Blog homework- comparing AS and A2 production work

When filming our A2 music video we noticed quite clearly the differences from the AS production work in the challenges we had to overcome, to create a successful imaginative music video. Last year as we were new students we had more guidance and stability through our work, we kept strictly to techniques used and needed, such as a variety of different shots. Even though, this year we still aimed for a wide range of shots also, the work has become a lot more independent encouraging us to stamp our own style onto the video. At the beginning of the planning process we studied Goodwin’s theory and how to apply it to our own work. We have worked around this theory and it has allowed us to explore a lot more this year, as the stimulus is broader so we can highlight our talents. Whereas, last year, we had to pick a genre of film and focus vividly on how to portray our ideas into that style.

This year we don’t have to focus on pleasing a genre or style but instead were allowed to be inspired by the actual song. We listened to the lyrics and brainstormed our ideas that fitted really well together. We don’t have to make the narrative so clear for the audience to understand and follow. In some ways this has been more challenging, as having a slightly abstract video can be harder to edit and put together. Furthermore jerky handheld movements with a camera last year could suggest and provoke many different things, however this year, it is not appropriate so all filming must be done in detail and precision. We have the same technology as last year so the quality of the filming cannot be improved, however more equipment is available (such as the crane) in order to create a more music video and professional essence.

In the editing process the most challenging thing we have found which we did not have last year, is matching the footage to the music video. Other than that we have more experience in ‘Final Cut Pro’ and do not need as much guidance. Making not just our jobs but also our teachers jobs easier!

This year I feel that managing the blog and filming has been a bit more demanding. This is because there is more footage to film for the video in order to fill the full song and have a creative narrative. However, in the editing process we have found time to keep up with the blog and update what we have been doing in the planning process. This year we have more of an idea of what examiners are looking for when it comes to the blog so more pressure has hit us because this year they have to be much more advanced.