23rd December filming

After completing the rough cut, I felt that I was running out of solo shots and it got a bit boring after the first chorus. So I did some more filming on 23rd December to do some more solo shots in the graffiti skate park at South Bank in London. I am happy with these shots as they are more dynamic with more movement, which I feel will improve the overall video. 

I also re-filmed the dance with two of the girls in the last chorus as that footage was too dark during night time so I did it again during day time at the same location. 

Bajan Style (Rough cut)

Filming

• Filming Sunday 23rd December - London

9th December filming

Yesterday I filmed all my solo shots. I have looked back on it and I am happy with what I have recorded. Unfortunately, the tripod I was using was broken, therefore all the shots were handheld but I will make sure that it is not obvious in the video when I am editing.
I feel the filming went successful as I managed to film a few different angles e.g low angle, mid-shots, long shots, as well as getting some voyeurism shots. Additionally, movements of camera such as panning.
My main focus now is to import the footage and fit into the timeline and use Color Corrector & Color, this will enhance the colours in the footage to show the bright colours, which is important in my music video.
As said on previous post, my friend was able to do my hair and make-up like the lead singer of Cover Drive, which I was happy with.

However, I may have to re-film a few solo shots.

Lighting & colour in Final Cut Pro

As some video clips I have recorded either came out too dark/dull, I have been adjusting the colours on them. For example one video that came out very dark, I lightened it up using Color Corrector 3-way on Final Cut Pro (as said on previous posts). But there have been some videos where the lighting is too dull and need a bit more colour and a bit more brightness. To resolve this, I have also been using Apple's Color.

I feel that by using this I have brightened up a few of my video clips to fit the song better as my song is a very bright and colourful song, therefore by increasing the saturations and testing with tint colours, I feel I have achieved this better.
I started with adjusting the Shadow, going into the Midtones and then the Highlights. However, increasing the saturation levels was the most important. Additionally, Color achieved more than what I felt Colour Corrector 3-way on Final Cut Pro could do.

Ancillary ideas & editing on Photoshop

Previously, I had written a post about an idea I had for the ancillary for the album artwork. If that does not go to plan then I will most likely use a white backdrop whilst wearing a costume that shows off the genre of the song and represents the idea of the music video for example the bright colours and the Barbados flag. But also edited on Photoshop by possibly using PSDs to enhance the colours or give it a different effect for example:

Original photo

Photo with a PSD

There are many different PSDs that create different effects on photos and if I test around with different PSDs I may find one that I am happy with to use on my album artwork.
I may possibly use Topaz on the photo too as this gives it a more smoother and cleaner finish to it. Also using gradient maps could create an interesting effect and testing with the lighting of it.
For example:

Original photo

Photo with gradient map and PSD

Preparation for 9th December filming

As I am going with one of my friends, she will help me with the filming and lighting. For lighting we are planning to use a large torch but also use a reflector to reflect the light from, therefore this will give it a more professional look and will not create shadows on my face or see the circles from the torch.
Also, for appearance my friend will do my hair and make-up like this photo of Amanda Reifer

Filming

• 9th December - solo shots at Black History mural in Reading