Action List

An action list is a list of actions and things that the band members do at specific times during the music video. We created an action list to help make the production group more organised so that we know what exactly the band will be doing. It also makes it easier for the cast when they are on set as the list helps them know what they are  going to be doing which guides them. As we are not filming them looking into the camera and we want continuity they need to practice their actions and movements so they look the same every time they do it.

Continuity is important as it establishes unity between the shots meaning that the end product is able to flow naturally through the different scenes and camera angles. This makes it more enjoyable for the audience to watch and it makes them feel like what they are watching is actually real. This relates to the image we are trying to create as creating a real atmosphere mirrors the band's personality. It shows that they aren’t the type of people to be fake and it also shows how true their friendship is. This attracts the target audience as they are able to see that the band they follow is a loyal band that values friendship.

Below are the emails we sent to the cast so that over the break they are able to familiarise themselves with the actions. 

Below is the action list I worked on to help the cast and the group on the day of filming .

From the test shoot I noticed that there was little interaction the band was having with George R and so to change this I added a few movements Felix and George A could do to make the band feel while and less that it's just the three of them. This reinforces the image of them being a close band.

Below is the action list Wendy worked on to help the cast and the group on the day of filming . For George A's action list it had to be more detailed as he is the lead singer meaning that he is meant to carry most of the music video. This list will help George have energy throughout the video even when the camera isn't focused on him.

Casting A Girl

While casting we had to consider that we would be casting a girl to be part of the band. In this blog post I will be talking about why we choose to cast Molly in the band and the image it creates for the band.

We chose to cast Molly Cadman playing the guitar as her skills were really good as she is a grade 8 guitarist. While working on casting Molly was asked to send a video of her playing her guitar and from this the group was able to see how well she could play. Her energy while playing was really good and when we were matching different people to see who would fit in with everyone else she went well with Felix, George A and George A. 

The main concept of our idea was to create a pop rock band that performed in a basement that was their hangout area. The lively environment and atmosphere created by Felix, George, George and Molly was exactly what the group wanted and Molly’s clothing style also fitted into the genre as well. This means that while working with costumes it will be easier as she and the rest of the band already dress the role. The target audience we are trying to attract is teenage girls between the ages of 16 to 17 and having a girl member shows the audience that the genre can have girls as well. It shows teenage girls that they too could also be in a pop rock bands as there are no limitations.

From my research into genre conventions I found that in the 90s and 00s pop rock bands were mainly all male (Green day, Blink 182 and Sum 41). However over time more women emerged into the genre creating a sense of fun and making it more youthful. Molly creates this sense that we are trying to create which is why we also went on to cast her. This links to the star image we are trying to create as we want the audience to see that the band is modern as they acknowledge the talent that girls have. This may go on to create usp for the band as it shows their personality and how they believe that someone's gender can’t stop them from being in any type of band. 

From 0:12 to 0:25 is Molly playing the guitar for the auditions.

Costumes

Costumes are used to mirror the narrative or the characters image that they are trying to create.

They are important as it gives the audience their first impression of the band and a sense of who they are.

For the costume of the cast we decided to use the cast’s clothes as they have clothes that fit into the genre that we are trying to adhere to. From the research into genre conventions we know that pop rock bands wear baggy jeans and loose t-shirts. We had the cast wear this in their test shoot to see if this would fit into the genre. Baggy jeans and a loose t-shirt tells the audience about the bands personality which is more friendly and relatable. Having the cast wear the clothes also ensures that they are comfortable and that they are able to show their personality.

Below the cast are all wearing baggy jeans and we also had an idea of also having them wear a jacket on top as this would fit into the genre aswell. 

Below is what the band wore for the test shoots.

Meeting with the set designer

In our meeting with the set designer we discussed the idea of what we wanted our set to look like. We showed her our mood board where she was able to see the kind of atmosphere we wanted to create. During the meeting we gave her a list of things we needed and from this list she said that we needed to email her what exactly she would be getting with an image so she could get something as close to that.

The set design we showed the designer

The set designer mentioned that the first set would take a longer time and would be harder to create but the second one would be easier.

Below is the second set that would be easy to do.

Edited test shoot

Below is the final edited version of the test shoot and from this group and I are now able to know what works and what doesn’t allowing us to develop our concept further. 

Below are screenshots of a run through for the performance.

Organising the test shoot

The purpose of this meeting was to ensure that the cast understood the concept properly and so that they could understand that they would be appealing to a pop rock audience meaning that the positions and facial expressions need to fit into the pop rock genre.

An example of pop rock facial expression 

In the meeting we talked the group through the timeline so they could have an idea of what the music video will look like. We also organised the time we would meet for the test shoot and where exactly we would meet. The cast was also reminded to practice once they got home the song so that we wouldn’t have to waste time getting them warmed up during the test shoot.

discussing the timeline

We also discussed the costume they would be wearing and because their style is already pop rock we asked them to bring in some similar clothes which gave the group an idea of what they would wear on the day. In this meeting we also talked about what the band name could possibly be and we came up with a few names that could be turned into a logo for the band.

The meeting

Planning the test shoot

For the test shoot as a group we decided to plan beforehand in order to be organised for the real test shoot. We decided to meet on Monday as a group to make sure that the cast understood what they would be doing in the test shoot and what the actual test shoot is. We planned to have the test shoot on Tuesday during free time and during the test shoot we’ll have the band doing the non lip sync things and the main performance.

Before the test shoot we talked to the group and asked them to wear the costume they would most likely wear on the day of the shoot.

We also asked Molly ( guitar player ) to bring in her guitar and a bass guitar for the practice. The cast was asked to learn the song and familiarise themselves with the beats so when they perform it on the shoot day they would be on time.

Final Version of the moodboard

Below is the final version of the mood board. Millie did the writing for my drawings and Maddie did the writing for Wendy’s drawing. Having the final version of the mood board will guide us on set to create the concept we want to achieve for the music video.

My contribution to the storyboard

Below is my contribution to the storyboard. I did the first half of the shot list where it mainly focused on non vcr parts.

    First half 

Second half 

After I finished my half I sent it to Millie so she could start writing the information on the shots.

Here's an email of the first half of the story board 

Working on the storyboard

To create the drawings for the storyboard I decided to do it digitally as I thought that would be the best way to show my illustrations. I used my ipad and pencil to draw on an app called procreate that allows me to use different types of pens and colours.

I started off by drawing 9 boxes on a blank canvas then proceeded to create different layers I could work on. Working on the storyboard like this ensure that everyone working on the music video knows exactly what the concept will be like.

I used a template to make sure I was following the shots in order and also so that my work could be organised allowing me to see the sequence that follows on in the drawings.

The template I used for the storyboard

Working on different layers made drawing easier as I was able to separate each shot from the other.

Using the layers

The first part of the storyboard completed

working on the last three drawings

Storyboard

Storyboards are important as they play a huge role in pre-visualising what happens in the music video through animations and illustrations.

They are also useful as it helps the group plan and know what we want to film and we also get to see each shot visually meaning that we are able to consider what will work and won’t. It also allows us to see what would look good on camera and what wouldn’t. This would mean that on set time isn’t wasted as we need all the time we could possibly use. Story boards also help the editor see which direction they could go with the editing and they have a rough idea of what the final product would look like.

an example of a music video story board 

The story board will include a shot number that tells you what shot you’re working on which is helpful with organisation, the actions the band are doing which help the camera know if it’s a close up or wide shot and the camera movements. While doing the storyboard it’s important to include sound, lighting, transitions and timing.

A storyboard can either be done digitally or physically.

An example of a physically drawn storyboard.

An example of a physically storyboard.

Organising the storyboard


To make sure all the work is divided equally amongst all four group members we decided to have 2 people doing the drawings and 2 people doing the writing. Wendy and I will be doing the drawings and Millie and Maddie will be doing the writing.

Updating the timeline

We updated the timeline as we wanted to rearrange and add more elements to the music video. After having a meeting with Luke we re-evaluated the timeline and decided to add elements of the VCR throughout the music video. This way the music video isn't just a performance where the audience would get bored of watching it but it would be more lively. This way the audience's expectations are met as they receive a music video that is pop rock and not just pop.