L3 CMPT Final Major Project
WEEKLY REFLECTIONS
This is where you think about your FMP learning journey and development.
Dont simply describe what you did - consider what you have learnt and how this has benefitted your project.
Week 1 / 2
How has writing a concept / proposal
helped you with finalising your idea?
How did the feedback help you adapt
your idea what did you change after
feedback?
How has the research for your target
audience helped you understand your
production more fully?
Reflective Entries
This week you worked on your initial ideas and started your FMP
concept
For the first week of our Final Major Project, we wrote briefs in
which we talked about our initial concept, as well as the task we had. For
my concept I explained that I was producing a music video for London
Alley, as well as the genre and details I chose. This helped me when
finalising my idea as it gave me better clarity with my production; I knew
that my music video was going to be Hip-hop and that I would produce it
in First-person perspective. This meant that I found it easier to pick my
song, and produce a narrative around my first person idea. In addition to
this, writing my concept helped me design characters and pick cast
members. I knew that it was Hip-hop therefore I knew that I must choose
a cast that is befitting to the song. The concept also helped me layout my
research. Finalising the genre and song was particularly helpful as it
allowed me to format my research and understand exactly what I needed
to find out. As my song was Ultrasound by Joyner Lucas I knew that I
must research the genre, Hip-hop artists and target audience for my
genre. Without my concept I would be unsure of what to research.
Writing the concept and basis of my production meant that I understood
who I was going to be producing the work for. As I am producing it for
London Alley, as well as Joyner Lucas (The Artist), I knew that I had
standards to meet as my work would be representing both parties.
Because of this, I knew I would have to push myself to produce an
exemplary piece of work that would support the high quality of the artists
music, as well as the high reputation that London Alley maintain.
After submitting our brief we received feedback on how to maximise the
quality of our brief. I received feedback that revealed I had missing items
such as the importance of planning and pre-production items, as well as
my ambitions for the project. This brought to light how I need to explain
the elements of my production, as well as questioning me why I need to
plan for my production. The feedback showed me how important every
element of planning for my music video is, so I took extra care in
completing each of my pre-production elements. When I wrote my
ambitions for the production I learned that in order to produce a
successful music video I must look into how the production company
(London Alley) and the artist create their music videos, as well as the
purpose of having music videos. This helped me adjust my narrative as I
knew I had to follow a storyline which the artist has explored in previous
music videos.
This week you worked on your initial ideas and started your FMP
Research
This week I conducted research into the target audience of my
production. I sent out surveys and conducted both primary and secondary
research into Hip-hop audiences. My survey, using SurveyMonkey, asked
people what ages, gender and social classes listen to Hip-hop This
revealed that my target audience is predominantly male students between

How did your primary research help
you?
How has researching the conventions
of your chosen genre helped you
understand what is required from you
in order to meet a distinction grade?
How has including a variety of
sources (primary and secondary)
helped with your understanding of
your medium / genre?
the ages of 14-24. This meant that I could use devices and conventions
that appeal to this group of people. In addition to this, I could base my
narrative on the hobbies and interests of my target audience. Many male
students dream of becoming rich and famous, as well as wanting an
insight to the criminal underworld. Therefore I created a storyline that
followed a criminal seeking fame and fortune. Catering to my audience is
crucial to maximise the enjoyment of the video. I also needed to find out
what kind of music my target audience liked. From this I could use
devices from music videos of similar songs that would enhance the quality
of my music video.
In my planning work I conducted a variety of primary research to help
determine my target audience, in addition to finding out what people
thought Hip-hop music videos should contain. For my medium I sent out a
survey that asked people what music videos are used for. The results
revealed that music videos are primarily to promote the artist, as well as
to give a clear narrative to my song. This will help me write the script as I
know that I should match scenes to lyrics of the song, in addition to
glamorising the song and artist. This will also help me with my mise-en-
scene and equipment list; I could use props that will glamorise the song
as well as props that fit the narrative.
For my primary research into my target audience, I sent out a survey
which told me who I should target my music video at. This is a vital tool to
help me produce my music video; I can develop my narrative, ideas and
editing techniques to appeal to my audience of predominantly male
students. From this I also learned what interests my target audience may
have this will help me use interests and hobbies to appeal to my
audience.
.In order to achieve a distinction grade, we must use the appropriate
concepts and conventions of our chosen genre in our music video. In
order to do this, I researched into the Hip-hop genre to learn what
conventions are typically demonstrated in the genre. BBC Bitesize
summarised some basic conventions and ideas that are shared in Hip-
hop music videos. This helped me understand basic concepts that I must
include. Examples of such conventions include glamorization of crime and
drugs, danger, themes of wealth and money, as well as objectification and
sexualisation of women. Using these in my production would help
establish the genre in my visuals, and if I use them efficiently I will come
closer to reaching distinction grade.
.When collecting my research I used a variety of primary and secondary
research, from interviews, surveys and a wide selection of websites.
Collecting research from a range of sources has helped me gain a wider
understanding of how to plan my music video. For my medium research I
used a wide selection of websites including Oxford dictionary, iMDB and
PBS. These gave me an insight into music videos from multiple
perspectives. From these I built up a comprehensive understanding of
what a music video is, as well as why theyre used and their origin. This
has helped me as I now understand why I am producing a music video as
well as devices to help my music video perform its purpose of promoting
the artist. I also sent out a survey that asked people what is the purpose
of music videos, as well as their favourite music video. The results from
these would give me an insight to what people expect from a music video,
it also helps me understand what videos are popular so that I can aspire
to succeed them. The results showed that music videos are used largely
to promote the artist. Because of this, I must glamorise the song and artist
in the music video in order to give him exposure and promote his work.
High Grade Tips

Research
Thorough research - include plenty of sources and detailed analysis of this information
relevant & coherent make sure your research sources are not just the same as the Media product you
hope to make - and talk about how they inform your planning
sustained continue your research throughout the eleven-week project and dont just limit it to the first
two weeks
accomplished & considered all of the above referred to in your daily/weekly reflections

Week 2 / 3 This week you will start your planning

What did you learn from your From my research I learned that music videos are devices used to
research? promote the artist, and to help develop a visual narrative. They have
developed from silent films which were accompanied by musical tracks,
and can be solely to tell a story. This is useful for my planning as I can
use techniques to promote Joyner Lucas, the artist of the song I am
using. I can also develop a visual narrative to appeal to my audience.

I also researched into the genre Hip-hop. I discovered that Hip-hop

music commonly involves the use of Djing, programmed and synthesised
beats, sampled music and rap. I also analysed Hip-hop videos to gather
conventions and common devices used in the music videos. Such
devices include sexualisation of women, themes of wealth, feelings of
ecstasy as well as crime and violence. I can use these when planning my
music video which will help define my production as a Hip-hop video.

In my research I also looked into artists in the Hip-hop industry. I

researched Kendrick Lamar and Travis scott, who are giants in the Hip-
hop world. In my research I looked into their background, which would
help me understand the artists views and reasoning behind tracks. I also
analysed their discographies, which gave me a scope into the success of
the artists. I searched into awards given to the artists, so that I knew what
to aim for in my music video. This valuable in my planning as can use
conventions and styles used by other successful artists to produce a
music video that is worthy of awards.

The platform I publish the music video on is a crucial element I had to

research. I searched into potential platforms to post my music video, such
as YouTube, Vimeo and MTV TV channel. My research told me that
YouTube was a far better choice; it has 1 billion active users, with
algorithms that could help my music video go viral, such as the
recommended tab and ideas of going viral. This is crucial in my planning
as I must know where I am going to post my video in order to maximise
the exposure of the music video to my target audience. YouTube is
massively popular with Male students therefore it is a wise choice to post
my production on YouTube.

What sources of information did you
look at that were different from your
proposed project
When I researched into music videos I used sites such as iMDB to gather
information on successful music videos such as Thriller by Michael
Jackson. This website provided information such as fan ratings, awards
and general trivia of the music video. This was useful as I could assess
the scope of music videos success, as well as how they became so
successful.

I also used YouTube for a considerable quantity of my research. As it was

my chosen platform, it is useful to analyse other successful music videos,
as well as elements such as the official MTV channel, which is an
extension of the popular music TV channel. I also used the Oxford
 English Dictionary to learn the definition of a music video. This is useful
as I could compare the literal meaning of a music video, as well as what
they mean to people.

Other sources of information were video interviews; I asked peers some

questions which I recorded to gather their views on platforms. This helped
me gather a wide understanding of the platform which is suitable for my
music video.

What did you learn from your planning I started by writing my script. During this I learned how scripts for music
this week videos differ from conventional film scripts. Music video scripts are split
into two columns, one with the lyrics and the other detailing stage
actions/what happens in the scene.

When performing my location recces, I also learned of possible problems

that could occur when filming. These include lighting cables not reaching
far enough to the socket and the effect of unwanted light. I decided that I
should carry extension cords in case I need to charge or cables for
lighting do not fit. In addition to this, unwanted light can lead to
overexposure of shots, therefore I have invested in black sheeting to
block out excess light.

What issues did you encounter and
how did you over come them?
One major issue I encountered was casting issues. In previous
productions I have had actors cancel last minute which has prevented me
from filming my production. In my music video actors. I got around this by
writing my script around a smaller cast. In addition to this, I used actors to
portray characters whose face is not seen. This means that I can have a
slightly larger character base despite having a small cast..

Another issue I encountered was a filming issue. I was unable to capture

a scene of high-speed driving due to legality issues and I have no drivers
licence. I overcame this by finding footage of a similar car on YouTube
and using it in my production. I made sure to give full credit to the owner.

High Grade Tips

Planning & Production

effective planning, organisation your FMP Workbook will explain what you need to do in the next few
weeks to make sure all of your planning is completed, and also how this will help you
efficient production against timescales your FMP Proposal will clearly identify how you intend to
create your project before the deadline in May
commitment & subject engagement all of the above referred to in your daily/weekly reflections

Week 3 This week was the start of your production process

What practical work have you done
this week - and how helpful was your
earlier planning
This week I wrote my script for the music video. This was relatively simple
as I already prepared my idea and character base, therefore I had no
issue or writers block. My previous planning was very helpful. My
research into the genre and artists gave me conventions and devices that
I implemented into my script, such as themes of wealth in the showroom
scene.

I also assembled my cast. From my character base I assigned willing

actors a character, as well as giving them direct ions to costume,
locations and dates they are required. My earlier planning meant that I
only had to find a small number of cast members, and some would play
 duplicate roles. In addition to this, as I was the cinematographer, I
portrayed MAIN which helped reduce cast size

This week I created the location recces. I visited each location and
assessed the lighting and power information, as well as potential hazards.
This was fairly simple as I previously sent out a survey in which people
gave their opinions on the location I should use

This inspired me to film in an urban setting, therefore I used a selection of

a house, city streets and a car showroom.

I also produced the Crew list, Prop list, Equipment list, risk assessment
and production schedule.

How will this be useful to you as your My script is my walkthrough of each scene. It is needed in order for me to
production process continues film. In addition to this, I need it to produce my storyboard. My storyboard
will include visual details listed in my script. In it I will design each scene
and plan out how I will film and edit it

My cast will help me keep track of who I am filming with and their role in
the music video. I will use it to contact people and ensure they are
available to film, although they should be as they have made an
agreement to film.

My location recces will prepare me when I go to film. They detail what the
lighting situation, so that I can bring lights if needed. They also detail
power information in case I need to power lights, charge my camera
battery or use any powered equipment.

The production schedule ensures I am coordinated and prepared to film

on the listed days. It lists information on the date, location, equipment and
cast arrangements.
Upload and pictures you have taken
What issues did you encounter and This week I was lucky enough not to encounter any problems. I lend this
how did you over come them? to my previous preparation. I was very coordinated this week and
completed my pre-production items efficiently. Next week I will be
finishing my pre-production items and start filming.

High Grade Tips

Practical Skills & Presentation

Considered and capable demonstration of processes very detailed documentation of your
production process - such as still images, and annotated Screenshots of your specific production and
editing process including what and why, not just how
skills and knowledge used to develop alternative ideas evidence of different ideas developed for
more than one version of your Media product

Week 4 This week was the second week of your practical production

What did you learn in your sessions
this week
This week I learned the utility of storyboards. As I did not complete the
storyboard last week, I completed it this week effectively. I planned out all
scene changes, with camera angles and mise-en-scene, detailed with
how I wanted to edit it. This was tremendously useful as I also started
filming this week. My filming was very easy and simple because of my
storyboard and script; I just put in front of the camera everything that was
detailed in my storyboard, with some minor adjustments to the mise-en-
scene.

I also learned some features on my camera. I learned how to make the

most of low-light situations, and how to make my shots look cinematic,
which is crucial in my music video.

Have you tried anything new this
week - if so, was it a success
I filmed the majority of my music video this week; which means I will have
time to reshoot anything that is not to the best possible quality.
This week I began to experiment with colour correction in order to match
my clips together. Colour grading will give my work a style that is similar
to that of London Alley, as well as making it apparent that the clips were
shot by the same person (me). I tried different colour grading on the car-
jacking clip.
The original clip looks slightly over exposed and I needed it to match the
high-speed footage I found online:
The results I got I was rather happy with. The edit looks quite saturated
which makes it look luxurious and filled with life. I also added Matt bars to
the clip and the whole production to give a cinematic effect.
What feedback did you find most
useful verbal or written
How will this be useful to you as your
production process comes to a
conclusion
What issues did you encounter and
I found verbal feedback to be an integral tool into analysing the quality of
my shots. When I gathered the clips onto a USB stick post-filming, I asked
my peers to look at the clips and to assess them. This gave me an idea
as to whether they were shot to a high quality, as well as giving me an
indicator to reshoot some shots.
My first Burglary scene was too shaky
I reshot and reframed the shot, and was very pleased with the result;
This is useful for the rest of my production as I have become familiar with
colour grading. When I have finished filming I will colour grade each clip
when editing to maximise the quality of the video..
One issue I encountered was the lack of stabilisation in some of my clips.
how did you over come them? As I am shooting first person, most of my clips must be handheld. An
easy resolution to this would be a gimbal, however I do not have access
to one. Instead I chose to re-shoot some of my clips, and apply warp-
stabilisation to those that werent badly shaky.

High Grade Tips

Practical Skills & Presentation

Considered and capable demonstration of processes very detailed, annotated Screenshots of your
specific production and editing process including what and why, not just how
skills and knowledge used to develop alternative ideas evidence of different ideas developed, and
more than one version of your Media product

Week 5 This week was your finishing off week - for both your edits an
written work

What feedback did you find most
useful verbal or written
This week I finished off filming and edited my production. Throughout
editing I received continuous verbal from my peers and teachers. This
was integral to finishing and enhancing my production. The verbal
feedback consisted of the viewers genuine opinion of the editing and
scenes, as well as advice to improve the editing. I particularly valued the
constructive criticism. I originally had each transition to be a whip pan
however I agreed with my teacher that it was ineffective in my production,
so I scrapped it. Instead I designed a transition that emulated a blink of an
eye. This was far more relevant to my production as it looked smoother
and was appropriate to the first person concept of my music video.
What did you learn in your sessions This week I learned various editing techniques. I practiced and refined my
this week colour grading, which helped me make a clips look better and more
cinematic

How has this helped you meet your
targets - see FMP Workbook
I also learned how to properly match clips to the beats of the song.
I zoomed into the peaks of the track on Premiere Pro and segmented my
clips so that the start of the clip matched the change of beat. This was far
easier than trial and error editing and produced consistent and effective
clips matching the beat. This also worked when lip-synching:
Learning these new editing techniques has helped me maximise the
quality of my work which, in turn, will help me meet my targets. I have
fixed errors from previous productions by refining my editing skills. It is
crucial that elements such as lip-synching and beat matching are
implemented effectively to maximise immersion of the viewer. Without
these minor details the production would lack finish and would feel
incomplete. However, learning these techniques has helped me produce
my music video to my highest potential, and creates an effective video
 that is enjoyable.

How helpful did you find the pitch
what feedback did you get?
The pitch gave me an opportunity to sell my ideas and production. I
received largely positive feedback, with some constructive criticism. It was
widely agreed in my feedback that I follow the hip-hop genre well, and
used many of the conventions of Hip-hop music and music videos. When
asked if the video is appealing to look at, many agred that it caters well to
and would be enjoyable for my target audience, but may not relate to
those who are not Hip-hop fans. There was also appraise for the editing,
camera work and use of first-person. This pleases me as I set out to
produce a visually appealing video in an experimental format. The
positive feedback suggests that first-person narrative is befitting to a Hip-
hop music video.

How did your peer feedback help
My peer feedback has helped me as it will enable me to fix any errors in
my production and produce a music video of even higher quality in the
future. One thing I will be sure to reflect on is a comment about shaky
footage. Although I made every effort to stabilise footage, through editing
or re-shooting, in the future I will invest in a stabiliser to produce even
higher quality shots.

What issues did you encounter and
how did you over come them?
An issue I encountered this week was during my pitch. I could not read
my script as the font was too small. This meant that I made a mistake and
fell out of my presentation mode. However, I quickly got back on track
and continued presenting my pitch effectively. In addition to this, my script
for the platform section was corrupted. This meant that my development
for my platform was not comprehensive. Although I could not re-perform
my pitch I continued to talk about YouTube in other areas of my pitch.
Overall I am pleased with my improvisation in my pitch but I will work
even harder in preparation for future pitches, including rehearsing it more.

High Grade Tips

Evaluation & Reflection

reasoned decisions and inform the development of ideas both your evaluation and the weekly
reflections above will clearly show both how and why your ideas developed throughout the project
demonstrating clarity in thinking all of the above plus very clear links between your research,
planning, idea development and the production of your poster and film trailer