Copying an existing Video

Introduction to the equipment:

When being shown the camera we were informed of the procedure for mounting it to the tripod and setting up the camera itself. This consisted of flicking the switch on the plate on top of the tripod, removing it and screwing it into the base of the camera (using the appropriate whole and nipple) before slotting it back onto the top of the tripod. The stability of the camera can be adjusted via the leavers on the head of the three-legged stand in order to allow movement for a pan/crane or to secure the camera in a fixed position for static shots.

Before we did any of this though, we ensured that our class (and individual) group number was on the tapes we were using; as to make sure that they were returned to us if lost. In an attempt to prevent this though, we were reminded to remove our tapes after use. A seemingly obvious request, but this is apparently a recurring theme in the use of these cameras. After this brief explanation of procedure and equipment we were given a tour of the camera's functions that we were encouraged, and were likely, to use. These were:

White Balancing - in essence this is the act of showing the camera what white is in order for it to apply this to the other colours placed in front of it. This is done by manually showing the camera a white object in the lighting you are using. To do this you would have to access the manual setting which has an icon resembling a letter. Automatic white balancing however, has two main settings programmed in. These are the "indoor" setting (shown by an icon resembling a light bulb) and an "outdoor" setting (icon resembles the sun).

Exposure - This is the process in which you dictate how much light you want in your shot. It is achieved through the manipulation of shutter speed, iris/aperture and gain. Shutter speed changes the level of exposure through letting in a high or low amount of light, therefore changing the light in the shot. A fast shutter speed means that there will be less light; thus a darker image. On the other hand, a slower one (e.g 1/12) will have the opposite affect. I have learnt that shutter speed and aperture are more effective in attaining the needed exposure level as overuse of gain can create a grainy effect. So these two should be used first and gain should come into play as a last resort.

The video that we aim to recreate is Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus. The main camera work that we noticed were the use of different camera angles, shot types, camera movement and use of focus. The camera angles i recognised consisted of Aerial shots of the band; perhaps included to signify that this was a separate and different section to the rest of the video or to give the audience a full view of the band and their equipment. There was also a low angle shot of the lead girl's boyfriend in order to show his superiority. Emphasising this is a shot of the lead character on the floor after being knocked down by the boyfriend where we are placed on the same level as him in order to empathise with him. Also noteworthy are the eye-line matches used for the lead man when he stares at the girl of his dreams. The most eye-catching shot type would have to be the establishing shot at the begining of the video, as it sets the seen at the high-school. The camera moves quite a lot in this video as it tracks to follow the lead man in the hallway and around the band in the gym. When static, zooms are used to focus on key evnts or images. When mentioning focus it is vital that i record the use of a shallow depth of field when the camera views the lead girl.

Editing effects include the cutting from shot to shot in time with the beat of the song. This is a common convention in music videos, and is something i hope to achieve with my own project. Instantly noticeable also is the use of slow-motion for the shots of the girl in order to gain a sense of surrealism in her appearance.

When filming the video i took on the role of the main actor. We also allocated the roles of director, camera operator and supporting actors/extras. I listened to direction throughout this process in order to ensure there was fluency in the creation of our project. I occasionally offered creative input for ways in which we could achieve a similar standard of filming to the original and keep a sense of continuity. After we had filmed the shots we felt we needed (writing down the shot numbers we wished to keep in the process in order to make editing easier) we began the editing stage of our task. I felt confident in my editorial skills so i volunteered to take on final cut. With detailed instructions being given to us as a means of starting up i found it very easy to get going. The footage was captured and i used the tools at my disposal to narrow down the shots to the ones we required for the finished product. The rest of the group took turns to tackle the software also but i found myself eager to use the programme (despite the infuriating trackpad). I feel that i have gained a vital skill in learning to use final cut and will use it again in the future.

Video analysis

Other Videos by Lady Gaga:



Just Dance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Abk1jAONjw&ob=av2e



This is (by title) a dance track turned pop song, and it does well to capture the essence of both. It has a steady beat that makes it easy to dance to, and yet involving lyrics. The video shows young adults getting drunk at a party to the point where they are unable to determine where they are; which is the message of the song (loosing your inhibitions). This really demonstrates people of that age as having a need to escape the mundane and loose control every now and again. It also glamorizes this at the same time, by showing the people having an immensely good time when clearly being in the wrong in social terms. This video is aimed at individuals between the ages of 17-25 male and female who enjoy drinking as a form of socialising. This can either be middle class or working, as their is no demographic gap when it comes to this common enjoyment of alcohol abuse. Although it would appear to be stereotypically targeting the lower class as it is more "socially acceptable". The story of a drunken night is told from beginning to end of the party as the protagonist (gaga) arrives. During this time, she changes outfit several times - thus loosing a sense of realism - and is in different locations in the house lip-syncing the song whilst acting drunk and interacting with people and objects to do with the party. This gives us a feel of the scale of the party. The sheer mass of people and irresponsible behaviour at the house backs up the lyrics in conveying the meaning of the loss of care for any rules or responsibilities.



Bad Romance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I&ob=av2e


The genre of this song is the same as the last, and the general theme for the video is a representation of a lusting for an unhealthy love. This is portrayed through the use of exaggerated costumes displaying the irrationality of the lead woman. It is also shown through expressive sharp movements of the dancers creating an image of the feeling of aggression in the protagonist's desires for love. The video, in all, represents love as unconventional and perhaps unconditional in it's somewhat alternative approach. The video doesn't seem to be telling a story, yet instead does seem to be showing us someone's emotional state and an abstract variation of their experience. This is as their is no real structure or progression of events. In terms of the message of the video, it probably wouldn't be as easily grasped by the audience (i don't feel) if it wasn't for the lyrics. However, the two of them together do enhance the experience.

Target Audience

Lady gaga appears to have a major female following, this is shown by the style of magazine she is usually featured in. They are usually very high-end market fashion magazines aimed at a demographic of AB. Obviously her very expressive fashion statements can bring her fans of the indusrty who may not neccessarily be interested in her style of music. Her appeal to men can come from her sex appeal and the erotic nature of her singing, her lyrics and her movement when dancing. Although these male fans could also have a taste for abstract surreal fashion. From my own research on the website facebook.com i deduced that the average age of her fans can range from 14 onwards, yet appears to be girls between the ages of 16-25. Her audience for her music seems to resemble that of a generic pop artist.