Useful links to other A2 Media Studies produced works

You can find other user-submitted music videos and (a few) TV documentary extracts by clicking this link here:

• The music video above is presented in cinematic format, providing real-life perspectives of different situations.
• Filmed at different locations to create a sense of verisimilitude.
• Lip syncing mostly follows the lyrics of the song well.
• Smooth, steady camera action makes the video professional to watch.
• Original recording used instead of licensed recording by an already famous artist.

• Forest is a commonly recycled location during production of movie trailers and music videos. Maybe use different locations throughout filming? It would provide variety to the settings used in the "Wings" music video. But also creates a dramatic atmosphere for the main perspective.
• Lip syncing is also used to make the video look professional.
• Steady camera work.
• As the actress sings, the camera mostly focuses on her face and blurs out the background, making her the primary focus of the video.
• Sticks to the subject of the lyrics, particularly using a gold ornament of a dragonfly to represent wings and flight.

What I have found regarding music videos

• Some music videos, for example Catfish and the Bottlemen's "7" are recorded as live footage from the actual recording studio itself. The accompanying album "The Ride" was recorded in Los Angeles.
• However, lip synching to the lyrics is not particularly common in this music video, instead showing footage of the band composing music for the new record, as well as editing the final album cover for "The Ride". Starting from 2:59, Robert "Sideshow Bob"/"Bob" Hall, is filmed lounging around in the outdoor swimming pool giving a salute to his surrounding band members.
• It was shot from a first-person perspective. Some music videos are filmed on handheld cameras, evoking this particular perspective as well as verisimilitude, placing the viewer "inside" the music video.
• Perspective is black and white.

Another example of a professionally-composed music video above. Robyn Sherwell - Islander, taken from her debut self-titled album Robyn Sherwell.

• Unlike the "7" music video above, there is actual lip synching as the actress portrayed above goes adventuring outside in the woodlands and recites Robyn's lyrics.
• Smooth camera action (possibly mounted on a tripod to minimise handheld usage).

3 improvements for the "Phone Call" short clip

• Use less SFX for scenes as there are unnecessary comedic laughed throughout the final moments of the phone conversation.

• Pacing of the shots have to be faster. The clip seems long-winded and may bore even the most daring film enthusiasts.

• More soundtrack music would have to be added as this provides a more entertaining approach to the clip.

Rita and Anna - the phone call (Vimeo)

Rita and Anna - The phone call from Josh Pamfilo on Vimeo.

Video initially made using iMovie (Version 10.0.9).

• Ambient effects of geese and traffic were added to show resonance of scenes. Transitions help shots flow as usual.

• Footage was shot using a Sony HXR camera without assistance of a tripod - its heavy frame helped for stability of shots, especially the establishing shot at the very beginning.

• A slight music score was added to illustrate the transition into Rita responding to the phone call from Anna. When she says "That's insane!", a suspenseful sound effect was added to illustrate suspense, implying that there was an urgent situation. Laughter was added using iMovie to create a sense of comedy, yet these sound effects are misplaced during key moments in the short film.

• The establishing shot is too lengthy to serve as an introduction. Maybe it could have been cut short in length before the video was published.

• Transitions were inserted using iMovie to capture a chronological flow of shot-by-shot scenes taking place in the same location. Shows continuity editing.

• More of a musical score would have been added to show livelihood during the short clip.