2. What have you learnt from participating in each prelim tasks 1, 2, 3 and 5?

Task 1: Audition Video

• We filmed and edited a 3-minute lip-synch of Misery Business after having learnt the lyrics and picked up on character's movements in the original video. This was used by the staff team to cast the remake video.

I learnt a lot during this task as it was the first time I had filmed a lip-synch. We took several takes of the song from different angles so we would have more choice of shots to edit. I learnt how to sync our movements and singing to the music during editing, so that the lip-synch would look as plausible as possible. We had a limited time to complete this task so we had to make sure that we didn't waste time and had at least one shot for each part of the song.

Task 2: Learning and practising our performance

• I learnt the importance of using body language and actions to perform as the character rather than relying on lip-synching.
• Getting into character beforehand and practising the movements of the bassist was also useful.
• Practising with the other band members was helpful as the performance became more energetic and enthusiastic when we all performed and interacted. 
• It was important to warm up before filming. 
• There were no specific actions for the guitarists - we had to try and get into character and be enthusiastic in our roles.

Warming up before performing:

Rehearsal of all 3 bands:

Task 3: Helping to plan and organise our costume

We had costume references for each band member - which required black and bright coloured clothes that were as similar as possible to those in the original video. Each of us brought in clothing that would be appropriate for any band member and we were responsible for making sure that our costumes and make-up were ready in time for the final costume check.
We noticed that the hair, make-up and accessories were also important as they made the video appear more realistic and creative.

The make-up artists made Hayley's character as similar as possible to the original video:

Bassist character profile and costume references:

My costume

Task 4: The Shoot

Our shoot was the most tiring task for the remake as it lasted from 8am to 8pm, however, I learnt a lot from it -

• Sticking to the shoot schedule is important in order to film all the set ups and takes.
• It's more effective to film different camera techniques (some shots were hand-held while others required the dolly and track).
• While other groups are performing, the rest of the cast should be helping the team, getting themselves ready or practising for their performance.
• The roles of the director and first AD during the shoot. 

Task 5: The Edit

The editing stage was the most time-consuming as it required us to choose the best takes, sync each set up to the original music, add in effects such as flashes and grade the shots individually. I became more confident in my editing skills although it was very different from editing our film opening. We spent all of our free periods and time after school on this task, and from editing our footage I learnt -

• How to sync set ups correctly to the original music track.
• Shots in music videos do not have to follow the continuity rules that films follow.
• It is necessary to pay attention to details such as framing, width of the shot and grading.
• The importance of managing time and sticking to the edit schedule.

Before/after grading