Media

1. How we used new media
technologies in the construction
process

2. Music Video
To film our studio shots we used a Canon 5D Mark ii. Learning how to
use this camera was a highlight for me as there were many different
intriguing features. It was amazing to have such a high quality camera
(1080p) at our disposal and it is has completely transformed our
footage. My favourite feature on this camera was the manual focus as
it meant that we could experiment more. For example, in our video we
use a lot of focus pulls. We felt that this was an interesting visual
technique that was aesthetically pleasing as well as showcasing the
Camera’s capabilities. We were able to use the camera in different
ways simply by the way we held it. By switching between Handheld
shots, Tripod shots and Dolly shots we are able to create a large
variety of very different looking shots, thus following convention.
Another crucial piece of technology was our Sound
and Lighting Desk. Without this, we would not have
been able to create the many different colours that I
think work so well in our video. This was an exciting
piece of equipment to experiment with as the
possibilities were endless. However, this piece of
equipment also caused many issues for my group.
Whilst using it, the Gel Filters for the lights would
often get stuck, preventing us from shooting for hours
at a time. Eventually we had to het used to shooting
with very limited lighting as even our Technicians were
unable to locate the source of the issue. If I were to do
this project again I would want another chance to
improve our lighting as it is not as good as it could
have been at certain points due to this set back.

3. To edit our video we used Adobe Premiere Pro. This is a software
that I have become more familiar with whilst using it in projects.
This was beneficial as we went into this project with a good
understanding of the software’s features. For example, had I not
created titles in my previous project, I would not have been
capable of using them in our video.
One advantage for
using this software
was the vast amount
of editing options. I
personally enjoyed
grading our video,
despite it being
tedious, as it was
rewarding for me to
see our footage really
develop. The before
and after images (as
seen) really opened
my eyes to the
benefits of this
process.
The multiple tracks on the software was
also very useful as it allowed us to put
our non-linear editing theory from Carol
Vernallis into practice. This feature also
meant that we could clearly see the
beginning and end of each shot. This was
very helpful whilst editing as it meant
that we could cut shots to fit each other
exactly.

4. Website
I found the ability to add links to buttons particularly useful as
it meant that we could direct viewers of the site directly to
other sites. We took advantage of this function, add links to
websites such as Ticketmaster and Youtube. This encouraged
us to create symbiotic relationships with other brands. It also
meant that we were able to develop Tim O’Reilly’s theory
that highlights the importance of links to other websites as
they act as a collaborative consumption platform.
To create our site we used the website Wix.com. Prior to this project I had not heard of
this software so it was a learning curve for me as I learnt how to use the large variety of
features.
Wix made it very easy
to create a website due
to their large amounts
of customising options.
This helped us create a
website that was
unique to us which
helped to promote our
artist’s brand identity
by making it stand out
from other websites.
The most important feature of this site was the ability
to embed different media texts such as videos and
pictures. This meant that we could create a website
that had cross media convergence. By doing this we
were able to diversify the content of our website,
making it more interesting for anyone that views it.

5. Album CoverTo create our Album Cover we used Adobe Premiere
Pro. Duet o previous projects I had some experience
using this software, however I had never been very
confident using it. I now feel more comfortable
using this software and I am now capable of using a
large majority of the tools. For example, I found that
using the blurring tool was very effective.
This tool allowed me to blur imperfections in the
images such as blemishes/ scarring, thus helping
create a more idealised artist image.
One disadvantage of using this
software was the large amounts
of trial and error that went into
editing an image. I would often
find myself altering an image,
only to undo these changes and
start again. However, ultimately I
think that the positives
outweighed the negatives as we
were able to create professional
looking images.
Another advantage of
this software was its
ability to layer
images. Without this
we would not have
been able to create
any of our
merchandise or
achieve the desired
‘journal’ like effect on
our Digipak panels.
(created by layering
sketches)