Thursday 27 November 2014
Finished album advert
This is the final version of the advert for the album. I decided to carry the font across from the digipack along with the representations of social decay and entrapment, which are denoted here by the visual of a cold grey concrete wall, commonly associated with very intimidating looking places. The black bars across the wall show how everyone must conform to society and are trapped by this. This add features a QR code with a link to my blog and music video which can be scanned in using all QR scanner apps. It also features the record label's watermark, artists mark and the parental advisory mark as all of the songs feature strong language on this album (as is a convention of genre).
Monday 24 November 2014
Final product - explicit
Warning contains explicit lyrics, unfortunately no radio edit was available.
Final product - First cut
Warning contains explicit lyrics, unfortunately no radio edit was available.
Saturday 22 November 2014
Film day
I have just returned home after filming the whole product. Filming went much more smoothly than in past experiences and recent attempts to film, the new actor was very natural on screen and easy to work with which is the opposite to what I had anticipated, the weather worked very well for us (being bleak in the morning and developing into a glorious afternoon). The only setback which we encountered was on my behalf as I forgot the extra weights for the steady cam and had to use a cam-caddy instead leaving some less stable shots, which actually worked in our favour for the first half of the video in the bleak weather.
If I were to re-film this video I would change very few things about it if anything. If I had to change something though, it would be my preparation of the equipment as the steady cam would have been nice later on in the day.
I expect to have my first cut up by Monday, and second cut finished later that day but published by Tuesday.
If I were to re-film this video I would change very few things about it if anything. If I had to change something though, it would be my preparation of the equipment as the steady cam would have been nice later on in the day.
I expect to have my first cut up by Monday, and second cut finished later that day but published by Tuesday.
Friday 21 November 2014
Film day planning
Above is the list of items which I will require during my film day. The camera includes spare batteries and standard kit lens 18-55mm. I don't believe that much than this shall be required and don't see the point in taking a lot of extra things which will just be dead weight as the video which I am filming could include some random inspired shots which are not planned and its much easier to keep the camera on and in hand in order to capture these shots, rather than fumbling around with sliders and things which I don't require. I also will be taking a bag pack to store all of the above objects and keep it tight to my back so that I can move freely with the camera.
Wednesday 19 November 2014
The beginning of the album magazine promotion
This, as with the digipack, is an initial mock up/ trial of the magazine aspect of the ancillary pack.
Creating continuity within the video.
In the video, the actor looks down at his phone and the song (Xscape) is playing, in order to keep continuity I did not video the old albumn/single cover, but instead uploaded my own albumn cover to iTunes.
Paper folded digipack minus leaflet
This rudimentary folded digipack just gives me an idea of what the completed item will look like and helps to achieve better feedback as viewers get a hands on look at the design of the digipack.
I have already received some initial feedback, saying that it looks professional and interesting, some negatives are that the text is a little bit too dark (which I have rectified), but was also complimented as it fits into the main song of the albumn (Xscape) which is my song for the assignment.
Monday 17 November 2014
Initial mock up of my digipack for the albumn L.O.R.D.
This is the rudimentary mock up of my digipack ideas. I intend to change the images, add a leaflet for the inside left, a pocket to house the leaflet and possibly a dick design.
Thursday 13 November 2014
A$AP Mob - Xscape (Explicit) ft. A$AP Twelvyy
Warning contains explicit lyrics, unfortunately no radio edit was available.
[Verse 1: A$AP Twelvyy]
I'm feelin' like Puff back in '98
Bad Boy here, boost the crime rate
My hand good but the nine great
F*** the law, n***a, crime pays
Can't tax dirty money
Thank the Lord for dirty money
Man, I used to be dead broke
Now my bank full of dead folks
Get the Benjis for my brothers
Grants for the bills and the Jacksons to my mother
Momma love kept me so clean
And I got it with the d*** fiends
Now I'm tryna get my dough clean
Hoes scream when they get a glimpse of the whole team
In that Velour VLONE
A Nutcracker at the kingdom
"Work" banging on my ringtone
Whole team getting dough, she ain't even know
It's the year of that A$AP
N****s slept on us now it's time for that payback
[Hook 2x: A$AP Twelvyy]
It's mad stress round here
Got my bulletproof vest and my Tec round here
I just wanna get away
But I can't get away
[Verse 2: A$AP Twelvyy]
It's like my back's against the wall
See a n***a want it all, run the game with my dogs
See they praying that I fall
Another mural on the wall, front page of the Source
A blood stain on the floor
Another black boy lost, left slain in the Porsche
Man, they killed my n***a Stack B
I'm yelling, free my n***a Max B
Man, they killed that boy Trayvon
I got the right to carry firearms
Bill of Rights, I know my s**t
Bunch of books and some loaded clips, tell the law, "Suck my d**k"
Free my n***a S-1
And Remy too, for them 2? I'm a wreck, son
Light somethin', know a n***a stressed
Know a nigga blessed, gotta get this shit up off my chest
F**k the rest, cause when sun is set
I'mma burnin' that then kill some clowns with my loaded Tec
Trigger happy, n***a nappy head peasy\
These lyrics talk explicitly about one mans social entrapment and how he feels about different aspects of life. My video will include a boy riding his bike, which is a symbol of freedom to a lot people, and he keeps trying to land a trick which he particularly wants to do but one thing after another shoots him down, time and time again.
Motherfucker, be easy motherfucker, ha
[Hook]
Wednesday 12 November 2014
A change of plan...
In addition to the video, 'Xscape' fits into all of my genre research so all that I am required to do on my blog is: Artist research, lyrical analysis, story boards and shooting scripts.
Wednesday 15 October 2014
Prop complications
Due to the nature of the rap genre and what is expected of it's artists, I feel it appropriate to feature the subject matter and social issue of cannabis. I am well aware that it is illegal in this country and that it is a very serious subject matter, this is why I will be using a prop to emulate an authentic visual of smoking cannabis. For this I have taken into consideration all aspects of health and safety and legality.
As my main actor is 18 and a smoker, I decided to roll up a cigarette into a king size paper and roll it up so that it looks authentic. This is a technique used by Lil Wayne in his own 'weezy Wednesday' blog videos and by various other artists to create a realistic effect without breaking any laws or legislation.
Here is the process how the props are made and what they look like while being made.
Although it may appear cheesy or possibly too risky for some, I believe that it adds to the subtle rebellious tones of the video and also fits into the connotations of genre and of the artist himself.
Monday 13 October 2014
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Film day No.01
Today I filmed the first parts of my video. I decided to film all of the filler/montage shots that I would require as when I get the acted footage I can pick and choose what montage shots I can put between them. The filming went well other than one of my chosen locations was under construction so we were unable to film there. However, I'm taking it as a learning curve to be able to adapt to these kinds of situations and to plan ahead in the future, as you never know what may happen.
List of software and hardware used during the course of my product
The purpose of these graphs is for when I come back to review and reflect on my techniques used through out the entire production process.
Managing myself...
As it has got to the editing stage of the process, I've decided to do my editing at home as I have access to a Macbook Pro/iMac. Leaving lesson time for blog work. I chose to do this as I know that I won't update my blogger from home and enjoy/ feel more comfortable editing from home. I feel that I will be much more productive this way.
Wednesday 3 September 2014
Reflections on filming through summer
Summary
Over the summer filming has been less than successful, due to personal faults and reasons out of my hands. On the filming days we chose we encountered problems such as, poor weather, locations being shut off and actors being away.
The poor weather was out of my control as the forecast changed on the day of filming, however, we had made a back up plan which involved some indoor filming. We travelled to the open factory where we planned to film and found that it had been shut down, this was within my control and caused due to poor planning.
Over the summer filming has been less than successful, due to personal faults and reasons out of my hands. On the filming days we chose we encountered problems such as, poor weather, locations being shut off and actors being away.
The poor weather was out of my control as the forecast changed on the day of filming, however, we had made a back up plan which involved some indoor filming. We travelled to the open factory where we planned to film and found that it had been shut down, this was within my control and caused due to poor planning.
Friday 18 July 2014
Film day planning
On the day I will require:
-Camera (canon 700d)
-Shooting script
-story board
-lighting
-and a car
I will have to film over three days, preferably the 22nd,23rd and 24th of August as all of my actors and myself are free on those days. I will film over three days due to the amount of locations which will be covered and the 5:10 of footage which must be gathered between the locations.
-Camera (canon 700d)
-Shooting script
-story board
-lighting
-and a car
I will have to film over three days, preferably the 22nd,23rd and 24th of August as all of my actors and myself are free on those days. I will film over three days due to the amount of locations which will be covered and the 5:10 of footage which must be gathered between the locations.
Links between lyrics and visuals
The ashes fall, the wine spills - Cigarette ashes falling and wine spilling from a bottle, this . represent the struggles and bad habits brought on
by their life style and the neglect of their government.
Yeah, my country tis of thee
Sweet land of kill 'em all and let 'em die- Saluting the camera, shows the government neglect . even when the people affected are being patriotic.
The end of time is like a hour away- Fast motion clock gives a sense of time internally to the . video.
The stars on the flag are never shinin'- Flag scruffily sprayed on a brick wall, shows state of . . disarray in the country and a lack of belief in it.
Cause I live by the sword and die by the sword-Shots of guns, they're a modern day take on . swords, but also connote the appropriate
Cause I live by the sword and die by the sword-Shots of guns, they're a modern day take on . swords, but also connote the appropriate
fear and danger as a sword would, . . . . especially in the hands of a young man.
Mama said take what you want, I took heed, yeah- Shots praying on floor, show a . . . . . . . . pure/innocent side to the people.
Now let it breathe, yeah- Exhaling smoke, again showing bad habits.
Back to life, back to reality- Snapping back into the real world...
Granted we do it for vanity not humanity- lots of jewellery commonly associated with vanity, . shows there materialistic views...
But what's appealing to me is under banana trees, Lord- ...Then contrasts them with natural . . ideals.
I go so hard, I tried to pay homage but I was overcharged
Ain't that a bitch?- Shows again the religious side.
Ain't that a bitch?- Shows again the religious side.
Two fingers to my head, pow, peace of mind- Showing there mindset and how easy it would . . be to end it for themselves.
It's a cold world, I put on a mink- Controversial, putting on a mink in such a poor surrounding.
Yeah, God bless America
This so Godless America- Saluting again, showing a fading patriotism.
Will I die or go to jail today?- Police in background, showing binary opposition.
Thursday 17 July 2014
Feedback on 1st draft shooting script (timeline)
Lauren Parton - "The shooting script looks very professional and is well detailed and systematic."
Callum Robinson - "It looks incredibly detailed and meticulously planned."
Joe Pointon - "Great use of a different style, the time line works well."
From this, I have gathered that my shooting script contains ample detail, both to convey my ideas to others and to help me whilst filming.
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Changes to idea No.01
I have decided to change very little of this idea due to its feedback, however I have decided to include an incredibly long take which will be cut in and out of throughout the video.
Monday 14 July 2014
Blog feedback
Here are a few feedback tips from two groups on my blog. I have already started to act on the small number of blog posts and over load of text by uploading more varied formats. Other areas such as lack of audience research and product planning have too been improved and rectified.
This feedback was received from my media literate peers and there for has been written with a large amount of background knowledge of, not only the subject, but of the overall brief.
Feedback findings - analysis
Overall, I was not shocked by my findings. I knew that idea 1 was the strongest of the three and the results show that the audience agree with this.
I learnt/considered that I should use a city scape rather than just rough areas for my idea in order to add more variation. This suggestion will be worked into future shooting scripts and story boards etc...
I learnt/considered that I should use a city scape rather than just rough areas for my idea in order to add more variation. This suggestion will be worked into future shooting scripts and story boards etc...
2nd draft shooting script in progress
These ar1st draft shooting script/lyrical analysis
The below image shows some rough ideas as to what will be happening during the video whilst the lyrics are spoken, and also to decipher some of the hidden from the lyrics. As some of the lyrics in 'God bless Amerika' are spoken with a 'gangster' twist, there are some crossed meanings between lyrics.
initial ideas 3
Warning contains explicit lyrics, unfortunately no radio edit was available.
Lyrics:
[Wiz Khalifa - Verse 1]
It's the champagne pourin'
Big joint rollin'
Bombay sippin'
No blunt smoking
Bad bitch gettin'
Thick and she got some friends with her
I take 'em out pourin' shots of liquor
Drinkin' out the bottle, smiling in all my pictures
The marijuana loud so them hoes follow like twitter
nigga, you know everything Taylored
Don't rush to the bar fool, if you ain't got no paper
That's the rules, high as fuck, sloppy drunk when I'm passing through
Rollin' doobies up, ya hoe who we pass 'em to
Hit the club spend this money up, roll another one, drink, act a fool
That's what I have to do
[Chorus]
See after drinking champagne all night
Never worry bout a damn thing, y'all might
Homie I'm on my level (yeh)
I'm on my level (yeah)
I'm on my level (yeh)
I'm on my level (yeaah)
So let me take one shot to the brain
And I order three more shots
I'm going in, ayy
I'm on my level (yeh)
I'm on my level (yeah)
I'm on my level (yeh)
I'm on my level (yeaah)
[Wiz Khalifa - Verse 2]
Spent a couple dollars on my engine
motor roaring when I back out the garage
Gin got me drunk as fuck stumbling out the bar
Plus I'm struggling tryna find the keys to my car
Cause I be going hard, roll the camera
Life just like a movie, I'm the star
Wish you was in my position
You too broke to play the part
Of course I keep some bad women with me in the back
Sippin' Rose with some hash twistin'
All about a dollar, my team in the cash gettin'
Straight out the burb, we drinking we smash niggas
So when I say I'm balling, that don't mean that I'm playing mate
All my diamonds talkin', you can see what they sayin' mayne
[Chorus]
[Too $hort]
In the middle of the night, early in the mornin'
From the streets to the sheets with some freaks, I ain't yawnin'
I'm wide awake, we ain't eatin', we ain't sleepin'
These bitches so high man, we ain't even speakin'
We just freakin'
You rollin' with short dog baby
She was high on that pill so I fucked yo lady
Come to my house I give 'em everything they want
I might not dot it, but I give to ya women
Cocaine, mushrooms, ecstasy, GHB, Marijuana
She can suck it if she wanna
I got tequila, Ciroc and two freaky friends
and this a Wednesday night, this ain't the weekend
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Man I'm high as fuck
Man I swear I'm on my level
Man I'm sloppy drunk
Man I swear I'm on my level
I finna pass out
man I swear I'm on my level
A nigga get smashed out
Man I swear I'm on my level
Man I'm high as fuck
Man I swear I'm on my level
Man I'm sloppy drunk
Man I swear I'm on my level
I finna pass out
man I swear I'm on my level
A nigga get smashed out
Man I swear I'm on my level
[Chorus]
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