Evaluation

For my evaluation I have created a 'Prezi' presentation, I like the Prezi format because it is easy to manage and create user friendly presentations. I used the this program for my AS product so I a quite used to it and know how to use it very well.

During the process of AS to A2 I have developed many different skills to use for my coursework, such as a range of editing skills which I still wish to continue and improve. It is easy to see the skills that have improved during this course as I have become more adventurous with my editing which is clearly seen if all my products. I have used a range of technology through this course such as a 'Nikon DSLR Camera', this sort of technology helps me to create the best video I could. I have also expanded my knowledge in Adobe Software, such as Premiere Pro and Photoshop. My skills have improved through trial and error as I had limited experience in these programmes, but I feel I have learnt quickly and have made effective editing in both programmes.

I have had to use Photoshop to correct problems I encountered during the creation of my CD art, however through determination I overcame these dilemmas. This was something I may not have be able to do last year, so reflecting on the success is a benefit.

I also had to work by myself during the course ( a choice I made), I believe that this was a good decision as it gave me great independence. This was because all the work was on me so I couldn't make any excuses. This was a great feeling because when I completed everything I knew it was all me. Last year, I worked in a group, even though it had its benefits, such as easier access to resources, it was difficult to come to a whole group decision. This limited each persons input on the product, that's why I chose to work by myself and create a video exactly how I wanted it to be. However, the fact that for my video, I desired a band performance as I thought it was essential for this genre, this is an immediate disadvantage for working by myself. Luckily, I had a group of friends who enthusiastic to help me out. This made things a lot easier as it meant that I could use the instruments to make to video look authentic. Another benefit of working with them was they could suggests ideas to build on the foundation I created, without causing a dramatic change.

Completed CD art

I have finished my CD art!

I have created a CD insert, back cover and CD print, for my production. I have used a range of software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Publisher and Epson CD Printer. These programmes gave me the opportunity to produce the exact product I wanted. The overlap between all of them meant that I could create a synergy for the artwork. I was adamant that I would use the same font and colour throughout my Digi-pack, this is because I think that synergy is essential.

I wanted to create synergy between the main video and Digi-pack, this is why I wanted to include both narrative and band performance on the cover. This is different to a stereotypical Slipknot CD cover, but I felt that pushing boundaries will help me to create the best possible CD art.

The top two are my CD inserts, as you can see I used a mixture of band shots and narrative. I also included lyrics to the song, as I thought that this was important.

For my back cover, I decided to use a blank black background with the house font and colour. This was because I thought that it is stereotypical of this genre and will make it look authentic. 

Finished Video

I have finished my video!

After all the hard work of storyboarding, location, filming and editing, my video is finished.  It feels good to have finished the video after all the hard work, the weather, the cancelations, but I have now finished. I've really enjoyed being in a group by myself because it meant that I had more independence and could make the video exactly how I wanted.






There was a slight hiccup in the lip syncing in the original video at the video, but I have sorted it out and re-uploaded it. The problem was not massive but I think that it helps me to create more professional video and allows me to encounter the problems of producing a real music video.

C.D Art (further)

I have used Epson CD Print to create artwork for my CD, this allowed me to create a professional looking CD for my production. I feel that this will make the whole digi-pack better as it will include more detail. During the process of designing the CD art I had to use features such as 'Blur' to make the art better looking. I also had to flip, the picture and change the aspect to make it perfect. The font I used was the same as the one I used for the album cover, this was to create a synergy between all of my products. I think that this is very important as it means that my digi-pack will be professional.


Here you can see the progress of creating the CD art.

Poster

As a further part of the ancillary task, we were asked to produce a poster for out music video. I decided to use a shot of the band, this was because I thought it would be stereotypical of the genre. I also used the same font and colour as I have used on previous projects, this was to create a synergy between all parts of the projects. I thought that this would be good because it meant that viewers would see this and recognise all the parts of the project.

C.D Art

I have decided to further my ancillary project by creating artwork for my C.D, I feel that this will show advanced technique and will improve the physical features of the disk. I am using Epson C.D printer to create this artwork. I find it easy to use to create simple features for the CD, also it also me to edit it and give it different effects to make the CD look better.


I am going to use this picture for my CD, this is because he is the main character in the narrative so it will create a good effect and establish a vibe. I have made the character look as 'shifty' as possible to help convey the message of drug use and criminal activity. The character is also wearing a black leather jacket with his hood up and a black t-shirt underneath, this creates a stereotypical assumption of negativity which fits with the narrative. I have also made the characters hair fall over his eyes, this give suggests secrecy and hidden which fits with the synergy that I am trying to create as well.

Album Cover

I have used Adobe Photoshop to create my album cover, this program has allowed me to be adventurous with my editing of the photo. I feel that this has allowed me to create an album cover that I think is suitable for my album. I have used a variety of techniques to help create the best piece I can. From the number of photos I took, I chose two to use for my album.




This is what I have created, I have used Photoshop to layer the narrative over the band performance, I think that this will give it a good effect as the two will contrast well. I have used the font that Slipknot use but I have changed the colour, I think that this fits better with the album.

Album Covers

I have taken a number of photos that I may use for my album cover. These particular photos, I feel, will capture the narrative. I have taken influence from Slipknot's own album cover so that I know that mine will be appropriate.

For my album cover, I want to either have a shot of the band, or a narrative. This is because the majority of Slipknot's covers have a shot of the band. Slipknot normally show the whole band together without their instruments, I will take influence from this but I think that I will include the narrative for the cover, this is because I think that it will fit with the particular song well. 

Fonts

I have experimented with many different fonts to help find the most appropriate one for my album cover. I have used software such as Photoshop to create the most suitable font possible. Photoshop also allows me to alter the colour easily which gives me the opportunity to create synergy between all my work. I have created a 'Slideshare' to show my evidence and progress throughout the period of time it took to create the font sample. The font is important as it will be the first thing that people will see when they pick up the album so I will need to create the right vibe for it. This is why I have used dark colours predominantly for the font, I feel this will help to enforce the stereotype for the genre of heavy metal as this colours is used on a range of heavy metal album covers.

Editing

I have started my editing, so I have print screened my progress so far. I have used the program Adobe Premiere Pro to edit my footage. Below you can find the stages of the editing. The most difficult part of editing is the lip-syncing, this is because I need to get the timing spot on. I am still a long way off finishing my editing as I have a lot a footage to go through and I want it to look the best it can.

Here, I have used the bend effect, I have chosen to do this because it think that it works well with
the music in the shot. I feel that it creates a good emotion and will be effective.

Slipknot Album Covers

I have decided to research album covers for Slipknot, this will help me to create an album cover that is similar to Slipknot, this will help to create an appropriate album cover. As you can see, two of the albums have a shot of the band, I think that this is stereotypical of the genre, I will use this for my album cover as I think that it will be effective and appropriate. The band has also used dark colours such as red and black, I will use these colours for my cover so that it fits with the genre.

Storyboards

I have created storyboards for my music video, this so I can structure the video. This means that I will be able to follow my plan and make a professional and organised music video. this will allow me to film my video with the correct timing and use the shots the exact way in want to.

Locations

For the location of my music video, I want to make it similar to locations that Slipknot use, this is because it means that I will be able to set the mise-en-scene. I will try to use dark, secluded scenes, this will help me to set the mood for the video. I have taken pictures of some of the scenes I will possibly use.

I have chosen scenes with fields that are quite open, this because a lot of the scenes that Slipknot use are quite open. I am using these particular scenes for the band performance, this is because I think that it creates an appropriate mise-en-scene and will be able to get some good footage.

I am going to use these shots for the narrative, this is because I think that it will fit well and will help to make the narrative clearer. I am hoping to use locations carefully so it create an emotion for the mise-en-scene.

Audience Research

I have conducted some audience research from some of the students in my school, this will help me to receive their opinion for features I may possibly use for my media video and album cover. Below you can find students looking at the original video for 'Spit It Out' and looking at my album title samples. This will help me to produce work that it suitable and has been tailored by my audience to make it better.

Album Title Practice

I have done some sampling in creating a title for the album, by taking influence from actual Slipknot albums. I have used fonts and colours that I think are appropriate for the genre. I have created them on Adobe Photoshop, this program allows me to alter my titles very easily and give me freedom to create something unique.

As you can see I have used different fonts that I think will fit the genre well. I have used the colours black and red, this is because I think it will fit the synergy that the band creates. The dark colours represent death and pain, which will fit with their lyrics and genre. I have compared the fonts and colours to the original band to make it appropriate for my album cover.