Planning - Reflection on moderator's report

Brief 4: Music video and online

Requirements of the brief

You work for an independent media production company. You have been given the task of producing a three-minute music video for a popular music ballad* by a fictional band/artist signed to Warner Music Group and two pages for the working website for the band/artist.

Target audience: A primarily 16-25 year old middle and up market audience of style-conscious people.

Planning - Reflection on moderator's report

For music videos:

Effective:

- considered implications of rhythm, pace and lyrical content

- location is important

- clear planning and construction between the narrative and performance 

- well preformed lip-syncing

- variety of costume changes and settings and a wide variety of shot distances, framing and camera movement

- synced editing to the beat of the music

- good use of camera work

Ineffective:

- no effective use of media language 

- majority of footage from holidays, nights out or martial shot at musical festivals

- out of sync lip-syncing and musical instruments

- 'shoehorned' representations of social groups at the end of the video

- very little variety of shots used, eg. in classroom or bedroom

- didn't meet codes and conventions of the form

- repetition shots - didn't demonstrate a breadth of skill

- lack of a clear through-line 

- no real performance element

- no titles

- no logo

- inclusion of vaping, smoking and drinking alcohol - not appropriate 

- performer didn't match the voice

- didn't direct viewers to website - no digital convergence 

This research was conducted from the Summer 2023 Moderators Report 

Previous Videos I Have Made

Previous Videos I Have Made

A huge deciding factor when choosing my NEA brief was what brief I was more passionate about.

I have always had a very strong passion for film and video editing, so much so, I have a Sony ZV-1 camera and edit on Final Cut Pro.

London Trip Video

Here is a video I made about a trip up to London.

This gave me greater confidence filming in public and busy spaces, and encouraged me to keep any eye out for aesthetic shots to film.

I filmed this video on my Sony ZV-1 and edited it on Final Cut Pro.

Christmas 'Advert'

Inspired by the John Lewis Christmas Adverts I decided to film my own 'advert' about me and my dog, Willow.

This was a really fun project to take on, and my first video that followed a progressive narrative.

Like all of my videos I have made, all filming and editing was done by me.

I filmed this video on my Sony ZV-1 and edited it on Final Cut Pro.

Italy Vlog

I filmed this vlog over the course of 2 days when I was on holiday in Italy in the summer. 

The video features the Gucci Museum, the Florence food market, going out for dinner, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a road trip to Cinque Terre and dinner again. 

This vlog encouraged me to (alike the London Trip Video) stay inspired throughout the days of filming and what I should and shouldn't film.

I also experienced with Final Cut Pro's transitions and text to add another exciting element to my video.

I also synced the song to the beat drop of arriving at Cinque Terre and then edited the song to be longer to cover the whole videos length.

Since the London video, I think it is also clear my improved confidence of filming in public too!

One of my favourite videos I have made to date!

I filmed this video on my Sony ZV-1 and edited it on Final Cut Pro.

Outerbanks-Inspired Video About Me

Inspired by the popular Netflix series, Outerbanks, I created a video similar to the way the Outerbanks characters are introduced at the beginning of the series (see below)...

Original Outerbanks Video

When each character is introduced in the series, there is a freeze-frame and then their name 'written' next to them - so I made sure that my video had this iconic feature too.

To make my sound, sound like John B (the man who is speaking in the original video), I used an AI impression instillation to add to the realism and authenticity of my video.

For the backing song, I chose the song 'Up Up' by Sandollar - the song also features in Season 1 of Outerbanks, so I thought it was a good intertextual reference for those who have already watched the series.

I also had to make sure my video matched up with the sound, and also layered photos onto of my videos to add even more personalisation.

I used a variety of clips shot by my Sony ZV-1, Sony Lens G, and iPhone and edited this on multiple platforms of multiple sections of my video but primarily Final Cut Pro.

With the skills that I have obtained from these videos and others I have made, I am feeling confident about my Music Video and looking forward to putting these skills into practice again.

I am also excited to learn new editing skills, eg. new transitions etc!

Deciding on my NEA

Deciding on my NEA

Either Music Video and online OR Magazine and online

Pros of doing a Music Video and Online:

- more interactive to shoot 

- really enjoy editing so would be a fun editing process

- have a vlogging camera, so good to shoot videos on

- arguably more creative as its a video not a photo

- different challenge to gcse

Cons of doing a Music Video and Online:

- slow, sad songs an have a tendency to be boring

- harder to 'act' and reliant on sad emotions to 'sell' the video - pressure on the 'models'

- will be filmed in the summer and conventionally pop Ballards are in black and white, raining etc.

- harder to amend if I need to re-shoot etc.

- more organising and long filming days etc - also if outside its very weather dependent

Pros of doing a Magazine and Online:

- highly interested in Conde Nast and going to Vogue Summer School in NYC - a great place to take pictures and feel inspired

- very interested in fashion, potentially more passionate when making

- made a magazine for GCSE so have experience in shooting, text etc

- I assume my friend would be more willing to take pictures for a magazine rather than be filmed for a music video 

- good experience if I want to work in marketing to learn how to 'sell' my magazine 

Cons of doing a Magazine and Online:

- not very good at photoshop (used Canva for GCSE)

- always thought I would do a music video, so less passionate to do a magazine but... the brief is something I am very passionate about!

- less exiciting to shoot... maybe?

Final Decision

I've decided that I am going to do the music video and online brief for my NEA.

This is because I am very passionate about directing, filming, and video editing and feel prepared to take on a new challenge, different from my GCSE NEA (where I did a Magazine).

I think this brief will highlight the importance of organisation, not only providing a necessary skill for Media A-Level, but also for life.

 

Music Video Timeline

 

GCSE NEA

 

Triangle of Macro and Micro

Glossier Beauty Advert Pitch

 

Media Glossier Advert Plan

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“Less is more, but always Glossier”

 

“Less is more” 

Plays into Glossier’s minimalistic approach to beauty. 

Their products are known for enhancing beauty, not covering it up. 

Suggests you don’t need a lot of makeup to look and feel good – just a few high-quality essentials.

 

“But always Glossier”

Adds a twist, reinforcing that even with minimalism, Glossier always brings something extra – a touch of luxury, uniqueness and empowerment.

Implies Glossier offers more than just makeup – it’s about personal beauty experience with products that are thoughtfully designed and elevate your routine. 

Tagline appeals to Glossier’s target audience who appreciate simple, effortless beauty but still want to feel special and connected to a woman-owned, empowering brand.

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Concept:

Highlight the clean, minimalist design of Glossier products while emphasizing the luxury of simplicity. 

Focus on the product packaging and how it is both practical and stylish.

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Emphasises…

The brands core identity of ‘skin first, makeup second’.

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Campaign 

“The Power of You”

Focuses on personal empowerment and emphasizes that every person’s beauty routine is unique and Glossiers products are designed to enhance your individual style, powered by a woman-led brand.

Key message

Glossier isn’t just makeup – it’s about feeling empowered, confident and beautiful in your own skin. The simplicity of the products allows your true self to shine through, with the added touch of feminine strength behind every product.

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Hashtag

#GlowWithGlossier

 

Meaning

“Glow” conveys natural radiance that Glossiers products help to create. 

“WithGlossier” ties it directly to the brand.

Hashtag encourages people to share how they used Glossier products to embrace their individuality and “Glow” in their own way.

 

Engagement

Encourages users to share their personal beauty routines using Glossier products.

They could post selfies, flat-lay shots, or short videos that highlight how Glossier helps them feel empowered in their everyday life.