Research into Similar Products- Dance a la Plage

Similar to my chosen band 'The Method', 'Dance a la Plage' are a new band that have started from no where. Both bands have recently played at the O2 Academy in Oxford and are looking to make it. 'Dance a la plage's music video 'Need to Know' links to the BacktoBasic's video produced for 'The Method'. Both videos take simple concepts and shots to produce a music video which works well. I decided to look at 'Dance a la Plage' as they are very similar to 'The Method' and I wanted to find out what they did to create a music video for themselves. Below is a video of 'Dance a la Plage's video 'Need to know'.

Ancillary Texts- Movie Poster

As I am beginning to edit my final production, I thought it would be a good idea to research into my ancillary texts. I have chosen to do a poster and a DVD cover.

From researching the internet, I came across various music advertisements. The main things I picked out that were on all the ones I looked at were; the name of the artist, name of the song, and the date released. I also noticed, like with the poster below that they linked with (if they had a video) with the music video also. Like the one below, Katy Perry is shown as army like on this poster, this links to her video as in it, she is seen in an army camp training. When making my own poster, I will consider this typical conventions of a music poster and incorporate them into my own.

Filming- Band Scenes

I was really pleased with todays filming. This morning, I was worried it may have to be called off due to the weather, but luckily it became really sunny and we were able to film. We did a range of scenes today, with a range of shots in mind. When it comes to shot lists, I don't find them very useful. I have an idea in my head of what I want everything to look like to go by this; it's almost like a mini shot list in my own head. Everyone turned up really organised today and we were able to get things done quickly but unfortunately the band members weren't wearing exactly the same clothes. This annoyed me slightly as I asked them too but from previous discussions we are thinking of having the music video in black and white so it hopefully won't make too much difference. From this I have learned to make sure everything is planned, even down to the minute detail!

Now all my filming is complete, I can move on to the editing stage.

Shot List- Band Members

As I stated before, I have a clear idea of what I want to achieve on a day of filming. For the band members, I am looking to get close ups of each of the characters singly so the audience can establish them seperately. I am also looking to gain wide shots of the band as a collective so the audience can see them as a band. For their instruments, I am looking to get extreme close ups so that the detail can be recognised. Hopefully the filming all goes according to plan!

Filming- Date

Over the christmas period, I took a step aside from media as the band were unable to film. Recently, I have got in touch with one of the band members and they are also keen to get this music video finished and editied together. We have decided to meet on Friday 1st February to finish our filming. I have informed them of what I need to film and they are happy. We will be filming shots of each of the band members walking towards the barn from different locations. Hopefully everything will go well!

Don Broco

As one of my pieces into research into similar products, I have decided to look at a four piece, alternative rock-band known as 'Don Broco'. They formed in Bedford in 2008 and the bands debut album 'Priorities' was released in August 2012. The band originally formed in University where they played their first gigs at socials and in pubs and clubs, playing in similar locations to 'The Method'. This year, Don Broco have performed at the O2 Academy in Oxford, something which 'The Method' have also previously done.

I have chosen to look at just one of their music videos- 'Whole Truth'. Whilst researching this band, I found it interesting that 'Don Broco' themselves have directed a few of their own videos, specifically the one I have chosen to look at. I found this interesting as 'The Method' (the band in my music video) have been having some directive input on my own music video.

From previous audience research, it has become clear that audiences are keen to see the band in a video, as well as a narrative or story line to follow. 'Whole truth' uses both of these conventions, and this is something I am looking to do in my own music video.

From watching this video, I liked the close-up shots used of the band members whilst also showing the band as a whole. This appealed to me as it introduces the band separately, almost like you are being introduced to different characters yet it also takes you back, making it clear that they are a group. I also liked how the frames switched between the band and the story line, making a clear link between the both of them. 

Both of the things I have picked out have really appealed to me, and I shall be looking to take this ideas further and try and develop them into my own music video. Below is the link to 'Whole Truth' so you can check it out for yourselves and see what you think about what I picked out!

Filming- Planning

After the success of last weeks filming, I am eager to be filming again. On talks with the band, it is looking unlikely over this christmas period as they have their own commitments just like me. We will re-meet in January where we will discuss a time to film.
Using a band has so many positives but it can also come with a downfall of them all having seperate jobs and needing to find time for band practice.