Camera shots, movement and editing, PLANNING

Camera shots

We feel that to make our video the best it could possibly be and look at professional as it can possibly look, we will be using a Canon 1000D which is from Canon’s DSLR professional range, this is opposed to our last project where we used a Sony Handycam. The reason we will be using the Canon over the Sony is because it offers up a range of settings for different shots and types of shot, it will also enable us to get high quality prints which therefore will allow us to create a stylish piece of stop motion media work.

We will be taking particular influence from the PEN story that first inspired us as it uses a wide variety of camera shots that are important in creating a believable and interesting piece of media work. In order to challenge the conventions within pop / electro we will need to use a wide range of camera shots which will allow us to highlight the main character within our narrative and the narrative itself effectively.

We will be using in our media production:

• Establishing shots (ES) – such as the start of the PENstory video – to establish the scene – where it’s set and to establish the surroundings.

• Mid Shots (MS) – These will aid the establishing shots – and give a closer view of the objects in the frame.

• Close ups (CU) – These shots will probably be the most important shots in the video – these shots will give the audience a close up view of the moving photos – allowing them to see the detail in the actual photos as they move. This is vital as the moving photos explain our narrative, even though the narrative has no link to the song, it is important in terms of repeatability, etc.

• Extreme Close Ups (ECU) - Extreme close ups will also aid the audience in understanding the narrative – it will also allow us to pick out fine detail through using one of the specialist settings on the Canon.

The camera movement will be much simpler however, using techniques such as:

• Panning & Zooming – to change setting and cover space.

• Camera Tilt – tilting to various angles using the tripod will allow us to follow the photos up or down, or round sides, etc.

Fast cutting / montage editing

The editing of a music video is another deciding factor as to whether it is likely to succeed or fail as a media product. The editing can determine the speed of the video, the mood and sometimes help to explain the narrative, so it must match the song and be done properly. Different genres will vary in editing styles, so example drum and bass will have extremely quick, close together edits, where as more ambient music often has slower edits and sometimes holds certain shots for a longer space of time, again to match the music.

Other editing includes post-production special effects which can be used to create thing which otherwise would not be possible or just create and enhance things to make them ‘look cool’ (MTV foregrounds the signifier over the signified). A good example of this would be ‘Wanna be in LA’ by the Eagles of Death Metal, as the majority of the video has aspects of post-production special effects.

Our stop motion idea will have to work closely with the tempo of the song, and due to the fact that the tempo within ‘Hot air balloon’ varies, such as at the chorus, we will have to edit the photos and how long they are shown for accordingly. Therefore removing all distraction to the viewer and increasing the believability of the piece and making it run smoother and more stylishly; increasing the repeatability.