'Concentration'
Music Video
w/c 24th March
Creating Frames
Following our experimentation (linked through the button above), our goal was to create 3 wooden frames covered by sheets that appear as 'light panels' behind the dancers. Within the college we were able to borrow a large frame and remove the door off a prop doorframe. For aesthetic symmetry we then set out to create a frame ourselves with the same dimensions as the door.
As we were working on a very tight budget, we were able to salvage some wood from old wooden pallets we were donated. After removing old nails we measured up the frame and cut the wood to size, as well as sanding it to prevent sharp corners becoming a health and safety risk.
We screwed together the frame, using braces to connect and stabilise two lengths of wood for the sides. Then we stapled a sheet to the front of both frames, attacked as tight and neatly as possible to avoid creases and shadows reducing the effect.
Lighting Ideas
With these frames we then went into the theatre to further experiment with our ideas and identify any problems we may need to solve. This was a very collaborative process in which Clinton and I shared different ideas throughout starting with colours, deciding we wanted to go for high contrast schemes. I then used 2 colour effects and removed the fade so the colours would switch as he requested, and programmed in the tap tempo feature I discovered in my research to allow me to control the speed to match a track.
Some curious students who had seen us building the frames began playing around making silhouettes with the lights, which inspired us both and we agreed it was something we wanted to use. Then Clinton asked if there was any way to light the inside of the silhouettes, so as they were created by a floor light, I tried using a high light on the rig in contrasting colours and the result was very visually effective.
Within all of this there were a few problems we noted:
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LEDs creating a hotspot through the sheet
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Double shadow from two light sources showing on sheet
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Colours were not switching in pairs creating a beat where each sheet was monochrome​​
w/c 31st March
Problem Solving
After identifying the issues in our last experimenting session, we set up again with a goal of solving these. We had also put a sheet onto the final larger frame, so we were now getting to test the full set.​
With these problem solved, we now had our full set up decided. In order to make set-up on the day as efficient as possible, I drew out a floor plan taking inspiration from my research on theatre but adapting it for this project, planning power sources and DMX channel numbers for all lights. ​​
FILMING
4th April
I set up the frames, staging and lights following the floor plan, taping cables where I deemed it necessary to prevent trip hazards. The only change was that instead of using LEDs to light the dancers, we used *INSERT LIGHT NAME* as they are better purposed for filming, providing a softer light and being on stands to provide even cover.
The final addition to the setup was covering the staging blocks in black cloth to prevent the light being visible underneath.
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While the dancers choreographed and rehearsed, I used the time to create and record a variety of colour effects onto faders.
Once the faders were full, I decided to move instead to an execute window that I had learned about from previous work experience. I separated the effects into rows based on colour scheme and columns based on effect type.
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While the dancers were rehearsing I noticed a slight issues to solve. When I was using simpler colour schemes without the contrasting top lights, the silhoettes were not clear as they were lit monochromatically, so I editted the effect to remove the top lights. The difference can be seen in the photos to the right.
'Concentration' - Final Cut
Final Evaluation
Throughout this process I have been in collaboration with the media student directing the project, and I have shown consistently good cooperation and communication skills as we worked together, sharing creative ideas and solutions to arising issues. Early on, I identified Snapchat or face to face conversation as the most effective communication channels, so I was able to avoid the threat of communication difficulties anticipated in my SWOT analysis. In his feedback form, Clinton agreed with this as a strength with a rating of 5/5 for communication. In this partnership, I also demonstrated patience and initiative in allowing him time to work on other elements of the project but if he was not working on other tasks, pushing him to continue work on this side of it.
At multiple points I applied strong problem solving skills, which consolidates this as a strength as acknowledged in my SWOT analysis. I aim to continue using and developing this skill into the next projects, finding effective and creative solutions when overcoming problems.
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​I was disappointed in myself for not using the contrasting silhouettes idea we had created and experimented with, as we had managed to create a unique and distinctive image that I had been proud of producing. I believe this result was a culmination of a few issues. Firstly, it was a very tight working window with only one afternoon to set up and film, and the dancers used a significant portion of this choreographing, which made planning difficult as where I had created and planned to use the contrasting silhouettes turned out to be a point no dancers were behind the frames. Secondly was a lack of creative preparation and planning, as if I had chosen my colour schemes before the filming, I could've focused on creating as many options for myself within those schemes rather than a broad range across a number of schemes I ultimately didn't use. Finally, there was an element of a lack of confidence in my ideas, which is a weakness I had thought may affect my project in my SWOT analysis. Despite creating a range of effects, I ended up doing the same lights for every take when the benefit of a music video as opposed to live music or theatre should be having multiple attempts to try different things. It is a difficult issue to overcome, but as I continue I hope to learn from this disappointment and use it as a motivation to have more faith in my ideas, or to ask the opinion of those around me in order to help me build that faith.
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Clinton in his feedback form also mentioned better description of what I am doing with the lighting as a potential improvement. I will take this onboard going forward by finding a way to use accessible language for people who may not know lighting terminology, but still providing a high level of detail with my synonymous descriptions. He also does not seem to share any of my slight disappointment with the final lighting, giving me a 5/5 rating for his satisfaction with the final technical results.
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Overall, I'm impressed with the results of the filming for the music video. Even though I feel I could've elevated the lighting element with the silhouette idea, the 'light panels' we created still provide a vibrant and unique look, and a combination of experimentation, previous knowledge and application of research allowed dynamic effects that matched the music. Into the next projects, I will continue to use my teamwork, communication and problem solving skills, and aim to improve upon my organisation, planning and confidence in my ideas and choices.