Music Video Project

This project explores your ability to create an original piece that explores the relationship between the lyrics of your song and the story line that is associated with the meaning and intent of that poem. The poem should explore the moods or emotions associated with an idea, issue, or interest that have some personal or meaningful connection to you.

Once you've completed your music video, fill out the Music Video Critique.

Requirements:

  1. Original video footage that follows the plot line (a story) to your song.
  2. Soundtrack of selected song- The choice of song for this project will become the script for your piece, so it is very important that you choose something that will allow for creative visual representation.
  3. Your song should have a story line or can be a collection of scenes that relate to the mood of your song.
  4. Make sure your song is long enough to create a developed piece and appropriate for school.
  5. Use the story elements questions to focus your story, charatcters and plot line.
  6. 1.5 to 4 minutes in length
  7. Incorporate ALL the editing concepts that demonstrate classic continuity   editing. See table of concepts below.
  8. Minimum of 40 creative/motivated shots with variety in field of view, angles, height, and movement.
  9. Use of dramatic lighting such as cast or attached shadows or silhouettes.
  10. Apply filters or effects that add to the meaning or mood of the piece.
  11. Include title or graphic animation at some point during the song
  12. Opening music video style titles and closing credits
 
  • Match Action
  • Shot/Reverse shot
  • 180 degree rule
  • POV
  • Parallel Action
  • Eyeline Match
  • Direction Match
  • Jump Cuts
  • Axis Match
  • Contrast/Associational Cuts
  • Graphic/Object Match
  • Rhythm Match
 

Step 1- The Song and Story Elements

 

1. What's the dramatic moment you want your main character to be dealing with and  what do you want your video to say about it?

2. Is there a big question they must answer about themselves, a problem or challenge they must react to?

3. Is your story plot driven or character driven? Do the problems force the character to change or are we seeing the world they live in change and they must react?

4. Decribe the physical details of your main character as you reveal them for the first time? Clothes, location, body language, stuff, etc.

5. Take a minute to list 3 to 5 of their worst fears and joys? How do these "show" us what kind of person we are watching?

6. Is there anyone or anything that stands in the way of your character getting what they want? Who's going to stop them or give them problems....is it someone or their own problems?

7. Is there one ridiculous thing or obsession your character has that stops them from partipating in life or moving forward in life? What is their flaw- No one's perfrect, so what's your hero's tragic or comedic flaw?

8. Final Confrontation - What's the climatic moment the sums it all up? Where do we see that moment where it's all on the line?

9. Self-Revelation - What does the hero learn or fail to learn?

10. Resolution- What's the feeling your audience walks away with?



Step 2- Treatment -

    1. Check out the sample and description here.
    2. Treatments must be approved before you move on to your 2 column script.

Step 3 - Create a 2 Column Shooting Script

    1. Review the requirements for the 2 column script here.
    2. Copy and paste your treatment into the Shot Description column of your 2 column script formatted in three columns : Shot #, Shot Description, Audio/Dialogue
    3. Begin to move through the 2 column script adding Shot Numbers and Descriptions as you visualize all the shots you will need to reveal the emotion in your story.
    4. Remember to label your shot descriptions of of people or objects using the abbreviations we’ve used in the past: ELS, LS, MS, MCU, CU, ECU...
    5. Experiment with color, composition, lighting and WALLDO
    6. Use lots of close-ups, motion, graphic and index vectors.
    7. Use props and costumes as well as variety in locations or subject matter whenever possible.
    8. All shooting scripts must be approved before you begin shooting.
    9. Reflect on how you will include the Editing Concepts we are also trying to incorporate into our films.


Step 4- The Shoot

     
    1. All the footage for this project must be shot by you and be the best video you can shoot.
    2. Use a tripod.
    3. Observe cut-off points, head room and lead room. Remember the rule of thirds.
    4. Find a partner or friend to help you the day of your shoot with composition or props
    5. Watch the lighting of your shoot.
    6. Review shot requirements to make sure you have all the footage you need.
    7. Remember to experiment as much as possible composing and framing shots.


Step 5- Edit Footage

    1. Import all your clips
    2. Arrange clips in timeline according to poem script
    3. Add opening music video title and closing titles and effect
    4. Remember to fade in from black at the start and out to black at the end.

      All projects will be graded according to how well you’ve met the list of requirements.
      No project is complete until it is exported to the master tape.
      No credit will be given to incomplete projects.
      .