Editing for Tomorrow

After I finished filming on Saturday, November 23, I began dumping all of my footage onto my computer. This is also the day that I began editing for my music video. Due to me not having an editing software on my laptop, I had to edit on my iPhone. The editing application that I used was iMovie. To begin the dumping process, I took out the SD card out of the camera and inserted it into my laptop. Then, I dumped the footage onto my laptop from the SD card. Due to me having to edit on my phone, I had to find a way to transfer the footage from my laptop and onto my phone. So to do this, I dumped my footage from my laptop and onto my Google Drive. This way, I was able to access my footage from any device, including my phone. After this step was completed, I still had to save the footage from my Google Drive and onto my phone. This took a while to do, however, I eventually got it done. After uploading all of my footage onto my phone, I could finally begin editing my music video.
 After importing my footage onto iMovie, the first thing I did was arrange my footage in its correct order. Next, I began to trim the clips down to match the tempo of the song. This was also followed by me deleting some clips as a whole if they didn't look good. Because I did not have all of my footage recorded already, I had to work with what I had. This left me a lot of empty space at the time of editing my music video. After I filmed a little more on Tuesday, I edited some parts of my music video. This included me rearranging the opening clips, along with changing the speed of them. This was both slowing and fast-forwarding the footage. However, I still had to film a lot more shots to complete my music video. On Monday is when I decided to finish up filming. After filming, I took out the SD card out of my camera and began the dumping process again. From my Google Drive, I dumped the footage onto my phone and then imported it into iMovie.
After importing my footage, I began editing the last half of my music video. I made sure to record extra footage on Monday so that I could fill all of the empty spaces, which it was. Again, I had to speed up and slow down some clips because I wanted to have the, follow the beat of the song. I also zoomed in a little on a clip so that I would be the main focus in the shot. Additionally, I also added some transitions which included dissolves and jumpcuts. To finish off my music video, I sent to my friend, Cristy to see if she thought that I needed to add or delete some things. After making these last finishing touches, which only included trimming some clips, I decided I was happy with how my music video turned out.

Filming Blog #2- 12/2/2019

After my first day of filming was done, I still had many things left to film. This included two-shots, wide shots, and tracking shots. I also had to refilm some of the opening shots at the beginning of my music video due to the weather not being ideal at the time. I would have to refilm these shots during the morning or afternoon on a bright and sunny day. However, some of these shots could not be filmed within the last week due to scheduling problems. My friend Karli, could no longer be in my music video anymore as she was busy. This would mean that I would have to completely change my plans for the last half of my music video. Additionally, my friend Cristy was also unable to help me film during our Thanksgiving break. This would mean that I would have to find somebody else to help me film.
On Tuesday, November 26 is when I continued the filming process. This time, I had to do it by myself. By using the tripod, I filmed an extreme close-up of my eyes. This was all that I had time to film this day. However, I continued filming the following day. I began filming in the morning, which was bright and sunny. This was the perfect lighting for the shots that I had to refilm. Although, due to my camera not being charged, I decided to film on my iPhone because I didn't want to lose the opportunity of having good lighting. With my phone, I filmed an establishing shot, wide shots, and zoom-in and zoom-outs. These shots included mainly landscapes, such as my house, passing cars, and my neighborhood. After I completed filming, I went back home and dumped all of my footage onto my computer.
The week after was time for my last couple of shots to be filmed. Due to my original plans being halted, I decided to ask my brother to help me film on Monday. After teaching him how the camera and tripod worked, we decided to head out to start filming on Monday afternoon. On this day, we filmed a long shot, a tracking shot, POV, and a wide shot. These shots had to be done with only myself as the actor. The activity that I was doing in these shots was skating around my neighborhood. Although, these shots were somehwat difficult to film. Due to me not skating in a while, it was hard to get a clean shot of me skating. This result in many takes, however, we eventually got the perfect shot.

Filming Blog Music Video 11/25/2019

For my music video, I decided to have my friend, Cristy help me film. I checked out the filming equipment, e.g. the tripod, camera, and SD card on Friday. But due to busy scheduling, I was unable to film on Friday. This would have been the day that I would have been able to film with Karli as well. However, she had to cancel her plans that day. On Saturday though, Cristy was available, so we decided to film on that day. After she arrived at my house, we decided to get filming as soon as possible. This was important so that we would not waste any sunlight for filming. I first changed into my pajamas for the scenes that would be filmed in my room. We then got the filming equipment set up in my room. This took a while though, as we were trying to figure out which setting on the camera would make the lighting look the best. However, we eventually figured things out. After filming the scenes on my bed, we then proceeded to the POV shot. This was followed by an extreme close-up. Both of these shots were pretty easy to film. The only problem that we ran into was the timing of each of these shots.

Next, we moved into the kitchen. This is where we re-setup our equipment. Here, we filmed a wide shot of me eating cereal and of me using my phone. We also had a film a close-up of my phone getting a text message. However, this was very difficult to film because by this time it was already 3P.M. We tried changing the times on our phones, yet it still displayed the fact that it was 3P.M. So, we decided to scrap that scene for now. This is a shot that I would have to refilm another day. Moving along, we then went back into my room to continue filming after having a lunch break. This is where we filmed close-ups of me getting ready. First, we filmed me buttoning up my jeans. Then, of me brushing my hair. After, we filmed me cuffing my jeans. And finally, we filmed me tieing my shirt into a knot. Next, it was time to go film outside. But before this, we filmed me opening my door. Our first outdoor scene was an establishing shot of my house. This was followed by pans of the sky, flowers, and streets. Although, we ran into some problems during filming. We realized that the shots were showing up too dark on the camera. This was not ideal as the lighting for my music video was supposed to be bright and sunny. So, we decided to pack up our equipment and head back home which concluded my first day of filming. This would mean that I would have to reshoot these shots during a brighter time.

BLOG 2- Music Video Storyboard

For the costumes in my music video, I will be wearing pajamas for the scene that will take place in the morning. Additionally, Karli and I will also be wearing basic everyday clothing for the scenes where we meet up. The lighting in my music video will be mainly bright and sunny, as they will either be filmed outside or near a window. However, for the scene where I'm still asleep, the lighting will be slightly dimmer. The actors in my music video will be Karli and myself. We will be playing two friends who meet up together. I will be wearing minimal makeup for the scenes where I am getting ready to go out. The props in my music video will include a hairbrush, a blanket and pillows, and an iPhone. Additionally, I will also be using cereal as a prop as this will be in the scene where I'm eating breakfast. The setting for my music video will be my neighborhood. Specifically, this will be my house (my room and my kitchen), my driveway, behind my house, and the surrounding street near my house.
The camera angles that I will be using will be an eye-level angle, a low angle, and a high angle. For example, I will use a low angle when my iPhone receives a message. I will be using an eye-level angle for when I see Karli on my driveway. And finally, I will be using a high angle for when I film opening shots of the sky. The camera movements that I will be using will be pans, tilts, and zoom-ins. A few examples are when I use a pan to film the sky. Also, I will use a tilt for when I film my neighborhood street. Lastly, I will use a zoom-in for when I film some flowers in my neighborhood. The camera shots that I will be using will be a long shot of me opening my door, a medium shot of me folding my blanket, a medium close up of me brushing my hair, an extreme close up of my eyes, a wide shot of me sleeping, and a two-shot of Karli and I. Furthermore, I will be using a POV shot for when I open my blinds, an establishing shot of my house, and an aerial shot of the cars behind my street. The editing that I will be using is a cutaway for when I receive a message while I'm eating breakfast. Moreover, I will also use an eye-line match, reaction shot, and a shot/ reverse shot for when I see Karli on my driveway. Most of the footage in my music video, however, will be brought together by jumpcuts. The only sound that will be in the music video will be the song that I chose.

BLOG 1- Music Video Planning

For my music video, I will be filming in my neighborhood. Scenes where only I will be acting will be shot inside my house. However, shots that include landscape or my friend, Karli will be shot on my driveway or around the neighborhood street.
To ensure the safety of the actors while filming, we will be filming during the daytime. This ensures that if cars are driving by, they will see us filming and avoid us. We will also be filming with three people involved so that just in case one of us gets injured, the others will be there to assist. Furthermore, we will also stay near my house. That way, we can quickly rush to safety if needed.
For props, I will include a blanket for the shot of me folding the blanket and fixing my bed. Additionally, I will also have a phone on my desk for the scene where I get a text message. Finally, I will be using a hairbrush for the scene of me brushing my hair.
For costumes, we will be wearing basic everyday clothing. This includes jeans and a simple t-shirt. However, due to the current weather conditions, we may need to layer up with a jacket that day if needed to ensure that no one gets too cold while filming.
For the first day that I started this project, which was November 18th, I planned my storyboard. This included me finding out where, when, and who I would film for my music video. The next day, I secured my actors and someone to film. Two days after, I completed the storyboard and I blogged. On Thursday is when I would be able to check out a camera and a tripod, along with an SD card and an SD card reader. This would mean that I would be filming on Friday with my friends Cristy and Karli. Cristy will be filming while Karli and I will be acting in the music video. On this day, I should be able to get most of my scenes filmed. However, if I didn't, I would have to film the next day. I would also be dumping my footage onto my computer during this day. The following week would consist of me editing my footage. I would be mainly editing in class; however, I could also use my time at home to edit in order to complete the project faster. The due date for this project is December 9th. This means that if everything goes according to plan, I should have my music video done by next week. This is so that is any difficulties occur, I will still have plenty of time to fix them. Although this may be difficult to accomplish, the filming and editing process should run smoothly for the most part as I already know how the camera works and how to edit.

Music Video Research Introduction

For our next media project, we have to create a music video for a song of our choice. Today, November 14, 2019, is the first day for this project. We had to choose our song and then research the conventions of our genre during this class period. The research process is still something that is new to me, as this is only the second media studies project that I have done. However the process is getting easier to accomplish. After researching the conventions of our genre, the next step is to create a storyboard. This is a project that must be done outside of school. So it is important to keep that in mind when choosing the settings for each shot. Additionally, the music video should only be about 1 minute and 15 seconds.

The song that I chose for this project is Tomorrow by Kali Uchis. This is an R&B/soul song that was released in 2018. I chose this song because it has special meaning and nostalgia to me. It reminds me of memories that I've had during a previous summer which is something that I feel like I can replicate in my music video. Additionally, this song is also very mellow and soft, yet some parts of it become more upbeat. This is something that can have an interesting effect on my music video if the editing is according to the tempos. I also chose this song because the actors that I chose to be in my video like this song as well. Since they enjoy this song too, the filming process will be a lot more fun to film compared to a song that they otherwise would've not liked.

The genre of the song that I chose is R&B/soul.
1) Some common costumes featured in R&B music videos includes revealing or minimal clothing. This is used to build the tension of love that is commonly expressed in R&B. The most common articles of clothing includes dresses, high-heels, or tank tops.
2) The lighting of most R&B music videos tends to be dark or gloomy. This type of lighting is used to create a more mysterious atmosphere.
3) Typically, the acting in R&B involves a love story. This usually involves a woman and a man who either fall in or out of love with each other. Additionally, another common form of acting that is used is when a woman is breaking out of a relationship, and expressing her new confidence in herself
4) Make-up in R&B is commonly very dramatic or dark. This includes aspects such as red lipstick, smokey eye shadow, or bold eyeliner.
5) In many R&B music videos, a chair is a common prop to be used; typically the singer is on this chair lip-syncing their song. A car is also a common prop as it is used to show the couple in their daily lives.
6) The setting in most R&B music videos tends to be a bedroom or a party, where the two partners may meet up at.

Some common camera angles and shots that are used in R&B music videos are eye level, long shot, medium close up, close up, and extreme close up; typically these are of the singer themselves who may be lip-syncing the song. Additionally, a two-shot is also very commonly used to show the couple that may be featured in the music video. Common camera movements are tracking shots and pans. These can be used the show the couple walking together or meeting up.

Digetic sound is commonly used before the music video starts to set up the scene of where the couple initially meets, an example would be the people talking at the party. Non-digetic sound is also commonly added in the editing process to represent ice mixing around a drink or heels on the floor, for example.

A cutaway, eye-line match, and shot/ reverse shot is commonly used in R&B music videos. These can be used to represent dance sequences that may be featured in the music video or just to show the singer's perspective when getting ready for example.

Editing Blog for Commercial

After filming each of our shots and saved them to a flash drive, it was time to begin editing. Our first days for editing were halted, as Pinnacle Studios was down on the computers. So, we had to wait until next week to actually begin the editing process. On Tuesday, we finally began editing our commercial. We first pulled up the footage from the flash drive to review what we recorded. During this time, we decided to delete some of the outtakes as they would no longer be used in our commercial. After reviewing the clips on more time altogether, we decided that we happy with the clips that we were left with. To begin editing, we first took the clips off the flash drive and put it into a folder to prepare it for Pinnacle Studios. Then we opened pinnacle studios then we put the clips together. We made sure to follow the order of our storyboard when organizing our footage.

 After everything was in order, we then began trimming each clip. We had to make sure that no dialogue, other than the one needed for the commercial, was included. After putting all the footage together, we reviewed it to see if we liked how it looked so far. We decided to add some other trimming touches after reviewing so that the clips would run more smoothly. This also included added our transitions such as cutaways, dissolves, and jumpcuts. Next, we began editing the actual content of the footage itself. This included speeding up and slowing down some clips. This was necessary to make the story of the commercial more cohesive. This was also an important step because our commercial was originally too long. Some clips were sped up to reach the limit of 35 seconds for the commercial. I decided that we would also have to delete some clips due to our commercial being over 1 minute long still.

As a group, we all agreed on which parts exactly we wanted to remove from our commercial. After shortening the entire commercial, it finally got up to be 35 seconds long. We then watched our commercial again to see if it met our standards. At this point, it was time to add sound to our commercial. After discussing what song we wanted to have in the commercial, we saved our project to Audrey's flash drive. This had ended our first day of editing. This is also where I borrowed Audrey's flash drive and went home to add music to our commercial. I recorded the song 'skater boi' by Avril Lavigne and added it to our commercial. I also had to trim down the song to only include the chorus for our commercial. After completing this, I saved the finishing changes to Audrey flash drive. The next morning I sent the commercial to Audrey which had ended my role in editing, as I was not here during my group's last day of editing.