A Checklist

James and I before we set out for filming we decided on creating a checklist so we know what we need for filming, and not letting disorganisation slow us down. Many things that are present in the video have been left out as James and i relied upon many of the actors to bring their own instruments and amplifiers. The checklist James and I agreed on is as follows:

• Money
• Video Camera
• Tape(s) (recording tape)
• Duct Tape
• Phone Numbers/Contact Details of all the personnel involved.
• Slide
• Spare Guitar Straps, Leads, Drum Sticks and Strings
• Lights
• Tripod
• Storyboard
• Track (on a Memory Stick/iPod so it can be played in any audio source)
• Camera

The checklist above allows James and I to get straight into the location and focus on what needs to be focused on instead of realizing we have forgotten something of significant importance like the video camera and using time to go and retrieve it, which could be time that would be better spent filming. This checklist will be used on the morning of the day of filming, where James and i can easily keep things in reach and get things organized to help the day of filming run smoothly.

Lighting

James and I soon begun the discussion of lighting, after viewing a lot of film-noir and music videos where lighting really helps create a mood of anxiety, tension and general beauty in a film.

James suggested Argos or B & Q. After research into their websites its evident that B & Q were probably the best choice, it relied on me to go on and get them which was a large burden to bear but they were finally acquired.

The lights James and I selected and purchased are the ones on the right with a wattage of 500 they seem to be the perfect lighting to use on the day of filming.

Preparing for Filming

When James and I decided on what kind of location we wanted for our music video, we began asking different people in our class and around the school for a garage we could possibly use. Along with this came a variety of issues to do with mise-en-scène, cast etc. From a few discussions we realised who we needed for the music video and soon had a base idea of what cast we wanted to use, the conclusion we came to was just a base idea of what look and feel we wanted to show in this video, we both agreed on a music video involving just the average band situation where a band are rehearsing a song, this song being 'Love Spreads by The Stone Roses. In the process of finding our cast James and I found our location as well this being a garage converted in to what is meant to be a band rehearsal's space, which is ideal for our motives in filming. With this as a probable idea for our setting of filming and with a cast decided upon it seems a set date for filming can be noticed in the future.

Our Animatic

Now James and I have decided upon our storyboard and I have completed the final drawings an animatic seems to be where we are going. An animatic without a doubt seems like a very useful thing to have as it lets James and I see what our music video would look like without having to go through the lengthy process of actually shooting it.

I was appointed to draw the animatic, which was a difficult process but not too tiresome considering the technology available to use and re-use certain certain shots instead of constantly re drawing them.

Here is James' and mine finished animatic on the link that follows http://vimeo.com/10550130

Creating a Storyboard

In the process of filming it is very important to have a plan for what you are going to set out and try and accomplish. A storyboard has the desired effect, as almost each and every shot can be pre-planned and filming will have a much more organised and professional effect.

When deciding what certain shots to put down on to the storyboard everyone in the group has to come to some sort of mutual decision, which can be very difficult as everyone usually has their own individual view of what appears to look 'good'. As James and I encountered these problems we soon began reaching mutual ground and soon began sketching rough ideas for a storyboard. Soon we had a good selection of ideas that presented what we wanted to express in our music video.

When drawing the animatic James and I did encounter problems, especially in me realizing that an animatic was just what shots we really did want to include and the rest just being filler almost which can be filled in when it came to editing, a concept i did not understand at the time and many disagreements did occur but soon were resolved.

As you will soon be able to see from my animatic and the comparison to our final music video, never did i think how useful it may be especially when it comes to the day of filming, and it may give James and I a lot to disagree on but also stuff to agree on and build and work towards.