MEETING WITH ACTOR 2

Due to the success of my meeting with my other actress I have decided I want to do the same with my actor who is the performer of my video. However this time I will be focusing more on practicing with make-up and costume in addition to lighting and camera shots. I texted my actor and between us we have arranged a time to meet at my location; Bernice Hyde hall in Sidcup. I have explained my intentions with my actor so that they know what to expect and what to bring with them. Beforehand I will prepare the equipment I need including; camera, tripod, lamp and make-up. Below are the text screenshots between me and my actor:

SEGMENT C - COSTUME/HAIR/MAKE-UP RESEARCH

Segment c – actress 1 layering from VictoriaCowburn

SEGMENT B: COSTUME/MAKE-UP RESEARCH

Actor 2 performance from VictoriaCowburn

SEGMENT A: COSTUME/HAIR/MAKE-UP RESEARCH

SEGMENT A: COSTUME/HAIR/MAKE-UP RESEARCH from VictoriaCowburn

STROBE LIGHT/SHOT TESTING

During the meeting with my actress I filmed her using a professional SLR camera whilst testing the strobe light. I found the strobe light easy to use as the speed of the flashing light could easily be adjusted. The camera however I found difficult to focus during filming as you have to do so manually rather than the camera automatically focusing, therefore I may use a different camera in the future. I used thin sheets of coloured acetate which I layered over the strobe light to produce coloured light. I feel this technique was very effective, especially using the red and blue colours as they were the most vibrant and obvious. It was useful to test the speed of the light which is an important aspect of my video as I want it to mimic the beat of the music. The location was more than suitable to film in as I was able to make the room pitch black using a large black wooden background which I will defiantly use again in the future.

EQUIPMENT/BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS

Even though I have not practiced/tested the make-up and costume the actress shall be wearing, I found this session very helpful in order to examine the practicalities and technical side of the video. A problem discovered from the combination of the strobe light and camera was that during filming, a large black line appeared across the screen. This error effects the equality of my video and will distract the viewer from the actress. I will therefore have to investigate whether it is the strobe light or camera that is the primary problem by trialing different equipment. Moreover I am pleased with the final outcome of filming and am certain I want to follow through with this technique as I feel it has been very successful.

FINAL OUTCOME

ARTIST INSPIRATION - MISE EN SCENE

MEETING WITH ACTRESS 1

I have decided to meet with my actress in order to discuss the contents of my video and to produce practice shots of my actress at my chosen location. I also want to test the strobe light to see if any problems occur and so that I can get used to using it and find setting that I like. In addition, I want to practice filming different shot styles and perspectives  including close -ups, extreme close-ups and mid-shots. I want to practice setting up the equipment and preparing the location so that I know how long it will take when I film properly. I have arranged a date and time to meet with my actress at my location of the drama studio:

FACT FILE: ACTOR 2

FACT FILE: ACTRESS 1

PERMISSION FORM

In order to make sure that my main actor/actress understand fully their commitments in participating in my music video, I have created a permission form for them to read and sign. The form outlines what I will be using their identity for throughout the process of creating the video which they are now aware of. By signing the form my actors are under the agreement for me to use their name, likeness, image, voice, appearance/performance in my video which I can they manipulate to how I want after filming. Now that I have their permission I can begin to plan filming them.

ACTRESS 2 PERMISSION CONFIRMED

 

ACTOR 2 PERMISSION CONFIRMED

 

LIGHTING IDEAS

DRAMA STUDIO RISK ASSESSMENT

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

LOCATION 1: DRAMA STUDIO

This is my chosen location for filming the narrative elements of my video involving actress 2 playing the severely distressed teenage girl. I have chosen this location as I have easy access to the room due to its wide amount of availability and flexibility. I needed a location that was able to be pitch black, which I initially struggled to find as most rooms are lit with natural daylight that could not be shut out easily. This room however is painted black so no light will be reflected from the walls in addition to long thick black curtains covering the windows entirely blocking out any sunlight. The room is very large and spacious enabling my actress the freedom to get ready and for me to set up the equipment such as camera, tripod and lights.                                                                                                             

I have visited my location to test its suitability and to realistically think about the logistics behind filming here. I am happy with my decision where I have take several photographs to refer back to and remind myself on the space I have to work with.

LOCATION 2: THE BERNICE HYDE HALL

At this location is where I will be filming the performance elements of my video involving actor 2 playing the devilish conscious. Again, I needed a space that would be able to be pitch black at night so that I can film the actor under one flashing strobe light. This hall used by local groups and corporations is fairly isolated from the rest of civilization therefore my filming should not be disturbed. Nearer to the date I want to film I will email the key holder of the hall, Alison Whitmore, to make sure no other events are taking place and that I have permission to rent out the hall. The hall is of a good space where I can set up all my equipment without feeling overcrowded by clutter. Facilities such as toilets and kitchen are also available if needed. There are curtains to block any outside light in addition to standard lights which I will however not be using during filming, There are numerous plug sockets that I can plug lights into and charge up the camera if needed. I am happy I have chosen this location as it fulfills all the requirements needed during my production.

BREAKDOWN OF FINAL IDEA

CIRCA WAVES O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON

On Saturday the 10th of October I attended a Circa Waves gig at the O2 Academy, Brixton, London. Even though I attended the gig out of pleasure and entertainment I also analysed the artists stage persona and the audience of the indie gig. I also saw two support acts including Clean Cut Kid and Rat Boy whom I observed.

Circa Waves are a British indie-rock band who were formed in Liverpool in 2013 are now signed to Virgin Emi record label. The band have performed at many festivals including Glastonbury Festival(2014), Latitude Festival (2014), T in the Park (2014), Electric Picnic (2015) and Reading & Leeds (2015). The UK tour I attended was to promote the bands first studio album 'Young Chasers' that was released 30th March 2015. 

Support acts Clean Cut Kid who an indie Liverpudlian four-piece band signed by Babe Magnet Records/Polydor opened the show. They had a typical indie persona stage presence, focusing on playing the music rather than chatting to the crowd. The up and coming band whose debut album scheduled to be released in 2016, all played an array of instruments from keyboard to guitar. I liked their bubbly and energetic vibes in addition to the way beat of the songs were mimicked by the change of lighting (see video).

Jordan Cardy known as Rat Boy on stage, produces indie hip-hop rock singles and mixtapes. The 18 year old from Essex has already been compared to the likes of Jamie T and Shaun Ryder despite the typical youthful social meaing behind his music e.g. 'Fake I.D'. Whilst overlooking the crowd I noticed this artist was popular amongst males due to the common relations with the artist the genre of music.

The main thing I have taken from this experience, is the use of dramatic strobe lighting

TARGET AUDIENCE

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