Initial group planning ideas (Miss Georgiou)

1. Explain who your group members are?
My group is made up of Sophie Elliott, Shaun McFarlane and Devon Thomas. I have never previously worked with any of the group members before however we are all friends both within and outside of class so should be able to work together effectively. 

2. What did you discuss in your first meeting? 
Our first meeting we decided upon our music genre and we all agreed that the soul genre would be easier to portray and allowed us to be more creative in terms of narrative. Upon deciding a music genre we then looked at artists that were categorised under the soul genre such as Adele, Amy Winehouse and our chosen artist Paloma Faith. Choosing an artist was our most difficult step as their are so many and each has a unique take on the soul genre with their songs. At first we had selected Ed Sheeran but unable to commit to a particular song we then changed to Paloma Faith. This was as after looking at a selection of her current music videos such as Can't Rely on You, Upside Down and New York we all felt her songs were appropriately and creatively portrayed however the lyrics were broad enough for us to apply our own narrative ideas to them. In the end we chose the song 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' as with the message of love with the song it gave us the material and freedom to portray a love story perfect for our decision to create a narrative based music video.

3. What will you take forward into the next group meeting? 
Now we have chosen an artist and our ideal song we would like to portray our next step in creating the music video is applying to copy right from Paloma's record  label Epic to hopefully receive permission to use the song. As well as this now we have a solid chosen genre we are going to research even further into the different current and previous soul genre artists and their videos trying to understand different codes and conventions within the videos and targeting a possible popular theme or idea running through each to identify and then include within our own video so we appeal to the fans and listeners of soul music to create a successful and accurate video that represents the soul genre and the tastes of its listeners. Finally through selecting a song we can then progress with our annotations of the lyrics outlining a concept for the lyrics and how we are going to portray each scene and lyric in a unique way whilst still performing in a way that foreshadows the lyrics and Paloma as an artist. 

Group Meetings and Discussions
1. Individual feedback from the individual analysis of the chosen music genre and ideas gathered.
The soul music genre is stereotypically connected to that of the blues and jazz. This is confirmed within the music video with many of the scenes of 'Rehab' featuring a jazz band suggesting that the jazz element featured within the music video has heightened importance to nearly match that of the artist. 

We also found that one of the main editing styles chosen within the soul genre are close-ups of the artist. This was proven within the 'Rehab' music video with the opening shot being a close up of Amy's face creating instant brand and artist recognition. It was also shown within Adele's song where Adele face is zoomed in during certain sections of the song which need her to convey her emotions such as parts which involves subtly links to being a scorned lover. Through seeing her emotions the audience are then able to empathise towards 

the artist and the situation or relate to the feelings expressed that as an viewer they may have experienced themselves. Overall this helps contextually relate the audience and the artist making them feel they can relate helping create a relationship.

3. How has your research into your chosen music genre assisted you with planning your own music video?
My research has been very beneficial as through analysing successful music videos within the soul genre I have gained a better understanding of the styles and concepts within the videos that appeal to their and my target audience. The research was particularly beneficial within the mise-en-scene elements as the elements require in-depth decisions from an array of choices to choose from in terms of where to shoot and music video and what to include within it so by gaining knowledge from both the 'Rehab' and 'Rolling in the deep' videos has been very beneficial in hopefully helping me and my group make decisions faster and help create a more rounded clear image towards our music video. As well as this despite appealing to different target audience, although in the same musical genre, Ive found that there were a lot of musical tastes and decisions similar to each of the music videos helping confirm stereotypical venues and camera angles used within soul genre music. 

The setting of the music video subverts to that stereotypically featured within the soul genre as Amy is shown within a charactered house which appears old and almost abandoned. This is stereotypical as the soul genre aims to connect to people through a mutual storyline or situation opposing ideas of the pop genre who appeal to their target audience by making them desire the lifestyle of the featured artist. The use of the everyday locations too such as the office makes the story relatable to the audience whilst the ending of the song being filmed within a supposed rehab centre conveys the lyrics as it portrays the centre as a bland prison almost facility explaining why Amy has reluctance to go. 

The combination of the mise-en-scene element of hair, make up and costume has a detectable and noted 60s inspiration. This is noticed through Adele's beehive hair hair do and head band. This was a classic signature style of the 60's adopted by many women. The theme is continued with the use of natural make-up with pale skin and a statement winged cat eyeliner favourable at the time. To add to this the choice of clothing of a black dress makes Adele stand out from the white background drawing attention to the artist within a classic understated way. The costumes used within the the video are very basic supporting the videos location. At the beginning she is shown with just a basic white tee and dressing gown, she then moves on to dress in a leather jacket before changing to a white shirt dress. All simple basic looks on Amy are achievable to the audience as well as making her look at one with the different locations used. In terms of hair and make-up Amy is shown sporting her signature cat eyed winged liner typical of the 60's genre. By presenting Amy in her usual fashion appeals to her existing fan base by playing upon her usual style. The 60's inspiration is stereotypical of soul genre confirms her musical genre and complements her soulful voice. 

In terms of lighting and colour the video shows the introduction of lights with the drumming begins within the song flashes incoherence to the beat of the drum reinforcing and making the music seem more powerful. On the other hand the colour theme throughout is black and white showing a neutral concept and pallet. This makes the artist merge with the surroundings suggesting she is part of a larger picture as well as appealing to the 60's theme.

The positioning of characters and objects within the video is very important within portraying the song. Adele is shown to be sitting on a chair throughout her whole performance showing her as defeated as she remains stationary not able to conjure the energy for a performance. As well as this the singular chair within the middle of the room highlights how she is alone identifying with the concept of a scorned lover as she is completely alone without her partner to comfort her and be by her side. Amy is sat down throughout a lot of the video helping to blend her in with the surrounding band and scenery. Although she remains central to the screen helping to maintain the audiences focus she manages to do it subtly allowing the shot and concept of each location of the video to be noted. This is as the soul genre does very little in terms of routine performance instead the videos often just highlights artists musical talents. As well as this through sitting down shows how Amy is defeated reflecting the idea of the lyrics. 

2. Storyboards, planning the production and filming the production. 
Editing;
For our choice of editing we chose to use conventional shots of our music genre such as flashbacks, slow paced editing and jump cuts.  Flash backs are conventional to the soul genre as songs within the genre often portray negative emotions of hurting and despair usually linked to love and so the use of flashbacks are often used to show happier times to either contrast from the song or explain the situation so that the audience feel sympathy and a greater insight into the song and the artists lifestyle. This involvement can then help the audience gain a better grasp of the artist helping them create a relationship and they understand periods of their life just as with a friend making the fans feel the same and relatable to the artist making them appeal even more to audience members.  
To add to this our choice of slow paced editing is very conventional to the soul music genre as they allow us to reiterate how the artist is feeling as slow shots in the video create a mellow yet monotonous feel within the video showing how life has stood still and is not carrying on at its usual face pace self as every moment alone is agonising and therefore drawn out. The slow paces used will appeal to our target audience as it allows us to make them feel chilled out and mellow. This will appeal to our audience as the purpose of a soul music is to relate to the audience through emotions and the lyrics so this slow paced approach will help them digest the lyrics easier helping them gain a better understanding of the song and artist allowing them to create a closer link and deep personal reference to the song. 

Mise-en-scene;
For the videos miss-en-scene we first had to decided upon the setting and location. We have chosen to use the location of a house as it is a familiar location and so is relatable to our audiences. In particular we are going to be using the bedroom and bathroom. The use of the bedroom will convey the artists intimate relationship and well as emphasising how the artist is alone when she show her in bed without her partner. On the other hand the bathroom will give a personal deeper insight into the artist and her thoughts as it is often though that a person does some of their deepest thinking within the shower or bath. By therefore showing this and allowing the audience to intrude on the artist lets them feel more personal and involved within the artist making them feel closer to the audience allowing them to build a relationship as they are allowed to see the artist in a more intimate scenario. 
We also chose to use Camden as a location as it connotes the same ideas and appeals to the tastes and style of people who would like and listen to the soul genre. As well as this the use of Camden a busy central location will juxtapose the loneliness of the artist. As well as the the dense population and constant swarm of people will demonstrate how life moves and carries on around someone no matter what and so encourages those to recover quickly from heartache as standing still achieves nothing. 

In terms of iconography one main element chosen was a bed. We chose to use this as it is an everyday ordinary item which will appeal and relate to our target audience as well as being able to connote both the ideas and scenarios of an intimate loving relationship and feelings of isolation and abandonment at the same time making it very versatile. This is conventional to the soul genre as the genre typical writes and relates to their audiences by portraying real life events and heartaches so the use of the bed a connection between loved ones helps show both love and emphasises being alone as a single person within a double bed relates to both the emptiness of her bed and love.
Another chosen form of iconography is a bath as this as the character will be nude whist in the bath she is shown to be more vulnerable and bare which should be endearing to the audiences who would feel empathy for her heartache and want to help as well as relating to times within their own lives they have been in similar states. A bath would therefore be seen as conventional to this genre as it corresponds to showing emotions and a persons true self which is what the songs and lyrics within the soul genre aim and intend to do. 
Another form of iconography chosen is a large antic mirror which comes as part of a dressing table.We chose to use a mirror as it is a chance to let the audience view the artist as they view themselves as see how the artist views themselves within the song. This is as when looking in a mirror someone is often critical towards themselves and so the song 'Only love can hurt like this' shows her looking at herself feeling scorned and potentially worthless which would relate to how other too feel about themselves making the artists relatable towards the audiences which would be comforting for them to know. A mirror is therefore conventional to the genre as it acts as a reflection of the artist just as the lyrics and songs do as within the soul genre the narrative and concept of the song are typically more personal than that of other genres.

Lighting and Colour
The colours I have chosen to use within the music video are neutral tones such as cream white and beige when the leading woman within the narrative is portraying the 'after' scenario within the narrative to express and co pry how the woman is bleak, depressed and empty. This is shown through these colours as they are boring and plain showing no emotion of expressing anything which is how the lady feels as through being scorned by love she is an empty she'll of the woman she was before and these colours reinforce this idea. On the other hand when in reflection despite feelings of nostalgia we are trying to create and capitate the happiness and joy of the times together  so we will inject colour to show how the her partner was her world and allowed her to see the world in more fun and in a better way.
In terms of lighting we unwilling again on the situation where the actress is alone or the 'present time' we are choosing to use low level lighting or a singular light to foreshadow how the girl is some and also how she sees the world bleaker and as though these man was her  guiding lift or light of her life and so without him she has lost her way and has been lifey in darkness both physically and mentally. In contrast to their the lighting used when showing the flashbacks will be bright constant and intense to imitate and reflect the couples love.

Hair and Make-up
In terms of hair we will play upon the ordinary theme with a a non fussy tosseled hair style which would relate to audiences and represent the artist as ordinary and down to earth. This hair do is also current and relaxed and can be copied by women easily making the look more attainable which is interesting for audience members as they can become like the artist. 
For our artists costumes we are going to appeal to the typical soul genre dressing our artist, when out, jeans and a beau tubal look which is no fussy and simplistic allowing the audiences to focus on the music and the use of iconography, a guitar, making the video about the music typical of many soul videos. This also makes the artist look approachable and down to earth as instead of looking pristine in designer clothes she seems relatable and representative of typical women which is what the video and narrative want to relate to and promote. 
For makeup the artist will just wear simple natural make up which is currently in just enhancing the artists skin so they look natural and as themselves which would appeal to the audience members as it would represent the artist accurately allowing the audience to see the real them letting them create a relationship with the artist. The natural non fussy look also appeals to the audience as for many women they're day to day look is very minimal and simple so the artist is relatable and representative of real women. 

3. How can your target audience build a relationship with your artist through image that you have selected?
Our artist despite appealing to the audience through applying themselves to an ordinary image relating themselves to the audience through enhancing and polishing the artist image the artist will too appeal to the audience through hopefully becoming a trend setter and role model making th audience admire and look up to them as we will present the artist in new trendy clothing and demonstrate current hairstyles and make up so the artist seems current.

·       1.Why are meetings and discussions important to carry out?

Meetings and discussions are important to carry out throughout the whole planning of our music video and ancillary texts as it allows us to contribute new and different ideas that will allow us to create final pieces that are most conventional to the genre and appeal to our target audience. As there are four of us, there will be a lot more ideas that we could consider using, which will avoid wasting time during group discussion stages. 

·   2.Did your group work well together? As we are all friends outside of school I anticipated as a group we would work well together through mutual ideas or work dysfunctional as we would be unmotivated or more stubborn when proposing ideas. Thankfully I believed as a group we worked very well together with our personalities and traits enabling different skills and strengths to be brought to the group without anyone overshadowing the other. For instance Shaun instantly showed the most skill and understanding of computers completing photo shop and editing tasks at ease. Sophie had useful thoughts for conventional decisions whilst Devon was the force behind our group bringing directional skills that made us work time efficiently. Personally I had most of the creative ideas providing ideas and filming inspiration for our videos narrative and themes. 

Date	Action	To be done by	By whom	Discussions
15.09.14	To decide on an artist and a song	15.09.14	All group members	Various ideas were discussed and a mindmap was created by the group. Eventually we decided on creating a music video by…and the song…..
16.09.14	Wrote a letter to our chosen artists record label, asking for permission to recreate the music video.	16.09.14	All group members	As our artist belongs to two record labels we discussed which one we were going to write too.
17.09.14	We annotated our lyrics to find out what we could incorporate into our music video.	17.09.14	All group members	We discussed what lines had a deeper meaning and created ideas which we could represent throughout our recreation.
22.09.14	We decided on the mise-en-scene we would use for each scene.	22.09.14	All group members, however did individual posts.	We discussed what the conventional locations and iconography would be for each scene within our music video.
25.09.14	We decided on the different camera angles we were to use for each scene.	25.09.14	All members, however did individual posts.	We discussed which camera angles were most effective for the scene.
01.10.14	We decided on how we wanted out artist to be represented.	01.10.14	All members, however individual posts.	We discussed what our artist would wear and look in order to attract our target audience.
07.10.14	We decided on what editing styles we would use throughout our music video.	07.10.14	All members, however individual posts.	We discussed what editing styles were most effective in order to build a relationship between the music and visuals.
13.10.14	We created storyboards in sequence and chronological order of our planned music video.	13.10.14	All members, however individual posts.	We discussed many different aspects of our music video eg; iconography, setting, editing.
18.10.14	We made up a schedule of when we were going to film our music video.	18.10.14	All members, however individual posts.	We discussed what times we were available to film certain scenes of our music video and planned what days we would film at each setting.
23.10.14	We created a risk assessment for the filming of our music video.	23.10.14	All members, however individual posts.	We came up with specific accidents that could possibly occur during our filming and assessed how we could avoid them and what we would do if they did occur.
30.10.14	We filmed our music video.	30.10.14	All members.	On four different occasions we filmed at different settings the footage, which we used in our music video.
03.11.14	We created a photoshoot post including different photos captured during the filming of the music video.	03.11.14	All members, however individual posts.	We selected different pictures from the footage we had taken and analysed why they were conventional to our genre and how they would appeal to our target audience.
07.11.14	We planned our group digipak.	07.11.14	All members, however individual posts.	We combined our ideas as well as ideas we got through inspiration from existing digipaks from artists within our genre.
14.11.14	We planned our group magazine advert.	14.11.14	All members, however individual posts.	We combined ideas to create a magazine advert for our artist album release.
18.11.14	We created our music video rough cut.	18.11.14	All members.	We edited all the clips and material by cropping them and adding transitions in order to create a rough cut for our music video.