Artist Test Footage - Projections

I have re-filmed the artist footage using a completely new setting and actor. Before this, I had planned to use another, more conventional-looking actor playing a keyboard in an open field. However, when it came to filming it, the footage came out quite dull and the actor did not look comfortable for such an optimistic song. This time I have used a less conventional-looking actor, which is a bit of a risk. However, this actor seemed a lot more comfortable and made more of an effort to look optimistic. The setting is within a blacked-out room with a projection of a rocket launch in the background. This is a very dramatic turn from the open field. Although it doesn't go with my idea of a picturesque style, I think that to link the narrative back to the rocket launch and the artist would be a wise choice to allow more chance for marketing the song within the video.

In this footage I have used a classmate to test the lighting upon a person in the setting I have chosen. I have played around with different angles, projections and lighting to get an idea on how to film the actual artist shots.


Artist Test Footage from Holly Jones on Vimeo.

What have I learnt?

• Using the spotlight in most circumstances works effectively, however, there is a shadow in the background which I feel shatters the projection of the rocket launch and the overall effect of the shot.
• The spotlight also deflects the attention away from the projection and focuses on the artist, which is alright, mostly. However, it would be better if there was an equality of focus because the rocket launch plays an important part in the narrative.
• I'll have to be very careful about how I angle the shots for the real artist footage so as not to shatter the illusion of simplicity (the artist and the projection). This needs cutting out any unwanted background such as curtain or lights.