CD digipak pitch feedback

Above is our presentation of the CD digipak we presented to our peers, to get insight on our possible ideas of the front album cover for "Miss You So". Our initial and most dominant idea is to keep the design and format very simplistic to follow the aura Frank Ocean follows our peers were also supportive of this idea. However what we also decided was to adjust somewhat to

Mock Up

Task 8

Below are three case studies that include a CD packaging which is made up of the album cover, side portfolio and back.

Lana Del Rey: Born to die.

This album cover of Lana Del Rey's Born To Die album cover, perpetuates a very simple yet elegant character.  The angle used is medium shot with above the worms eye view which helps to reflect power. Although the background is very simplistic and just presents a natural setting it works very efficiently with Lana, as the main focus of the cover is her. The close mid shot of her portrays her as strong and independent this is reflective from her songs and the lyrics used as a constant reoccurring motif and a profound message. The colour scheme once again emphasises on a more natural scheme as it predominantly consists of blue and white. Therefore taking these main factors in to consideration I believe that with Frank Ocean's 'miss you so' the CD packaging should also follow a more simplistic route due to the idea that both artists can be compared in the sense that they should be portrayed as the centre of attention and the background should be kept straightforward.

We can infer that the back cover is minimal as it only consists of a featuring list, label logos.
The disc design follows the minimalistic approach with a hard white print and 3 roses on the edge of the disc which also fits the romantic themes of the album as well as connoting love and passion. The booklet inside the album's packaging features the lyrics of the the album printed on an off white background with ink splatters in gold and blood splatters. 

From analysing Lana Del Rey's CD digipack I have reinforced specific ideas that I could possibly cooperate in my own  CD packaging for example the key symbolisations i.e a consistent font or lettering which will give the artist (Frank Ocean) more recognition rather than all kinds of lettering which will not follow a specific pattern or convention in this case. This is important because, both artists (Lana Del Rey and Frank Ocean) follow a simplistic yet memorable approach in the design of the CD packaging. 

Above is a album cover for Jhene  Aiko's 'sail out' album. The approach used in this specific album cover follows more of an anecdote meaning that for example, the ship used and the almost mystical background makes the design very romantic however the colour scheme adds a specific edge to the whole cover as it follows a more gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. Although a lot seems to be happening on the background it could be argued that Jhene is still the main centre of attention even though we (the audience) don't infact see her face. I believe that this is what significantly can draw or interlink our possible CD packages because, Frank Ocean also is similar in the sense that even though on his previous album covers he has not had a specific image of him we are still acceptance of his remark.

Drake 'Nothing was the same' 

Drakes album cover of nothing was the same is a side close up of an oil painting of the artist. There is evidently no eye contact however the reasoning behind this is to compare it to another oil painting of Drake when he was younger, this immediately narrates a story or idea of the young Drake looking up at the older version of himself and evidently of all the successful accomplishments he has gained.

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• This album cover containing 'Ed Sheeran' is dominated hugely by one close up of the artist. Furthermore like you will see below it is the same image used in the magazine poster this creates synergy because its conventional in the sense that it follows a specific type of image. In addition to this one of the main reasons why I decided to use this specific case study was because of the choice of colour. Just like Frank Ocean's album channel orange which will also be examined as a case study both artist have decided to use one block of colour, the only difference is that Ed Sheerans one is a saturated orange. 

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• The name of the artist is a key feature that is needed for a magazine poster. It reinforces artist recognition. Album name: is a collective name given to the various songs on that one CD. This is also featured on the CD cover, in the same font, colour and size, creating synergy between the CD cover and poster. Release date is essential in notifying the audience of when the album is available in stores. Featured songs on the album: provides a sense of persuasion in including the top charting singles from the album. Encourages the consumer to buy the disc.

The album cover is of a person holding a board from a mugshot. Even though we can't see who is holding the board we can examine that they are styled in an all black attire as well as black nail varnish,this reflects the punk trend that the audience would recognise. We can tell that the whole digipak almost slightly tinted black and white, this automatically identifiable as a punk colour palette. The images are gritty which once again reflects old and tarnished which works well with the overall theme.

Reviewing the back which is a track list and copyright info etc. This is in the same font as the album title, which is quite plain and continuous. The lexis is white on the black background, which gives the overall digipak a dark and gloomy feel. 
The other pane on this side is a band photo, another feature that almost all albums contain. The picture is taken against a badly hung white background, so that the set up looks careless and parodies very produced band photos. The image is very high contrast and uses low key lighting, this adds a lot of shadows and emphasises the black and white. The band are looking out at the viewer confrontationally, with the lead singer in the forefront. These panes are all quite redundant and what you would expect, styled in a similar way to many punk albums.

Here we can see a pattern through the orange background Frank Ocean has chosen to use, which is very similar to Ed Sheerans. Both have also in cooperated one image of themselves, this is very simple yet it is something you would associate both artist with. Therefore we also wanted to use this idea for our own album design. 

Audience Feedback

Final Music Video

First draft of our video

Shooting

Shooting day 1.

Below are few images showing the days we have shooted for the music video. Locations below vary from a local park, near the house we originally shooted in as well as another one in central london. 

After re watching what we shot on the first day we as a group came to a decision that we would re-shoot what we already had this was because we were not particularly happy with the lightning which we knew we could improve the second time round. 

Recce's

Below are images of or recces where before shooting we went and checked out to come to decision whether it would be appropriate for our music video.

Permission of track use

Below is a print screen asking for permission to use the soundtrack "miss you so" by frank ocean. The reason for this is to avoid piracy. 

Proof

Above is a screen shot regarding I sent to Def Jam music label asking for permission to use the soundtrack 'Miss You so' by Frank Oceam

Planning and organisation of our timetable

TIMETABLE AND SCHEDLING

Sunday 19^th October – meet up (Walthamstow central) at 12.00

• Walthamstow Street
•  Zeynep’s house
•  Hollow Pond

Friday 31th October – Meet up (Walthamstow central) 12.00

• If we do not finish the scene where they meet at Walthamstow. We will complete it then.
• Café – Sunset

Saturday 1^st November - meet up (Mile End) 12.00

• Canary Wharf

Sunday 2^nd NovembeR - meet up 12.00

• Central London (possibilities)
• Canary Wharf

Wednesday 5^th November - meet up 3.00

• Photo Studio
• TV studio

Saturday 8^th November - meet up 12.00

• Central London (possibility to re-shoot)

Sunday 9^th November - meet up 12.00

• Possible re-shoots 

In todays lesson we organised our time to fit everyones needs taking in to consideration the time we have during class. Therefore above is a schedule for the days we are recording this also includes where we are meeting and the times.

Call sheets

Lyric analysis

Lyric analysis

Below is the lyrics for our chosen song "Miss you so" by Frank Ocean, within our group we have analysed each stanza discussing and evaluating the possible scenes we could shoot as well as what we can infer from it. This was a starting point so that we could gain some initiative ideas on the song and most importantly the message behind it. The reason why the message behind the song is particularly important to us is because during our treatment our audience was concerned that the song choice could possibly be too generic therefore we thought be breaking down the lyrics we could come up with more unique ideas.

1. Couple’s first meeting, walking past each other and he stops her, takes her number and then magazines shown -

2. Looking through pictures (physical and electronic)

I'll stack these magazines in the corner
After I'm done with them
And I still got the same hope that I started with
That you'll be in one of them

 My camera shed some tears since you left him
With nothing, with nothing

3. Flashback to happy memories (shown)

 How am I supposed to remember?
I got the memories
But memories fade, baby

4. Studio scenes - What am I gonna show to my kids, girl?
   When I'm older, and my mind is telling me to forget you
   What's gonna make me remember?

5. Takes a lot of pictures in different locations - That's why I was always taking pictures, pictures
   Cause I didn't wanna miss a thing, miss a thing

6. Argument, then girl packs up straight after
   Tell me how could you take the pictures, pictures
   When you knew they were all that I had left - nothing left

7. Walking by himself in the streets  They were part of our history, this story
   I was always taking pictures
   Cause I didn't wanna miss you so bad, miss you this bad
   Miss you so bad, miss you so

We didn't make love
We celebrated its invention
Confetti on the MATTRESS – I used to have those images

8. Burns photos - Tonight I came home they were just embers in the fire
   Along with my hard drive, no, no, slow goodbye

9. Guy should be looking in the mirror -
   How the hell am I supposed to remember?
   Tell me now, have the memories
   But memories don't last...
   What am I gonna show to my kids, baby?
   When I'm older, and my mind's telling me to forget you
   What's gonna make me remember?

10. More pictures being taken - That's why I was always taking pictures, pictures
    Cause I didn't wanna miss a thing, miss a thing
    Tell me how could you take the pictures, pictures
    When you knew they were all that I had left – nothing left
    They were part of our history, this story
    I was always taking pictures
    Cause I didn't wanna miss you

11. Studio scene – he sings to her
    No videos, no polaroid
    No record of the love we had

12. He picks up camera, girl no longer there, his face drops looks down
    My Nikon wasn't fast enough
    To catch my heart break in half

13. Empty frames
    No smiles on my PICTURE FRAME, no
    Just got them little basic ones that the PICTURES FRAMES come with
    Model, wedding picture, you know

14. More flashback, throws pictures on to the table looking distraught, it then focuses on a specific image and presents a flashback from that moment.That's why I was always taking pictures, pictures
    Cause I didn't wanna miss a thing, miss a thing
    Tell me how could you take the pictures, pictures?
    When you knew they were all that I had left – nothing left
    They were part of our history, this story
    I was always taking pictures

15. Rewinding back to the past presenting the old memories (taking pictures) all the back to the first time they met – they walk past each other. Girl carries on walking. Boy stops for a second looks at her then turns back to the camera and sings the last part towards the camera.-
    
    Cause I didn't wanna miss you so bad, miss you this bad
    Miss you so bad, miss you so...
    
    
16. Piano part – boy plays piano, and as they walk away, the camera fixates on the torn apart picture that is left on the floor.

Risk Assesment

 Due to organisation and safety purposes we analysed each risk assessment point and labeled the severity and what we could do in specific situations by creating this we were englightened about factors we may not of even thought about before.

Story boards : pre production

Below are the storyboards we have created, where we as a group have planned each stage of the music video and labelled the lyrics under each box as well as camera angles. We carried out this process so we knew exactly what we had to take in to account whilst shooting the video. 

Permission for location

Below is a print screen of a letter we sent to Waltham Forest government regarding a location that we are find of and believe is a suitable location to shoot in. Therefore to stop us from trespassing we took the action of emailing them. 

Above is a screen shot of the email we forwarded to Waltham forest ggovernmentThis is an email sent to walthamstow government to gain access and permission to use the facility provided on the email as it is private residence. Our location release will ensure that we have permission to use the above facility without any illegal and misused conduct as we are law abiding citizens.

Prezi of Treatment

Video of Treatment & evaluation

Evaluation

Below is a video presenting our treatment: it includes different ideas about our upcoming music video which is a track by Frank Ocean called "Miss you so".
The things that went well about our treatment was that the audience (peers) enjoyed the idea of using photographs as a key motif. Through this we can also add flashbacks which will present the different stages of couple's relationship. As a group we believe this idea is key because, its what makes our music video unique from the ones that are already out there. On the other hand the audience, did not initially support our song choice because they thought it was quite typical although when we explained how we planned to make creative by using technical elements and motifs they gradually believe that the song choice was suitable. Therefore, as a group we have decided to proceed with this song.
During our treatment we also grasped the idea that settings for the music video also is significant, and some ideas that we have come up with include, Central London, sitting room (therefore it would be ideal to use one of our groups living room due to the fact that it will be more accessible and therefore we would have more time to record also the studio will be used as the main setting for the lip syncing due to the fact that it will be easier to control and show the relationship between the two actors.
Further more another option we have is to go to Central London and record the male actor and vehicles (being cars and buses) moving really fast this would help the audience to understand that a lot of time has passed which will emphasise the break up of the couple.

Case studies

Below are case studies of music videos I have chosen to examine and analyse, while picking these music videos I tried to narrow them down to my interests and possibly to something similar to the music video I will be creating.

“National Anthem” is from Lana Del Rey’s album Born to Die.

Synopsis: The song narrates a relationship Lana had shared with a wealthy partner. The main element of the  song is about escapism and living the rich life as well as being careless. She reminisces on the good times they shared on such occasions as when he would drive her up to the Hamptons with him. 

"Tell me I'm your National Anthem 
Ooh, yeah, baby, bow down 
Making me so wow, wow 
Tell me I'm your National Anthem 
Sugar, sugar, how now 
Take your body down town 
Red, white, blue's in the skies 
Summer's in the air and 
Baby, heaven's in your eyes 
I'm your National Anthem 
Money is the reason 
We exist 
Everybody knows it, it's a fact 
Kiss, kiss 

I sing the National Anthem 
While I'm standing over your body 
Hold you like a python 
And you can't keep your hands off me 
Or your pants on 
See what you've done to me 
Give me Chevron"

Lyric analysis: comparing to some of Lana Del Rey's other songs such as 'Blue Jeans' this song is more towards the hip hop genre rather than indie. Although the phrase 'money is the reason, we exist' is something unique to indie artists due to the fact that they are known to comment on today's society in comparison to mainstream artists this also emphasises on Lana's indie attributes in the song. 

Themes: A reoccurring theme that comes up in this song is the theme of patriotism and America. Quite evidently the song is titled "National Anthem" and the colour scheme being 'red, white' and 'blue' in the skies is used therefore making it appeal to the American public significantly. 

Camera shots: In this music video the camera work is reflected with different types of shot angles which helps to make the video more realistic and appealing. The music video is introduced as Lana Del Rey is reenacting as Marilyn Monroe's 'Happy birthday' song this was captured using different rages for example: medium close up, long shots as well as some of the movements are panned from within the audience also a key factor within the camera work was that the camera is handheld this could imply that it was purposely trying to give an effect of this style of video being vintage or retro we could also back this statement with the flicker that was used as well as the part where the video was in black and white. Shortly after the performance we encounter an eye line match as she looks at her partner whom is 'ASAP Rocky'. During the video the closeups of Lana especially when she is moving her hand over ASAP Rocky's leg reflects her love/compassion as well as the illusion of living a wealthy life this evident from her chosen attire (Mis En Scene) which is formal yet simplistic which connotes with the idea of being 'elegant'. Throughout we see many medium angles of Lana Del Rey where she in very engaged with the camera in the sense that she is constantly making eye contact, one could state that this is to prove her significance in the music video. Furthermore we also pick up tracking motions of the familys movements rather with the camera being held still the shots follow the actions of the family, this could imply that the idea of a 'family' in this scenario is the most significant element. 
In terms of editing, it is clear to make the judgement that the video was purposely made out to look vintage as well as that element of retro.This is evident from the overlay layers of blurs that intentionally make the video look older than what it actually is. However this is understandable as it suits the videos main narrative which is to recreate John F.Kenney's extermination.

The second case study I will examine and analyse is Katy Perry's 'The One That Got Away'

The main shot is modernistic, The use of flashbacks for instance using Katy Perry as a narrator in the sense that she is an elderly women created a bond between the audience and the protagonist as she is almost narrating her own life and the events that have took place. The way that the mis-en-scene that has been used connotes through the range of colors that has been conducted for example: black, white and grey links back to the "elderly women" and the sense that time is passing.
Camera Work: The two shots of Perry as well as the partner 'male' sexualises her. Furthermore commenting on the septia tone that was also used show how long ago it was when comparing to her life now therefore highlighting some sort of nostalgia. Shots are often reflected back to the present time and presents her looking sad which supports the audience to sympathies with her, for example "in another life, I would be your girl" these set of lyrics link to the mourning of her lover and more significantly how her life use to be as it no longer is the same. Furthermore the wide shot of her sitting alone on a bed reflects her loneliness. 
A key symbolization: the use of tattoo's links her experience with her lover and the fact that he has left a permanent mark on her. The two close ups of the arm evidently shoes the audience the transformation in her skin and how the mark has kept the same despite her physical appeareance this suggest that her past has left a huge mark on her and this is presented through the tattoo. 

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Evaluation

During the past few lesson's my group and I, carried out a practice recording session where we used a song from Frozen this was 'Let it go'. Each person was allocated a role these are as follows: myself and Esther were in charge of the camera, while Duygu was directing and Kamran was the artist, I believe we all fulfilled our roles this is evident from the fact that we completed the video including all the editing that took place. We used a variety of different technical elements for example the different types of camera shots, these included long shot, close up and pan shot; the reason we used different shots was to portray different moods of the song and we wanted to reflect it in the music video. However the technical elements that we need to take into consideration next time is to put everything into focus.

Part 2.

Brief B: short film.

This was extra research I conducted on short films, due to not being sure of whether I would pursue to create a short film or music video. Because of this reason I decided to have a look at both short films and music videos and in the end decided to go for the music video where I have conducted more in depth research in my case studies. 

Notes for music video

Summer assignment notes for music video research.

There are three types of music video these include performance clip sync, dancing or bands, the second type is a narrative this is something that tells a story and lastly the third type is conceptual this could imply abstract or odd parts.
Examiners emphasises that the music videos should all include some element of performance.

The artist's have authorage this suggests that they have their own unique style and performance.
We must take into consideration camera, editing and mise-en-scene.

Example of short films on YouTube

YouTube:future shorts.

The Right Place
The entire short film was non diegetic except for a few occasions.
The choice of sound was very interesting as it connotes the whole purpose of the film which was a man having OCD therefore the technical sound in the background suits the film accurately.
Post-synchronised voice over which also was a way to connote his mood.
Narrative: a day in his life for example his breakfast was very orderly (cutting out his eggs perfectly), however the main focus was on his work, where he worked at a supermarket his OCD was also emphasised by his action where he would constantly order the cans.
The fast cut in rate also outlined his busy day.
The macro photography was also very powerful.
This specific film was is an example of linear as it has a clear beginning and end.

  Ben and Jackie
Freeze frames were used as transitions between the different scenes.
Shot in the world of his car: profile form the windscreen which outlines the intimacy
First person dialogue//voice over third person
Representations of the characters present conventional day to day life of a cab driver.

Exposure notes

In today's lesson we learnt about different parts of the DSLR camera by examining the buttons and 

The Shutter speed represents the higher the speed the darker the picture whilst the lower the aperture the number more light (F number). When the ISO is higher it becomes more brighter but creates more noise and grain. 

50, 3.5, 800 represents the default setting.

Moving on to the depth of field the lower f stop- shallow dof – higher exposure

whilst the higher f stop- deeper dof – lower exposure. The Focus- AF- automatic focus, MF- manual focus

The white balance functions to change the colours of the picture