Evaluation of my Reconstruction Task

The process of reconstructing the media text Birdy – Shelter has given me valid practise towards the preparation of creating a music video as part of my advanced portfolio coursework. I created an accurate production plan, researched the artist and deconstructed the music video to give me a foundation understanding before tackling the actual reconstruction of the music video.

 

Time management was an important factor in determining the success of my groups reconstruction of the music video. The group stuck by the production plan we created which was expected as it was timetabled during college hours however some members of the group switched roles which was a problem and also we did not shoot the video in the initial chosen location; Beverley West wood  This setting was much more suited for the video and conveyed exactly the same atmosphere and mood we wanted to create however personal issues regarding a member of the group meant we had to create a new production plan labelling a different location.  Other features of the mise-en-scene were successfully reconstructed for example the costume and make up used on the model. By using a trench coat and military boots our model’s look was very similar to that of Birdy which connoted the dark and cold tone that is also created in the actual music video, making out reconstruction more specific.  

(Images of Olivia in Costume and Setting )

The first stage of the creation of our music video was shooting the correct shots as part of our filming, the practice with the video camera was very valuable experience and made me realise how jerky the final product can appear from little hand movement when shooting the video. When creating my individual music video I will need too re shoot the same shot many times to ensure my camera quality is good and avoid having to venture out to the location to re shoot wasting time I could be using on the editing suites. The second shot we created was very effective and proved to be a lovely transition, the use of slow motion was  valuable and a great choice for a slow song with emotional meaning. This fits the criteria I am using for my music video therefore I am greatly considering using this technique to express meaning during my music video. 

The post production techniques using the editing suites was very useful and I was surprised by the different effects and changes you can actually make to your final product. For example you can tint the music video certain colours, we practised giving the shots a blue tinge to emphasise the cold and dreary atmosphere however it resulted in some shots with low lighting being too dark. If I decide to use this post production technique I will need to use a more complex approach by editing the shots separately.  During the editing production we tried changing the lighting to make it the shots darker however we noticed when watching our final product that this affected continuity as the video doesn't flow from the rapid change of light using the same setting. This tool is very constructive but I have learnt for the creation of my own music video that I will ensure the lighting is made the similar in each shot giving the video continuity.