Monday, 27 October 2025

Brief 3: Music Video + Lighting + Behind the Scenes

This is a fairly complicated brief, so read it carefully.

IMPORTANT: For this task you may work in groups of up to three people. If you work as a group, you may produce three different and distinct pieces, or you may share some footage across the group. However, you MUST produce YOUR OWN EDIT of BOTH ELEMENTS.


Brief: You work for an independent video production company. You have been tasked with producing an extract from a new music video (ELEMENT ONE) for an art between the ages of 16 and 21. The target audience for the production is between the ages of 16 and 25, but the production may have appeal outside of the age range. There is no restriction on genre, but the production company have insisted that the video must be set in a UK school and must include representations of at least two different social groups. In addition, you must also produce a 'behind the scenes' documentary (ELEMENT TWO) of the video shoot. 

1: Even if you intend to shoot on your own camera, find a FREE app that allows you to control the exposure triangle (Aperture / Shutter Speed / ISO) when shooting video on your mobile phone. Most of you already found Blackmagic Cam and that works really well.  

NB: The task will need at least two cameras (or phones) working together. 

2: Find 5 music videos to use as INSPIRATION. 

Consider some of these reasons why it might make for worthy inspiration.

  • It uses a genre of music that is similar to the song you have chosen.
  • It is by the same artist as the song you have chosen. 
  • It is aimed at the same audience as the song you have chosen.
  • It is set in a school. 
  • It has some stylistic features that you find interesting and might want to replicate.
  • It has some technical features that you find interesting and might want to replicate. 
3: ELEMENT ONE Produce an extract from a music video (30 - 60 seconds).

You will need to include:

  • A performance element (Lip Syncing) shot from at least two different angles or shot lengths. 
  • A narrative element (Lip Syncing optional). 
  • At least one of the performance shots must use a single, controlled, light source (Ledzilla or Light Panel) and no other.
  • An attempt at racking focus.
I'm going to post a few interesting Youtube videos about using a single light in your production. If you find any of your own, please post a link in the comments section below.

4: ELEMENT TWO Produce a 'making of' video about the production of the music video (60 - 180 seconds). 

You will need to include:

  • Director's commentary.
  • Behind the scenes footage. 
  • Reference to the technical resources that you used in the production.

5: Present these elements in the Practise Briefs section of your blog in a series posts entitled:
BRIEF 3: INSPIRATION 
BRIEF 3: MUSIC VIDEO EXTRACT
BRIEF 3: BEHIND THE SCENES

DEADLINE: TBD


MARK SCHEME: Section /25
The production demonstrates XXX understanding of codes and conventions of the genre.
The production demonstrates XXX skill in the construction of meaning through use of mise en scene.
The production demonstrates XXX understanding of the way that music videos promote the artist and song.
There is XXX skill in consciously constructed representation to appeal to target audience.
The production demonstrates XXX focus on matching the set brief.

MARK SCHEME: Section /10
The 'Making Of’ video shows XXX understanding of how to promote the artist and encourages audience to view the video.
The 'Making Of’ video shows XXX care in the consciously construction of elements to appeal to target audience.

1: Minimal      2: Limited      3: Adequate      4: Good      5: Excellent



 



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