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

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?

Following up on things to do

I had some things that needed to be discussed, which we have resolved resolve over the past few days:

image for singer - costume, makeup etc

Tara McSharry - blonde, british, eye-catching makeup (not too over the top, though), versatile (can look be innocent, yet outgoing and edgy)

who else will be in the video - extras?

Passers-by, in the background to look like the streets of London.
Other group members if we really need extras.

exact location

Streets of London, but the back streets which aren't too touristy but still give off the urban vibe.
We're going to check out possible locations (Covent Garden, Brick Lane, Carnaby Street etc)

will the video have much of a narrative?

The narrative won't really be a story, but more of an idea: the main character is in a sort of psychological turmoil and the video is more about her and what she's doing in London as opposed to a story 
As we want the video to be in reverse, it will be really hard for Tara to lipsynch backwards, so we'll have to film a lipsynch and intercut it between the narrative.

Things to do

We've had a few group meetings and come up with some ideas for shots and location, but we still have so much to decide:

• image for singer - costume, makeup etc
• who else will be in the video - extras?
• exact location
• will the video have much of a narrative

I'm not too sure that everyone is really happy with the whole interior/exterior idea and we haven't really made proper decisions so these things really need to be sorted out in the next few days so that we can have a test shoot soon.

Reflections on group

My group will be Despina, George, Joe and I. I'm really happy with this mix as I haven't worked with anyone before but I think we'll get on well and we all have strengths that will help the group!

Reflections on album cover research

It's been really useful to have a look at my old albums and newer, modern ones. Albums can be used to appeal to audiences who may be looking for familiarity (ie through genre signifiers) or something new from an alternative artist who doesn't conform to the normal rules.


It was helpful to list all the conventions of album covers, even simple things like barcodes, track listings and featured artists as all albums need these so obviously we should have them on ours.


I think it's always good to stick to some conventions such as these, so that the audience can identify with the artist but I would also like to try something innovative such as artwork or something that will help our cover to stand out.

Week 2 Task: What music means to me: Analysis

1) When, where, who with and how do you listen to music?

• Most people listened to music on TV on programmes such as top of the pops when they were younger or when they got older at gigs and festivals.
• Experiences that we remember are things like making dance routines with friends (for girls) and many boys enjoyed learning to play the guitar after seeing their role models in music videos.
• Friends and family have had huge impacts on most of us. I was influenced by my brother's taste in music and still am now.
• Advances in technology have meant that it is much easier to access music such as online or on the many different music channels available.

2) What pleasures do you get from listening to music?

• Enjoying the atmosphere at live events such as gigs or festivals.
• Social pleasures such as listening to music that friends like when we're with them.
• Actively choosing music - knowing that we might be listening to something that our friend's don't know yet.
• Inspiring friend's choices and being confident in our own taste.

3) Do lifestyles affect music consumption? (Do you listen to different music at different times?)

• My routine consists of listening to music on my iTunes when I get ready for school or work in the morning, listening to my iPod on the journey, listening to music when getting ready for nights out with friends and dancing to music when I go out. Music definitely has a big impact on my life and I can't go anywhere with my mp3 at least.
• Everyone enjoys live gigs and having fun with friends.
• Music is great for easy listening on journeys or just passing time at home and relaxing/distracting yourself.
• Nearly everyone listens to different music when in different moods.

4) What inspired your choices?

• Friends and family: when I was young, it was hard to make my own choices so I listened to a lot of the music my brother showed me or the CDs he gave me. However now I'm older and we have such easy access to all types of music, I can listen to anything.
• Most people likes music that focused on the artist, with good memories associated. Some people liked bands that had a certain image and were disappointed when that image changed or they seemed to sell out.
• Age: as we get older, we develop our own tastes and make our own choices. When I was younger I was restricted to the radio (what other people chose) and the CDs that I was bought or given. However, now we have the internet with sites like YouTube and I'm able to download off of programmes like Torrents or iTunes so we are much more free to make choices.
• Patterns such as gender: girls seemed to prefer singing and dancing along whereas boys liked to impersonate iconic males, playing instruments like the drums or guitar.
• Britishness: many people admired the artists, especially when representing Britain as we can feel a connection to them.

5) How is this work relevant to your coursework?

• This task shows the importance of connecting the music to a target audience, especially emotions which can really make the audience identify with the song and remember it.
• It can be hard to connect videos to emotions and memories but this can be very important in appealing to the audience.
• Taste is crucial - age of audience and identity of the band is something to think about. We need to connect to the right audience.
• Recognising who the audience is what they need/want from the video will be crucial.