Reflection V-Log

Wretch 32 fanbase

Looking at Wretch 32's Twitter, I found out about Wretch 32's character and what type of audience he attracts. With 518,544 followers to date, Wretch is a highly popular and rapidly growing artist in the UK. From his Tweets he seems like a humble person and also gives time to his fans by responding to their Tweets, a usual 'Tweeter' who interacts with his fans is one way you could describe him. As for his followers, I expected to see a lot of teenagers/young adults and a perhaps more London based followers. However I found there's a variety of fans who seem to be ranging from 16+.

Song choice popularity

I decided to look at the YouTube comments for our chosen song. The feedback is very positive, most people have liked the song as it has 1k likes compared to 18 dislikes. It seems that the audience is swayed by the lyrics and rapping used by Wretch 32, as well as the 'stunning' vocals and voice of Delilah.

Shot ideas

In the music video Fix You, there's a few shows which are similar to the ideas we have for our music video. Also set in London, there's a few shots such as the one in the tunnel and the one where he's walking along the bridge. We also want a few shots of our performers walking along the Thames and this shows us how we should shoot this scene.

Music video analysis

In this post I will analyse some of the shots used in the music video Traktor. Below is a GIF of some angles used, such as long shot, close ups and mid shots.



There's also a lot of jump cuts and transitions used. I have timed the jump cuts to occur every 4 seconds, after it speeds up with about 3/4 jump cuts every 1.5/2 seconds, before returning to its normal speed. Transitions are also used a lot, for example the constant shot of Wretch 32 with the light flickering on and off above him, before Wretch reappearing in a different outfit. There's also proof of Laura Mulvey's theory on the female representation. There's the girl on the drums jumping around all and the dancer, whom are both wearing revealing outfits and even some close ups showing their body. Below are some examples.

Possible location change

Due to a number of unsuccessful attempts to find a rooftop, we have decided to have a look at an alternative option which is the Millennium bridge/Jubilee bridge. The location suits us because we wanted to shoot somewhere where we had a nice, city background of London. Also, at night it looks really good which will improve the image of our music video.

Change Of Performer

As shown in my previous posts we had decided to use myself as the featuring performer, Delilah for our music video. Since then, my group and I had decided to choose a different performer, as I didn't feel completely comfortable with performing in front of the camera. 

However, our friend Abiola who is now performing as Delilah is great for the part! She had settled quite comfortably to her role, and is a natural at performing in front of the camera! Abiola has seemed to learn the lyrics of the song Don't Be Afraid easily, and with my direction, she has been able to perform brilliantly and fitting to our song which will be shown in upcoming posts...

Change of Costume - Delilah/Abiola

Due to our change of performer, we had to alter the costume from what we originally had planned, to compromise with what our new performer already has in her wardrobe. As we have no budget what so ever to produce our music video, we have to make do with what we have ourselves and what the college has to produce something brilliant. 

So, we have changed the costume for our new performer, however, it is still kept within the urban theme and is still influenced by Delilah the original artist. It will still attract our female audience ranging from the ages 14-19 as it features popular brands such as TopShop, Asos, Nike, Converse etc. The outfits we have chosen are very simple, trendy, urban and young which reflects our song genre very well. 

Day 1 Of Filming

Unfortunately we we're unable to film at our first day out. This was due to the cameras mic not working for us, on the up side we did manage to record some cutaway shots and we now know what time to go to our location and what particular clothing to wear.

Rooftop Request: Frank's Cafe

Rooftop Request: The Red Lion

Rooftop Request & Response: Queen Of Hoxton

Yet again, we've been unsuccessful :(

Rooftop Request & Response: Shoreditch House

Unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful with this request... 

Rooftop Request & Response: Golden Bee

Yet again, we have been unsuccessful with our rooftop request...

Location Update: Islington Rooftop

Previously I had contacted a website called www.filmoffice.co.uk which had allowed me to fill in an application form, requesting permission to film at one of their locations. Today they had finally contacted me in response to my request and filled me in on some bad news...
Unfortunately, they had phoned me and said to use the rooftop for up to 6 hours would come to around £600-£700 which we don't have. So we now continue our search for a rooftop in London...

Reflection on Progress

I'll be uploading my vlog shortly as there's currently an error with the video...

Reflection on blog

Reflecting back on all my work so far, I'd have to say I'm not entirely happy. After being told I'm low on blogs, I feel as if I've got to step it up and blog more off the task sheet. I should be on 45-50 blogs by now but I'm just about reaching the mid 30's. I also feel as if I could put more effort into making my posts more visual. I use a lot of links to videos, gifs or just posting pictures up normally. I see that as lazy and feel as if I can make it much better by spending more time on my work. 

Those are my main targets for improvements, I will upload my vlog on my reflection task soon.

Production Schedule

Featuring Artist Analysis ~ Delilah

Name: Paloma Ayana Stoecker

Mononym: Delilah

Age: 23

Origin: Hackney, London, UK

Genres: Pop, Electronica, Trip Hop, R&B, Soul, Ambient

Labels: Atlantic and Warner Music

Similar Artists: Sade, The xx, Alanis Morissette

www.delilahofficial.co.uk

@delilahmusic

www.facebook.com/delilahofficial

iTunes, From the Roots Up

Music Video Influences; Cutaway Shots

 I began looking for inspiration for cutaway shots in various music videos that included some of the themes from our song Don't Be Afraid. This shot of the clouds in the video Nicki Minaj - Fly ft Rihanna could be recreated in our music video as it suggests themes of freedom, cloud 9 and no limits which our song lyrics reflects. 

The still image on the left is from the music video M.I.A - Paper Planes. This could be recreated in our music video as I like the idea of bright lights amongst planes in the sky. Although her video features a paper plane, we could use a real plane via London City Airport, as we have already planned to film at Royal Albert for one of our locations, we could film a great cutaway shot there. In the still image on the left is from the music video Kanye West- All Goes Down, again this could be used as a great cutaway shot of a plane in the sky as it suggest themes of no limits, flying, and no fear. 

This gif is taking from the music video Devlin - London City. As Devlin is a London born artist, he represents London's key features in this video exceptionally well, featuring landmark Canary Wharf. He also shows in this video cutaway shots of the motorway and River Thames of which we had initially had planned to film. It is interesting to see how someone else has filmed and interpreted our own idea. 

Themes from Song Lyrics

Location Update: Aqua Bar Rooftop

As shown in one of my previous posts, I had recently contacted a bar in Central London called Aqua requesting access to film on their rooftop. I am now currently waiting for an e-mail reply from the relevant department they had forwarded me to, to find out whether my request has been successful or not. 

Target Audience

Audience Task on Prezi

Costume Idea #2 for Featuring Artist

1.

• Red Bandeau Top
• Black Wet Look Leggings
• Red Nike Blazers
• Black Leather Jacket
• Red Nail Polish 

- OR - 

2.

• Black and White Striped Top
• Black Wet Look Leggings
• Black Chelsea Boot Wedges

I'm still undecided between both of these looks. The first style is referenced to the clothing worn by our female target audience, ages between 14 and 19. They are from popular brands such as Nike, Barry M, Topshop and ASOS, which I believe will be suited for our female featuring artist. The wet look leggings, bandeau top and, red nail polish creates a sexy, feminine and fiery look whereas the leather jacket and trainers creates an urban/bad impression which reflects the genre. 

The second style is a contrast to the first as it reflects our wider target audience; Delilah fans - aged 17- 25, reflecting the pop, soul, and trip hop genre. This style can be considered as a 'going out' look and is rather girly in comparison to the first look. Also following popular brands worn by females aged between 17-25: Missguided and TopShop. 

PITCH

Wretch 32 - Don't Be Afraid ft Delilah Lyrics

[Hook: Delilah]

As the darkness turns to day, only you stand in the way,

No stops when you're on a run, understand who you've become.

You're the fire in the rain, only greatness will remain,

Push up, yes raise the bar, don't be afraid of who you are,

You are, you are, who you are,

You are, you are, don't be afraid of who you are

[Verse 1: Wretch 32]

Growing up I liked G-banks,

But everyone was saying he was too cocky,

I noticed when you're the new champ,

There ain't nothing you can do properly,

That's why I'd rather run my race,

Before I think about how they judge my face,

I came to be the best so my training was immense,

24 hours and I don't even break a sweat,

I don't even take a rest cause to sleep when your dead's enough,

Main side of mileage on my price is still wearing off,

Had to put smiling to the side and get serious,

Wanna join me and "32" that's the Wretch in ya,

I bet it feels like I'm directing ya,

Mr Tom-Tom going in and out your area,

It's a long run, you feel hate till you're scared of love,

I'm just trying to paint the picture, is it clear enough?

[Hook: Delilah]

As the darkness turns to day, only you stand in the way,

No stops when you're on a run, understand who you've become.

You're the fire in the rain, only greatness will remain,

Push up, yes raise the bar, don't be afraid of who you are,

[Wretch 32:]

Tell me if you're with me,

I said I'm traveling at wind speed, ye-e-eah,

Tell me if you're with me, yea

Because I'm traveling at wind speed, ye-eah.

[Verse 2: Wretch 32]

Wake up on a high, and then I cross my heart and hope to fly,

With one question on my mind,

If you gotta stay grounded how the hell do ya touch the sky?

Assume we were born to die,

But it's what you do between that deters if you're alive,

You only kill your dream when you open up your eyes,

And impossible's just a word we recite,

It's a word that we've relied on for way too many years,

When they've put a man on the moon, planes in the air,

Probably said Houdini was a fool before he disappeared,

Zuckerburg never had a penny to a millionaire,

Are you listening with your vision ears, ride to the willful,

Off in different years, I've engaged in a busy year,

I died trying to make my paradise, but I'm living it.

[Hook: Delilah]

As the darkness turns to day, only you stand in the way,

No stops when you're on a run, understand who you've become.

You're the fire in the rain, only greatness will remain,

Push up, yes raise the bar, don't be afraid of who you are,

[Wretch 32:]

Tell me if you're with me,

I said I'm traveling at wind speed, ye-e-eah,

Tell me if you're with me, yea

Because I'm traveling at wind speed, ye-eah.

Storyboard

Location Request: Aqua Bar Rooftop

I have also written to request access to the bar rooftop in Aqua, Oxford Circus. This venue also has a stunning view of the London icons, featuring the Gherkin and the London Eye.

Location Request: Islington Rooftop

I have recently filled in an application form to request the use of a rooftop in Islington at Islington Film Office (www.filmoffice.co.uk)
I have selected this rooftop because this huge 8th floor roof terrace offers a near panoramic view of the city.
With 130 square metres, easy access, incredible views and central locality this offers the perfect location for photography and film shoots.
Sites take in the London Eye, The City, The Gherkin, BT Tower, Emirates Stadium, Regents Canal, Shoreditch Park, Park space.

Costume Idea #1 for Featuring Artist

• Black Hooded Leather Jacket
• Black Crop Top
• Black Converses/Vans
• Black Chiffon Skirt
• Gold Ring
• Gold Necklace
• Black/Gold Nail Polish

This look is inspired by Delilah in her video Go. I think this costume will compliment the theme in our music video as its urban, and creates quite a dark and mysterious tone reflecting the title of our song 'Don't Be Afraid'. Gold accessories and hoodies are generically associated with UK rap, grime and the urban culture which will be represented well in our video. I also feel a chiffon skirt will look dream like as the time of  year (October) we will be filming, the weather is extremely windy which will have a flowy effect on the skirt. 

Wretch 32's Promo Website

This is Wretch 32's website: http://www.wretch32.com/
Once you log on to the website, you are instantly greeted with a large image of Wretch 32's name as well and still images of himself. In these images Wretch 32 is wearing black clothing, chains and a watch.  This creates the impression that he is somewhat of an underground artists and represents a street style. His clothing represents the Grime/UK Rap genre as black clothing with expensive jewellery represents the lifestyle. 

At the top of the page as well as the side there is a Twitter Link and a preview of his Twitter feed (@Wretch32). This engages his fans as both his core and wider target audience are active on the social networking site Twitter. This gives the opportunity for his fans to contact and socialise with him through the internet. 

Wretch 32's website is used to promote his songs as at the bottom of his home page he has hyperlinks to his singles and albums available for his fans to purchase and download.  This is a quick and effective way to promote his music for people to buy his music through technology. 

Also available on his website is the opportunity to purchase his clothing and accessories. Again, this is a quick and effective way for the artists to make money via fans who are willing to pay for his goods. As his clothing and accessories franchise will be worn by his fans, it could be seen as another way of promotion as his fans will be advertising his products to the a wider audience of people, possible to potential new Wretch 32 fans. 

Final Song Choice

Wretch 32 - Don't Be Afraid ft Delilah

We've chosen this song as we feel its current, and our target audience would be able to relate to it. We've also chosen this song because we feel the beat and the tempo of the song is uplifting and it has generated plenty of ideas for the video. As this song features another artist, it also enables us to feature two members of our group in the music video, making it more interesting, fun, and keeps everyone involved wether they're performing, directing, or filming. 
As this song has no video yet, we have complete freedom to create our own including ideas from everyone in our group; there is no limit to our imaginative ideas and choices for the video itself. 

Music Video Influences

Alicia Keys - No One

This music video has influenced the idea of having our performer playing the piano. A piano will fit perfectly in our music video as there is parts of our song in the beginning where a piano is played as part of the instrumental. The high angle shot of Alicia Keys in this video is also a shot we will consider using as it shows both the artist looking into the camera performing, as well as her playing the piano. The close up shots of her hands playing the piano is also a shot we will consider using as it will link both the song and video together. 

Delilah - Go 

This video by Delilah consists of plenty ideas we will consider using in our own music video. Her costume in particular would be the type of style we would consider using in our video for our female performer. In this video she wears a hoodie, a maxi chiffon skirt and a gold cross. This is the clothing our female performer (myself) will be wearing as it will appeal to our target audience as well as it being fitting to our night scene. 

The long shots of Delilah walking in the street from both behind and in front are shots we'll be using as shots like these enable the audience to see the performers outfit fully as well as her full performance. We will also be using shots in alleys similar to these. 

Wretch 32 - Don't Go

In this video by Wretch 32 who is a similar artists to Dee Banks, I've found influential the locations at Pontoon Dock. This is also a possible location we would consider using as it could look especially effective at night.