Location List... (filming in New York)

Here is a list of locations during the filming process in New York:

In order to achieve an 'abstract' approach to my music video I decided to use a range of different locations, so that in  the editing process I could edit them together using jump cuts from scene to scene, to give the impression that the video is constantly moving and flowing between each scene/location.  
I also chose to film things that I could put different effects on in the editing process in order to achieve the 'dream-like' effect I wanted my video to have, in order to create the sense of an alternate reality. So for example I filmed the iconic New York symbol the yellow taxi, and sped this up in the editing process. I also but an effect on all of the shots in the music video that gave it this 'dream-like' glow:

I also used a faded effect in certain parts of my music video to further reinforce the idea that this alternate reality is like a dream:

Filming Day 3

Thursday 13th February
This day was a perfect day to film as it was snowing all day, therefore, I got some good footage as we were walking about. When I edit this bit in it will look good in contrast to some of the other footage where it is a really clear day, which will fit in with the abstract theme that I want to create in my video.
Below are some pictures I took as I was filming:

Filming Day 2

Tuesday 11th February
This was our second day in New York City, and as we had a long walk looking at all the sights I decided to film life as we were walking round, including the taxis (an important icon of NYC life). Then later on in the day we went to Liberty Island, I filmed the journey on the ferry there, getting some good shots of the NYC skyline as we sailed away from it. As well as some good footage on Liberty Island of the Statue of Liberty. 
I also had chance to film the subways as we were travelling on them, as I thought it would look quite effective filming them coming and going from the station, as well as filming out the window as we drove out of the station. In the editing process I have sped up this footage, which looks effective as it is edited so it goes from one scene to another.

Here are some photos I took as I was filming: 

Filming Day 1

Monday 10th February:
This was the day we arrived in New York City, landing at about 2pm. This was the day we went to Empire State Building- I thought this would be a good place to film the iconic New York skyline for my music video. Although on the footage you can hear people talking and the wind is quite loud, when it came to the editing process I just muted the clip. 
We then walked to Grand Central Station, here I filmed around us, especially as people were walking around. Using a high angle I could film people walking around below us and in the editing process I sped this up, which helps represent the busy hustle and bustle of life there. 

Here are some photos from my first day filming: 

First Draft Ancillary Texts (Magazine Advert for Digipak)

And here is the step by step process of how I made my magazine advert for my CD/DVD digipak:

First Draft Ancillary Texts (CD/DVD Cover)

The idea for my CD/DVD digipak was that I wanted it to be a simple design with big text to attract the audience's attention as when I was researching into existing CD/DVD covers I found that the most popular ones were the ones with big simple text designs on the front, rather than a design full of pictures. 
I kept the house design consistent throughout the CD/DVD cover by keeping the colour scheme and fonts the same to help establish continuity, and have also used a similar colour scheme and the same fonts on my magazine poster which will allow the audience the establish the link between the two. 

Here is the step by step process of how I made my back cover, as I felt this was the most complicated one to make:

Research for Ancillary Texts...

As part of our A2 coursework, as well as creating the final music video, we also have to produce the following ancillary texts...

• a cover for its release as part of a digipak (CD/DVD package)
• a magazine advertisement for the digipak (CD/DVD package)

For this part of the coursework we have to create a 6 sided digipak... 

I have done some research into existing CD/DVD digipak covers in order to see what the codes and conventions of them are in order to make mine look realistic and allow it to appeal to the audience.

Whilst looking at existing CD/digipak covers I noticed that they all have a main image (conventionally of the artist) that is the centre of attention on the product. Then the text is all placed around the main image, plus any other text on the front is placed around the image in a much less bolder text that is also a lot smaller. 

I found the conventions of a digipak this size are...
Front cover

• Artist/Album name
• Image (usually of the artist, may be abstract and/or link to the music video)

Back cover

• Track list
• Barcode
• Record label (name, logo, links)
• Other links for the artist (such as a website)

Inside

• Extra images, on both sides of CD and behind CD (artist, link to video etc)
• CD (with a design on it, relating to the front cover)

Actually creating this part of the coursework will involve using digital technology such as Photoshop. As we had to use this last year as part of making our music magazine, I feel like I am much more confident in using this programme this year, therefore the quality of my work for this aspect of the coursework should be a lot higher than it was last year. However, as it was a while ago when I used Photoshop for media, therefore, before we make these ancillary texts I will do some practice tests. 

Most album artwork that is currently in the charts is quite simple, with the name of the artist and the album, then a simple background. I like the idea of doing this for my album because it draws the audience's attention to the artist, if the name stands out on the shelf then they will notice it and will be attracted to it. Even if there are loads of images on the cover and lots going on, if the writing's bold then that will stand out the most on the whole page.



Magazine advertisement research (conventions)...
When an artist releases an advertisement for their new album/single in a magazine, it usually has the following features:

• Artist name
• Album name
• Artwork (usually similar or linked to the artwork for the digipak to help the audience establish the link between the two)
• Date of release
• Reviews or ratings from institutions such as newspapers or music magazines
• Other links the artist has (e.g. website, tour dates etc)

Here are some examples of existing magazine advertisements that follow these conventions