Copying an existing video

In our lessons we re-created the music video for Teenage Dirtbag by Wheetus. We started off by watching the video a few times and analysing shots from it. We filled in a storyboard in which we wrote the shot type, camera movement, description of action and sound or audio. This enabled us to have a detailed knowledge of what was happening in the video and know exactly what we needed to film, in order to re-create the video successfully. Before moving on to filming, we were clearly shown how to use a shooting script and how to use a clapperboard. Being shown how to use a shooting script helped me to know which shot needed to be filmed and monitor the process. I was able to see what was meant to be happening in the shot. As well as this, it allowed the group to make notes on each shot taken. We then learnt how to use a clapper board. We wrote on a piece of paper the shot number and the take number and held it in front of the camera at the start of each shot. This allowed us to separate shots when watching them back during the editing process. It also allowed us to keep track of how many takes we had done for each shot. Both of these things made the filming and the editing process much easier. In the making of this video we were also shown how to direct a shot. We found that it was vitally important for the director to communicate clearly with the actors what they need to be doing and where they need to be. We found the best way to do this was for the director and the camera operator to work together and decide where the actors were to be positioned. The camera operator then starts filming and the clapperboard is held in front of the camera saying the shot number and take. The director then calls out action so the actors know when to start, and then cut at the end of a shot so they know when to stop. Before we started to film we learnt how to use the tripod and how to mount the camera onto the tripod. This meant that we could mount the camera to the tripod and have a completely steady shot. Which meant we didn't have to worry about camera shake, which would have been an issue if it was hand held. The tripod also had a spirit level, which we were able to use to ensure a completely level shot. It also allowed us to zoom, pan or tilt the camera if we wanted to. We used the standard frame size 4:3 when filming our version of Teenage Dirtbag. We also applied the rule of thirds when filming. This meant that we were able to create aesthetically pleasing shots. We used a shallow depth of field when filming the corridor shots. This meant that we could have the male actor as the focus of the attention for these shots and have the extras in the background out of focus, so they didn't take the attention away from the main character. As well as this we also used a wide depth of field. We used this when filming shots out side the front of the building. These shots needed everyone in focus so that you could see the car drive past and the people walking through the shot. I have found re-creating this video extremely helpful. The reason for this is that I know feel confident with all elements involved in creating a music video, and feel that I can successfully go on to create my own music video for this project.
This is the footage that we captured for our re-make of the teenage Dirtbag Video.