Getting permissions

The live performance will most likely be in a pub where the group performs quite a lot. Therefore it would be polite to ask the owner for permission to take footage of the gig.

The Casino however is slightly more complicated. The use of a local casino is feasible yet again i ill need to ask for permission. I could possibly use the idea of showing the front of the casino in the music video, as an advertisement for the casino.  Yet i will need to make sure i find this information out soon.

These are the only permissions i will need. 

Storyboard

These are some ideas for shot types to go with the live performance and the narrative in the casino. This is only rough and gives me an idea of what kind of shots I want to include, while cutting between the live performance and casino footage.

Treatment - song - Casino

The audience of the video will be aimed at people towards the age of sixteen and above. This is because there will be footage of gambling within a casino which may not suitable for a younger audience. Also because of the genre there may be some shocking takes, especially in the live performance shots. The actual video will be predominantly masculine orientated. The audience can be targeted by the video through the use of web 2.0, such as websites like myspace and youtube. This will mean that it can be used by Destruction Preventer as much or as little as they require.

The narrative will be partitioned into a live performance, with an additional storyline running parallele. The live performance will be of the band playing in front of a small crowd in low level light which will allow them to be seen rocking hard. This will then switch fairly rapidly to a seperate storyline of the band in another location. This will be in a casino setting where gambling is taking place in games such as cards and roulette wheels for example. This will then switch back to the live performance through different editing techniques, being fast cuts, or graphic matches.

I will ensure that there is a circular narrative. For example The film will start with a static roulette wheel, slowly zooming from a birdseye position. Then when the wheel is spun the trackwill begin. This can be shown later in the video also spinning. Then when the song comes to an end the wheel stops spinning and shows the ball on the number '13', using symbolism to connote bad luck. This means that the video itself will be illustrative. The storyline may use Todorov's, equilibrium - disequilibrium - finalising with equilibrium restored. This will be in the form of losing money throughout the video in the casino.

The genre being heavy metal, will mean that the video editing will need to be fast to ensure it's synchronous with the rhythm of the track.

The band would be represented in two different ways. The live performance will show a very dark and dirty side to the group, however the casino will be in stark contrast. This can be implemented through the use of mise-en-scene, such as the clothing worn in the casino is smarter and more lighting can be used so that the individual band members can be seen clearly. Also smart clothing connotes power and wealth which begins to create a certain persona for the band, yet still cutting back to them rocking live with their fans with passion. This creates two different representations which should then appeal to a larger audience.

The ideology of the music video is meant to reflect the lack of morality in gambling. This is displayed by the loss of money by characters, illustrative of the lyrics.

An unsteady camera when filming the live performance will help to show a rough image and possibly a point of view of somebody in the audience while being jolted around. This will give the audience participation and engage them in the atmosphere. Close ups of playing the instuments will also be used to fill in gaps with flash editing. Other techniques such as graphic matches can also be used as transitions to enable the two settings to cross frequently.

A possible black and white filter could be used for the live performance in contrast to the vibrant colours of the casino. If this music video was to played on television the type of channel suitable would be channels like 'Kerrang'. However realistically the video is more likely to be uploaded to youtube so that it can be embedded on Destruction Preventer's myspace to easily make the video viewable for their fans.

Narrative and Theory

Narrative

Russian theorist, Tzvetan Todorov, suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure. They begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored.

Character

Todorov came up with his theories after making a study of Russian folk tales. So too did Vladimir Propp, who came up with the theory that there are only a certain number of characters, who crop up in most narratives. It is easy to spot the hero and villain in most cases, but here are some others:

Character Type	Role within narrative
Hero	Leads the narrative, is usually looking for something (a quest) or trying to solve something (a mystery). Does not have to be male :)
Villain	Conflicts with the hero
Heroine	Is usually some sort of prize or reward for the hero. NB if your hero is female, your heroine can be male :)
Father	An authority figure who offers a reward to the hero for completing their quest. That reward might be a prince or a princess or a cool new job
Helper	Helps the hero - often acts as a sidekick
Donor	Gives the hero something - a clue, a talisman, a special power - which helps them complete their quest
Mentor	Teaches and guides the hero

Conflict

As well as Aristotle deciding that 'all drama is conflict' in the 4th century BC, 20th century theorist Claude Levi-Strauss suggested that all narratives had to be driven forward by conflict that was cause by a series of opposing forces. he called this the theory of Binary Opposition, and it is used to describe how each main force in a narrative has its equal and opposite. Analysing a narrative means identifying these opposing forces eg

light/dark	good/evil	noise/silence	youth/age
right/wrong	poverty/wealth	strength/weakness	inside/outside

Source - http://www.mediaknowall.com/gcse/keyconceptsgcse/gcsenarrative.html

Camera Techniques 3 + 4

This technique is interesting as in this case, it looks like he is attracting the object towards him. This could be used for an instrument or drum sticks or something that could mean i could apply it to my music video.




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This time i decided that i would try to trick the audience by using a cross dissolve technique. This paired with two takes, one each in a different place will give a good effect in theory.



You can see the effect that is trying to be made. The cross dissolve is key in making sure the transition is seemless. Another idea would be to up the contrast so that the fade is also not so obvious, however in this case i think it is fine without having to change the contrast. This could be a good idea to use in a music video if i wanted to change the setting while still focusing on a character.

Lyrics and Analysis

Casino ****

I’m getting closer to the point of broke,

but that five and six are looking pretty damn tempting.

My last tenner’s worth of plastic coins,

on my last beer and my wallet’s full on empty.

But it was bound to happen, lost it all.

The dealer took my money.

And now I face my misses wrath.

Back once again to preserve my pride,

More tanked up now, this time I’m invincible!

Put fifty against his blackjack,

I’m skint again why does this keep on happening?

But it was bound to happen, lost it all.

The dealer took my rent.

And now I face my landlord’s wrath.

They rob you blind, they take your life.

This addiction ends tonight, I swear,

I won’t return here again.

Solo

This time I’m sure my luck is in,

It’s all or nothing, the odd’s are with me.

I should leave when the going’s good,

But something inside me says play one for the road Jack.

But it was bound to happen, lost it all.

The dealer took my savings.

And now I face the cold street’s wrath.

They rob you blind, they take your life.

This addiction ends tonight, I swear,

I won’t return here again.

YOU STUPID ****!!!

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DP Background

"

Destruction Preveter formed in the spring of 2007 by Matt Adams and Mike Carroll after the collapse of their former band, MORNING STAR. The aim was to create a band who weren't tied down to any genre or "core" shit, A band who were just PURE HEAVY METAL.
With former MORNING STAR drummer Andy "Stoney" Stonelake in the ranks, we just needed a second guitarist to complete the rythym section. This came in the guise of former PLASTERCAST member Chris Lockyer. With Chris on board, DESTRUCTION PREVETER'S unique sound began to take form. For a band who tried to cross Power metal with 80's Rock and Roll, it was important to find a frontman who doesn't take himself too seriously. Fortunatly we knew just the rocker for the job! Enter Dave Cooper, a vocalist whos personality is just as strong as his voice.Finally the line up was complete.
After various succesful gigs in early 2007, playing with signed groups such as SANZEN, ERRANDER and Holland's SQY, as well as local groups GUILT TRIP, DRAIN THE LAKE and TSW, Disaster struck! Stoney's back injury was getting on top of him and he felt he was no longer able to put the required energy into his drumming. Subsequently we were forced to part ways with him and it seemed we were back to square one. Stoney went on to form Black/Death metal outfit SON OF APOLLYON, (see banner below) as lead vocalist
The summer of '07 was spent in the rehearsal room, writting new material and working on yet more legendary covers! But despite the many drummers we auditioned, it seemed none were willing to commit. That was until we stumbled across an old friend in a beer garden!Enter Mad Mark. He is probably one of the most insane rockers in the whole of Torbay, however, his dedication and enthusiasm are second to none.Finally THE PREVENTER were back on the gigging circuit and this time with a new driving force and subsequently a new and more unique sound.Over the past year we have been playing more shows around Torbay with local groups such as SEKHMET, RAIDER, BULLET & CHAINS and COVERED IN BLOOD to name but a few. We have also appeared at various charity events across the region for good causes such as Oxjam, The RNLI and The British Legion.
As well as performing many shows we have also released our debut record, THE STARSCREAM EP in 2008. It was recorded and produced at COOMBESHEAD STUDIOS, the greatest recording studio in the southwest, and the title track, STARSCREAM, features on the WYLDSTONE/COOMBESHEAD ALLIANCE compilation album.
With alot more in the pipeline, life in THE PREVENTER camp is becoming hectic but truely enjoyable. None of this would be possible without you, the fans. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support. We look forward to rocking with you for many years to come!

"

Source - Destruction Preventer Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/destructionpreventerofficial

DP Influences

SONATA ARCTICA,
HELLOWEEN,
STRATOVARIUS,
HAMMERFALL,
SKID ROW,
AC/DC,
BLOOD DUSTER,
LAKE OF TEARS,
GAMMA RAY,
PRIMAL FEAR,
3 INCHES OF BLOOD,
NANOWAR,
MEGADETH,
ANNHILATOR,
IRON MAIDEN,
ED GUY,
JUDAS PRIEST,
DRAGON FORCE,
FREEDOM CALL,
RHAPSODY OV FIRE and many, many more.

DP group members

Dave Cooper

Lead & Harmony Vocals

Matt Adams

Lead & Rythym Guitars, Vocals

Mike Carroll

Bass Guitar

Chris Lockyear

Guitars

"Mad" Mark Lander

Drums

Camera Techniques 2

This time i wanted to see if i could create the effect where i move around normal speed while the background is speeded up. This could be done with a green screen but i wanted to see if i could create the effect just using a camera and my own editing skills.

I like this effect, but may find it hard to include within my music video due to the genre. However there may be a way to include it as long as what is in the frame relates to the genre and represents the group strongly enough.

Once again i have tried to use the rule of thirds to strengthen my work.

Camera Techniques 1

I have decided to go out and experiment with different camera techniques that i might be able to apply to my video.

For example the disappear effect:

This effect may be useful when it comes to having to synchronize  the music with what is happening within the video. Also in this example i have tried to use the rule of thirds to create an interesting shot composition. 

Destruction Preventer

The group in which I will be creating a music video for, are a Heavy Metal group named - Destruction Preventer.

My knowledge is still limited so i will be editing this post with further details.

They are not signed to a record company, but have managed to produce a CD themselves.
They frequently play live gigs and i have recently attended one to get a feel for the music they produce.

The song I will be making a video for is called 'Casino Cunt'. Therefore i have started to think of ideas, but am unable to create a plan of what i want to do without the list of lyrics and other infomation to make it accurate. Once I the lyrics are known I will be able to create a proposal for the music video.

The Death Metal Genre - Research

Death metal emerged in the early and mid 80s, as a largely underground phenomenon, spawned by the then burgeoning thrash metal scene. The death metal circuit was rooted in the United States and Germany, with numerous bands pushing the thresholds of thrash metal. The genre followed on the speed and complexity characteristic of thrash metal vocals, along with brutally harsh vocals and drum patterns that involved the extensive use of double bass and blast beats. Its harsh sound and themes and imagery make it unpalatable for the masses and mainstream audiences, which is why with the exception of a few bands the music has never really been commercially successful in the mainstream.

Artists who made it famous
Obituary; Cannibal Corpse; Death; Bolt Thrower; Napalm Death; Morbid Angel; Necrophagia; Suffocation

Best known proponents today
Deicide; Behemoth; Arch Enemy; In Flames; Zyklon; Nile

Source - http://www.planetradiocity.com/musicopedia/music_genres.php?mid=131

EG:

Sing When You're Winning album cover & Digipak research

Digipak research

The typical conventions of a digipak, show very little text in the inside covers, where the CD is, but the outside cover may contain more information about what the DVD is about and titles etc. However the inside of the pack, does use the same 'house style' as the outer cover. It is hard to find many DVD digipaks to research from, however CD packs are no different when considering the conventions used in production. For example:

This shows the running colour scheme of white and red, with the use of black text over the top. Only a couple of simple images are used, but because they stand alone and match the house style, the pictures are effective in standing out enough to be noticed. Usually the CD is printed in a similar colour to whatever the digipak house style is. 

Another example would be this CD digipak from 'Vendetta'. This clearly shows a basic image, constant colour scheme, and very simple design for the inside of the cover. 

Therefore when I create my own, I will need to make sure I remmeber to:

- Keep inside cover simple

- Keep it consistent with the house style

- Use more images and less text on the inside

- Use no more than three colours in the house style

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This album cover is clearly amplificative of the album title. This cover gives a sense of a 'bad boy' image and maybe also the use of sport could suggest a stereotypical male image as well. This is to appeal to his audience which is obviously mainly female. Also the colour scheme reflects where he is from, as they represent the union jack. All the people in on the cover being Robbie highlights the fact that he is the star who the album belongs to.

Reign In Blood album cover

This album cover uses many horror devices. This is obviously to depict their style of music and how raw it is. There is however vast amounts of religious imagry used on the album cover. For example the rams head could imply a religious meaning, and suggest a sacrificial meaning. The meaning of all the religious imagry is related to the holocaust. This is amplificative of the lyrics in their songs on the album. The distortion is also linked to the activities of Josef Mengele and the experiments he did on women.

This also relates to the genre and the way the band actively tries to shock their audience with extreme topics, and in this case album art as well. More religious imagry may include the pentagram, the mitres on the head of characters and even possibly the suggestion of a sea of blood.

This was also an iconic album which greatly inspired and formed the "Death Metal" genre.

'Nevermind' album cover

When I first looked at this album cover, I was abit unsure of what it meant. I could see that the baby may relate to a sense of innocence and that the money may imply corruption or power.
Yet i did not know quite how this contrast could be used to represent the actual band itself. So I decided to research it and i found:

"
According to Cobain, he conceived the idea while watching a television program on water births with Grohl. Cobain mentioned it to Geffen's art director Robert Fisher. Fisher found some stock footage of underwater births but they were too graphic for the record company. Also, the stock house that controlled the photo of a swimming baby that they subsequently settled on wanted $7,500 a year for its use, so instead Fisher sent a photographer to a pool for babies to take pictures. Five shots resulted and the band settled on the image of a three-month-old infant named Spencer Elden, the son of the photographer's friend Rick Elden. However, there was some concern because Elden's penis was visible in the image. Geffen prepared an alternate cover without the penis, as they were afraid that it would offend people, but relented when Cobain made it clear that the only compromise he would accept was a sticker covering the penis that would say, "If you're offended by this, you must be a closet pedophile."
"
From - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevermind

After reading this it made things slightly clearer and also helped me to see that the genre of the band as grunge which is represents a rebelion away form the media. Therefore the baby and the money, may represent how people from birth are almost controlled by the media and are attracted to it. This is supported by the fact the money is on a hook, which is symbolic of bait, attracting fish.

The 'nevermind' album therefore, is mainly about persuing sex, losing innosence, and finding frustration in really never being happy, while highlighting the control media has over the population.