Synopsis and Powerpoint presentation of Pitch for music video

Here is the synopsis that me an my partner, Patsy plan to use in our music video:

The storyline for our narrative is based on the film noir style/genre; this is a conventional story about a relationship between a detective and a deceased victim. This is the basis for our narrative; the story line will focus on the relationship between a man and a ghost. The initial idea of one of the main characters being a ghost build up an enigma for the audience and the main male character, as they are both uncertain if the girl is real or super natural. 

The storyline will follow the man and his obsession with the women, which leads to his demise. He is seen as being upset and lonely; the man is later followed by a girl. The way in which the girl is shown to the audience helps to build up a representation of her being a ghost. This will be done by the use of camerawork, make-up, costume, and editing techniques

There is a confusion of time in this video as the story line is not told in start to finish order .Throughout the video, flashbacks are used in a non-conventional way to manipulate time and play with the thoughts of the audience. Through the use of symbolic references, the relationship between the man and women is left to the audience to decide. Our influences for this music video are the films Vertigo, Scarface and story of Macbeth and the Greek and Roman mythology of Charon’s obol and Orpheus and Eurydice. 

Here is the link to mine and Patsy's power point, which was created by Patsy:

http://co102w.col102.mail.live.com/default.aspx#!/mail/ViewOfficePreview.aspx?messageid=b84dbd55-ff26-11e0-b759-002264c202d0&folderid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&attindex=0&cp=-1&attdepth=0&n=1959301410

Here is the final version of the Animatc:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrINrMUyG-A&feature=youtube_gdata


Here is the rough version of the animatic

Contact with artists for their permission of their song

Here is the email that Patsy received for the permission to use Shiny Toy Guns- You are the one song and sent to me afterwards.

Location Shots and prop shots

Location Shots:

Hainault Forest:





Here are some of the locations that me and Patsy have thought of using but we are still looking at a variety of  locations.
Prop shots:
Here are the props that I plan to use in my music video narrative:

Here is the location and prop shots of the locations and props that we plan to use in our music video.

Technical Analysis

These two videos tend to cut on the beat of the songs:
The Killers:Human


Shiny Toy Guns: You Are the One


In the Killers video of their song "Human" there are a lot of shots such as close ups of the lead singer, Brandon Flowers and the other band members. When we analyse the video we also see a few cuts on the beats of the song, such as sometimes it would change to animals such as an eagle, mountain lion/cougar and a white tiger. When we also look at the video we also see that the location of the video is in the location of Goblin Valley Sate Park Utah. Other camera shots portrayed in the video consist of shots such as mid shots, long shots, low angle shots, high angle shot, eye level shot etc and tends to be other editing techniques such as an fade, cross dissolve, inserts and also cutaways. The band in the video also tend to only be wearing one piece of costume. The clothes worn by Brandon Flowers and the band members also tend to be casual wear such as we see Flowers wearing a Dolce&Gabbana jacket which was part of the fall/winter 08 collection. The camera movement used by the band includes movements such as tilts, pans, whip pans, crane movement and maybe a arc movement.


Here are some shots of the band, the Killers in their music video of "Human"(not in order):
                                                  

If you notice, in the video of Human by the Killers, there is no narrative included within the song such as their song of Mr Brightside but the video is basically a band performance, which is different from that of a band like the Shiny Toy Guns video You are the one which has a performance video accompanied by a narrative. In the video there is also a lot of cuts, fades and dissolves and also contains the typical camera shots of close ups, mid shots etc the video also shows the band playing in Utah and also has similarities between to Pink Floyd's live at Pompeii concert film such as the band playing in a desert landscape amongst amplifiers and other stage equipment, which is mostly seen in the camera angles. The video also depicts the band watching the son setting in the desert, which turns into the album cover drawn by Paul Normansell.

What shots and transitions do you take inspiration from?
Killer's video-Human (Camera Shots):
Long shot of the scenery of Utah with Brandon flowers and tracking movement being used.
Hand held camera used on Flowers in a close up, a tilt movement is then showing an eagle in the air flying.
A tilt is used in a close up portraying Flowers singing and showing the eagle in the background flying.
A crane shot is used showing the band from a high angle, zooming out showing all the members of the band and the scenery.
A fast pan is used in a long shot showing Flowers and the band members then pans back to Flowers. A pan is the used to show the band members playing in a long shot in an arc movement.

The camera shots that I have been inspired include shots such as long shots of the the scenery and the band members. The tracking movement has also been used to move in towards the lead vocalist. The hand held camera in a close up to tilt up towards the face of Flowers and then to an eagle. Close up has also been used to create show the facial features and expressions on the face of Brandon Flowers. There are also lots of other camera shots used in the video such as a crane shot is used to show the band playing in the scenery from the Utah park. In the video it also shows the camera person using other shots or movements such as an arc movement so we are able to see the band from different angles or a pan to scan the scene and the band members while performing etc.  

Transitions:
Fade of Flowers and scenery then fades to artwork of the band members and back to the lead singer.
A dissolve is also used to show an eagle flying then dissolves back showing the lead singer.
A cut is then used to show the band then to cut to another location within the Utah county park.
A stock shot is then used to set out specific parts of the film into 15 images of the same image, the images are then used in a telephoto shot to give the impression of interest and voyeurism and zooms into one of the images.
A cutaway is then used to depict artwork as photos, which are holded by the band members, then cuts to the band playing in the surroundings.

The transitions that I have found to be used in the making of the video of "Human" is that the director has used a of transitions within the video such as fades are used showing the band members while we are able to see images within the video merging into other images which is the case between the eagle fading into a close up of Brandon Flowers. I have also found that dissolves and cuts have been used to depict the difference between time and place. Stock shots which I have only seen, which has been used in this video has been used to show a different types of point of view and it also has been used to show the Killers artwork which depicts the band members in a sort of collage. A cutaway has also been used in this video, to cut to a related piece of action such as when we see the cutaway from the band members to mountains within Utah which connote the subject of interest and curiosity within the video.
Shiny Toy Guns video-You are the one (Camera Shots):
At the start of the video depicts a women sitting up from lying down but only showing the silhouette of her.
The camera movement of a zoom out is used after showing a close up of the women in a bubble, then zooms out fast to the band members of the band.
A tracking movement is used in a long shot the band members but mainly of the lead vocalist.
A crane is used showing part of the bubble then showing the band in a high angle shot.
An eye level shot is used showing the women which makes us feel connected with the situation of the women and relate to her through the relationship between the character and audience.
A fast pan is also used in the video to portray selective images of the band members performing.
A birds eye view is also used to show the bands lead singer throwing himself into a blank screen, which then turns out that his throwing himself into water.

In the video of "You Are The One" I have found out the director has used many camera shots and movements to connote different connotations about the artists through those shots and movements.

Transitions:
Cut, cutaway-to band then to women trapped in bubble.
An cutaway is then used showing the braking of a beer bottle on the ground.
Slow motion and motivated cuts of the band members performing by themselves.

These transitions have inspired me in the making of learning what transitions to use such as in new wave music they use a lot of cuts, cutaways and motivated cuts and slow motion which isn't really a convention of editing techniques used in the making of new wave music videos.

From these videos I found these camera shots and transitions to inspire me as they are used to suggest different ideologies, views or perspectives which are attached to the music genres of new wave music. The camera shots used in these videos have been used to connote the new wave ideology of anti-commercialism, anti-mainstream etc. It also seems that the camera shots and transitions that have been used in the Shiny Toy Guns video appear to have a relationship or connection to the narrative themes of rejection and mainly acceptance. The camera shots and transitions used in the Killers video appear to have a connection with each other scene and promote themes such as rejection of the conventional lifestyle etc, so through these 2 videos I would say that montage editing has been used to manipulate time and place but has also been used to suggest different meanings from the video's.

Symbolism:
Symbolism which has been used in the Killer's music video "Human" include:
Eagle-Spirituality, strength, freedom and creation.

White Tiger-bravery and perseverance 

Cougar-Courage and power.

Symbolism that is used in the Shiny Toy Guns music video "You Are The One" include:
Bubble-Isolation, self denial and distinction between reality and fiction.

Angel-Dignity, loyalty, glory and honor.

Water-Life, birth and wisdom.

Smashing of the beer bottle-Rebellious, stubborn and arrogant.
Rain-Rebirth, sadness, cleansing and new life

The types of symbolism that are used in the music videos, "You are the one" by the Shiny Toy Guns, "Human" by the Killers  consists of symbols which either tells us about the bands and the genre of music they're playing. I have found, that these symbols in the music videos have been used, in a diverse but essential level characterised by the lyrics of the song as they often allow the audience to gain an insight into society. I haven't thought mush about the idea of using symbols in music videos but it was my partner, Patsy that suggested to me that we use symbols as they deliver verdicts and opinions on the characterisation, narrative and the perspective of a society through the eyes of the director.
Here are pictures from Blade Runner that contains symbols but is also shot in the film style of film noir:

The origami Unicorn is used in the film Blade Runner, to ask the question of whether Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is a replicant in the film or not, this is also shown in another scene whether Deckard has a dream of a unicorn. This symbol is also used by Ridely Scott to ask whether the advancement of technology is always advancing  and asks themes of reality vs fiction, manipulation of the minds memories, death vs mortality, environment vs globalization, genetic engineering and cloning etc. . The origami unicorn also asks the question, is Deckard a human or a replicant. It also stands for what exists and what doesn't exist. It is also a reference of Gaff's knowledge of that he knows Rachel is a replicant. The unicorn also represents Rachel as a product of human creation and Deckard only being able to be tamed by the beauty of Rachel.

The dove at the end of the film is used to connote religious symbolism. The dove represents the ascending of Roy's soul to heaven. I would also say that the dove represents freedom and purity and battles the themes of human creation vs God's creation, so in a way Ridley Scott is actually connoting that it isn't the replicants that are inhumane but the humans. The dove also is linked to the story of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge and where punished by God and relates to the capitalist system as being run by corporations and human thirst for knowledge.

I have also found this image from the film Blade Runner to be influential because through this image the director, Ridley Scott is giving us a reflection of the hellish landscape portrayed in the film. It also communicates the theme of paranoia and economic inequality and corporatism.

How has these 2 videos influenced me in the construction of mine and my partners music video: 
These 2 videos have influenced me in the construction of my music video because from watching these videos I have found that the new wave music videos usually contain montage editing as they are usually contain editing such as cuts, cutaways, dissolves and fades.  I have also found that these videos contain camera shots and camera movements, these includes movements such as tracking, pans etc whereas the camera shots that are usually used in the making of new wave music videos contain a lot of close ups of the band members but mainly the lead vocalist, I have also been influenced by other shots such as birds eye view from the Killers video , but what I have interesting from the Shiny Toy Guns video is that the director and cinematographer have used slow motion not to just portray a dramatic effect of the narrative or the bands performance but is also connected to the message and themes connoted through the lyrics of the song. I have also found that these 2 videos are different because when looking the video it is centered around performance whereas the Shiny Toy Guns video is centered around a narrative and performance based narrative. The videos also talk about other themes such as the Shiny Toy Guns video communicate themes such as love, depression, acceptance and rejection, whereas the Killers video communicate themes such as acceptance, questioning our existence and destiny. So what I am basically saying is that is that i will try to use similar camerawork and movements, such as eye level shots, close ups, birds eye view, mid shots, tracking, pans etc. I will also try to use a lot of montage editing such as cuts, fades or cutaways and I will also have a go at using slow motion shots.
I would also say that I have been mainly influenced by the concept of film noir, which is a unconventional visual style, which emphasizes low key lighting and unbalanced compositions which has been used by director David Fincher. I have been influenced by this concept of film making as I see it as a type of film making concept that embraces many film genres such as the gangster genre and many more. I have also found this type of film making as using the character types of private eyes and the female fatale and this type of film making also doesn't have a generic/conventional setting such as other types of film genres. I have found this type of film making essential to the construction of my music video because I were to use this type of film making I would also be relating to the German Expressionism which was an artistic movement in the 1910's and 1920's and I have found this film making essential as it doesn't comply with conventional cinema which is similar to the new wave music, alternative rock and rock genre as these types of genres reject the conventional/mainstream features of music and I want to use black and white with color, not make a dramatic point but also to manipulate time and manipulate the thoughts of viewers when watching the narrative. Here is a picture of what I will try to achieve within the video constructed by me and my partner Patsy and film noir has been used in films such as Citizen Kane, Meshes Of The Afternoon, Blade Runner and Raging Bull etc.

Here is also video of The Godfather (1972), which uses film noir:

I have also been influenced by the start sequence of the film, Vertigo directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1958, because at the beginning of the movie there is a sequence where we see a women in red lighting, showing hers eyes. This is used by Hitchcock to portray the character as someone who is mad, cunning, manipulating, psychotic and basically a female fatale without actually letting the audience being able to create their own thoughts or opinion on Madeleine's character themselves and having to believe in Hitchcocks characterization of the character, Madeleine.
Here is a link to the video which has influenced me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qtDCZP4WrQ&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL0265A36BB006732A

Shotlist

In the shotlist, this is where I will be talking about the shots that we are planning to use and a description of how and why they were used:

Number of shots and Type of shot used
Description
1. Extreme close up shot
An extreme close up was used in this scene to communicate how I am trying to portray madness within the character.
2. Mid close up shot
A medium close up of the eye was used so the audience feel drawn into the film by the characterisation of the product.
3. Close up
Close up was then used because I wanted to show the women’s facial features from the side to project a female that has a destructive behaviour.
4. Close up
Close up was used in this scene to illustrate the characters facial features and communicate the theme of the femme fetale.
5. Long shot
A long shot was used because I want the audience to ask questions about the behaviour of the protagonist.
6. Point of view shot
Point of view shot was also used so the audience are able to see the world through the protagonists’ eyes.
7. Close up
Close up used to signify the characters drinking obsession and his isolation within the film.
8. Mid shot
Mid shot was then used to connote how the man has become obsessive and weak minded.
9. Mid shot
A mid shot was used as I wanted the audience to see the character from the waist up and watch the character as if they were in the same room.
10. Over the shoulder shot
So the audience would be able to gather a sense of what the narrative is about.
11. Point of view shot
Point of view shot was used so the audience were able to understand the relationship between the characters but also to create empathy for the detective.
12. Long shot
Long shot is used to represent the boundaries between reality and supernatural world.
13. Long shot
Long shot to show the ghost from head to toe.
14. Close up
Close up was used as I wanted to create empathy with a character that may/may not disserve it.
15. Close up
Close up was used to connote the importance of the cross within the narrative.
16. Extreme close up
To show the cross to represent the theme of sacrifice, innocence and belief.
17. High angle shot
I used the high angle shot as I wanted to use an unconventional shot that would depict the action differently.
18. Point of view shot
To see what the character was seeing through his eyes.
19. Long shot
Long shot to show the characters paranoia of seeing the ghost from his body language as he runs.
20. Medium close up
To show the man washing his hands and signifies to the audience that the character is in self denial.
21. High angle shot
To make the character feel like his being watched and to communicate the theme of voyeurism.
22. Point of view shot
So we are able to find out about the compulsive and obsessive identity/relationship of the characters.
23. Over the shoulder shot
Over the shoulder shot to communicate obsession and paranoia and questioning of the state of mind of the character.
24. Point of view shot
So the audience are able to relate with the character and see the blood which represents guilt and redemption and the blood is a reference to Macbeth.
25. High angle shot
High angle shot to represent how reality is questioning the detective’s state of mind.
26. Low angle shot
Low angle shot used to make the character out to be vulnerable and weak minded.
27. Close up
To see footprints.
28. Mid close up
To show footprints and to give an ideal of the audience becoming spectators.
29. Low angle shot
Low angle shot is then used to show the bottle as wielding power over his life and whether it be one of the factors that contribute to his death.
30. Point of view shot
To gain a perspective of how isolated the character has become and whether it was his drinking habit that leads to his or his girlfriend’s downfall.
31. Over the shoulder shot
This shot is used to show the audience that the protagonist is having a conversation with someone but we don’t know.
32. Over the shoulder shot
To show the relationship between the characters and to give one perspective of the conversation and to represent the themes of imprisonment within ones body and liberation of the soul.
33. Mid close up
To show the protagonists facial features and clocks in eyes.
34. Extreme close up
This was used as I wanted to show the hands of the clock to represent the manipulation of time and space.
36. High angle shot
To show the aftermath of the death of the women and see the character and for the audience to question was this, the killer or was he part of what lead to her death.
37. Point of view shot
This was used so the audience get a sense of the characterisation of the character has paranoid, obsessive, isolated etc and to make the audience unable to find out whom the identity of the character is so they get attached to finding out who it was.
39. Insert
40. Close up
These shots were used as I wanted to communicate to the audience what is reality and what is fiction. The props were also used to represent that the man’s state of mind is controlled by the ghost and that death has beaten life etc.

Number of shots and Type of shot used
Description-Performance in music video:
1. High angle shot: This shot was used to show themes of obsession and to relate to the theme of femme fetale and to relate to the title of the film.
2. Long shot-the long shot was used to show the performer sitting on a bench and the landscape in Hainault forest, this shot was also used so that me and Patsy could show the story isn't being told in non linear form.
3. Mid Close Up: This was used to communicate o people the signification of the guitar to people within the story. Pan is also used which comes from the right of the picture to the left.
4. Close up: This shot was used to show a close up of the guitar.
5. long shot with an arc movement this was used so the audience get a sense of the type of genre, we're using and are also a reference to Coldplay’s song, the Scientist.
26. Mid shot of guitar being played by actor: To show his body language to the audience.
29. Long shot of actor walking in Hainault forest with leaves falling in foreground or midground: This was used to communicate the theme of nature etc.
30. Tracking of performer walking through forest:
31. Mid shot of actor walking towards the camera playing the guitar showing base of actors chin and the guitar.
32. Long shot of actor walking through woods and camera following him from behind the trees.
33. Over the shoulder shot of actor walking in woods.
37. long shot of man walking in a grass and walking towards trees. To show man as a small figment of reality through he setting of the forest.
39. Mid shot of character walking through woods and being tracked.
40: Arc movement and long shot of character walking towards the end of the forest; this was used to make the audience feel involved within the plot and connect with the character.
41: worm’s eye view actor stumbling across glasses in woods: This was used to communicate the theme of identity.
42: Close up glasses, on actors face: Presents the actor as someone who is lost in society and in reality.
43: long shot of actor walking towards bench in Hainault forest:
44. Close up actor pulling of glasses: to reveal the identity of character so audience are able to connect and question the characters motives.
47. Mid close up of actor face, which is used to reveal the identity of the performer.

Storyboard and Animatic Storyboard video

Animatic Storyboard, link on youtube:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_ug0128Yls&feature=youtube_gdatawww.youtube.com



Here is a link to the final version of the animatic storyboard,we made:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrINrMUyG-A&feature=youtube_gdata

Here is my Storyboard, where I used conventional camera shots that would be linked to the new wave music genre and also links to the conventional camera shots used in the film noir genre/filmmaking:
We also plan to add more shots if necessary.
Performance storyboard of music video:

Narrative Storyboard of Music Video:

Call Sheet

Here are the links to the call sheets:
http://patsykatejonesa2cwblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/call-sheet-number-1.html

Call sheet2:
http://patsykatejonesa2cwblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/call-sheet-number-2.html

Call sheet 3:
http://patsykatejonesa2cwblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/call-sheet-number-3.html

Call sheet 4:
http://patsykatejonesa2cwblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/call-sheet-number-4.html