Prelim Evaluation

1. Did you enjoy the workshop day? What were your best bits and why?

I absolutely loved the workshop day, truly a memorable day. I learned a lot about the process of the music video from the preparation for the day to the clearing up at the end of a tiring but exciting 12 hour shoot. Although it was a long day and I did not leave the studio or changing room for those 12 hours, I was never bored or exhausted, I found it more fun and enjoyable as there was always so much to do or even observe. I was playing Jessie J, so I had a lot to do always, if I wasn’t on set performing to my best, I was in the changing room putting amazing costume we had put together or getting make-up done. When I got a breather I would be able to sit down and watch everyone’s hard working role from director to the runner. Everyone was so supportive and I was able to perform comfortable in front of them, enjoying it to the fullest. My favourite part has to just be performing in each set; sitting on the giant chair or in the doll house, riding a tricycle and just simple standing in front of the camera performing.

Me on the tricycle, enjoying myself.

2. What did you learn from participating in the workshop?

I can honestly say I have learnt a lot. I knew a lot of the roles but I had learnt knew ones and extended my knowledge of each roles purpose. I never had heard of a grip, his role was to help the camera man with changing the lenses and making the camera shoots flow easy whether he is moving forward black he would push him along on the dolly.

The Dolly

 I was able to see how hard work it was for the man in charge of lightening as I stood on set he often had to move lights around to get rid of the shadows I created, but also get the right setting and mood. I was with the make-up artist a lot as she had to be on the ball and be a step in front of everyone so that the performers were ready for the next shoot; but not only that she constantly had to powder me as the lights often made me hot and sweaty. Learnt how important team work is; cleaning up, supporting each other, keeping everyone noticed and up to date.

3. Are you pleased with the footage and your edit? Is it how you expected it to look?

Yes, we have worked everyday on it, to get it done in a week and have perfected every shot as much as possible; making sure the lip sing is in sync and we have the best shots possible to resemble the official video. It is unbelievable how similar it looks to Jessie J's video and I have to say I'm so very proud of it. It truly has the same message to the audience creating the same fun, happy mood. We emphasise the message "it's not all about the money" as we were able to make a similar video on a lower budget. I have to be honest and say I didn't expect it to look as good and as precise as the video. Truly pleased.

Jessie J's money tree

Tasha J's money tree

4. How do you think your workshop experiences will impact on your approach to next term's music video coursework?

This work shop will clearly impact my approach for next term's music video, as I have learnt a lot about pre-production, production and post-production. I have been able to see how much organising is needed in order to make the film shoot run smoothly and so in making our music video we will be aware of how much work is needed in post production, such costume, shot list etc.  I benefited a lot from seeing how a music video shoot is done, example the various roles and also having the artist come in earlier so make up is done by the start of the first shoot to stay on schedule. After doing this prelim I will now feel more confident when doing our music video as I have the knowledge to come up with original but realistic idea of the shots and music concept; still following the music industry theories such as Goodwin as Jessi J's video is an example.