I'm changing my genre

After a lot of consideration, I have made the decision of changing my genre. I know it is very risky and will definitely set me back, but I really want this project to reflect me as an artist and my abilities. I don't think I would have been able to achieve that success through the horror/ thriller genre I chose. At first, I was focused on making my film opening as simple to shoot as possible; I wanted to focus on the composition of the project alone. In my mind, the concept didn't matter as long as I showed off what I had learned in the year, why complicate my self doing something elaborate when I could easily show off the same skillset doing something more straightforward like horror.

Researching and brainstorming theses past few weeks made me realize that I know very little about horror movies. I don’t even watch horror movies because they scare me ad then I can’t sleep. My mother and sister are both thriller and horror movie fans and they encouraged me to pursue the genre. They continually gave me ideas for what I could do: a slasher film, a religious possession movie, thriller, etc. But I truthfully do not watch these types of movies and think I would run into a great deal of trouble recreating them. I think I tricked myself into thinking this genre would be the best for my schedule and ideas, but have now noticed this genre is not me.

I have decided to go with a…

DRAMEDY!
Also known as a comedy and drama squished together.

These are the movies I most enjoy and watch; I am always in the mood for a casual, light-hearted film that does not take itself too seriously. Booksmart, Superbad, Crazy Stupid Love, and Mean Girls are some of my favorite movies that I am always down to watch. I can appreciate heavy dramas and tense thrillers, but comedic dramas are the only ones I crave to watch. I am really excited about this change and feel like my project will turn out better now that I am creating something that I am personally passionate about. I already have so many ideas for what I might want to do and can envision some of the shots and techniques I want to use.

The Cannon EOS Rebel T3

The Cannon EOS Rebel T3 

I might not be sure of anything when it comes to this project, but I can definitively say, I will be using this camera to film. SLIGHT PROBLEM... I have no idea how to use it. I will take this time- where I have almost no idea of what I will do- to at least familiarize myself with the manual settings and the optimal techniques for filming with this camera. I will also be reviewing a TAMRON macro lens my sister gifted me.

https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-shoot-video-on-your-canon-rebel--photo-12747

WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS CAMERA?
Typically, I would not choose to pick a recording device that I am not entirely comfortable with, but it is kind of my only choice at this point. I am extremely used to the iPhone video settings and used to be very familiar to the Nikon COOLPIX B500, but cannot use either of them for this project :(

WHY NOT THE iPHONE?:
The iPhone would actually probably be my best choice. I know how to manage the features and have been successful in getting decent footage on it. However, something has been up with my microphone lately. Sometimes when I film things using my phone camera, half of the video will come out without any audio and also I cannot use the speakerphone. I went to the Apple store genius bar and they could not find what was wrong with it. They checked both its physical state as well as software status, and could not tell me what I needed to do to get it fixed. I don't plan on taking a chance with my audio and possibly come out of filming with unusable takes. Naturally, I could use by mother's cellphone- she even has a better camera- but I can already picture her getting frustrated and impatient with me having her phone all the time. That woman is more obsessed with her phone than me.

WHY NOT THE NIKON?:
Something that makes me very nervous about filming with the rebel is how my last camera's life ended. In my defense, tripods are kind of my worst enemy and hate to level when I want them to. Unfortunately, when I was filming a short mockumentary with some friends in my drive-way last year, I left the camera unattended for a couple of seconds and it fell... first on the concrete and then into the water. My house had a big lake right next to where we were filming and the wind pushed my flimsy tripod over right next to the edge of the water. I guess I hadn't properly attached the camera to the tripod because upon impact it "bounced" into the lake. By the time we found it and fished it out, the screen would not turn on and the ground had dented the lens so it could not open. My parents were FURIOUS! The only reason I have this camera now is that my sister (who is a photographer) bought herself a new DSLR and decided to give me one of her old cameras from when she was first learning. My parents even warned her against it and still bring up the mishap constantly. Not breaking this camera could redeem my reputation though!

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT THIS CAMERA?
-Good image quality for the price/ user-friendly
-Great or beginners that are just starting out with more sophisticated photography/ videography
-Garners high-quality photos even in low light
-manual focus options for video mode
-auto and manual ISO settings
-720 x 1/25 frames per second
     *optimal cinematic settings
-Manual color setting options including neutral

HOW WILL THIS CAMERA CHALLENGE ME?
-Very lightweight, footage can look shaky with ease
-Aperture cannot be manually set on video mode
     *it is either manual or automatic, you cannot assign an F-number
-The camera makes a sound when focusing and zooming that can be heard in the video
-Mediocre sound quality in video mode
-very small LCD screen

SETTING THE CAMERA UP

ISO
The ISO is described as your camera's "sensitivity for light" it is also called the shutter speed. When it is very dark or you are filming under fluorescent light, you want to put a higher ISO, probably between 400 and 800 for the best results. If you were outside on a sunny day, you would want to set the ISO lower, around 100 or 200. Most tutorials I watched do not recommend using the 3,200 and 6,400 ISO value, for it typically lowers image quality and is visibly grainy.
The ideal value for filmmaking: Below 1000 no not get grainy footage

APERATURE + MANUAL FOCUS
The aperture is what creates a blurred background and. controls the depth of field of a video. The aperture is measured with an F value. The higher the F-value the deeper the depth of field. The shallowest depth of field hast the lowest F-value. The range of the F-value depends on the lens being used. The Canon lens I have has a minimum of F5.6, but the TAMRON macro lens that is designed for very close and detailed shots has a minimum of F2.0. Unfortunately, one cannot manually set the aperture on this camera when recording video. However, on the side of the lens, there is a small switch that I discovered allows you to control the focus of the lens manually by turning the outer/top nozzle of the lens. I have noticed that the automatic aperture settings typically have a very deep focus, so I think I will try to use manual focus whenever I can for my movie.
The ideal value for filmmaking: The perfect "sweet spot" for most cameras is F8.0

FRAMES PER SECOND
Frames per second describes the speed/ rate of images the camera captures for every second of recording. 25 frames per second is what our brains consider the most "cinematic". In other words, it reminds us most of the feature films we see in theatres. 24-25 frames per second creates a perfect amount of motion blur and what humans associate with movies and TVs since this is a standard filmmakers that used actual film went by. It has been ingrained in us that 25 f/s = movies. This Canon only has 2 options 25 frames per second and 30 frames per second. Some sources state that one should use 25 all the time, while others recommend using 30 and later adjusting the frames per second while editing. It all depends on which editing service I will use.
The ideal value for filmmaking: Most movie theatres play movies at 24 or 25 frames per second

UPDATE ON YOGA IDEA! - Challenges

Update: I still haven't decided whether or not I will go through with the yoga idea. The more I think of it the more I am convinced it might be too hard. :(

I made a list of definite obstacles I will face if I do through with it
(To mentally prepare myself for what is to come or decide scratch the idea)

1. SECURING THE YOGA STUDIO
I already spoke to my yoga instructor and asked her if it would be possible for me to borrow the room for filming. I kind of downplayed the "size" of the production, telling her it was just for a "short video I need to make for school" not a "not so short video that is my life right now and will require at least a couple of hours to film" She was very nice and asked her boss who granted me permission to film for 1 HOUR! That is nooooot enough time!! The problem is that they added a lot of new classes for the winter and there is not that much space in the schedule for me to have more time.

2. SECURING THE YOGIS
You may ask yourself, Why don't I film in 2 or 3 one hour sessions? The answer is.. YOGIS. In order to achieve the creepy, culty effect of chanting and breathing in unison, I'm going to need a cults-worth of people. I would say at least 5-6, not counting my 2 actresses. Making this many people do me a huge favor could already be problematic, but making them come to film multiple times wearing the same clothes, would just be disrespectful of their time. On top of all that, none of my friends are members of my gymnasium where the yoga studio is located. Getting them all day-passes would be very hard. For that reason, I asked my mom (a real-life yogi) to recruit some of her friends and classmates. The problem is that most of them are moms, and they operate on different schedules as well as probably are not fans of being on camera (like my mom.)

3. DIM LIGHTING + FILMING W/ MIRRORS
Another obstacle I might run into includes filming in a dark room like the yoga room. I liked that this specific studio has LED lights of different colors, but when it comes to white light, the only options are on and off; there is no dimming feature. For this reason, filming in complete darkness would get me mediocre-quality footage at best, which is not really what I am going for; unless I brought my own lighting crew... that I don't have and don't think my parents would get for me to use one time. On top of all of that, I realized that the yoga room doubles as a barre room and an entire wall in the studio is a full-length mirror! This can cause many problems when filming, especially establishing shots because it would be very easy for me, the camerawoman to be seen.

5. CASTING
I also feel like this option would require substantial acting abilities. I would need my yogis to act like friendly moms, successfully execute a choreographed yoga flow in sync, and dialogue with my main character. I would also need an instructor to authoritatively direct the class in the background as well as a victim that will need to pretend to convulse and choke. For my main actress, the role requires the portrayal of emotion and worry as well as some dialogue. Of the people who I think might be able to play the role, I don't think any have the abilities to act out this scene without it seeming unprofessional or comical.

Overall, this idea is seeming more and more impossible. Maybe it is a sign from the universe!

BRAINSTORM

ITS TIME TO START THINKING!

I have kind of hit a wall :(
I have an idea that I am passionate about and like, but am not sure if it is too difficult for me to execute. I want to make something that will artistically challenge me, yet is still simple enough for me to excel in its technical elements. Camera work is not my strongest talent, and I am still a beginner when it comes to editing. I fear like my idea might be a bite too challenging for me to chew.  I don't want to complicate myself with a "grand" idea, and later have it be worse than something more simple where it would have been easier to exhibit my knowledge of film. I guess it a question of whether or not I am willing to take the risk.

Nonetheless, I made a mini animation to get what I had playing in my head, on paper. I am not sure that this is what I will be doing, but I just wanted to get it out there in case there is some value to it or it inspires me to do something else. The idea is not completely developed this is just a (very basic/ rudimentary) 30-second sequence I could not stop thinking of:

The premise of the movie, I am still not sure, most likely an exorcism or possession. I just thought it might be interesting to do something in a yoga room because it is a unique and different location. I got the idea when I was in my yoga class. I knew I wanted to make my movie scary and chilling, but I wasn't sure how. On Wednesday, I attended a 75-minute Vinyasa class and normally, you keep your eyes closed during the vinyasa flows. But when I opened my eyes I got real goosebumps. The way 20 people were moving and heavily breathing in unison as Indian vocals played seriously creeped me out. I was immediately reminded of a satanic cult or of creepy chanting. I got the idea of maybe having a new girl go into a yoga class for the first time, and at first, everyone is really nice. But as the class progresses and the lights dim, she starts hearing angry whispers in a foreign language, but when she opens her eyes, everybody is silent. She shakes it off and continues to relax... until the person sitting next to her in class desperately tells her to leave immediately. As a type of "punishment", she begins to convulse and seize as if she is being choked or asphyxiated by an invisible force. The new girl goes to help her. But the rest of the class is doing yoga poses simultaneously and breathing together.

This is just one of the ideas that I am considering, but I am scared I won't have everything I need to execute it to the degree that I would like. I think it would be interesting and that I could use a variety of shots to make this scene, but it might be to difficult for a beginner like me. We will see!

2 WEEK SCHEDULE!!

TIME MANAGEMENT PLANS AND ORGANIZATION 

I have decided to block out what my next two weeks will look like so that I can stay ahead of my goals and no have to rush any element of my project. I typically do my best work under stressless conditions where time is not an issue. The anxiety that I will not finish in time overwhelm me and eliminating that factor will usually greatly increase the outcome of my projects. Not having enough time or running out of it is one of my biggest fears for this project. I feel like making these schedules gives me purpose for there is always something I can be doing. I am the kind of person that if I don't have what I want to do planned, I will waste a lot of time picking which is more important to do first, instead of being efficient and doing both. In past media projects where I have had partners, no matter how much time we had, we always needed more. I will try to avoid that, for it was extremely stressful and made the experiences have bitter endings. Hopefully, these schedules are my first step to being efficient and keeping myself on track!

Conventions of Horror Thriller Films

5 Technical Conventions Often Used in Horror/Thriller Films

CANTED ANGLE
The dutch or canted angle is a filming technique mostly used to convey confusion, disorientation, madness, or panic. It is mostly used in medium and long shots so that the rotating background sufficiently disorients the viewer. Typically, this technique creates a pronounced and obvious effect, so it is used sparingly and when it is the most meaningful.
EXTREME CLOSE-UP
The extreme close-up is almost exclusive to the horror genre. It tends to disturb the viewer. The normal audience member is uncomfortable with the intimacy of being that close to a subject; this can be used to increase the tension and create an unsettling feeling. Another use for it is to reveal a surprise. By starting very close up and slowly zooming out creates a suspenseful experience for the viewer. At first, the proximity makes the viewer question what they see. Next, as more details are shown, the viewer collects clues at what the subject might be. Finally, once the viewer's brain can make sense of the image, the viewer can put all the pieces together and understand the surprise. This keeps the audience entertained and engaged throughout the whole shot, as important events are uncovered.

SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD

Shallow depth of field means that the foreground will be in focus, but not the background. The background remains blurry, leaving all of the attention to what is in front. This is most commonly used in horror to inform the audience of a threat that may harm the character, while the movie's character continues to be unaware. The viewer is able to see the movements of a figure behind or around the character before they [the character] are able to. This is used to create anxiety, add uncertainty, and enhance the tension within the scene it is applied. By showing that there is something dangerous behind the character, the audience immediately wants to know when he/ she will notice, if they will get attacked obliviously, and what that vague figure is. (The GET OUT opening used shallow focus to show that that the seemingly irrelevant and innocent car that passed by actually turned around upon seeing Andre and was following behind him in his vehicle him as the character walked.)


LONG TRACKING SHOTS

Long tracking shots are effectively used in horror and suspense movies to create a feeling that the character is being followed or watched. The shot could be from the point of view of the attacker. This type of shot can also all about the setting, so it could also serve as a way to establish an eerie setting. These long takes are filled with suspense and tension that can be "exhausting". It is important that these takes are not too long, as to not overwhelm the audience to the point they no longer want to keep watching.

LOW KEY LIGHTING

Low key lighting can be achieved with a single light source that is typically dim and varies between soft and harsh. Low key lighting is extremely popular within the horror genre. Not only does it play with the common fear of the dark, but it creates drama and suspense. The shadows and silhouettes created by this type of lighting tend to scare people and can help exaggerate the movements of monsters, creatures, and characters. Not knowing exactly what is underneath a bed or behind a door at night will torment the viewer. Not being able to see the attacker and where it could attack tends to frighten them the most.


Sources:


https://www.videomaker.com/videonews/2012/11/6-reasons-to-get-an-extreme-closeup-shot

https://www.slideshare.net/amberloo20/codes-and-conventions-in-the-horror-genre

https://www.slideshare.net/EmmaWilkinson2/cinematography-focus-and-lighting-25798881


https://filmschoolrejects.com/the-narrative-immersion-of-the-tracking-shot/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkVYpzyJvG8&feature=emb_title

https://www.slideshare.net/EmmaWilkinson2/cinematography-focus-and-lighting-25798881

https://www.slideshare.net/billiewilson_/camera-shots-and-angles-for-a-horror-and-thriller-film

Research!

research,  research, research!

Genre Openings

Thriller and Horror Film Opening Analysis

I am pretty much set on the idea that I will be creating a thriller film opening with elements of horror included. I am not entirely sure of the premise of my piece, but I have committed to making a psychological thriller. For that reason, this post will include film openings of past successful movies of the suspense and thriller genre. This post will serve me as a starting point and reference for my project. I hope to find inspiration and new ideas, as I am actively brainstorming a story and plan.

STIGMATA

EDITING:

The editing in this opening scene is probably what gives it the majority of its character. Throughout the entire opening, fast editing that matches the beat of the music is used to keep the scene moving and create a sense of recklessness and urgency as the introduced protagonist lives an impulsive, fast-paced life in a big city. Also, seemingly unconnected shots of the main character at her work and doing everyday things is interrupted periodically with biblical paintings and religious imagery. This serves to set the tone for the movie's future content and foreshadow upcoming events. Additionally, repetition and superimposed video are shown to express the whirlwind and hasty life of the main character. The fast-paced cutting between shots, the juxtaposition of unrelated content, and superimposed moving videos give the opening an almost scrapbook feel. The editing techniques serve to better communicate the careless, rash, and at times immoral existence of the protagonist.


MISE-EN-SCÉNE:

The opening uses iconic and traditional catholic symbolism as well as biblical calligraphy that most of the audience, regardless of religion, would easily be able to recognize. As the main character goes about her day, shots of the Virgin Mary, ancient scripts, Jesus, catholic apostles, saints, and crucifixes can be seen superimposed or in between shots. These are in place to clearly indicate that the movie will involve religion in some way and create contrast when the character begins to participate in conventionally unethical activities such as clubbing, drinking, tattooing, taking drugs, and sex. The location is also very clearly established in the beginning via the tall skyscrapers, shots of traffic and birds-eye views of geographical mapping. It is made obvious she lives in a big, fast city similar to New York. A lot of the opening is tinted or filtered in a yellow-orange color. This is used to reiterate the energy and outgoing nature of the introduced character and location. Every now and then a blue or purple filter is applied to one of the scenes including religious imagery to further emphasize the contrast between the behavior of the woman and catholicism. The protagonist is dressed in age-appropriate clothing that expresses her youth and the need for self-expression. It is clear that her income does not allow her to buy designer-brand clothing, but she does make enough to wear quality clothing of her choosing. Her friends near the end of the scene are dressed similarly, indicating that she fits in well within her group and that they are similar in age and income.


SHOTS/ANGLES:

Quick establishing long shots of skyscrapers and high angle geographic mapping serve to introduce the setting. When the protagonist is first introduced, very rapidly, a long shot, medium shot and a close-up of her face and body are shown as she steps out of a building. She can be seen smoking and handing a presumably homeless man a beverage. These shots are in place to show to the viewer: this is the main character, pay attention to her. A series of medium shots and close-ups of the protagonist cutting hair and conversing with clients allows the audience to pick up that she is both social and is a hairdresser for a living. Next, close-ups and medium shots of the main character are displayed as she does her makeup and prepares herself to go out. A series of close-ups, extream close-ups, and medium shots follow the main character clubbing with her friends and as she leaves with a man. The shots are quick and unrelated- the filmmakers move from one activity to the next without showing what happens in between- emulating the idea of having wholes in one's memory after drinking a lot or consuming drugs.


SOUND:

The film begins with a creepy, distorted prayer from a female voice that immediately intrigues the audience. Next, a loud rock song interrupts that interest, but the prayer continues and later subsides. This sets the tone as scary and suspenseful, but the loud and distracting rock music allows for the viewer to quickly forget about it. The rock song includes lyrics about sinning and religious names to match the content on screen. The song's tone matches the rebellious and unethical behavior of the character.

GET OUT

EDITING:

Not much editing is applied in this scene since the entire film opening is shot in one, long, take that does not cut at any point. The long take creates a slow-paced vibe that helps build tension and increase anxiety. The viewer knows they have to wait for what is to come so anticipation is achieved successfully in the scene. This opening sets the tone as suspenseful.


MISE-EN-SCÉNE:

The location can be clearly identified as suburbia; the manicured landscaping, clean and even roads, and wide sidewalks are characteristic of this type of setting. It is night time, and only a few street lamps light the way for the character, providing lowkey lighting that sets an ominous and sinister tone, foreshadowing that something bad or threatening will attack the character. The character that walks into the frame is wearing clothing that puts him in the 20 to 30 year-old range and is using technology that indicates the film is set in the present. The dated-looking white car that threateningly approaches the main character seems expensive, classic and vintage, hinting at the fact that it may be owned by an older, richer person.


SHOTS/ANGLES:

Camera movement is very important for this scene, for it is necessary to create a variety of shots that develop meaning without cutting at all. The filmmaker introduces the setting as a suburb via an establishing shot by filming the sidewalk before allowing the character to walk in. A long tracking shot from the font is used to follow the character as he walks and talks on the phone. The camera slows, and the character continues walking. This way, the long shot turns into a medium shot where the man's facial features can be seen more clearly and the audience can maybe recognize him later in the film. The frontal view later transforms into a medium track shot from behind where a car can clearly be seen spotting the character and turning to follow him. This serves for convenience purposes to better clearly understand the threat that is the oncoming car. As a way to subtly escape, the character turns and walks quickly and the camera follows closely behind him, evoking urgency and worry. When the music playing from the car distracts the character making him look back and stop while crossing the street, the camera gets a clear view of the car, revealing that the driver has exited the car, creating suspense. When the anonymous driver attacks the character, the camera follows the assault but only below their shoulders. The attacker drags the man after subduing him and puts him in the car trunk, leaving the viewer confused, engaged and wanting more information.


SOUND:


To give off that scary, bone-chilling creepy vibe, the filmmakers used an old, happy, 50's sounding, carnival song that includes the lyrics: run, rabbit run, don't let the farmer have his fun, he'll get buy without rabbit pie, run, rabbit run. The lyrics express the predatory actions of the attacker while warning the character to escape. The happiness and innocence of the song create a strong contrast while the character is being choked and dragged. The volume increases significantly at the time of the attack to give the sequence more energy and induces more stress in the viewer. The song abruptly stops at the time the driver closes the door and a more conventional, classical violin instrumental that matches the conventions of a suspenseful horror film are played to make it clear that this film belongs tot he horror and thriller genre.

Knives Out

EDITING:

The editing is fast-paced and does not linger on any of the shots. The cuts are quick and urgent, matching the music; despite the caregiver's lack of haste, the editing makes it seem like something is about to happen and warns the audience to prepare for a revelation or discovery happening in the future. Many parts of the house are emphasized as the maid walks up with breakfast, especially the many little trinkets that can be found around the house. The quick changes of focus express the filmmaker's desire to display the home and its many features as a whole, not just focus on a single one of the possessions inside. The quick change of shots inside the house also give the location importance.


MISE-EN-SCÉNE:

The first scene shows a large, dark, mansion in the fall or winter with dead trees and fog surrounding it. The house is big and intimidating, perhaps intended to hint at possible danger or evil. Inside the house is eclectic and maximalist. It shows that an eccentric and rich person lives inside. Some of the rooms look disheveled with empty champagne and wine bottles, suggesting that a party had occurred the night before. A variety of books by the same author are shown in the house. Emphasizing those books was done to give them some kind of relevance and foreshadow that they will in some way be involved in the film. In the final portion of the opening, when the maid discovers the dead body of whom I assume is Mr. Thromby, he is wearing formal clothing, that could be attributed to him never having changed after the party that I suggested happened the night before.



SHOTS/ANGLES:

The opening starts out with a still, low angle establishing long shot of the mansion; this establishes the location and implies that the house has something to do with the plot. The still, low angle gives it an intimidating feel. To further exhibit the mansion many close-ups and medium shots of accessories within the house are focused on as well. The caregiver can be seen bringing up breakfast to Mr.Thromby in a variety of diverse shots that serve to not only follow her actions as she moves through the house, but to show off the inside to the viewers. Once she reaches Mr. Thromby's room, a quick pan to the left reveals to the viewers an empty bed, signifying that Mr.Thromy is not in his room. A low angle follows as the maid takes the food up a small, tight flight of stairs leading up to Mr.Thromby's study. The low angle serves to increase the mystery and anxiety of what is at the top of the stairs. As the maid finds something gruesome (unrevealed to the audience) the camera zooms into her face while the opening's tension is at its peak. When it is finally revealed that she found Mr.Thromby's bleeding dead body, the camera zooms into him from a high angle. This was done by filmmakers to make this discovery as surprising as possible.


SOUND:

From the very beginning of the film opening, the music makes it obvious to the viewer that something is wrong. Even when the maid calmly walks up the stairs, the music tells the audience that she is walking towards a surprise, something that the audience should e anxious about. As a viewer, even if you don't know what the discovery will be, the music expresses apprehension. The intensity and unsettling tone of the music and the gradual increase in tempo and volume significantly contribute to the anxiety and suspense created for the grand reveal of the opening.

Music Marketing Project

OUR SONG:

For the Music Marketing Project, we chose to use the song “Float On” by Modest Mouse as the center for our campaign and music video. The song belongs to the alternative rock genre and has a varied target audience ranging in ages from 14 to 50.

ALTERNATIVE ROCK:

Determining our target audience and deciding who/which kind of person we wanted to appeal to was our biggest priority when researching our genre's conventions and trends. We asked ourselves: Who listens to alternative rock and what do they want from the bands they listen to?

We found that our potential audience would most likely be the kind that celebrates uniqueness and that is intrigued by experimental content that defies what is popular or considered normal. Our audience likes things that stand out and appreciate aesthetics and art. We also found that the typical alternative crowd seeks a closer, more personal connection with the artists and like when bands are real, not just performers, but people.

Accordingly, the trends we researched correspond with the mentioned preferences. The direct and personal address of fans, a heavy use of social media, and an emphasis on developing the personalities of the artist(s), all match with the audience's fondness for a close bond with the artist. Likewise, using Vinyl, CDs, and creating formalist music videos suit the target audience's appreciation for artistic content and aesthetics.

DEVELOPING OUR BRAND- ODYSSEY:

We aimed to create and develop a brand that fit well within our genre and satisfied our target audience. We landed upon a SciFi themed band where the two artists are alien astronauts. The band members would wear astronaut helmets in every public appearance and performance in order to remain anonymous.

We chose the theme because we believe it carries deep concepts that many of our teen and young adult fans could relate to. Our spaced theme holds abstract ideas such as isolation, not feeling like one belongs and adaptation to new changes. We want our material to resonate with fans so that they can connect to it. Additionally, the public's interest in astrology and astronomy is growing steadily so capitalizing on these trends could be of advantage for us as well. We hope the costumes evoke a sense of mystery so that we can stand out from other new bands and hopefully gain exposure.

MARKETING and DISTRIBUTION:

Social Media-

Instagram:
Best to reach our target audience. Young adults and teens make up 72% of users. Great for uploading teasers and announce new material. Has Stories, Livestreams, and IGTV options for optimal fan interaction.

Twitter:
It sets itself apart as the platform best for spreading news. Approximately 74% of its users go to it to find out about current events. It makes it the perfect place to announce new content. Notifications can easily spread. It also reaches our older, artsier target audience.

Facebook:
84% of its users are in the 30-50-year-old range. Perfect place to reach those older US audiences. Foreign audiences h=can be reached here as well since in other continents it continues to be used by teens.

Website-

Blog: Place where the band can grow deeper connections with fans. they can post about their lives and give some insight into what happens behind the scenes. Fans have the ability of liking and adding comments to allow for audience interaction.

Direct Listening Portal: A Listening portal is available for younger audience members that do not have an income. They can stream the song directly on the website and download it for free without a hassle or need to be subscribed to a streaming service.

Events and Performances Calendar: Fans can see upcoming shows clearly and get access to events and live performances quickly and with ease.

Streaming Services-

Float on is available in a number of streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and Soundcloud

TAKEAWAYS:

-Storyboards are essential!

We filmed an entire day in Sawgrass without a plan and all of the footage was unusable in the end due to our lack of organization and the fact that there was no cohesion between the shots.

-SHOTS!

Using a variety of angles and including inserts can really help make a video more interesting. Using a variety of shots keeps the production moving and creates interest.

-Editing

In the end, editing can make or break a music video. It is importing to keep the Editing fast so that the viewer does not get bored and so that the music video matches the music. Matching the cuts to the tempo of the music is a great way to avoid boredom and a stagnant video.

OUR VIDEO: