Post-production: editing video and planning next steps

Today I have spent roughly two hours developing my video.

Notes:

• I am working on a rough cut
• I thought I had run out of footage when I realised that last time I didn't finish going through usable hooping clips, I was only half way!
• Considering restructuring the video because the first half is the travelling and the second half is hooping. This is because I collected equal amounts of footage. However when showing this to a small audience (my family) they asked where the hooping was after a minute or so of my video. Bear in mind that the track is long; 5 minutes and roughly 20 seconds
• Lacking extra crew on the shoot means I am missing out on the footage I wanted to get using two other types of cameras in conjunction with more advanced equipment than my basic tripod. Although this is unfortunate, I don't think it would make an enormous difference to the events of the video...
• ...Maybe it would have provided more of an interesting viewing experience, however

My next steps in my project are:

• Schedule a meeting for Milestone 2 and work out how to create a draft for this project

Time spent: 2 hours editing, and 2 hours reviewing blog material.

Sneak peak screenshots from shoot 3

Start of the video

Additional location #1

Additional location #2

Additional location #3

Move: helicopter

Move: body roll

Time spent: Editing (and screenshots etc) 2 hours

Saturday (shoot 3) part 2

The shoot went really well for a first try. There was a lot I learned on the day; here is how it went

Myself and the actor met at the chimney at 3pm and cycled down to the location. In the first 'scene', if it were, by the tree, it was very difficult to shoot because that area is actually marshland, so we were standing on waterlogged soil. It was worse than the previous time I went there myself, so reflecting back, I found my poor abilities as a location scout rather amusing.
This surprise proved itself to be more of a nuisance during the tracking shots (which were difficult enough for me as a short person, and I had no steady cam or anyone to watch my step as I was walking backwards in front of my subject).
Since it was a busy evening by the river, my actor, who was familiar with the area, suggested we used another bridge, so we were walking with bikes, hoops, camera equipment and coats across a boggy field, and I had not accounted for wet feet!
One useful thing about the trip is that we found extra two locations to film in - the gate and the graffitied bridge - which provided a nice addition to my collection of footage. The bridge was very difficult to wheel our bikes up, and we also used the stairs to shoot on, so it was real workout going up and down them.
After facing more marshland on the other side of the bridge, I abandoned my original plan to put the hoop against the big log, since it was so far away. Instead we used a nearby pole and filmed hula hooping as the sun was setting. Despite my technical error, I am very impressed with our efforts.

The technical error during the shoot

I recall going into my settings on my camera to change the fps to 50 instead of the usual 25, however on return from an afternoon's work, I played back the footage on my laptop to find out it was all shot in 25. This is a problem because I was filming movement and I also want to achieve slow motion; now my footage gives the slight appearance of two hula hoops being spun where there is actually one, and it has a slight flicker to the video when I walk with the camera. However I tried out slow motion, at 70% on a desired shot, and that seems to not be so bad. Still, here are my next steps...

Combating the error

These are a few things I can do about my mistake:

1. Leave it as it is; it isn't so bad after all
2. Reshoot with my actor, who is willing to do so this week coming
3. Attempt to 'correct' my work on After Effects (recommended by a friend)

First edit with footage from shoot 3

Another problem I encountered when I got home from my shoot was how I was to review my footage. Over Christmas, I acquired an external monitor to use in conjunction with my laptop: the make is Technika and it connects to my laptop via a gold-plated, HDMI Xbox cable, made for gaming because it is high speed and good quality. I tried to connect it but it wasn't working. I looked up online and found some sites I thought were useful but I still had no luck - my monitor still said 'no video available'. I searched through settings on my editing program initially, and then checked on my laptop settings, however the screen simply wasn't recognised. I solved the issue when I systematically changed the channels on the monitor and realised the cable simply needed to be in the second output for the image to appear. I then learned how to adjust the resolution, and rearrange the screen set up so that my mouse will appear on my monitor when it goes the to the left (my monitor is on the left), as I haven't done this before.

Something to remember

From previous experience, I recalled that I need to avoid moving the primary location of my footage on my laptop's documents, because if I do, the clips in my edit on the project will be lost (they will say 'media offline')!

Another note

There has been a big change in the mood of my project: to start off, my client produced an ambient track where I was to reflect a serious tone. He has recently revamped the tune so that it has more of a beat to it. This has changed the mood because it conveys more positive vibes. I am glad that this has happened because one thing I did not take into account about the main element in my video (hula hooping), is that one cannot hoop without feeling happy, and this strongly comes across in my video. I am grateful of this changed and I think it has added to the development of my project.


Time spent:
Shoot                                            2 hours
Editing                                          2 + 1/2 hours
Type up/screen shots/ edit blog   2 hours

Saturday shoot (shoot 3) part 1

I have arranged to do my shoot today, meeting with my actor at 3pm, without the rest of the crew. I am aware that it will be quite difficult because there are shots which would require more than one person to make it successful; for example the tracking shot where the camera tracks backwards as the subject moves towards it.

So far this morning, I have done 2 hours planning; finishing my storyboard and listening to the track to confirm my timeline of events. Since the video is mainly in chronological order, it will be required that I shoot it consecutively. This means that timing is key, because our shoot starts at half 3 and lasts until sundown.

Today seems to be quite chilly, at 5 degrees Celsius, sunny and windy. This is where I go to check the weather for my upcoming shoots:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/u1214b469

I will post more information when I return home in the evening.

Time spent: 2 hours

Friday session shoot 2

Wow! What a busy Friday. I went out to shoot again, this time at my location. It was a little further than I had anticipated. I went there on my bike with my tripod and camera. It was very cold and I'm glad I wrapped up warm. I took some shots of the area, but I couldn't really find many nice plants since everything seemed a bit dead. Here are some images; photos and screen shots of footage.

Shot by the river - moorhen are the only wildlife I could see

Chosen starting location, Stourbridge Common

View from entrance of Ditton Meadows - even more to explore here

Entrance onto Ditton Meadows

Entrance onto Ditton Meadows - second chosen space

Time spent: 1 + 1/2 hours

Friday session - shoot 1 and initial edit

Problem: I found out today that my crew members will not be able to make the shoot this weekend either. That means I cannot use a different lens for sharper focus/ narrow depth of field on my subject, or the GoPro for the hula hoop. This is a great shame, but I am thankful that at least my actor is now available for filming.

This morning: I spent an hour in my local area finding frosty plants and taking video clips of them lasting roughly 10 seconds. I tested out focus pulls, and adjusted settings to create different depths of field. I hope to use them in my final edit. I received feedback on my shots from a friend over Facebook. Here are some screen shots and photos of what I took on my camera today. I am currently uploading my small amount of footage to my laptop to test out.

Berries on the Big Green

Tiny frosty leaves on the Big Green

Thin and icy grass at the park

Defrosting nettles in the sun at the allotment

Initial Edit

I have put the track on a timeline so that I am able to see its dynamics. This will help me to clearly define the sections of the music, so that I can plan to get enough footage for each one.

I am printing this image so that I can annotate it with my shot ideas, and sequences of shots. As you can see, I have already made an... extremely small start on my sequence.

Next I am connecting a separate screen to my laptop via an HDMI cable. This will allow me to see my visuals clearly, because my laptop screen is rather small and cluttered for editing. I am new to this, so I did some research. This is the most useful source I found:

http://www.videomaker.com/article/15709-using-an-external-preview-monitor


Time spent
Outdoors shooting on my own;1 hour
Indoors uploading, organising, screen grabbing and blogging: 1 hour
Minor research about new screen and setting it up 1/2 an hour
Listening to track and making notes on print out 1/2 an hour

Post-production timetable version 1

January 2015

Post-production

In Post-production I will be making use of my footage to produce a music video for my client's track, Outer Peace. For this section I will be working closely with my client, who will be directing my edit so to influence the mood of the tune to convey his feelings.

Similar to the previous section of this project, Post-production will follow less of a specific structure per session. This time, it is because my client is not able to edit with me on my set times of the week due to overlapping work commitments. This timetable will show my aims weekly. The next version of the timetable will show the actual dates I completed the events.

My timescale for this section is between 23rd January and 27th February.


In terms of final progressive steps for the finishing of the artifact, these are my main aims from the 13th February onwards (note, this is what I aim to do per week but not necessarily on specific days):

End of week 16
13th Feb: Start of hoop section of music video

Week 17
17th Feb: Finish hoop section
20th Feb: Finalise music video structure + begin colour grading

Week 18
24th Feb: Finish colour grading

Finish music video.

A second shoot cancelled

Today's scheduled shoot has been cancelled. This is because myself and significant other are both ill, and my actor needs to attend to her dissertation.
It is really frustrating because the weather was almost perfect today.

Overcoming problem

I will reschedule soon, for a time next week when everyone is available. I have to wait until after Tuesday to have my actor, and my crew said they were booked up this weekend so I will hear back from them at the start of the new week.

Furthermore, I shall do some more posting today to make up for my arrangements that fell through.

Preparation for shoot

The shoot taking place tomorrow with just myself and the actor will not be a practice, purely because she is ready to hula hoop at anytime in front of the camera. This means I can quickly obtain the necessary shots. I will still arrange the 'practice shoot' for another date, even though we will have already filmed something by that time. This is because I think it will still be beneficial for my crew, before we do the shoot all together.

Today I have been adding to my powerpoint and proofreading it etc since I haven't really looked at it since the holidays. I also went over my notes for the video and made them more concise.
As for how I can put my work on my blog, I could screenshot the powerpoint to create JPEG images which I can upload, if there I can't find another way; I can scan my storyboard when I can access my printer/scanner/copier; I will type up

Next: the next thing I need to do is to listen to the track I have been provided with and create a timeline. The timeline will outline the dynamics of the track and help me to structure the shots I want to film; thus, I have some form of narrative (to a degree).

Time spent: 1 hour

Film shoot - cancelled

Today's shoot was cancelled because I was ill.

I have rescheduled for this Saturday, but two of my crew members will not be able to make it, so I'll be shooting by myself with my actor.

'Outer Peace' - video inspiration

Here are some videos which either inspired me or are good examples of what I want to achieve.

Pennybirdrabbit - Maybe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puJX_LsT1Kc

I am particularly fond of the stylistic features in this video. I like the color grading; the darkness and gritty effect, along with the blue highlights. It creates a really cold tone, especially in conjunction with the imagery on screen; twigs and branches, landscapes and Penny on her own. This is similar to what I wan't to create in my music video.

Blue Tornado

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpnuvDAGN5E

This is a video of hula hooping in the snow, from someone who inspired me to hoop when I was younger. The video is a good example of the combined winter scene and graceful art; the same kind of thing I am looking for to be in my music video.

GoPro on hoop/Hulacam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EumsgPn9xaM

One member of my crew will be bringing his GoPro to a shoot. This is a link to what I hope the end result will resemble! I get very angry at the majority of these videos because they are highly sexualised. (I could easily go on a rant about this because hula hooping is one of my top hobbies, like filming.) Anyway, I like this one because it isn't.


Time spent: 3 hours

Pre-production timetable version 2

This is the actual progression of Pre-production events in this section of the project


14th Nov - Start of new section

18th Nov - Arranging meetings w/ clients

21st Nov - First client meeting

25th Nov - Brief client meeting and recap

28th Nov - Meeting w/ Colin, Slushy tunes

2nd Dec - Decision making

5th Dec to 6th Jan - Unrecorded working on ideas, choosing the track and catching up

9th Jan - Arranging practice shoot

10th Jan - Obtaining technical information

13th Jan - Compiling main video inspiration

Tehnical information/resources

Did a little bit of research on a few things in preparation for shooting.


Information on frames per second (FPS) etc.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/knowledge-center/video-frame-rates-24p-25p-30p-60i.html#b


How to shoot a time lapse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAMiwG7ROXc

I asked my tutor from the Arts Picturehouse about how he made time lapses, he said to use a delay remote to take photos at timed intervals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol3rdzzxUTA

I also asked my friend how he makes his time lapses, and he says there is also the option of a programme you can put on your camera to do the job.

I don't think I will be purchasing anything to create time lapses right now, but one member of my crew says he will be able to create one for my video.

Time spent = approx. 2 hours

Arranging practice shoot!

I have arranged to do a practice shoot with three people on the 14th:

I have acquired two crew members, one bringing a go pro to use on the hula hoop, and the other bringing a camera similar to mine but with a different lens. The third person is going to be the focus of the video; my actor, or the character, if you like. She will be hula hooping in front of the cameras.

We are going to meet after I get back from college at 2:30pm, outside the back of Tesco, next to the chimney.

My aim is to introduce everybody, find good spots in my chosen location, set up shots and discuss the music video. This will help us get a good idea about what shooting will be like, and after this we will be prepared for the shoot so that it will run smoothly.

In preparation, I will expand on the initial shot ideas I sketched down onto paper over the holidays, and form more of a story board, adding fine detail. I am aware that I will most likely encounter things to film on the day which I have not planned, for example, I don't know what exact plants I will find at the location. For this reason, some shot sketches may appear unfinished.

I will be looking into how I can upload my work to this blog which I have drawn or made on another programme. Also, I need to find out how I can print it all out at the end of the project so that it can be marked!


For the day I will need to take along:

1. A coat (wrap up warm)
2. iPod (to take quick and easy pics of location)
3. Phone (to contact crew)
4. Notes for the shoot (including story board and notes on technical details to discuss)

For the actual shoot I will take the same as above, plus:

1. Camera, in bag, battery fully charged
2. Tripod in case
3. Camera manual (in case I need to consult it)
4. Mini stalls (so that we needn't sit on grass)
5. Waterproofs and similar for covering equipment and myself
6. A snack and a water bottle
7. A flask with hot choc for all the crew to enjoy 

Time spent: 2 hours

Next step - into planning

After much consideration over a number of new tracks I chose 'Outer Peace'. This part of the project has been really tough so far.

My problem was that things fell through with trying to adapt the tune. My clients were too busy with personal events that there was no way they could achieve a finished track in time, and as I said, I was extremely pushed for time. Feeling the pressure, everything came to a halt for about a week or so. I then went away on holiday with my family to visit more family, and so I have missed a number of allocated time spaces to complete the pre-production section in the right amount of time.

To help myself out and get the ball rolling again, I made a big page of mini brainstorms for the tracks which were available to me once I was back at home. I then chose 3 main ones which evoked the best thoughts, and then made a very visual powerpoint presentation for my ideas about them.

As for the rest of the pre-production stage, which came to a close at Christmas time (I had no time to do it due do family events and personal reasons), I have made plans for a practice shoot and recruited crew. More detail will be up about this soon.

Reflection: should I do this again, I will next time consider the consequences of attempting to schedule the production during the Christmas break: it just wasn't possible!

Hours spent over holidays:
4 hours in client meetings and trying to decide on a track (in total)
1 hour recruiting an actor and 2 crew members
3 hours story boarding, brainstorming and writing details on paper
3 hours powerpoint brainstorm on laptop

Choosing a track for my project

During the Christmas break I spent time figuring out the next steps of this project as I was very stuck. I narrowed down my possible tracks to just three, and created a brainstorm on a power point. The choice of three was New Day, Outer Peace, and Fashion Kills. In the end, I chose Outer Peace, by DJ PLAY.

I felt that while my ideas for the overall tone of a video for New Day was really nice and tranquil, I was limited in where to go next. I had the scene set in my head but I struggled to create an act for the video to be following. I stopped there since nothing came to me for quite a while, and if I had chosen it for what I had, the video would not work very well in engaging an audience, even if it did look pretty. Also, I was unsure about how to represent the artist, Slushy, in this video, since it is an unusual track for his style of music. I didn't want to create a beautiful scene full of morning rays when the audience for his main music is expecting something entirely different. Furthermore, the image evoked in my mind from hearing this tune over and over spelled out 'summer time' in big capital letters. It is not summer time, and a winter backdrop for this song would have done it no justice.

Fashion Kills (remix by DJ PLAY) is a great pop tune and when I listened to it for the first time I had ideas popping up left right and center. In fact, I did worry that the narrative I thought up would be over complicated for a music video. I immediately began brainstorming and realised that I'd need a great deal of help from other people in the production of the video. I'd need groups of actors to fulfill the story line. I'd need people to mime the words to the track. I'd need a main actor. Then I'd need a good set, in a studio, or in town, which would require permission and specific scheduled days, and might not even be possible. I also had costume ideas, but I thought I'd really have trouble finding people to join in with this, and with achieving what I wanted in the time given. The prospect of carrying out this project just felt too much for this time of year. I needed something manageable.

I decided on Outer Peace because, unlike the thoughts for the other tracks, my concept for it was in the middle. It is just enough to sustain audience interest (in my opinion) and not too much so as to be overly complex. It would require only one actor, the one I had in mind would be eager to participate, and the outdoors, which is completely free and almost limitless. My mind had pin pointed the exact locations for the video while I listened to it, and this will be a great use since they are in my area. In this sense I feel it isn't overly ambitious, but it will be a perfect idea to fulfill for this project. In addition, I have chosen it because it is the ideal time of year to achieve such a video since it requires the winter look and therefore enables me to take advantage of the season. On a whole, I feel it will be manageable and enjoyable.