Editing Process

The editing process was by far the most difficult under various reasons, but also eased for other reasons. As we had taken so many clips, searching through them became a tedious task. This was easier than most peoples jobs since we used the HDV's. This meant our clips were pre-saved in small files, saving us the job of individually capturing each clip. Although the HDV cameras made editing easier that way, the increased quality also made rendering a horrifically long process.
To begin the arduous project, we decided to edit the pre-song script running from the living room scene, up to preparing their equipment. This was done first since it allowed us to get acquainted with the software again, and did not have to worry about lip syncing. After this we began tackling the actual video, and started with the most fun element, the bedroom trashing scene. This acted as our editing transition of rough editing, yet still in time with the music element but again, no lip syncing. When we came to lip syncing we found we did not actually have the 2nd verse lip synced in film, and so had to fill the time with shots of the paramedics running towards the victim. In the end this worked well and was perhaps an improvement. Because the editing task took so long, we began to see the ratio of lesson time to work required was not sufficient, therefore we decided to stay after college on numerous occasions to ensure we met the deadline. Thankfully these paid off and we met the deadline comfortably.

Filming: Shoot One

Our first video shoot was the "bedroom trashing scene" and took place in Beth's house. For this we booked the HDV camera, tripod and lighting kit to achieve a highly professional quality. By the end of the shoot when the lights were shut down, it was evident just how much the kit improved the light quality, removing all yellow tints and covering the room in a clean, even soft white light.

Before recording we cleared the room of obstacles and established a filming line so as not to cause continuity errors, to maximise the rooms scenery and avoid any dull areas. Once the kit was set up, we then briefed the actor on actions and lyrics. This was easy as we had a copy of our story board with us, and all relevant shots required were highlighted. When recording we tried to get a wide range of shot angles and styles to optimise our options when editing.

Overall this was a relatively successful shoot and gave us some useful footage.

Production: Rough Cut

This is a rough cut in production of our video. When shown to our target audience we received positive feedback in areas such as the rotation cut around the head, and the door cut. 

Filming: Shoot Five

Our final shoot was at Music 47, for the scene where the band members walk in, take their instruments and walk out leaving a bemused shop keeper and customer. Although this also required most instruments and all actors, it was surprisingly easy to organise logistically seeing as most actors were local. During this shoot we asked the shop keeper on site to briefly act for us, and fortunately she agreed with an extreme 'method acting' approach. During the first take of her shouting after the band members as they walked out, she chased after them and dragged them back in to our amusement/shock, resulting in the current customers thinking we were actually stealing equipment (making a set of highly amusing anecdotes). After we asked her to tone down her style we recorded some very useful shots, again using our annotated script as reference.

The Final Cut

Filming: Shoot Four

Our fourth shoot was the performance element and by far the largest shoot required. Organisation for this was crucial, requiring all band member actors, a wide range of equipment and, we were restricted to dates and times our location could manage. For this shoot we booked the lighting kit, HDV and tripod like all our previous shoots in maintaining quality, as well as an Epiphone Les Paul guitar, Fender Precision Strat bass, Marshall MB4210 bass amp, Marshall DFX100 guitar amp, Pheonix 400w PA and Peavley 800w PA speaker as well as a Pearl drum kit. 

On arrival the janitor told us we had to leave and raised an argument, despite our proof of allowance. After standing our ground for 45 minutes, he eventually agreed we were able to shoot. Because of this unseen inconvenience we were left with little time and knew this was our only opportunity. We then set up the lighting kit, musical equipment and camera in a remarkably quick time, and began meticulously running through the required scenes in order, thanks to the annotated script we had prepared. Although this was a huge rush and extremely stressful, we managed to get the crucial shots we needed with reasonably good quality. Despite this, we were only able to go through the entire song a few times and did not end up with as many shots as we would have liked.

Filming: Shoot Three

This was the latter session of our double shoot day. Here we required only the singer, one actor to play the man on the roadside, one actor as a paramedic and Beth got her cameo as the second paramedic. This shoot required a wider range of props such as fluorescent jackets for the paramedics and paramedic style equipment. As this was outside, we checked the weather forecast in advance to booking the shoot to ensure it would be possible, and although it was cold filming was possible. The two downfalls of this shoot were; as it was cold our hand held elements were not as steady as we had hoped although were still usable. We also rushed the shoot slightly and did not get such a wide range of shots, this restricted our editing options.

Despite this, the shoot went well.

Filming: Shoot Two

Our second shoot was a combined session as the locations were neighbouring. The first one was the "living room scene" and required the entire band. This session included some props such as the beer cans and a pill bottle. Again, to maintain the high quality of lighting achieved in the previous shoot we booked the lighting kit. And again, once the lighting kit was shut down at the end, we could see just how dull the original lighting was in comparison. As all these ours shoots would be muted in editing, constant directions were given to the actors in what they should be doing, and how the camera was moving. This turned out to be extremely useful as they then understood the sequence and helped our thought process. We also took our story plan with highlighted shots so we could systematically go through them, ensuring we were thorough in recording and rough timing.

Despite one continuity error of spectator visibility in shot, this session went very well.

Filming: Shoot One

Our first video shoot was the "bedroom trashing scene" and took place in Beth's house. For this we booked the HDV camera, tripod and lighting kit to achieve a highly professional quality. By the end of the shoot when the lights were shut down, it was evident just how much the kit improved the light quality, removing all yellow tints and covering the room in a clean, even soft white light.

Before recording we cleared the room of obstacles and established a filming line so as not to cause continuity errors, to maximise the rooms scenery and avoid any dull areas. Once the kit was set up, we then briefed the actor on actions and lyrics. This was easy as we had a copy of our story board with us, and all relevant shots required were highlighted. When recording we tried to get a wide range of shot angles and styles to optimise our options when editing.

Although there were inevitable continuity errors when the room was being trashed under editing, this was a relatively successful shoot and gave us some useful footage.