Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

There are no major risks when filming at these 4 locations: Studio, Farm, Green-land and house.

However, there are still risks to be assessed. Firstly, the possibility of electrocution in the studio is highly unlikely, but there's still a chance - considered to be a minor threat, but extremely harmful depending on the voltage supply. Way to prevent, keep all electronics turned off and wires kept safely aside.

 

Secondly, animals in the farm, for instance horses or cows have a slight chance if aggravated to react violently to strangers such as myself. Standards of prevention; stay clear or behind protected fences but yet to have a good view for filming of said cattle and horses.

 

In the Green-land/Forestry, one could be injured through certain plants - therefore, remain to man-made paths for security.

 

The most dangerous threat is setting fire to objects or yourself at home. As my house scenes require me to light matches continuously then drop into a bin of letters, there's a higher chance for a large fire to set alight. How I'll prevent this is through having a bucket of water in case the fire becomes too uncontrollable.

 

To conclude, there are still many more risks, but none to high to be concerned as a health risk.

Confirmation of Locations

Confirmation of Locations

Since the reply, I have constructed a budget for allowance of catering, travel and renting costs.

Roughly £30 where £20 will proceed towards renting the studio and the rest elsewhere.

In addition, the farm scenes are to be held at Shady Farm in South Normanton.

 

Email of Enquiry

Email of Enquiry

 

Character Representation

Character Representation

 

As our characters are based upon real lives of those in Central US, i.e. states like Texas, I will be relating to as many conventions as possible for further realism and appeal for our audience.

Typically, our audience are either British or American females, I will be focusing on trying to appeal this particular audience to maximise success.

 

We relate Texas and Alabama with cowboys, hillbillies, corn-fields etc, obviously we're going to attempt to go against some conventions; modernise our video to appeal a more modern audience.

My artist will be closely related to a cowboy, but converting them to become as modern as possible. I'm hoping that my artist and song will connect with my audience as a sense of relation, and potentially motivate my audience in any of the struggles that they may face. If my audience branched out across all ages, then the effects and issues that they could be undergoing are: Exams, Interviews/Promotions or generalised pressure.

 

The idea of transgenderism for my 'back-up' idea, made me think of how our audience would react, I've recently been analysing historical events in transgender media. Presumably, with a more modern target audience, there'd be an increased sense in acceptance as our society has grown in acceptance for LGBT. Like I said though, this is only the 'back-up' idea, thus I have no actual intention of predominantly using it.

 

However, I have considered the fact that this idea wouldn't be appreciated and perhaps neglected by some audience members, but today, when an artist releases a piece of music, the majority of their audience love their music but there are always some that don't.

 

For my music video, I don't want to give a negative representation of the characters as it could result in negative comments overall and inevitably a bad overall mark. I've analysed carefully different eras of Country Music from Dolly Parton to Taylor Swifts early music. The focus around Dolly Parton & Taylor Swift are for inspiration purposes only for the actress, but taking some aspects and gender-bending them, I can represent my artist in the masculine manner now too.

 

With these analysis' my objective is to also not misinterpret groups of people and perhaps 'mixing them up' with others. These analysis' have allowed me to go in depth for the lifestyle of my target audience group.

Research into Music Posters - Part 1 (Country)

Research into Music Posters - Part 1 (Country)

The typography for a Music Poster is somewhat similar to my analysis' of Digipaks. The font is large and bold, the white typing over a red background almost jumps out to an audience. The layout of the text is specific over the importance of what is on the poster - from largest to smallest in significance: Artist Name, Date & Location of Performance and Additional Information. The name of the artist is more important as it provides audiences with whom is performing.

 

The design of the background appears to be sketched. The face of the artist covers around 50% of the poster. A sketched and rough appearance standardises with conventions around a Country lifestyle. What 'Merle' is wearing and how he comes across shows us, the audience of what we'd associate him with - rough facial hair, stubborn expression and a typical cowboy hat, clearly shows me that he's a country artist.

 

The colour scheme behind the poster, tacky oranges and reds can be recognised as being ragged-old and of a Texan style. Being of this specific colour scheme, there's less modernisation and more American-western.

 

I believe 'Merle's' stature is somewhat important, the reasoning behind this is; it provides us with a little of his personality. Per say, standing hands on hips and smiling can be linked with a feminine artist such as Beyoncé, where she'd be flaring off some of her male-gaze attraction. In this case, eye-lining with the camera and his audience, 'Merle' is coming off as a strict and focused artist.

 

In comparison to modern posters of Pop genres, this specific poster has no reference to any industries involved with him. The only exception being the location(s) of his performance along with dates.

 

Now that my artist is male, I'll be taking a few of these aspects and using them as influences along with the other posts into Research of Posters. To be precise, I like the idea of the layout of the text and with how the importance of what's written decreases, so does the text size. However, as my song is more modern, the colour scheme isn't as appealing to me.

 

                                                                                 

Record Labels

Record Labels

"A record label is a brand or trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos." Record labels are essential when coming to music, they are the best & generic way of distributing music & music videos to audiences and even other companies to do so. Labels can be used as a form of copyright, meaning that no one can use the song for their own use without specifying and also 'distributes' & promotes the song. Record labels basically give artists and their managers a contract with them so that music released can benefit both parties.

 

In the music industry, artists rely upon record labels to distribute and broaden the audience/consumer base. Distribution can create a market solely based around music to which it's available from a variety of platforms from phones, TV, MP3 & most importantly nowadays, the internet.

 

Record labels can 'come in all shapes and sizes', small independent companies to major international  labels. Examples of each are: Sun Records - Indie company, UMG (Universal Music Group) - Major Record label.

 

Well-known artists are promoted through large companies, hence why we know of the artist really well. Yet, not as common artists are associated with smaller indie companies and potentially localised organisations. An artist we are familiar with today is Adele; associated with Columbia Records, under the wing of Sony Music Entertainment, considered to be one of the 'large' labels. Columbia have contracts with not only Adele but Calvin Harris, Celine Dion, Little Mix & many, many more.

My artist, Catie Curtis, already has a few record label contracts, but if I was to not include those then the labels I'll suggest will be unfamiliar to a modern audience. Partisan Records & ATO Records are a couple of labels that I'd recommend for my particular artists. These two companies focus on Folk, Country & Pop genres and therefore would probably be contracted to my artist.

Record labels were first introduced back in the 1920's where there was four major companies at first; Music Publishers Holding Company (MPHC), American Record Corporation (ARC), Decca Records & Hollandsche Decca Distribute (HDD). Only two of these companies still exist as their original name, MPHC & Decca Records. Obviously, the main reason for the introduction of record labels was to get rich basically. Another is the fact to show off peoples talent of singing internationally without actually having to go from nation to nation performing to get known.

How do their products get distributed? Large companies have necessary links between other large companies and smaller ones too. These links allow them to promote and distribute their most recent product. The companies associated to the 'big four' can be world-wide; for instance, an artist may be English and have a contract with an English company, yet the product can still get distributed to other countries such as the US, Germany, Australia etc. Links are a necessity when coming to record labels, without them, they product won't get as much income compared to have links to other companies or subsidiaries of their branch.

Social media in general is rather important when trying to 'show-off' their product. Despite this not being relevant to music, but showing and posting trailers online of films is a great way to gather hype. YouTube, Facebook & Twitter are the largest sites to await for announcements for media products. Using Facebook & Twitter allows the audience/public to get information about an upcoming product and makes it so they can express their views and even 'share' to their friends & followers. Using social media allows for an 'ice berg' effect where when one person finds out; they can tell 10 people and those 10 can tell 100 others...

Copyright, mentioned previously- "is a legal right created by the law of a country that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights for its use and distribution. This is usually only for a limited time." This means that the creator receives a 'shout-out' from the user and commendation for the creation of the product. Copyright is put in place so that users can't poach what isn't theirs and so do malfeasance. If copyright wasn't set in place by the government(s), record labels, artists & managers would lose out on revenue therefore, having copyrighted work negates the loss of revenue.
The fact that copyright is still in place, my song is under the copyright act; meaning that I need to consider that I can't take any credit for the song, but I can for the video myself and Luke are making.

Based off everything I've said, I need to use my knowledge of committing & staying within the rights of copyright, also the examples of record labels relevant to my genres & artist. The record label(s) that are indeed relevant to my song, I could possibly use them on my digipak or even perhaps create my own with facts that are similar to others.
 

Recce Shots

Recce Shots & Locations

For the outdoor scenes, I've searched around my local area, specifically in Kingsway as it's more rural. The rural aspects are required for my outdoor shots as they need to represent farmland and countryside, obvious stereotypes when relating to Country music.

I believe I've found two places where I can record these outdoor shots, however I'll be needing to contact the land-owners in hope to film on their property without trespassing.
Below is an image of a particular shot used at the beginning of my music video from last year, the same area will be used again, however this time I'll be maximising my potential in the arts of camerawork and editing.

 

When recording inside a studio, it means that I'll actual need a studio to record in. I have two further places in mind: Hardy Smiths Music store in Sutton-In-Ashfield, relatively close to home and my sister knows the owner through having lessons from there - contacts with people are very helpful when constructing a music video. Secondly, Electric Bear Productions situated in Mansfield. For both of these places, I'll be emailing them in hope of being allowed to record my studio scenes; even if it costs me to rent out their studio(s), if so I'll be creating a budget for my project.

 

To film both outside and inside will require a tops of two days each, if everything goes according to plan - as seen on my Shooting Schedule. If not, I have one more designated day to film any filler shots for my video.

At all of these places, there are risks that I need to consider and assess before actual filming. For instance, if I was to film in a studio, there's the risk of electrocution - may seem unrealistic, but is still a minor threat.

 

People Involved - Character Profiles

Character Profiles

 

As I'm creating this music video by myself, it means all weight lies on my shoulders. This implies that I'm in charge of everything. As part of being a Media student, it's my job to take control of my piece.
Due to being a Media student, I'll be the: Cameraman, costume designer, choreographer and editor. These roles are key when directing a music video as if you lack one, then the overall product will fail to be successful.

^[Steven Ballantine, 18 as of 14/11/2016, Student]^

 

My artist, the actor, the protagonist in my music video. The narrative is built around him and his pursuits, his struggles & his outcomes. A lot of the video will be of him lip-syncing or syncing through instrumental. In previous posts, I've talked about the dress-style of my artist; checked shirt, skinny jeans and boots - a modernised yet relatable to Country sense of costume.

^[Cameron Chivers, 17 as of 21/11/2016, Student]^

The drummer, solely for instrumental purposes. His role is to provide a beat/bass and rhythm for my artist to sing to, granted the instrumental won't have to be real, but instead to appear realistic. The style of clothing will be similar to the main artist, however I'll be sure that he doesn't appear to stand out more than the artist. How the drummer is composed and situated in certain shots shows his importance in the music video where I'll be keeping their importance to a minimum.

^[Christian Mathews, 15 as of 21/11/2016, Student]^

 

Shooting Schedule

Shooting Schedule

As part of my Music Video, constructing a 'timetable' is helpful, as it tells both myself and my teachers of when and where I'll be shooting certain scenes. Knowing the times allows me to know when I need to rent out the equipment that I require. For instance: DSLR Camera & Tripod for outdoor shots that don't include the artist, rent out date - 05/11/2016.

The actual dates will be set when I have confirmation of actor(s) and timetable for the studio.
I believe currently, my recce and risk assessment will be posted hopefully for Saturday 3rd December.

Day 1: Will now be the Studio recording with Cameron and Christian, set for Tuesday 6th December.

Day 2: Outdoor filming in Kingsway, Kirkby; Friday 9th December.

Day 3: Filming cattle and horses at Shady Farm, South Normanton. Thanks to my girlfriends mum, I've been allowed to film some scenes.

No further filming days took place as I used the match striking scenes from last year - I obviously would've re-shot them, however due to medical reasons I could not.

Equipment Required

 Equipment Required and Purpose

For my music video, I would require roughly the same equipment as I did for the film opening last year.

A camera(s), microphone, tripod, steady-cam, lights possibly. These pieces of equipment are essential. The camera or cameras would be obviously used to film/record each and every shot & angle. To assist me with precision of shots and angles is a tripod; a tripod allows me to track, pan or steadily record still shots.

Not only does a tripod assist with steadiness, but a steady-cam is extremely helpful too. A steadi-cam allows me to track & pan with movement rather than stillness. Allowing the camera to move around a scene or artist gives a more professional effect thus a higher grade.

 

I particularly chose a microphone for one scene, this scene happens both at the beginning and end. Required for the striking of the match scene at the start, the microphone will be used to record the diegetic sounds of the match striking on a surface. During this scene, no music will be playing, just the diegetic sounds the artist/actor can hear. The same microphone will be used again at the end for when the actor blows out the match; i.e. more diegetic sounds.

 

The studio lighting isn't a necessity, but is preferable for when filming in an actual studio. This studio lighting will provide some camera flare and will also light up the artist and drummer in the background. I thought of using both implemented and non-implemented (natural) lighting to contrast each other, creating a 'neutral field' and to be very similar to my analysis of Dolly Parton's music video.

  

 

 

Costumes & Props

Costume

Costumes & Props are essential when representing specific genres & social environments. Different styles of clothing and fashion movements often be associated and sometimes attributed to personality types, economical wealth and regional areas. This is how we are able to stereotype people from certain parts of countries so easily and also able to assume we know things about people who dress in a certain way. For example someone who had bright coloured hair, piercing's and wore boots with dark coloured jeans one would assume that they listened to metal/rock music and had a small social circle keeping away from mainstream preferences.

 

For my music video, I will be following some conventions & stereotypes and ignoring or even opposing others. As I'm going to be modernising the music video, there will not be the use of much 'cowboy' related clothing other than checked shirts and props such as acoustic guitars.  

                                                                                                                                                                                            

As there was a recent change of plan and in fact my artist is now male, some of the conventions I've analysed will now differ. I say some because the male style is different in some aspects to a female; for instance, I analysed Dolly Parton, clearly as my artist is a man, I can't follow the style she has - Diva Make-up. However, my original plan of modernising can still take affect as nowadays, checked shirts are somewhat popular, thus I can use this. In addition, skinny jeans have been added too, also modernising the style of Country, this provides my audience with some appeal.

Example of Costume for main artist:

                                

 

                                                                      

Ideally, this is the kind of costume that the artist in the music video should be wearing.

I've chose this so that there are country elements to the attire but it still looks modern and something that could be worn and in fashion currently.

Props

As previously stated, props distinguish also the genre of certain songs. As my song is predominant on an acoustic guitar, this will be the signature identifier. However, it's clear that there is some bass involved, this means during the studio shots, I'll have a bassist on either a partial drum kit or drum box. I took this influence from a couple of bands, both have original pieces of music and also do covers. The two influences are: Boyce Avenue and Will Ferri from Against the Current. I guess, quite a bit of influence has been taken from both of these bands, as both have drummers and both have guitarists that can sing. Therefore, I'm essentially taking todays construct of a band and implementing it into my music video.

 

Stage Name

Stage Name

Obviously, for my music video, the name for my artist cannot match of the original musician, therefore I'll be hosting a name generator survey where you, the audience will decide upon which name will suit my artist.

As stated in previous blog posts, my song is of the Country/Folk-Pop genre, thus my name should be something rather generic and an immediate thought of the chosen genre.

A few of examples that I quite like the sound of are:

Daisy Mellows

Veronica Petal

Caroline Calla

Lily Dakota-Walsh

As my genre is more Country based, I took some inspiration from nature, either the forename or surname has some reference to flowers.

Please leave any suggestions that you personally prefer, and then I'll conclude which will be the stage name for my artist.

Stage Name Questionnaire:

Update: 02/11/2016

After being allowed to gender bend my song, the vocals are now male. This changes the aspect of my stage name as previously it was female. Thus I am adjusting my previous survey where my focus group will decide upon which name would most suit a male artist of the Country genre.
When thinking for a woman, I thought nature related, however for a man, I'll be listing a few names that sound generic with a hint of a crisp sound.

Names up for the running:
Joseph Forbes
Matthew McIntyre
Elijah Mills
Tyler Johansson

Update: 14/11/2016

Now that some time has passed since updating the survey, here is another update to finalise the name of my artist, personally, I preferred this one over the other 3 and no further suggestions were made. 'Elijah Mills' is the most popular choice and therefore will be my chosen name.