Mock footage (first attempt with no music)

This is a first attempt to get some footage for my music video, which is to Lily Allen, Sheezus.  I haven't edited any music to the clips through Final Cut Pro as I haven't edited the footage at all, but put the clips together.  I haven't edited the footage and put any effects on them as I wanted to purely see what kind of shots I could take to the song I chose.  
While taking this mock footage I was exploring locations, costume, makeup, the setting up of the shots, the equipment I would need and the type of shots I could take,whether it be a close up or a medium shot.  I experimented with what type of shot fitted to which parts of the song and where I could also use lip sync.  
By experimenting this helped me with ideas for filming my actual footage for my music video as I had already realised what could go wrong, for example, the weather and shaky camera footage and how to use the camera properly, to it's full potential.         

Ancillary text research (poster) (Edited for resubmission)

Looking at single/album posters I am able to look at the content on the page.  The conventions that strike out the most are the main image, the artists name and the name of the single/album.  Some artists have chosen to use themselves on the front of the advertisement but some have chosen an abstract route and used a form of art as the cover.  Depending on the genre this may differ as an indie band is stereotypically more likely to use art as the main image as the artist is more visually creative for the audience as a sign of expression.  

With the genre of pop, it is very focused on body image, most of these advertisements, for example, Rihanna has used herself, in what could be, a vulgar way for her main image.  Andrew Goodwin, from his book Dancing in the Distraction Factory, believes that there is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, mirrors, stages, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.  This seeks sexual stimulation by using these visuals, therefore attracting a bigger audience of males and females.  By crossing boundaries of nudity with an image it also conveys rebellion which makes the artist seem more outgoing and interesting.             

Lana has a more innocent and simple style to her poster, which could link in with the album she has made and the message and vibe behind the tracks.  By using simple font and muted colour the main focus go the poster is the main image of the artist. 

Rihanna has used a black colour scheme with red text to make one of the sell lines stand out.  By using black and red this conveys a rebellious, edgy vibe which links into the hair and makeup they have used for her shoot.  

Jessie J has focussed on her expression for her main image.  By using facial expressions an artist can convey the mood they are in and create a vibe for the whole poster, which could be full of attitude or very innocent looking.  

This poster uses an image that isn't of the artist.  By doing this the artist can create a memorable image for the public to remember them by other than just themselves, this can give the artist a trademark. 

This image of Madonna is heavily edited.  By using editing techniques you can highlight different aspects of the artists face and totally change the image from the original taken by the photographer.  By editing an effect over the to of the image you can create a contrast in colour with other colours you have used for the text on the poster, this can separate the poster up and make parts of the poster stand out more than others.      

Kings of Leon have used a combination of faces to create one whole one.  Over the faces is an edit of a bird like feature, which may convey a message of the lyrics.  By overlaying images this is a creative way of adding individually to a poster.    

Ancillary text research (Digipak) (Edited for resubmission)

By looking at existing single/album covers I am able to get a sense of direction for creating my own.  By looking at these examples I have captured a sense of abstract content as an option or having an overall main image of the artist for another option, some combine both.  A tastful image of the artist will draw the audience in but also an edge of abstract content will match the style of the song I have picked as I have chosen abstract content to my video.  One of the key aspects seems to be the artists name and name of the album/single itself.  Being creative in the layout, colour scheme and font has an impact on the audience as it draws their attention and connotes artist creativity and individuality.

Laura Mulvey's theory of the Male Gaze applies to these examples of digipaks.  Media texts are constructed from a 'male point of view'. The female is shown as the object of desire in the media, therefore creating an image that is tasteful is what artists are doing to attract the audience and in some cases cause controversy to become more popular in the media.                 

Shooting organisation

I have print screened my conversation with the cast of my music video.  The conversation was organising when we were going to meet to start shooting, what time was best for them in the week.  

Focus group

I gathered a couple of media students at my college and asked them these questions:

1. What typical conventions do you think you are likely to see in a pop music video?
2. Do you like watching pop music videos?
3. What costume would you expect to see?
4. Would this costume choice still be the same if the video was abstract?
5. Do you like lots of colour in a music video?
6. Do you like to watch a dance performance?
7. Do you listen to sound more or the visuals while playing a music video?

Feedback

1. From the feedback given, lipsync and dance are my main two priorities.  A change of costume and location was also mentioned which could also be a posibility for me to consider. 
2. For question two the feedback was mixed.  What swayed the argument was preference, Tara added that she liked watching abstract videos too, which is what I am doing myself.
3. Bright and bold were the adjectives used to describe the costume that would be expected.  Acting upon this I need to make sure my costume is stylish and fits the theme of the music video.  In terms of a bold choice in costume, I could use accessories like a netted top to add an edgy style to the costume.  By wearing a skirt this also connotates femininity, which is apparent in the lyrics.     
4. If the video was to be abstract the feedback on the costume choice being the same was depending on the mood of the song.  Colour seems to be the decider of the mood, matching colour with an uplifting song and dull costume with a moody mood of a song. 
5. Colour is given the ok unless the mood connotes otherwise.  This allows me to play with colour and style in my music video.  The graffiti is the main source of colour in my music video, this also adds an edgy vibe which ties in with the song choice as it has attitude.   
6. In terms of a dance routine Dan is welcomimg but on the other hand Tara isn't, she prefers a narrative.  My music video is going to be abstract, therefore dance is a big part of my video, especially contemporary.  I think a dance routine adds interest and movement to what could be a boring outcome. 
7. From the feedback the visuals appear to be very important for the artist.  For example, Vogue by Madonna is an iconic reference to her.  This makes the artist more recognisable for their work and also can add meaning to the song lyrics.  This tells me that the visuals have an impact on the audience by them remembering what they have seen and listened to. 

Equipment used

For filming my music video I have decided to use the model SONY HDR-CX190E DIGITAL HD VIDEO CAMERA RECORDER.  I have chosen this camera as it is light and portable as well as having a screen to see what I am filming so I can check the framing and lighting of each of my shots.  The footage quality is also to a good standard, which is important as I would like the video to look professional.  As well as the camera I will be using a tripod, this will make it easier to get still footage and have my hands free myself if any assistance is needed.  This is the only filming equipment I will need other than a camera charger.