1. Q4 how do you use media technologies in the construction, research planning and
evaluation stage?
From using Adobe Pro (fig1.) before in previous productions, I have found that it was
fairly simple to edit second time round having used this software before. What I
personally found good about using Adobe Pro was the simplicity of the controls and
the ability to cut each clip down to the millisecond and the easy to use interface. This
was also useful when selecting footage as it was neatly arranged chronologically
when imported from both the HD video camera and the ordinary digital camera. By
using two different cameras we had to ensure when we used our HD camera the frame
was well proportioned in order to have a better and clearer shot. We also made sure
we would use the HD camera to shoot extreme close ups (fig2. Close up) in order to
have clear star persona and conform to Goodwin’s theory on music videos.
(fig2. Close up)
(fig1. Editing)
In addition to using Adobe Premiere, we also used Adobe Soundbooth to perpetuate
the aggression and sad undertones found in the song. Although no audio clips were
required to edit, we decided to include the sound of when Rachel (the main character)
decides to wipe the chess board off the table thus eliminating her opponent from the
game. The original sound clip of the chess pieces falling to the ground (fig3.) was not
very effective on its own therefore we ran it through Adobe Soundbooth to eradicate
any static and background noise from the video recorded making the sound purer and
having a less tinny sound when increasing the volume. When placing the sound clip
back over the music track, we found it had a better effect and almost echoed which
left a haunting effect which we wanted to convey throughout the music video.
(continuous editing)
(fig3. chess scene in Soundbooth)

2. Through the music video, we included one transition between two characters walking
down the same path. Originally we wanted to have a transition between four
characters that walk through down the path through the maze to look as if there was a
big hunt for the main character. But settled on two and the other characters entering
the maze and already in the maze to appear as if they are eager and already there
searching for the main character. We have achieved this by capturing the two
characters walking down the same path (fig4. Aldo & Hannah) and in the same frame
by setting up the camera on a tripod and not moving it. By watching both clips back
we were able to pinpoint a time where both characters were in the same location
(fig5.) and cut them at that point to then merge them together with a transitional effect
appearing as if they have morphed from each other.
(Fig4. Aldo & Hannah)
(Fig5.)
In order to give our music video a ‘trip hop’ feel, immediately we thought to use
colour correction to most scenes in order to change the tone and mood conveyed in
each situation. For instance, a blue tint added to a scene can make the scene feel eerie
and isolated whilst a red tint can exert a feeling of passion, anger of lust. For most of
our narrative we have chosen to use a yellow tint to make the scenes seen reminiscent
correlating to the lyrics ‘my memories of yesterday…’ highlighting the character
trying to correct the errors in her past (Fig6.).
(Fig6. examples of yellow tint) (Fig7. examples of red tint and contrast)
In some scenes we have chosen to increase the contrast and saturation playing on the
idea of lust and emphasising the red colours in the frame. This was inspired by such
comic book style arts as Frank Miller’s ‘Sin City’ (Fig8.) portraying a dark and
sinister story of lust and revenge. This is seen in such clips as Rachel walking around
in the maze by herself (Fig.7).

3. From having two main characters, we have found that it is
difficult from an outsider’s perspective to differentiate from
characters and follow the narrative clearly. Where we have
Rachel (the lusty character) and Seonad (the Restraint), we
have attempted to highlight their differences as well as portray
them as the same character by changing the contrasts and
colour for the characters. Much as Frank Miller’s comics, we
have created a comic book feel when portraying Rachel’s
story by increasing the contrast and red tones of the frame. At
same time we already differenciate from both characters in the
beginning by having high angle on Seonad (the weaker)
(fig9.) and a low angle portraying Rachel as the stronger
dominant character (fig10.).
(Fig.8 Sin City)
(Fig.9 Seonad high angle) (Fig.10 Rachel high angle)

4. When editing our music video we had chosen to have very little transitional effects in
order to create continuity within our video, this was also achieved by have motifs and
repeat scenes and clips, such as the scene with the chess and the scenes with Rachel
and Aldo on the boat in contrast and the end sequence.
To a degree we have also attached an element of symbolism found in our piece such
as the chess representing a battle between the same person; especially seen in the
extreme close ups of the two queen chess pieces next to each other (Fig.11). We have
also used several preserved animals representing the death of the animals (Fig.12)
suggesting and perpetuating lifelessness of Rachel on the inside – ‘after time the bitter
taste’.
(Fig11. two queen chess pieces) (Fig12. preserved dog)
The end sequence in particular has a flow of continuity between Rachel and Aldo,
when they both surrender themselves by dropping their heads backwards. Here have
the two scenes in completely different location we have made to seem specially relate
by playing them back to back and making their heads drop back at the same point and
editing it to seem continuous(Fig13.). At the same time the instrumental end of the
song adds the effect of mystery. To end we have chosen to fade into black and slightly
zoomed into Rachel’s face, resembling a unsolved mystery similar to what is seen in a
Bond Film, and Rachel playing the seductive enemy of villain (Fig.14).
(Fig13. Spatial related end sequence)
(Fig14. Bond ideologies)

5. On starting the research for our artist selection process, we used a variety of websites
to seek unsigned or unknown existing artists in order to fully promote the artist we
choose. Such websites as Myspace and Youtube are ideal for finding unsigned artists
as it a form of self promotion of music and is known for numerous examples of
successful attempts to break into the music industry. These include such acts as
Esmee Denters (Fig15.) putting regular videos of her on Youtube singing resulting in
a landing a major record contract with Tennman Records and is widely affiliated with
Justin Timberlake and Universal music group. This is an example of how the
emergence of technology and modern cultures usage of internet resources and new
media technologies has created a D.I.Y culture where you can easily attempt to break
into the music industry by self promotion via these websites.
(Fig15. Esmee Denters’ Youtube videos)
Similar these sites can be used to contact a recording artist if you do not have direct
contacts or request permission to sample or use their tracks. For our music video we
had attempted to gain permission to use Portishead’s ‘sour times’ by emailing them
on Myspace (Fig16.). In addition I have also used Typepad for my production diary,
where I have documented all stages of my production planning and research in order
to maintain and organise our days to film and what we have to do.
(Fig16. Email to Portishead via MySpace bellow)

6. On starting the research for our artist selection process, we used a variety of websites
to seek unsigned or unknown existing artists in order to fully promote the artist we
choose. Such websites as Myspace and Youtube are ideal for finding unsigned artists
as it a form of self promotion of music and is known for numerous examples of
successful attempts to break into the music industry. These include such acts as
Esmee Denters (Fig15.) putting regular videos of her on Youtube singing resulting in
a landing a major record contract with Tennman Records and is widely affiliated with
Justin Timberlake and Universal music group. This is an example of how the
emergence of technology and modern cultures usage of internet resources and new
media technologies has created a D.I.Y culture where you can easily attempt to break
into the music industry by self promotion via these websites.
(Fig15. Esmee Denters’ Youtube videos)
Similar these sites can be used to contact a recording artist if you do not have direct
contacts or request permission to sample or use their tracks. For our music video we
had attempted to gain permission to use Portishead’s ‘sour times’ by emailing them
on Myspace (Fig16.). In addition I have also used Typepad for my production diary,
where I have documented all stages of my production planning and research in order
to maintain and organise our days to film and what we have to do.
(Fig16. Email to Portishead via MySpace bellow)