Final Cut

This is the final edit of our video, combing all recent changes made from feedback and ideas gathered through our rough cut's and reviews.

Digipak Ideas (Using Photoshop)

These are some of the ideas that we as a group have had. These are images that could be used on either the actual Digipak, on the CD or as part of a poster or lyrics booklet. They are all shots from a photo shoot that we did with two of the main characters from the music video. The superhero and the criminal from one of the scenes. They have been created using a filter which is available on Photoshop and in some cases using paintbrush/ similar tools to change colours. We have tried to continue with a white, black and green theme, which is the main colour of the hero in the video.

Photoshop Filter Tool

Photoshop Filter

To get the effect on lots of the pictures we are considering using in the Digipak we used a filter setting, below is the way we did this:

1. Put a picture into Photoshop

2. Choose A Filter to put over it

3. You have a different style of image

4. Add Titles and any other Graphics

This is a simple version of one we could use. Extra graphics would be added to it and it would then have a slick professional feel and it would be a good insert for the Digipak.

Additions to Rough Cut 2 - Effects and Animation

Comic fight Effects

Drawing inspiration from already existing comic fight sequences, we added our own 'pow' effects to cover up the fake contact, and relate back to the underlying comic references throughout the video. An animation path was also added so that the overlaying effect moved with the punches adding more flow. Finally the composite effect 'screen' was used so that the image merged more with the clip, rather than being totally contrasting. 

Independent Frame Tool 

The independent frame tool was used on a end-of-the-scene clip to create a still image, referring again to the comic style. A overlaying image was added and finally a effect was also added to create a more cartoony style to the image.

Addition of Overlaying Images

A running feature throughout the video is the hinting to comic qualities, which helped underpin the idea behind the story. Original images were imported into the timeline of the video and placed over specific clips at designated spots, disappearing and appearing when fitting (ie. lyrical prompts). Some images also had effects added to enable a smoother integration.

Frame-by-Frame Breakdown + Editing

The introduction of the video (opening clip) was broken down frame by frame, with each frame being screen-shotted and then the cartoony effect added in photoshop, before then being added back into the video. This was done for every frame, creating a 'turning comic book' feel that helped introduce the underlying comic theme.

Rough Cut 2 - Video and Peer Review

Rough Cut 2 - Who's Gonna Save the World? from Jordan Thornhill on Vimeo.

This is the filming and editing done so far. This rough cut is used to show a work-in-progress and give a brief insight into how the music video will appear and the techniques that will be used. The video also enabled us to experience some of the tools available to us in Final Cut, and gain first-hand knowledge on what beat matching and timing will be like throughout filming and editing. Some of the techniques used are cuts to the beat using audio waveforms, zooming and cutting, beat matching, trimming and a variety of shots (POV, over the shoulder) to create the overall scene.


This has all of the footage that we are likely to use on our final product. It has all of the scenes in it and the only thing that would be left to do will be the special effect editing. Also we need to fix some of the scenes in it and make sure that they all match up and are fit for the purpose we want them to be. Also we need to add some titles and possibly some sort of ending screen to fit the whole story back together.


Second Rough Cut - Feedback From Peers

Positives

Lip Syncing and Narrative matched well to the storyline.
The thought beats, in the lesson and with the musical instruments, matched well and gave a good effect
The studio scenes were shot well and it fitted in well with the rest of the storyline.
The footage that matches up to the sweeping pads in the background fitted in well and made sure that the transition from shot to shot was smooth.

Negatives

Out of focus shots - these have now been fixed in the video that we expect to be the final one. We have shortened the clip so that it is more controlled and because it was a bit too long, we have added other clips in its place.
Black Widescreen Borders - Because we zoomed in on one of the shoots using Final Cut and not a camera the borders disappeared. This was a problem as the whole video was in widescreen. We fixed this by adding two black borders, that we created using Photoshop and then imported into Final Cut to fix the product.
Special Effects in fighting - In the fighting scene it was obvious that none of the hits were making contact. This made the video seem unrealistic and unprofessional. However, we had already thought about this and have put in special effects (See previous posts) that will combat this as they will cover this up, as we wanted it to, and also give a more 'Superhero Comic Book' sort of theme. It also takes away the seriousness of the video and makes it more accessible for a wider audience.

Editing Interface and Techniques

This is the typical interface used when editing the clips recorded, with a specific set-up being used throughout to allow smooth and efficient editing, and enable quick development of skills in Final Cut. The typical setup (as shown in the image) goes as follows:

• All recording 'sessions' to be separate and readily available in the top-left of Final Cut, allowing quick access to cut and edit as needed (using the middle screen).
• Middle screen to allow playback of fully recorded clip sessions and break it down into clips as needed, using the 'in and out' tool. 
• The right screen showing a preview of how the actual 'final' product looks.
• The track timeline remains at the bottom, with the music track remaining locked throughout (apart from introduction) to prevent accidental change. Video track(s) to be above with the ability to freely move and edit.

Main Tools Used while Editing

Speed/Slow-Motion

The 'Speed...' tool is used in Final Cut to slow down or speed up specific clips once added to the timeline. We have used this tool as a way of achieving the desired slow-motion effect throughout the video, and also used the tool to allow easier management of clip timing.

'In and Out' Tool

The 'in and out' feature of Final Cut is a vital part of our editing, allowing the clips recorded in a constant flow to be broken up into desired clips and editing freely on the timeline.

Razor Blade Tool

The Razor Blade tool was used to quickly cut clips on the timeline, allowing the moving of clips or removal completely when needed.

First Rough Cut - 03/11/2011

This is the filming and editing done so far. This rough cut is used to show a work-in-progress and give a brief insight into how the music video will appear and the techniques that will be used. The video also enabled us to experience some of the tools available to us in Final Cut, and gain first-hand knowledge on what beat matching and timing will be like throughout filming and editing. Some of the techniques used are cuts to the beat using audio waveforms, zooming and cutting, beat matching, trimming and a variety of shots (POV, over the shoulder) to create the overall scene.

 The rough cut only contains one main scene (the introduction), therefore around 3 more 'main scenes' are required for the filming to be complete. Further editing is also required, including in this scene, to create a smoother visual experience and add more related flare to the overall video (for example, a title).

Record Label Ideas

Dance Feat Records. The name is abbreviated for spacing and graphological purposes, The smaller it is the simpler it is the name carries a double meaning 'Defeat' and 'Dance Feet' for short we can be known as Defeat Records. The non standard phonetic english spelling actively seeks out to appeal to a younger generation who our music video is primarily aimed at. The graphological features are designed in a frost, ice theme for a tougher impact look it screams out to be taken seriously despite the graffiti style font it's in.

Inspiration taken from this David guetta cover we've already analyzed

Similar Digipacks Analysis

Similar digipaks

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Additional Gathering of Resources - Fighting Comic Images

The internet was used to gather these images which will be mimicked during the mugging/fighting scene; to relate to the superhero 'comic strip' approach we are trying to achieve, and make the video more light-hearted. These will also allow the fighting scene to have no actual contact between actors, therefore reducing risk of injury and relating directly to the risk assessment.

These images will be edited to be more user-friendly during film editing. 

Animatic

The animatic allows us to get a very rough idea of how the filming will pan out, and any timing flaws we may need to address before committing to filming. This is one of the final stages before starting with rough-cut filming.

Costumes Used

Criminal Outfit 1

The criminal(s) in this video need to follow a a costume of a stereotypical nature, which in this case is dark/black clothes that attempt to mask the identity of the person. This idea needs to be followed as the video relies mainly on a visual prompt to show criminal activity. We will also use this type of outfit as a template for any other criminals that might be needed.

Superhero Outfit 1

The underlining story behind the video we are producing portrays that an ordinary teenager becomes the hero, therefore we need to attempt to show him as a teenager 'mimicking' superhero's he has seen in other media's (ie. Superman). We are going to show this through typical teenage clothes merged with a 'self-adapted' superhero clothing. This idea will be followed through the video, however the outfit will alter depending on shots (Outfit 2).

Superhero Outfit 2

Audience Research (Video Feedback)

This visual feedback reinstates the research we found about dance music and it's typical conventions. This understanding allows us to follow certain 'requirements' for a dance music video while also still allowing us to avoid all typical conventions for something unique and interesting.

Final Storyboard

This final storyboard gives a clear visual picture of how our filming will progress, with specific shots and timing also.

Blank boxes highlight 'breaks'

Shooting Shedule

The shooting schedules for our music video play a vital role in the organisation and flow of recording our clips. The schedules allowed specific days to be allocated for filming, and each day to be broken down into specific shot types (ie. Point-of-view, long shot) and how each moment will be captured. These schedules were used as a detailed guide to the structure of filming for each day.


Day 1

Day1

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Day 2

Shooting day 2

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Day 3

Shooting day 3

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Day 4

Shooting schedule day 4

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(Evidence to be posted once edited)

Recce Shots

We used some recce shots to highlight possible places/locations for shooting, and create a clear picture of how shots will look; with some of the equipment used.

Location of the early classroom scene, which will use a range of shots to simulate a bustling college class with the hero in-between.

 The POV/over-the-shoulder shot that will be used in the classroom to highlight drawing(s).

 Another over-the-shoulder shot which will be used from within the car to highlight driver distraction and  impending accident.

 A location shot of one of the crimes (+1).

  A location shot of one of the crimes (+2).

  A location shot of one of the crimes (+3).

 A location shot of one of the crimes (+4).

 A location shot of one of the crimes (+5).

The car being used during one of the crime scenes.

These recce shots have highlighted the direction in which we will follow when filming, and created a clearer picture of the locations and items we will use. This now allows us to delve further into shots we need to use and other important factors such as costumes and lighting.