DW: Preliminary Task Evaluation

Evaluation of Preliminary Music Video

Having filmed, edited and finished our thriller opening in the AS section of the course, there were a number of elements regarding the production of the preliminary music video that we found different. First and foremost, as a pair, we found it far easier to visualize our piece; this ranges from the application of continuity to the over-arching image we wanted to convey. This was anchored by our knowledge of what shots actually looked good, after the relentless trials in the film opening coursework; we were far more brave with our ideas, not being afraid to perhaps raise our levels of creativity to aid the ease of making interesting shots in the post production stage. 

Furthermore, we used a vast range of new cinematography skills that we had never previously used. The reason for this comes with the freedom of music video; by principle, there is not specific set of shots that should be used, it is more or less entirely down to preference and suitability with the track. Therefore, we tried to incorporate a lot more moving shots, a lot more different angles, framing of things such as feet and head & arms and so on. All of this meant that we could portray a better range of knowledge and ability in film making, to show that we can portray our creative ideas, creatively. 

In the editing process, we once again, used a lot more different effects that wouldn’t have been apt or suitable for the film opening. Conventional of a music video, yes, but it certainly noticed when we watched our music video back that there was a more proficient use of effects. This included the likes of expansion of time, ranging from 60% to 80%, reverse speed, jump cuts and a more distinctive differentiation in pace of cuts. Certainly, the video looks action packed with these new used effects - it seems to fit well with the action in the video well, whilst at disjuncture to the song itself it does sync with the music and to an extent, amplifies the track. 

When relating our piece to that of other music videos, we certainly used a number of typical conventions found commonly. This mainly revolved around the anchoring of visuals to the music itself in relation to pace, but also the use of slo-mo and various pro-filmic effects. To then compare it to the other Rudimental videos and how ours contributed to their meta-narrative, there is still that element of euphoria obtained, in our case, through the course of overcoming the repeatability of school life to go out and have fun. Also, the disjuncture, yet still fitting with the track is also common in their videos - having a very distinct, artistic feel to them.