Thursday 21 April 2011
Font Choice
After viewing a few fonts, we have settled on the one shown below, this will be used on all of our promotional products. This font is not too formal, yet formal enough for the target market, it is also bold enough and quirky to stand out against other products.
Additional products
As part of the requirements, we also have to create an album cover, DVD cover and magazine advert. After doing some research behind these three items, I now have a better understanding of the task at hand, and what the target market are looking for.
Album Cover :
Here are just three examples of album covers, from these examples, it is obvious that the overall look must be quite simple, and image of the band is not always needed, but in my opinion works better when merchandising. merchandising is key with our project.
Although Kris Allen is a solo artist, the same idea applies when looking at his album cover, the simple design, focusing completely on the artist. The lighting used adds an element to mystery, which creates interest for the buyer. The name of the artist is prominent.
Linkin Park have also used the same design structure, although the band members faces are not showing. The name of the band is still the eyecatching point in the page. The black and white effect is used to show the genre of the band, which is obviously quite dark, compared to Kris Allen above.
The Killers have taken a completely different approach, showing random images, creating an element of wonder and possibly confusion for the buyer. This is a clever tool when merchandising. But in my opinion not always the best way. The name of the band is still prominent, and the name of the album has been shown in red, highlighting the most important information.
We plan to use an image of the band from our album cover, as we feel that it is the best way to achieve sucessful promotion of the band, as they are new and relitively unknown. Unlike The Killers, who can now get away with such random designs. An image such as this one below would be sucessful:
DVD Cover:
Album Cover :
Here are just three examples of album covers, from these examples, it is obvious that the overall look must be quite simple, and image of the band is not always needed, but in my opinion works better when merchandising. merchandising is key with our project.
We plan to use an image of the band from our album cover, as we feel that it is the best way to achieve sucessful promotion of the band, as they are new and relitively unknown. Unlike The Killers, who can now get away with such random designs. An image such as this one below would be sucessful:
DVD Cover:
Editing the music video
Although Jamie was assigned the role of editor, we all had input throughout the whole process. This was done via visual check and personal opinion during lessons, and electrical communication when not in school. The final product has met all of our expectations, and the clients are very happy. There feedback was crucial, and email was the fastest means of communication. The music video has also been placed on YouTube and has been given positive feedback from the viewers, including classmates during lesson time.
Filming Location Change
After discovering that using that outdoor location would create a problem when concerning the bands equipment, in particular the drum kit, we decided to change location. The weather was also causing concern on our planned filming day. Our location then changed to a factory, which was one of our original ideas anyway, the factory location was actually where one of the band members worked, so permission to use the space was easy to obtain.
Our filming day in general went very well, and i'm pretty sure that the band had a good time as well, even if they so not admit it. Kerrin and Emily took lead roles, as assigned, following the production plan and moving from each shot quickly and easily. Overall the filming process took less time than we had expected, showing the excellent level of comunication between our group. Although we not get hold of any interview with the band members, the behind the scenes footage is definitely justified. We, as a group were very excited once we had finished, "buzzing" could be a word to describe it.
We also plan to add a small narrative at a later date, which the band are not so keen on, but they are open to ideas.
Here are some photos from our filming day:
Our filming day in general went very well, and i'm pretty sure that the band had a good time as well, even if they so not admit it. Kerrin and Emily took lead roles, as assigned, following the production plan and moving from each shot quickly and easily. Overall the filming process took less time than we had expected, showing the excellent level of comunication between our group. Although we not get hold of any interview with the band members, the behind the scenes footage is definitely justified. We, as a group were very excited once we had finished, "buzzing" could be a word to describe it.
We also plan to add a small narrative at a later date, which the band are not so keen on, but they are open to ideas.
Here are some photos from our filming day:
Friday 14 January 2011
Filming preparation
After having general meetings with the rest of the group, we have yet to definitely decided on a location, although we have many options. These include, mainly, fields and public areas of land. Tort Hill in Sawtry is our most popular location so far. This is only the case recently, after having a lot of trouble trying to contact Connington airfield about using a disused runway. Tort Hill, shown below, consists of 3 to 4 fields, a wide open space, which will be perfect for filming.
This location may cause problems when filming as the turrane is not level, and the weather report for our filming date, which is the 15th January (tomorrow) is dry with possible showers, but frequent rain may be problematic.
Monday 10 January 2011
Logo ideas
As part of my role as designer, I have come up with some new logo designs for the band, after them agreeing to let us change their original logo.
(to be added later)
(to be added later)
Live performance
On the 18th of December, myself, Emily and Jamie took up the bands offer of seeing them play live at a party. The host of the party agreed to let us attend for a few hours and film the band while performing. This resulted in a long drive through the snow to a small village near Cambridge, where we set up and prepared for filming. The band performed other songs, as well as the one they wish to use in their music video. We filmed for approximately 2 hours, getting a lot of good footage, but unfortunately since then we have had problem concerning transferring the footage off the camera. But, this was not a wasted trip, we had the opportunity to meet the rest of the band members, and take a lot of photos.
Further Band Research
After looking at the 3 bands I was assigned, I decided to look at the different bands body language and positioning in promotional photos, seeing as we will have to use photos such as these in our project. These photos will be used on our DVD sleeve and Magazine advert.
The Killers
These images of The Killers show all of the band members as equals, the lead singer is not singled out in any way, their clothing is quite dark, yet casual. For example, the mix of smart shirts and converse, this may also appeal to Starfish.
This other photo that I came across during my research singles out the lead singer completely, opposite to the theme of the photos shown above. The smart yet casual costume still applies. The band members are also shown in a wide open space, which is the preferred theme of our music video. The way in which the members of Starfish will be photographed is completely down to the bands personal preference.
Other Examples
These are some examples of New Found Glory's promotional shots, these also show the same theme of equality and casual costume.
Group meeting
We have had many group meetings over the past few weeks, these include meetings where Kerrin has given out questions answered by the band, as the producer, she has been the only person contacting the band representative, which changes between different members. These meetings have given us opportunity to show each other our progress, and decide on the next step. Although between meetings, we have also kept in contact via email, facebook and text. Communication has been very successful within our group.
Our main concern to begin with was that we hadn't actually met any members of our band, where as all the other groups within our class had met at least one member of their band. We knew that we had to meet someone from our band to understand what it is they actually want from a music video, and to get some general ideas that they might have.
On the Monday 13th, we finally had the chance to meet two members of our band, Steve and Mark came in during one of our Media Studies lessons, this gave us a chance to get to know them and talk about some of our ideas, as well as theirs. This gave us the opportunity to put a name to a face, to a point. We gave them a few filming dates and possible locations, regarding different ideas, they approved most of our ideas, and showed definite interest in the idea of filming in a wide open outdoor space. During this meeting we were also informed of a live performance that band would be doing on the 18th, we expected the invite, hopefully being able to use this as a good time to film the performance section of the music video, and get to meet the other members of the band.
Our meetings have since got longer, and much closer together, as we progress through our project.
Our main concern to begin with was that we hadn't actually met any members of our band, where as all the other groups within our class had met at least one member of their band. We knew that we had to meet someone from our band to understand what it is they actually want from a music video, and to get some general ideas that they might have.
On the Monday 13th, we finally had the chance to meet two members of our band, Steve and Mark came in during one of our Media Studies lessons, this gave us a chance to get to know them and talk about some of our ideas, as well as theirs. This gave us the opportunity to put a name to a face, to a point. We gave them a few filming dates and possible locations, regarding different ideas, they approved most of our ideas, and showed definite interest in the idea of filming in a wide open outdoor space. During this meeting we were also informed of a live performance that band would be doing on the 18th, we expected the invite, hopefully being able to use this as a good time to film the performance section of the music video, and get to meet the other members of the band.
Our meetings have since got longer, and much closer together, as we progress through our project.
Research on the bands musical influences
Our group then assigned 3 of the bands shown on Starfish's website to research in more detail.
The Killers
The Killers are an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2001. The band consists of Brandon Flowers (vocals, keyboards), Dave Keuning (guitar, backing vocals), Mark Stoermer (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion).
Seeing as The Killers are an alternative rock band, they draw some of their influences from the style of music of the 1980's.
The band has sold over 6 million albums in the United States, over 5 million albums in the United Kingdom and over 15 million worldwide.
Their music videos mainly consist of the main singer, with some sort of weird twist, the lead singer is often shown is a place that doesn't always relate to the lyrics of the song, making their style of music video very unique.
Katy Perry
Katheryn Elizabeth Brand (born October 25, 1984), better known by her stage name Katy Perry, is an American musician. Born in Santa Barbara, California. Katy grew up listening and singing gospel music at her local church, making Perry a strange influence for a rock band such as Starfish.
She has since become well recognised for having an unconventional style of dress and often combines bold colors and vintage fashion. This unique style is definitely apparent in her music videos, which seems to be a theme when it come to band preference.
New Found Glory
New Found Glory, an American pop punk band from Coral Springs, Florida, formed in 1997. Founding members were lead vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Joe Moreno. The current drummer Cyrus Bolooki replaced Moreno after only a handful of shows and the lineup has since remained unchanged. Their music is drawn from influences such as Green Day, to hardcore acts like Hatebreed and Madball. This band are much closer to the style of Starfish. New Found Glory are also recognised for for their energetic live performances.
The Killers
The Killers are an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2001. The band consists of Brandon Flowers (vocals, keyboards), Dave Keuning (guitar, backing vocals), Mark Stoermer (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion).
Seeing as The Killers are an alternative rock band, they draw some of their influences from the style of music of the 1980's.
The band has sold over 6 million albums in the United States, over 5 million albums in the United Kingdom and over 15 million worldwide.
Their music videos mainly consist of the main singer, with some sort of weird twist, the lead singer is often shown is a place that doesn't always relate to the lyrics of the song, making their style of music video very unique.
Katy Perry
Katheryn Elizabeth Brand (born October 25, 1984), better known by her stage name Katy Perry, is an American musician. Born in Santa Barbara, California. Katy grew up listening and singing gospel music at her local church, making Perry a strange influence for a rock band such as Starfish.
She has since become well recognised for having an unconventional style of dress and often combines bold colors and vintage fashion. This unique style is definitely apparent in her music videos, which seems to be a theme when it come to band preference.
New Found Glory
New Found Glory, an American pop punk band from Coral Springs, Florida, formed in 1997. Founding members were lead vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Joe Moreno. The current drummer Cyrus Bolooki replaced Moreno after only a handful of shows and the lineup has since remained unchanged. Their music is drawn from influences such as Green Day, to hardcore acts like Hatebreed and Madball. This band are much closer to the style of Starfish. New Found Glory are also recognised for for their energetic live performances.
Where it all began
After finding out my fellow group members, and the band we would be working with, we set about deciding roles, we eventually came to the conclusion of:
The names of the members of the group:
- Kerrin Gilbody - Producer
- Emily Walker - Director
- Jamie Cashin - Camera and editor
- Myself - Designer
The names of the members of the group:
- Stephan Streater
- Alan Westwood
- Mark Roden
- Alan Thompson
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