling and emotion. These visual styles are deeply intertwined with the music's mood and message, enhancing the overall experience.