Editing blog (Music Video)

    So my group and I have started the editing process. The days that my group-mate Jahzenyah and I filmed we immediately started the process of editing. On the first day of filming we dumped the footage onto my laptop. On the second day of filming we did the same thing but then continued to further go through the editing process. After dumping the raw footage onto my laptop we imported it to "my media" in iMovie. Once we imported the raw footage we started selecting the clips we felt were the best to be put in the section to be edited. After doing this we stopped until we got to class with our group member Derek. This was all done by Monday night. Once we got to class on Tuesday we sat down as a group to figure out how our clips need to be generally divided by time and importance. Meaning depending on the scene we might have it be longer due to importance/higher value. We know that since the Music Video must be 1:05-1:15 second each clip should generally be 5-6 seconds long, but we may rearrange it, still making it fit.
 
    So once we figured out which clips we were going to make slightly longer we went on to iMovie and started some simply editing. We have started major editing because we have not finished filming. We want all the clips we are using to be in iMovie before starting major editing. So for now we started by muted all of the footage because we will be having music being the sound. We then cut down the footage to the length we wanted it to be and so that it would all add up to the timing in the end. After doing this we were done with what we could do until we get all 12 clips filmed and dumped. So we then sat down and planed out how the rest of our schedule was going to play out. We as a group have all been having complications with meeting up, so on Tuesday we set dates to finish filming and editing with no exceptions. We are going to meet up on Friday to film a few scenes and then get the rest done the next morning. We will then start major editing Saturday afternoon.
 
   The scenes we will be filming on Friday are the scenes one, two, ten, eleven, and twelve. In these scenes we will be filming around the same area. The locations for these scenes are my house and a coffee shop. On Saturday we will be filming scenes three, four, five, and nine. In these scenes we will be filming in a few different areas. The locations for these scenes are the beach, a mall, a going out area, and a car. The reason we are filming these scenes the days we are is because all of these scenes required help from outside people. Whether it be them being in the actually video, letting us borrow something, or just being our transportation. Due to this we had to accommodate others schedule. We plan to be done with everything Sunday night the latest.

Finally filmed:)

In my last filming blog, I discussed how my group and I had planned to meet up to film the majority of our scenes. I explained that due to many issues that came up, we were all unable to meet up to film the majority of our scenes.  I explained that due to many issues that came up, we were all unable to meet up to film.  We now have fortunately filmed a few scenes that I can now discuss. Over the break, Jahzenyah and I filmed a few today after school. The time spent was productive and fun.  The scenes that we filmed over the break and today were scenes that only involved Jahzenyah being the actor in the scenes and me filming. We did this because Derek was not able to come after school with us to film, nor was he able to film over break due to family coming in town. Today, we filmed a total of three scenes. Although it may not sound like many, it was an extensive process and had many aspects that played parts. Jahzenyah being the only actor in those scenes, had different costumes, props, and makeup for each particular scene. Each scene also had a different setting that I had to film at, and one was at a different location. For the first scene, I had to film Jahzenyah wearing comfy clothes such as sweat pants and a t-shirt with her hair up in a bun and her makeup being a face mask.  I was basically a director for everything so I told her what to do. I seated her on the couch with a blanket, a remote controller, and a bag of chips as her props. This scene was meant to show her relaxing. The next scene we filmed was meant to portray her coming into my house after a long day of hard work, wearing professional clothing. Her costume consisted of a skirt, a button-up shirt, and heels. Her props were a key and a bag. This scene took a few tries to film. The location was outside of my house. I directed her to walk up from the front steps and into the house.

The final scene we filmed today was supposed to be at a gym. We planned to film at my sister's gym using her membership so that we could get into a gym to film that scene. Today we left and went to the gym to quickly film the scene. When we got there, we were told that unfortunately, we could not get into the gym because we were under the age of 18. When we were told this, we quickly thought of another idea because we could not let the time go to waste without filming a scene. So, what we did was film Jahzenyah running on the side of the gym building, where there were no cars. I decided to film the scene as a tracking shot of her running. This was done by using my car. My sister drove the car while I was in the back holding the camera and filming Jahzenyah ran outside. Her costume was an athletic outfit which was leggings,  a sports bra, and running shoes. She had no props for this scene.

While we have successfully filmed a large number of scenes that will make up our video, there are still a few scenes left to film. Theses scenes include other actors, not just Jahzenyah. We have arranged to film these scenes on Friday and Saturday of this week. Derek will be in these scenes unless he cannot attend and we should have to use our backup actor. All in all, our filming for this music video is coming along well and we are almost done. Next, we will begin to edit our footage and complete the production of our music video.

Filming blog (didnt get to film)

    My group-mates and I we were planning on filming this past weekend. Unfortunately, we had an unexpected change of plans. Each of my group-mates and I all had something come up that caused us not to be able to film. The reason I was not able to film this weekend was because I became extremely sick on Friday. I unfortunately am still recovering and clearly was not well enough on Sunday to film. As for my group-mate jahzenyah, she had family come in unexpectedly for the holiday from California. Because of this she had plans come up that interfered with the filming schedule. She doesn't often get to see these family members so it was understandable that she had to reschedule to spend time with them. My group-mate derek was not able to find a ride to the locations we were filming at. So for these reasons we decided that we would change our schedule around a bit.

    We are now going to film a majority of our scenes over thanksgiving break. We will most likely meet up more than once over break to film as many scenes as we can. Now that we are slightly behind we would like to get as much filming done as possible. We would also like to get as much filming done as possible so that we can start our editing process. We know that our editing process will be very long and meticulous. We have scheduled to film seven scenes over the break. The scenes we will be filming on the first day are the first scene and the last three scenes. The scenes we plan on filming on the second day of meeting up are the second scene, third scene, sixth scene. For the first day the locations we will be going to are a coffee shop and my house. For the second day the location of filming will all be at my house.
 
    We felt it was important to plan out when what scenes we are filming on which day. This was so that we will be able to know where to meet and which props to bring. Which scenes are being filmed are subject to change. So it is possible that the day of or the night before we may decide to film a different scene. This is because there might be a slight change of plans due to weather or other factors. We will be sitting down as a group tomorrow in class to discuss plans for further filming. The scheduling for the left over scenes will be slightly more complicated. This is because these scenes will take place in outside locations. For example the beach, the gym, and a party environment. For this reason we must sit down tomorrow to finalize which days we plan on filming those scenes. The dates for these scenes are also subject to change due to weather and other possible unexpected factors.

Music Video Storyboard Blog

Our storyboard (shown) portrays twelve scenes of our music video. These scenes are subject to change; we may add more or take some out. Each scene takes place in a different location, has different makeup, costumes, props, etc. As far as camera angles, movements, and shots, there will be similar ones throughout the whole video. Some of these will include tracking shots, tilts, close ups, wide shots, two shots, and many more. During the editing of our video, we will include many jump cuts to go from one scene to the next. Since this is a music video, the song will be the sound of the video. We have decided as a group that we will not have any dialogue at the beginning or throughout our video.  

Planned in class today

Before beginning the process of making our music video, my group and I have planned out the different aspects of the video. These aspects include the location(s), costumes that will be worn, props that will be used, the schedule we will follow, and how we will remain healthy and safe throughout every step.  this plan will give us a clear guide that will guide us and ensure we work efficiently.

Our music video will have multiple scenes, and multiple different settings. The main locations of our scenes will be a coffee shop, the beach, a gym, and a car, a night hang out area (that will be finalized shortly), and a home. Each scene will correspond with the location it is filmed at and will develop the plot and create diversity among the scenes of our music video. My group and I may add or change locations as we move forward and begin the filming process.

The costumes our actor(s) will wear will correspond with the location and message of each scene. For the gym scene, the actor will be wearing a costume of workout attire, such as leggings and running shoes. The actors in the night out scene will be wearing fun night out clothes as their costumes. In one of the scenes, the actor will be portrayed going to work and returning from work, so her costume will be professional business clothing. Lastly, there may be a scene or two where the costumes worn will be casual clothing.

We will incorporate a good amount of props into our video. These props include, but are not limited to, a Phone, laptop, make up items, gym equipment, and coffee cups. Each prop will be significant to the scenes they are in. For instance, the phone will be used in a scene where the actor will be talking on the phone. The laptop will be used in the business scene, and the gym equipment in the gym scene. The props will enhance the scenes and make them more interesting to watch.

Throughout the entire production of our video, my group and I will strive to be as healthy and safe as possible. There are multiple ways we will do this. We will maintain our safety in the car scene by keeping the car parked during the scene. For each location we film at, we will ask permission prior to filming in case there are safety precautions that need to be taken. my group members and I will be sure to film only under safe weather conditions. Should it be warm and sunny out, we will be sure to maintain proper hydration.

Our schedule for filming is subject to change, but we have establish some dates. We plan to film about three scenes this weekend on Sunday, the 24th. The rest of our filming will take place the following weekend and/or the weekend after next. Once we complete filming, we will move on to editing. The dates we plan to edit or not yet finalized, but we imagine them to be December 2nd through the 6th.

Intro to new project (research)

    As we transition into our new project there are a few things my group members and I will take from our hard work done in the last project. Throughout the whole process of making the commercial we all learned skills that will be used to create this music video. For example, we now will take our filming and editing skills that we gained to help us have an efficient music video. We also learned flaws that we will/have improve(d) on in order to make this video the best it can be.
    The song my group and I have decided to make a music video to is “Nice For What” by Drake. Being a song from the pop/rap genre, it is upbeat and catchy. While this played a part in why my group members and I chose the song, the main reason is because it has a wonderful meaning behind it. If the song is really analyzed, it empowers women. Drake is essentially speaking to all women giving them the message that they are valuable and do not need to waste their valuable time on men who will not treat them the way they should be treated. He speaks about how beautiful women are, how valuable they are, and how much they have going for them. In the chorus, the main line is “gotta be nice for what?” When he says this, he is telling women that they need not be nice any longer to men who will take advantage of them and treat them less than their worth. When you look at the song in this light, it is actually really women empowering and inspiring. So, while we chose this song because it is super catchy and gives a fun vibe, we really chose this song because the message is really strong and empowering for women everywhere, and we aim to portray this message in the music video we create so that we can spread it to everyone who would benefit from hearing/ seeing it.
    The song “Nice For What” fits into the genre of pop/rap. So for the aspects of everything that goes into the scenes of the music video we will follow what is generally used in pop/rap music videos. General things that apply to this genre’s music video are uplifting concepts and an all around fun time. The “costumes” in pop/rap music videos vary from casual clothing to dressy clothing. Artist often dress to match the aesthetic/artistry of their specific song so their is not one single costume used. The lighting used in these videos may also very to fit the purpose of the song. For example if the song is about a day on the beach the lighting will most likely be bright and natural, but if its about a fun night party it might be strobe and dim lighting. The acting also pertains to the purpose of the song. Whatever message the artist is trying to get across will be portrayed through the acting. The make-up for these videos are generally just a nice face of make up. Meaning  one may be having a full face of makeup for the purpose of enhancing their features. The props used in this genre are also specific to the purpose of the song. The video will have props that will efficiently get the them across.  For the setting it also depends on the song and the message of it.
    The conventions of this music video are those of a pop or rap video. The lighting that would be in the video are very bright colors that stand out. The setting of pop video can vary some may include
places like California, LA, New York, London or Paris. These places are well know for the city lights and atmosphere. or party scenes. Some camera angle and shots can be a Eye level angle, High angle shot, Low angle shot, close up shots, Medium shots, and Wide shots. The Editing that is done for a music video can be addind tints and filters to boost coluors. Another edit is to photoshop the artist so they look as close to perfect as possible.

Final editing blog

    Today my group members and I got a lot done. We filmed and edited today. We finished all filming today and continued the editing the process. We plan finishing the commercial this weekend. All we have left is some editing we have to do. Since it is on my laptop my group members and I came up with a plan for editing outside of school in class today. We made a group-chat and have/will discussed what editing needs to be done. I will do it at home on my laptop and send it to them to make sure they like it. We plan to have this done by Sunday. So these next few days will be full of editing and perfecting.

    Today we quickly filmed our last two scenes we needed to get done. We filmed the third and the fifth scene. The third scene starts off with a close up of NIKE flysteppers and then zooms out to show action going along with the shoes specific purpose. It includes a close up, long shot, and zoom. The fifth scene just shows every person with a NIKE pair of shoes on all walking up to the same place. Today we had some issues occur. One our classmate with the Air Forces was not wearing them and we needed the for the scene. This issue was soon resolved though, when we found somebody who was wearing the same shoes we needed for the scene. Also we had a sub today and were not able to use a tri-pod. So we had to work really hard as a team to keep the camera steady.

    Once we finished filming we headed back to class and got to editing. We started off by dumping the footage we had just filmed on to the laptop. Once we dumped the footage onto the laptop we moved it to iMovie and dragged the footage into "my media". We then had all the raw footage there. We went through and selected the best footage and placed it into the section to be edited. Then we muted all of the footage because we will be doing voice overs for each scene. After that we cut down the footage to the length we wanted it to be. Now that we had all the clips in there we measured it out so would add up to 30 second. We then started to test out transitions, but stuck with the original transition with no added effect. We then took the rest of the class to decide what we want done so that I know what to edit at home.

Editing the Commercial

    Today was our last day to film. We finished both scenes two and scene four. I did both acting and filming for today. For scene two it was me showing off the NIKE slides. For scene four I was filming my group with the help of someone in another group showing off the NIKE Air Forces. Once we finished filming we actually stayed out and helped another group by acting in their film. After getting all the filming done for the day we went back to class to edit. Unfortunately, all of the groups using the school laptops were not able to edit. This caused a huge issue due to the fact that today was the day we had to start editing and also because we had to blog about it. Since the laptops were not allowing groups to edit we are left with explaining why as our blog.

    Our class laptops are extremely old. It is always a struggle to get things done on these laptops. Today, for example, the editing program on these laptops just shut down. This caused almost all of the groups to be stuck just dumping their footage and not being able to edit. So at this point, they were left with only being able to write a blog on how they weren’t able to edit today. I knew prior to even starting this class that the laptops were slow. This was because we had experienced something very similar to this last year in AICE Global Perspectives. Fortunately, since my group and I was aware of the issues with the laptops that was a factor as to why we are using our own laptop. So we were able to start the editing process. When we got back to class it was a completely different process than the rest of the groups.

   We didn’t get too far with editing today, but we did start. Once we got back to class we started by dumping the footage on to the laptop. Once we dumped the footage onto the laptop we moved it to iMovie in "my media". Once we put all onto media which is considered the raw footage, we went through and selected the best footage and placed it into the section to be edited. We then muted all of the footage because we will be doing voice-overs for all of them. We then cut down the footage to the length we wanted it to be and so that it would all add up to 30 seconds when we were done. After that, we were done editing for the day because of thats what we could do with the footage we had. We still have more footage to film so we couldn't edit too much. Also, some of the editings will be done at home because for example, we need no background noises when recording the voice-overs. So overall we had a productive day in class and were able to get some editing done to make up for not getting everything filmed today.

Filming the Commercial

    Yesterday was the first day of filming for my group. My role was to film, which was interesting because it was my first time filming with a nice camera. It was very easy for me to figure out how everything worked, from the camera to the tripod. I spent the whole time working the camera and filming for our first scene. The scene is very short and very simple so as I was filming I had to make sure it was just right. I would film it and if it wasn’t perfect I would have my group-mate get in position for us to re-film it. I had us re-filmed it many times so that we had a lot of options to chose from.

    I figured things out as I was going. Like what I thought looked best for the scene and which angle looked better than we had initially thought. I did have some problems during the process. One of the problems that I faced was that people kept getting in the way of the shot so I had to wait or move spots. Another problem that I faced was that the sun kept going away so I had to wait until it came back before I could start filming him again.

   

    Despite the problems faced during filming, I was able to get my part done efficiently. Once we finished everything we had to do to get scene 1 done we went back to class. Once I got home that day I went through the footage and deleted all the bad footage. I then dumped the footage on to my laptop that could be used. That was the last thing that I needed to do until our next time filming.

Storyboard

•Scene 1: starts off with a close up of NIKE running shoes and then zooms out to show action going along with the shoes specific purpose. (close up, long shot, zoom)
•Scene 2: starts off with a close up of NIKE slides and then zooms out to show action going along with the shoes specific purpose. (close up, wide shot, zoom)
•Scene 3: starts off with a close up of NIKE flysteppers and then zooms out to show action going along with the shoes specific purpose. (close up, long shot, zoom)
•Scene 4: starts off with a close up of NIKE Air force 1s and then zooms out to show action going alone with the shoes specific purpose. (close up, track, zoom)
•Scene 5: this scene just shows every person with a NIKE pair of shoes on all walking up to the same place.
•Scene 6: This will be a screen with words.

Editing Lesson Blog

    Today I learned how to check out the camera for when my group and I are going to film. I also learned how to sign out when my group and I are planning to go out of class for filming. I then learned the procedures of how we get our footage from the camera, to the computer, to the editing program, and finally to viewing. This was a simple, yet detailed process. My teacher showed us this process through a dell computer and the pinnacle studios program, but my group and I plan on using a Mac computer and the iMovie program. Although we are using different programs for the procedure of getting the footage all the way to viewing, I still learned valuable information that I will be able to use when we starting the process. She gave us instructions that no matter what you are using to edit your footage, it will apply to you. For example, terms that will be used, like raw footage, dumping, importing, track, exporting, etc. These were certain aspects of the footage to view the procedure.

  In this procedure, you start with the process of dumping. Dumping is when you get the footage off of your camera and onto your computer. So we start to buy putting the SD card into the reader and finding our footage. We then make a folder to put the footage in and it is now on our computer. Next, we go through the process of importing. Importing is getting the footage of the computer to the editing program. Through pinnacle studios, this is done by clicking the “+” icon next to the word desktop, and then simply just going to your folder and importing all the footage onto the program. Since my group and I will be using iMovie the process of importing will be done somewhat differently. Once we finish dumping, which will be the same process for us regardless of our computer, we would just click on the arrow icon and then simply just going to our folder and importing all our footage to “My Media”. The footage in “My Media” is called the raw footage because it is untouched that will soon be altered in editing.

    Once dumping the procedures of dumping and importing our finished we move onto the editing process. The majority of this process is done differently through iMovie compared to pinnacle studios. In pinnacle studios we will separate the different aspects of editing through tracks. Track 1 will be for titles, track 2 will be for footage, and track 3 will be for sound. In iMovie sound, footage, and titles are already separated for you, so you just simply move them where you want them to be. In pinnacle studios, the process of transitions and adding things is quite similar. To add titles and transitions in pinnacle studios you click on the icons for that addition, and the same thing goes for iMovie. Lastly, once finishing editing normally if you were using pinnacle studios you would put it on your desktop for viewing. With iMovie, you cannot download it onto your desktop for viewing until you have completed your entire project, but you may still view the project in a preview mode allowing you to watch it on full screen. It was good to learn both processes to compare both of them and see the better options, but after going over pinnacle studios, my group and I believe that both programs work well and iMovie allows us more flexibility with editing.

 

Planning Blog: Scripts, Costume, Props, Schedule

    My group and I plan on doing a Nike commercial. The plot of our commercial is that there is a Nike shoe for everything. Our script will have few words, and the dialogue will most likely be all voice overs. The purpose of the script will be to describe the shoe and how it pertains to a specific person or action. As we show each shoe a new action will be taking place to show how Nike has a variety. The majority of the commercial will consist of background music rather than dialogue. The idea is that each scene will show off the shoes, then, in the end, we will include dialogue to give our message and to show the connections of each scene and to tie the commercial together.

    

    As far as the costumes and props we will be using in the commercial go, there will be multiple types of Nike shoes and outfits to go along with them as well as props to go along with each scene. We will have an athletic scene in which the actor will be wearing an athletic outfit along with Nike running shoes. A prop for that scene would possibly be a water bottle and/or an athletic bag. Another scene would consist of a teenager wearing a casual pair of Nike shoes with a casual school outfit, along with a prop such as a book bag. The purpose of these particular costumes and props is to portray our message. Since our message is that Nike has shoes for everything, each costume will depict the different varieties.

    We plan on having different schedules for the different stages of the filming process. The first on our schedule is developing our story and getting through the pre-production process. During the pre-production process, we will formulate our script, create our storyboard, and secure our actors and locations.  Next on our schedule is to film and record all the things needed in the commercial. This will include the footage and voice-overs. After this, we will edit all footage, recordings, and special effects. During this part of the schedule, we will review all footage, and should there be anything we need to reshoot, we will do so. Our schedule will be broken down into the stages of the filming process so that we can efficiently complete the tasks in a timely manner during each class period. 

Commercial Conventions

    In a Nike commercial, there are certain codes and conventions. When you think of a Nike commercial, what comes to mind? Sports, athletes, apparel, and some sort of hydration. Each of these factors is usually used in making of a Nike commercial, and that’s what makes them codes and conventions. 

    

    Usually, in a Nike commercial, you will see the action through the form of a sport: running, hiking, basketball, dance, football, etc. They use this in all of their commercials to target their audience and stick to their brand. Nike is a sports apparel brand, so using sports in their commercials is essential. They always have apparel in their commercials because that is their product. The easiest way to accentuate their apparel is by using athletes to show it off. That is why athletes are most commonly modeling apparel in their commercials. Generally, you will see a famous athlete as the model for the apparel so that they can do their sport in sportswear apparel. This is also used as an appeal to authority towards the audience (if someone sees a famous and respected athlete wearing the brand they are more likely to buy the product). 

    Something that is not as common, but still an aspect of Nike commercials is a form of hydration used by the athlete or model. Usually, you will see someone drinking water or Gatorade, before or after the sport in the commercial. This is usually done as an addition to the idea of sports taking place. If an athlete were to be tired after a game they will usually take a sip of a refreshing and hydrating drink. So it just adds another element to the commercial and the story/concept.

 

Introductory

    Hello, my name is Jada. I would describe myself as cool, calm, and collected. I can be all three of those things, and majority of the time I am, but sometimes I can have very high energy and very sprightly. I am outgoing and shy at the same time, and this is due to the mixture of introversion and extroversion within my personality. I am an emotional person and try to be caring and loving in everything I do. I am also an extreme over-thinker and perfectionist at times. All of these characteristics I have build a strong personality which I know is a good thing as long as I use it for the right things. 

    I enjoy a lot of things because I try to find beauty in everything. First things first, I enjoy the company of those who make me happy because it surrounds me with good and positive energy. Something else I enjoy a lot is music. Music has always had a special place in my heart and always will. My love for music developed through my time spent dancing over the years. I have been a dancer for a very long time and it is also something special to me. Both dance and music are ways for me to escape problems and just let go. Dance and music to me are both forms of art. Art is also something that I developed a strong liking for. I enjoy things that please my aesthetic and art is one of those things. When I speak of art I mean many things, not just visual arts, but dance, music, film, photography, modeling, writing/poetry, and truly anything I see beauty in.

    Along with all the things I like things there many things I dislike. I have a passion for justice, and activism. So I have a huge dislike for injustice. Whether it is injustice within the black community, women, the environment, or anyone/anything for that matter, if injustice occurs I will not like it. I dislike negative energy. I try my hardest to be the most positive I can and block out negativity. With blocking out negativity comes positivity, so even though there are many things I dislike I try to not focus on them. I have come to the realization that you are going to dislike things, but if it is in no way beneficial to you then you shouldn't focus on it and so that's what I try to  do. Something I do focus on is my classes. I am currently taking Law class, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Us History, Media Studies, AP English, and Algebra 2. I often get overwhelmed with school and classes, but I take them seriously and use them as a way to help me mature and grow to get ready for college.