Editing my music video: Trimming, adding transitions, and adjusting the sound

 After I finished filming the last few scenes of my music video, I began editing. The first thing I did was edit the music so that it fit the 58-60 second time limit. I had already decided which parts of the song I was going to use, but just needed to edit the music so that these changes were applied. I began by cutting out the first ten seconds of the song. I then adjusted the volume of the ending of the song so that it sounded as if the song had ended, as opposed to having the music sound as if it was cut off abruptly. Next, I attached and trimmed the scenes together so that they would make a cohesive music video. As I filmed the music video on my phone, the scenes shot automatically uploaded to google photos. I then was able to open google photos on my computer and export the scenes to the editing software, OpenShot editor. For several of the scenes, we started filming many seconds before the music would actually start. As a result, I had to trim at least 10 seconds off of each scene. I then adjusted the volume of each scene to 0% so that the music from the song, "Rich Girl," would not have any interference from external sound. After this was complete, I edited the transitions between scenes 2 and 3 and scenes 16 and 17. This transition was supposed to have a dreamy effect, so that it looked as though the actor was thinking of what they would do if they were wealthy or a rich girl. The editing software that I used had a tool that allowed one to insert transitions such as a wipe or dissolve, so that it looked as though the scene dissolved into the other scene. This process took a long time to complete, and after playing around with several of the effects, I decided that the fade transition looked the best. After filming the scenes at the mall, I found that they went a bit over the time limit I had in place, so I ended up not filming the scene with another person painting my nails. As a result, I had to adjust the time of the mall scenes so that they fit in with the other scenes. Although this may seem as though it would make the editing process go faster, it did the opposite. As I already had a schedule in place, the length of the mall scenes disrupted my schedule and led to me playing around with the length of each of the scenes within this segment. In addition to using these editing techniques, I decided to see if I could include subtitles within my music video. I am not sure if they will be long enough or coordinate with the scene, since the scene that they would go with is only about 1-2 seconds long. I also have yet to figure out how the subtitles work, as the editor that I am using automatically includes a solid color background behind the subtitles. I tried watching a video online that outlines how to include subtitles, however, the video is outdated. If I can not find out how to add subtitles I will leave the music video as it is.

Advancements in filming my music video

 After completing the filming of scenes three through six, we filmed the first two and last two scenes. To prepare for filming, I printed out a picture of the silhouette of a girl carrying shopping bags. I searched the internet for at least an hour trying to find a drawing that I could use, as many had watermarks on them. Once I had found and printed the correct picture, I attached it to a clipboard and set it aside, as I had to prepare the rest of the set. I did so by making my bed, preparing the chair for the cameraman to sit in, opening the music video on my computer, and changing into the clothes needed for the scene. The first time filming this scene, I asked my brother to film it. This did not work out, as we would fight over how to film and he would not listen to me while I showed him how and where to hold the camera. Before I could complete the filming, he had to leave as well because he had to complete his homework. I then asked my father to film those scenes and he obliged. Because everything was prepared from the last time we tried filming, my father was ready to begin filming. I directed him at which angle and shot to film at and once this was done he would begin recording and pressed play on the music. I would be in position and ready for him to press play on the music when he did so, leading to the filming of those scenes being quick and efficient. In addition to filming the first and last two scenes, the sixteenth scene was also filmed. This scene was filmed late in the day, because of scheduling complications, leading to a shortened amount of time to film. To prepare for this scene, I found the correct magazine to use, filled up a cup with water, put on my costume, adjusted the lounge chair, and cleaned the leaves from the ground. Filming this scene was slightly difficult because my brother would constantly hit me with the palm leaf. In addition, at some points I started slightly earlier than I needed to, leading to my father having to film the scene again. Despite these difficulties, the filming was completed. However, after looking back, I realized that we may have to film this scene again, as my brother's flip flops were within the take that I was going to use. I may be able to use another take, however, the re-filming of the scene will most likely be done. In addition to re-filming this scene, I also have to film the rest of the scenes this upcoming weekend and begin editing. 

Beginning to film my music video

 Throughout this music video, I will act and direct it. My last experience with filming led me to make the decision to do most of the acting, as if my brother was the main actor, there would have been a large amount of yelling and frustration involved. So far I have filmed scenes three through six. Filming those scenes was slightly difficult, as there were complications with time. This was as a result of my brother acting in the music video in some scenes. Because of this, my mother was the only person that could film the music video. However, she works a full time job so the filming of the video had to fit around her schedule as well. This led to the filming taking place at about 4:45. Ordinarily this would not be a problem, however the sun sets as 5:30 where I live throughout this time, so we did not have much time to film before the sun set. With this in mind, I decided to prepare the filming location, my bedroom, so that it would be ready for filming to begin right when my mother got off of work. I made my bed, organized my room so that it was close to spotless, and prepared all of the props for the music video. Those props include a tray with cereal, a spoon, orange juice, a bracelet, handbags, and several pieces of clothing on hangers. In addition, I had to prepare myself so that I looked presentable and had to direct my brother on which clothes to wear throughout the music video. Unfortunately, it took quite a bit of time to get my brother in to the clothes needed and led to the filming taking place later than previously scheduled. After this was done, the filming began. My mother sat on a chair with the camera at the angle and location directed my me. My brother also waited next to the camera, ready for me to clap, indicating that he step forward and put the tray on the table by my bedside. When my mother began to record, I would press play on the song that I was using and then run over to the bed and adjust my hair and clothes so that they looked nice. In order for this to happen on time, I would press play on the video several seconds before the music for the scene being shot would take place, allowing for more preparation. This would be done throughout the entire filming process. This scene, scene number three, was successfully filmed, but would take several takes for the desired scene to happen. The next few scenes were also simple to film and involved me directing my mother where to place the camera, directing my brother what to do and me acting. After these scenes were completed, I cleaned up the room and prepared it for when we finished filming the next few scenes. I may change the shot within some scenes, but overall I enjoyed the filming process and plan on filming these next few scenes in a short amount of time.

Planning Storyboard for my Music Video

*When referring to the "actor" within the storyboard or blog, I am referring to the actor playing the person who is imagining being wealthy. 

Scene 1

This scene will consist of the actor drawing what they would do if they were wealthy or, "were a rich girl," as the song suggests. There will be a picture of a girl with shopping bags in front of the actor on a clipboard while the actor is sitting on a bed. It will be filmed within my bedroom at my father's house and will be filmed as a medium shot.

Scene 2

This scene will show the actor wondering what they would do if they were wealthy. It will be shown to the audience by having the actor put a hand on their chin and looking up to the ceiling or off in to the distance with a wondering expression. This scene will also be filmed within my bedroom at my father's house and will filmed as a medium shot. After this scene is shown, the transition will be edited so that it looks as though the audience has now entered the author's daydream.

Scene 3

In this scene, the actor will wake up wearing an eye mask above their eyes as well as fancy pajamas. The actor will stretch their arms as well to show that they have just woken up. It will be filmed as a full shot within the bedroom of my mother's house.

Scene 4

Within this scene, the actor will clap their hands. After this has been done, a butler will walk to the bed where the actor is holding a tray of breakfast foods. This scene will show that the actor is so wealthy, they have their own personal butler. The actor will take one bite of the foods and then immediately put the tray down. This is done in order to reduce the length of the music video, allowing for it to be within the 58-60 second time frame. The scene will be filmed within my bedroom at my mother's house as a full shot.

Scene 5

During this scene the actor will walk from the bed to the bathroom, with the goal of putting accessories as well as makeup on. This scene will be filmed as a full shot within my bedroom at my mother's house.

Scene 6

During this scene, the actor will be shown putting on accessories and makeup such as bracelets, earrings, and lip gloss. The camera will be placed behind the actor in order to allow the audience to see the actor's face through the reflection within the mirror. I am not sure how I will do this, or if I will, but if this action does not take place, I will position the camera so that it is facing the actor. This scene will be filmed as a a cowboy shot within my bathroom of my mother's home.

Scene 7

During this scene the actor will walk from the bathroom to the bedroom and then proceed to clap for the butler. I may use subtitles as well to show what the actor is saying, but I am not sure if this will be included in the final product. This scene will be located within the bedroom of my mother's house and filmed as a full shot.

Scene 8

Throughout this scene, the camera will pan from the actor to the butler, where the butler will be holding a pile of clothes for the actor. This scene will be filmed within my bedroom at my mother's house and filmed as a full shot at the shoulder level angle. However, the scene may be filmed as a medium wide shot depending on how it looks while filming.

Scene 9

During this scene, the butler will walk towards the actor and show the actor the clothes available to wear. The actor will wear a thinking expression, and may tap their chin to show that they are thinking of what they should wear. This scene will be filmed as a full shot in my bedroom at my mother's house.

Scene 10

This scene will be of the actor choosing which clothes they will wear for the day and sending the butler away with a wave of their hand. The scene will also be located in my bedroom of my mother's house as a full shot.

Scene 11

This scene will include the actor trying on the chosen clothes with smooth, quick transitions. Each time a new outfit is tried on, a shake of the head or look of disproval will be shown on the actor's face. When the last outfit is tried on, the actor will look exasperated or throw their hands in the air, showing that each outfit is not to their liking. By doing so, the next scenes where the actor goes shopping will fit with the storyline. Subtitles may also be used to express the actor's frustration while trying on the last outfit. The scene will be located in my bedroom of my mother's house and filmed as a full shot.

Scene 12 

Within this scene, the actor will walk towards the door of the mall. A purse will be in hand as well, showing that they are ready to enter the mall and spend money. In addition, a mask will be worn throughout this scene as well as the next two in order to follow with the safety precautions in place. The actor may hold a phone or be talking to it, but this has yet to be decided. This scene will be located at my local mall and filmed with the tilt movement as a low angle and wide shot.

Scene 13

During this scene, I have two options of what the actor will do, as indicated by the line split between the box. Both scenes will be filmed within my local mall. In the first option, the actor will be observing several pieces of clothing and adding them to their shopping bag. This option will be filmed as a cowboy shot. During the second option, the actor will walk into various shops while the camera stays in one place, not moving. Editing will be included so that the actor looks as though they are walking into each shop at 2 or 3 times speed. This option would be filmed as a wide shot. Once I begin filming, I will determine which option suits the time frame of the music video better, as well as which option is able to be filmed at the time, as within the second option the mall could be too crowded for filming to take place.

Scene 14

This scene will be of the actor leaving the mall. They will walk out of the mall with several shopping bags, showing that they spent a large amount of money, as the song suggests. The scene will be filmed at my local mall as well as with a wide shot and at a low angle.

Scene 15

Throughout this scene, the actor will have their nails being painted by another person. This scene will be filmed as a medium shot within the dining room of my mother's home.

Scene 16

During this scene, the actor will be seen drinking a smoothie and reading a magazine while the butler from previous scenes is fanning the actor with a large leaf. This scene will be shot by the pool of my backyard at my father's house while the actor is laying on a lounge chair. In addition, the scene will be filmed as a full shot as well.

Scene 17

This scene will include the dreamy effect transition from the second scene to show that the actor is now back in the present, no longer in the realm of the actor's daydream. The actor will have their hand on their chin or will include a far off or distant look in their eyes as well in order to prove that the actor themselves has not been transported to the real world yet. This scene will be filmed within my bedroom of my father's home and will be filmed as a medium shot.

Scene 18

This scene will conclude the music video and will be of the actor shaking their head, in order to show that they are now with the audience: in the real world. The actor will then go back to drawing the picture of what they would do if they were wealthy. This scene will be filmed within my bedroom of my father's home as well and will be filmed as a medium shot.

Planning for my Music Video

 The song title for the music video project is Rich Girl and it is performed by Gwen Stefani and Eve.

Props

Throughout this project, I plan on using the props of fake money, shopping bags, and other accessories that seem luxurious. The props used will add to the story line of the music video, as several of the scenes will be of what the actor imagines they would do if they were wealthy. I am not completely sure of what all will be included within the video, as I have not made a storyboard, but these items are some of the general objects that will be used as props within the music video. 

Costumes

The clothes worn by the actors within the some of the scenes throughout the music video will consist of casual or lazy clothes. I plan on having the actor transform from a normal, casual lifestyle into being a millionaire, as the premise of the music video is that the actor is imagining what they would do if they were a millionaire. Clothes within this scene, or scenes, will include jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, or plain/casual t-shirts. Socks may be worn as well in order to add to the casualness of the outfit. In addition to these clothes, luxurious clothes will be worn as well within the portion of the video where the actor is transformed into a millionaire. Examples include dresses, two-piece sets, and other outfits that look as though they are expensive. As the plot of the music video is the actor imagining possessing a large amount of money, the costumes worn need to look as though they were bought with a large sum of money. Shoes that will be worn must match the outfits and, again, look as though they are expensive. Accessories such as earrings or necklaces will also be worn, depending on the jewelry available to borrow from my mother. Overall, the costumes worn must coordinate and fit with the story line.

Schedule

On 11/13/20, I will select the song to be used within the music video and decide whether I will pair up with any group mates.

On 11/15/20, I will research common elements and conventions used within the pop genre of music videos.

On 11/17/20, the planning of the music video will be performed, scheduling elements such as the props, costumes, schedule, location, and backup plan.

On 11/19/20 and 11/20/20, the storyboard for the music video will be drawn, allowing for a sketch of what will be included within the video.

On 11/21/20, filming will begin for the music video.

On 11/28/20, editing will undergo for the music video and will make sure that each scene is in the correct order as well as adding the song over the video.

Location

The music video will be filmed within my home, specifically my bedroom, and perhaps several other places as well. As I mentioned previously, I am not exactly sure of what each scene within the music video will entail, but I do know that part of the music video will be filmed within my bedroom. Scenes within the mall may be included as well, but I am not yet sure.

Backup Plan

If I choose to film at the mall, where safety precautions will be followed, there may be too many people at the portion of the mall where I want to film. If this happens, I will move to a different part of the mall, specifically the northern part of the mall where there are various hallways that are ideal for a scene of me walking or carrying shopping bags. If the mall that I go to is closed I plan on filming within a mall or shopping center that is close by to the mall that I was previously going to go to. The other mall is not as spacious as the mall I would have gone to, but would suffice for the music video. If my brother or family members are not able to hold the camera,  and I decide to act within the video, I will prop my phone on a stable surface such as a table and set the camera on a timer to start recording. 

Research: Music Video Conventions

    The song I decided to make a music video for is Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani, which is in the pop genre. Common lighting within this genre is very bright. Normally there is not much dark lighting, as pop songs are often very happy and upbeat. In order to make the music video go with the song, bright lighting is used. In addition, bright colors can be seen throughout many music videos within this genre as well for the same reason as the lighting: to correspond with the music being heard. Camera angles and shots commonly seen in pop music videos include eye level angles, shoulder level angles, full shots, medium shots, medium closeups, and two shots. As many songs, and music videos, in the pop genre are about love, many of these shots and angles will be used to show the relationship between the people within the music video. Zooms are also seen in many of these music videos and are used to amplify how a person is feeling. In some pop music videos, for example, a person may be heart broken or sad. The zoom will be used in this case to amplify how they are feeling. The closeup camera shot is also seen, but not in as many music videos as medium closeup shots. Pop music videos include a wide range of props, as the setting and story line varies from video to video. Some music videos may include several scenes of people within the video at a pool party, therefore using inflatable rafts or pool toys, while others may be based in a bedroom, using props such as a notebook or pencil. Overall, some of the props used include smartphones, instruments, and microphones. Smartphones are often used to display communication between characters within the video and instruments as well as microphones are used within scenes where a band or solo artist is singing along to their music. Many artists in the pop genre will include an ongoing story line within the music video and separate scenes of them singing along to their music. The scenes where an artist is singing to their music are where the instruments, such as guitars or a drum set, and microphones are used. Makeup is often used and consists of bright colors on the eyes using eyeshadow and occasionally glitter as well. The story line, again, also effects the amount and type of makeup being used as well. Costumes are either extravagant or consist of normal clothes. Depending on the story line, the costumes will be simple clothes such as jeans and a t-shirt or two-piece matching outfits with glitter and intricate designs. The setting also varies but is often within houses, schools, or malls. Editing changes between music videos, as some pop music videos may include mythical creatures and heavy, unrealistic/fantastical editing, while other pop music videos may include minimal editing that makes the music video look realistic. Overall, common elements within pop music videos include bright colors and scenes of characters dancing, shopping, or singing. 

Introduction to the Music Video Project

 Throughout the upcoming music video project, I plan on working by myself. I decided not to work with anyone because of the location where my classmates live and also because of the complications within our schedules that may occur. Many of my friends within this class live at least 15 minutes away from me. As a result, many scheduling issues could occur, especially because both of my parents work throughout the day and as a result, I do not have anyone to drive me to one of my classmate's homes or to the filming location. Social distancing and the global pandemic occurring at the moment had an effect on my decision as to whether I should work with other people as well. If I caught the illness from working with others, it would affect my family. As this illness is very dangerous and contagious, the threat of these implications played a part in deciding whether to work with a partner. I am sure that while filming everyone would be safe and take precautions, however, there is always a risk that there may not be enough protection or that someone may not follow the safety precautions. In addition, I feel more confident working by myself, as I do not have to rely on anyone or be at risk of someone not doing their share of the work. Overall, I decided that it would be easier for me to do this project on my own. The song that I plan on making a music video for will be ¨Rich Girl¨ by Gwen Stefani featuring Eve. I plan on using a portion of the song that does not include the singer Eve, however, I may choose to include the part of the song where she sings in the future. I chose this song because the lyrics allowed me to earn a clear idea of what the music video will be. As Gwen Stefani sings about what she would do if she had a large amount of money, I was able to imagine what I would do as well and could gather an idea of what the music video would look like. As of now, I plan on including scenes of me throwing money in the air or picking out fancy clothes, signifying what I would be doing if I was wealthy. It took me a large amount of time, and some help from others, to choose this song, as I found that I am not very creative. While searching for songs, I could not think of any story lines that went with the lyrics being expressed. This block in creativity, led me to ask my mother which song I should make a music video to. She suggested a Gwen Stefani song, and after looking at several of her songs, I finally found this song. I am satisfied with the song chosen, and believe that i will be able to create a great music video to the song.