So far

We've had lots of meetings about this project and even though it's half term we decided to have another one yesterday as we really needed to get a shot list done and sort out what exactly we need to bring for the shoots at the end of the week.


The shot list really helps us to get organised as we know where we are going and when. We plan to go to Hyde Park first as it will be empty and then Trafalgar Square as we want some people in shots but not huge crowds. From there, we're going to Covent Garden, Soho and around Carnaby St as these are all near each other and we can get some really good shots of Liv walking around iconic places which will hopefully look good when we cut them together.


The shot list also made us think about costumes, so we know what Liv is wearing and at which points.
Shot List

Test shoot

We had a test shoot for the album cover and website yesterday, which went really well. We got lots of shots which we could use, but unfortunately, some have mysteriously been deleted!


Nevertheless, we did get some really good photos. I found it really useful to have a test shoot before filming as it helped Liv to loosen up and for us to get used to the environment and how we could help Liv. We had help from Miss Blackborow and Pat, the technitian who helped us with lighting and setting up.

The Seward Studio

Miss testing out shots with the lighting on Despina

Despina and I helped Liv with hair and makeup and choosing outfits

The lights were controlled from the laptop, which took some getting used to

George and Despina directing Liv

We tried different outfits and used props like the guitar amp and headphones to connote an edgy, urban vibe.

We experimented with different lighting to create shadows or make Liv stand out more. The last shot is too dark, but some of the others like the penultimate photo are lit well and Liv's expression is really nice. We're thinking of using this shot for the back cover of the album, with her looking at the tracks.


This is a rough edit of the type of look we might want to for:

Things to do

Our shoot is next thursday and friday, so we only have two more days at school this week to plan for it.
Thurs: 12.30 (half an hour) and p4&5
Fri: p1 then 12.30 (half an hour)


So we don't have much time to plan and there are some things that we really need to pinpoint:

• Costume - what is Liv wearing on each day?
• Locations - where to and at what times?
• Where and when exactly are we meeting?

Artist name

We've decided to call our artist Alexandra Grace Hunter, but Lexie Grace for short. I really like this name as it's something that fans can relate to and will help Liv to get into character.

We really need to think of a brand for Lexie, with a logo that can be replicated across different forms of media that her fans will see.

For example, Kissy Sell Out (DJ & producer) has a distinctive logo with a recurring font that runs through all his work; it's on albums, singles, his website and his logo which creates his brand image. I like the font as well and something similar could really work for Lexie's logo.

Ideas for album cover

Album Cover Brainstorm

Ideas for video - street shots

I like the shots of Lily Allen on the street in this video (Right at the start, 2.25) and I think that we could do some wide shots like this in ours.

Another example of empty streets in a video is at 1.55, where the girls are dancing in the street. Having Liv in the middle with nobody around her would really draw attention to her.

Location

Yesterday, I went to central London to look around the locations.
It took around half an hour to explore Carnaby st, Soho and Covent Garden, but unfortunately couldn't get to Trafalgar square as it was starting to rain.

Location

We know our locations already, but we wanted to look around and really make sure that they would be suitable so I've decided to have a look around some key places tomorrow morning.


I'm going to go to Carnaby St, Soho (probably around soho square), Covent garden and Trafalgar sqaure. These places are within walking distance and although it's easy to get buses, I'm going to walk around and scout out any back streets that would look good on camera, which also aren't too busy during the day.
Map - Location

Timetable

We've decided to plan ahead for the next two weeks and make sure that we have meetings every day, for around 30 mins and if we don't, we'll plan in the lessons.

Styling album cover

Close ups: highly styled, hair and make up done well - eye makeup and lipstick

Focus on artist and their style - either really styled with glamourous dresses or dressed down n jeans or a plain top (KT Tunstall and Pixie Lott for example)

Clothing reflects artists' style, for example Pixie Lott is young, in bright colours with a cute hairstyle compared to Kesha who has a rough, edgy look with a funny expresion or Christina Aguilera who is really glam in a long silk dress and light heels - all matching colour scheme.

We really need to think about Liv's style, which is edgy and the exact clothes we would style her in. For the video, leather jackets, jeans and other street style would work but I think that the album cover and website need more glam clothes, like a dress or even heels (although boots would fit her edgy persona). We also need to really do her makeup, with a range of lipstick/eyemake up etc.

Image

Rock chick style: leather jacket, sunglasses, chunky jewelery, biker boots - very edgy

Pretty boho chic: cute floral dress, earthy tones, pretty bags and accessories

Presentation

I've done some ideas for the presentation and key points that we need to include.
Target audience would probably be the most important factor to think about, as we need to know who to market to and what to market to them.
Image of the artist and their genre is also really important, as these contribute to target audience, as we will know who to target.


I'm going to show this to the group so that we can incorporate it into the final presentation, so that our ideas are clear to everyone else.
My Initial Music Video Treatment

Week 5 :

B13 - B18: History of Music Video
B27 - B33: Album art and design principles
B34 - Myspace/website checklist
A1 - A7: Making a music video useful tips

Update to singer

Initially, we were using Tara as our singer for the video and on the promotional material, but we have decided to use Liv, who is completely different with short, dark hair and tanned skin. We feel that she would have an edgier look and be different to all the singers out there, like The Saturdays and Pixie Lott, for example. She would appeal to a wider audience who may like electro/pop music but want something different, so would gratify many audience needs. Liv does A-level drama, so is experienced in acting and is willing to give up her time to film, so we're really happy!