The Journey Blog

The Journey Blog

Week 1

So I have been trying to think of an idea for my FMP. I've finally came up with something. I've decided to create a music video. The music video will be about the 'Guardians Tale', which was a project I did at the start of the year. But I had to leave it behind as it was to long for a short film. But this time I'm going to turn it into a music video, showing of the characters Ralphy and Maya. As it's going to be a love song, it will be about them. It wasn't too hard to come up with new ideas because I went back to a previous one. So mostly all of the ideas were already done by me before.

Much before this week, I started creating the song on my piano. Knowing that I'm going to have more work to do than anyone else. I was just playing around on the piano and started to get four bars, and worked from that. I just built the song up everyday, until I was confidant playing it. At this point I was thinking of lyrics for my music video, writing every word that comes to mind on paper. Also looking back at my 'Guardians Tale' script.

I also presented my pitch to my lecturer, Ed. The only problem he had with it was it wasn't visual enough. As I'm doing a music video, I decided to write the song as well. Which is a great idea! But sadly this isn't a music course. Ed wanted to see what I was doing for the visual side of things. But I couldn't give him much as it was all in my head. I wanted to get the music writing done first, because that's how my brain works. Its all about the music, and that's how I get ideas and motivation. But I think he liked the idea of my music video, I couldn't tell.

Week 2

So from last week , I went away and got things more visual. From the last projects I did previously, I got my crime board back out. I started putting ideas down and pining up things. I like to have everything in one place like one big brain storm. I was thinking I need two actors to play Ralphy and Maya, also who's going to sing in the music video. These were the questions. But for now It was getting research done and getting ideas on the board. Making things a lot more visual. I even did some character profiles in my sketch book. But the best thing about this week was I arranged to record an acoustic guitar. I couldn't wait to hear it on top of my piano.

Week 3

This week is really exciting as I had recorded the guitar. I layered it over my piano arrangement, and it sounds really good!  

The Finale Weeks


Thursday 26th April -

Today I have been very productive with my college work. Got lots of work done such as, risk assessment, shot list, communication emails and booked out my equipment for the rest of the week and next. I also talked to Ed so he could guide me where to go next on the brief.

On the way to college I had spotted my finale location. Its a rapeseed field on the way to Bath, with perfect parking and easy public access, as there's a public footpath there. This is good because I won't have to get permission from farmers or anything.

Tomorrow I'm planning on getting the rest of the recce shots done at the rapeseed field.

Friday 27th April - 

So today I set of in the car to the rapeseed filed. Unfortunately the weather was really cloudy and was light raining. But I was prepared with an umbrella! Walked along the field taking recce shoots and a few test shoots of the scenery. The only problem was there's a fence stopping you from actually getting into the field as its private property. But that's fine, I was thinking I can have Ali walking along the field in a mid shot so you won't see the fence next to her because it won't be in shot. It will make it look like she's in the field. 

I was thinking, because originally the plan was to have nice sunny bright weather. But what if its cloudy and raining. It would defiantly have different twist to the music video and might make it more dramatic and powerful. And I kind of like that idea! Will just have to see on the day what the weather will do because It wont matter either way. The shots I got today were wide shots of the rapeseed field and some panning shots. I also tied the 'camera balancer'. It was really hard to use, as I've tried it many time before its not getting any easier. I think what I'm going to have to do is just hold he camera the nest I can and use the tripod.

I also had news today that Ali is fully booked up with meetings. So I don't think I can use her, which is a big shame! But I've got a plan B. Another staff member said she will step in and lip sync the words. Even though she's no the actual singer It won't matter too much.  


Thursday 10th May - 

Its deadline day today. The the last two weeks I've been filming everyday and editing on the go. I have managed to complete a final video. Filmed at Heavens Gate twice and filmed at Cley hill, also a few places in my home town in Chepstow.  Although theres a lot wrong with it, the rendering was playing up and made the contrast a lot more darker and some bits are slightly out of sync. Hopefully I will be allowed an extension to finish up loose bits on the brief and sort out the final video, so its good enough for the end of year show.