Experimenting with iMovie - Test Scenes

Changing Speeds:

Here I experimented with one of the features on iMovie, in this case it edited clips to run at different speeds. Here I filmed the model on a Canon HG10. I then uploaded it onto iMovie so I could edit the video and adjust the speed. Once I had imported the clip onto iMovie I was able to adjust the speed by clicking on the speed button that looks like a small speed dial. Then you can adjust what speed you want the video to be by selecting the desired speed. The variations in speed will allow me to create different moods and emphasise different emotions in my music video. For example, aggression can be highlighted through the use of fast paced clips that utilise jump cuts and or camera shaking techniques to simulate hostility. Also, I can slow videos down using this feature for when I would like to capture something in slow motion for example when a character drops an item or losses something to add to the dramatic impact. Overall, I feel that this feature is highly effective and I will be using it in the production of my title sequence.

Transitions:

Transitions are a vital part of music videos as they are used to create a flowing story that is conveyed to the consumers. Here I have used technology available on iMovie in order to make a planned scene transition. The transition starts at 23 seconds to 29 seconds. I believe that this transition is successful as it is on beat with the music, creates a visual link with the lyrics of the song and also, it enables the story to flow nicely. iMovie offers a large range of transitions that you can place between clips. I think that the fade to black, and fade from black transitions will be particularly useful and effective for my music video as it adds intensity and tensions which can enhance the quality of my music video. The fade from black transition will boost the quality of my music video as it will intensify the big reveal when I play drums during the chorus of the song. I also like how I can use the fade to black transition to signify the end of my music video when the song ends because it is a convention of modern music videos, consequently making my music video look more professional and authentic. The only downside to adding transitions to my clips is that it cuts the clip short. So, as I would like to use this feature in my music video I will take this into account and make my clips longer than I need to so that I can create the highest quality product. Transitions make the cut between scenes smoother and more professional looking overall creating a more eye catching music video.

Colour Filters:

Whilst experimenting with iMovie I found that it offered a variety of colour filters that I can use to emphasise specific tones and moods within my music video. This in turn will strengthen these themes and will provide a sense of continuity throughout my music video. Here I have experimented with a few of the many colour filters available by adding them to the clip that I have produced. When experimenting I particularly liked the black and white theme and the vignette theme as they both provide a sense of regret and sadness which mixes well with the themes that I plan to explore in my music video. Moreover, I plan to use the old fashioned theme in my music video to show a flashback of a student’s younger days. The colour filters I will use in my music video will be used to connote the underlying depression tones associated with being a student in secondary school wishing that they could go back to their childhood days rather than being constantly stressed out from work. My plotline follows a student who is overworking himself in order to perform well academically so that he can successful later in life and make money, however my video exposes the effects that extreme levels of stress and pressure have on the student, driving him to the point of insanity. 

Overall:

On the whole, I believe that this is a successful editing sequence as it has taught me a lot about the whole editing process and the time it takes to edit sequences like this. There is room for improvement though as some parts of the sequence are out of sync with the music so I will have to focus on the minute details of the video and improve my ability to play ‘Stressed out’ on drums so that the final version of my music video look professional and authentic. This experience provided me with an insight into the connotations behind different editing techniques that I plan to incorporate in the final version of my music video in order to enhance its quality. It has also shown me the parts of the song that I need to fill in with visuals, so I can improve my storyboard too. Additionally, I have learnt the value of fast paced cutting whilst playing drums as it can get quite boring to watch a long sequence of drumming from the same angle, so I will have to increase the number of cuts and play more enthusiastically and over emphasise my movements. Furthermore, the frame cuts my face out because there was not enough room in my drum studio to fit my face and the drums in the same frame, so the shooting location will have to be changed to the drum studio at my school as it is important for the audience to recognise who the artist is otherwise it could be anyone playing the drums. However, cutting my face out of the frame could add to the significance of the name of the album as it is titled ‘Blurryface’ so being unable to see my face whilst playing could be a contributing factor to the theme and style of the album. On the other hand, including the artist’s face helps the audience identify who they are, thereby creating a link between the artist and their sound, whilst also creating a personal link with the audience. For that reason, I plan to include my face whilst playing the drums as the link between artist and the audience is vital for success in the music industry and is also critical when trying to create an authentic and professional looking music video.