Overall Final Package - Music Promo Video, CD Digipak & Magazine Advertisement

Now that we have completed all the research and planning, and made all the suggested changes to each draft, we have finished the final draft for our overall package. Displayed below is the final draft to each aspect of our overall package. 

Music Promo Video Final Draft

CD Digipak Final Draft

CD Digipak Final Draft (Outside)

CD Digipak Final Draft (Inside)

Magazine Advertisement Final Draft

Magazine Advertisement Final Draft

Overall we are extremely pleased with our completed package. We feel the each aspect of the package, compliments each other very well, and the theme of 'chaotic, reckless teenage/young adult behaviour' is reflected and consistent throughout the music promo video, the CD digipak and  the magazine advertisement. This allows the package to look professional, but more importantly to be effective, as it would be easy to identify the CD digipak with both the music promo video and the magazine advertisement, to ensure the CD is purchased.  

Peer Feedback - Music Promo Video Final Draft

In order to see if our music promo video has been successful and is appealing to our target audience, we conducted peer feedback. To do this, we displayed the final draft of our music promo video, to our media class peers, of whom are within the age group of our target audience and asked them to write down both positive and negative feedback on post-it notes, with positive comments on the pink post-it notes and negative comments on the yellow post-it notes. The feedback which was placed on the post-it notes, is displayed in the photographs which are shown below. 

Positive Feedback Comments 

Negative Feedback Comments

From viewing the feedback, we are very pleased with the positive comments that were gained and we feel we have created a professional music video, which appealed to our target audience successfully. Our target audience felt that our video appeared very professional with a good use and variation of shot types and angles. In particular they enjoyed the use of the hand held camera, as it allowed them to view the footage as if they were seeing it from the perspective of an individual, which made the video appear more realistic, relating to them more effectively. They also liked the idea of choosing to play the footage in reverse as they felt it was rather unique, interesting and and original concept. Lastly, they also felt the video depicted a good and accurate representation of teenage life, which we were very pleased with as our main aim was to create a realistic music video, that would easily relate to the lives of our young target audience. Although in general our peers felt that the concept and idea of the video was very good, they also gave negative comments, mainly targeting the editing and audio. Many felt the length of time for some of the scenes and shots lasted too long, specifically to be paired with such a fast paced music track. However although we do agree with this statement, we had to include some shots of a longer time length, to allow the video to last the entirety of the song. Many also felt the dialogue audio which was featured, was rather quiet and hard to hear. To ensure the audio was louder, we could have re-recorded the dialogue separately, and then placed the audio over the original scenes. Many also felt that the video lacked a storyline and was very repetitive. However we intended the video to be quite chaotic, as we felt this reflected the controversial theme of the overall project and was also better suited to 

When gaining feedback from our peers within our media class, we were aware this was rather a small sample of our target audience, and may not paint a clear representation of whether our music promo video appeals to our target audience successfully. Therefore to gain a larger sample, in addition to gaining peer feedback from our media classmates, we also wanted to upload our music promo video onto the internet. To do this, we opted to chose to upload our music video to two popular social networking websites YouTube and Tumblr. 

Uploaded Music Promo Video Onto YouTube

Uploaded Music Promo Video Onto Tumblr

We chose these two particular websites, as they are extremely popular with the age group of our target audience. Therefore this would allow our music promo video to be viewed by those of our target audience age group, from a large number of people, of whom have internet access for free, allowing us to determine whether we had appealed to our target audience sufficiently. Unfortunately, as we had only recently finished the music promo video, it has not been uploaded onto either of these social websites long enough to generate a large number of responses. Therefore, we simply had to view the small number of comments the videos had gained, with many feeling we had a good use of camera angles and shot types and a unique idea, using a montage and playing the video in reverse, which we then took into account with the comments made by our class peers, for an overall feedback. 

Music Promo Video Second & Final Draft

After gaining the feedback from the first draft of our music promo video, our peers enjoyed the way we had placed the video clips together and the narrative which we had created and applied to the music video, with their only specific criticism being that there was no music soundtrack or dialogue, however we had intended to add this too the second draft of our music promo video, regardless. 

After placing all of the video clips together to create the narrative concept, we then need to alter the video to the create the final draft. To do this we simply uploaded the video into Adobe Premiere Pro and changed the video to reverse speed, to allow the video to play backwards, allowing the end of the video 'the morning after', to play at the beginning of the video. After the reversed portion of the video has finished, when then wanted the music promo video to then begin playing forward again, however this time with the dialogue audible. In order to this we then added the original video clips, with sound, of the specific part in which I, myself am persuading Nikki to come to a party. After placing all of these video clips together, we then uploaded the soundtrack 'We Are Rockstars by Does It Offend You, Yeah?' and placed the song over the top of the video clips. Furthermore, we also lowered the volume of the song on the area in which it is placed over the video clips with dialogue, ensuring the dialogue can be heard clearly by the entire audience. After completing all of the above, the final draft of our music promo video was complete, which is displayed below. 

After viewing the final draft of our music promo video, we are very pleased with the final outcome.  We are happy with the outcome of the narrative, specifically in that we were able to create the video exactly how we had intended, beginning with the morning after a party, then displaying a montage of the party with a variety of camera angles and finally ending with the beginning of the party. We are also pleased with how close we were able to create the music promo video to the initial drawn story board and shot types, which furthermore ensures we have a large variety of shot type, angles and movements included.  Although there are a few continuity errors, in the form of jolts or an accidental pause, we feel the editing and continuity overall is quite professional and completed sufficiently. Although, the quality of the camera is rather grainy and could be of a better quality, we felt it was more suitable as it reflected the careless and chaotic nature of the 'party' theme and narrative within the music promo video. Overall we feel our music promo video, portrayed our theme of 'party and chaos' very well and is very consistent with both the CD digipak and the magazine advertisement, to allow the audience to identify each aspect of our project with one another. 

Music Promo Video First Draft

For our music promo video we wanted to play the majority of the music video in reverse, with a small portion at the end playing in the correct time format. This would display the events of the party from end to the beginning in reverse, with the music in the background and then beginning to play the night from the beginning correctly, yet this time with dialogue. However before we could edit the music video into this format, we needed to combine all the separate video clips we had taken together to create the story and party montage. Below is the first draft we had created of the music video, which displays the overall story correctly, however without the dialogue or music added. 

We have placed the clips together, using the software Adobe Premiere Pro. We have placed the clips together in the correct time format, to display the story from beginning of the night to the end of the night. The story begins with my character knocking on the door of my friends house (Nikki) and persuading her to come out to have a 'quiet night out'. This night out is then displayed in a serious of clips, like a montage, that jump rapidly from one another to emphasise the chaotic nature of the events. The story then continues onto the morning after, displaying two of the band members (myself and nikki) falling out of the disused warehouse and attempting to get home by walking through a near by forest area. We are very pleased with how well the video clips seem to blend in with one another quite effortlessly, to create a better continuity and professional appearance. 

Music Promo Video Shoot Recordings

To ensure we had a good range of footage to use within our music promo video and wide variation of shot types and movements, we shot a large amount of footage for us to select from and use. Below are the initial footage clips that were produced.

Before creating our project in Adobe Premiere Pro and merging all of the footage together, in order to form the final draft of the music promo video, we first went through all of the footage we had, cutting them down to the specific clips we wanted to use.  Above are the video clips we edited, before placing them into the music video and editing the speed and audio. We were very pleased with the outcome of the video clips, as we had a very good range of shot types and movements and felt we had gathered footage that appeared very similar to the initial design of our storyboard, like we had hoped. 

Music Promo Video Props & Equipment

In order to achieve the shocking and controversial effect we are hoping for and too ensure our theme of a 'wild party' looks realistic and professional, it may be beneficial to use a large variety of props. Below is a variety of images we have collected from the website weheartit, displaying party type situations, in which we have observed to find conventional props we could use in our music promo video. 

Props Collage

After observing the variety of images we have collected and numerous music videos, we found their were many props that were present in them all. The props that were present and that we have selected to use within our music video, consist of the following:

• Water guns
• Cans of silly sting
• Food (To use within a food fight)
• Balloons
• Streamers
• Fancy dress costumes
• Cigarettes
• Alcohol (Bottles containing fake alcohol)
• Confetti
• Fake sick (Vegetable soup)

As a group we have tried to obtain many of these props, for as little money as possible by looking through our own belongings, whilst also getting into contact with family or friends. We have been successfully able to gather many of the props above, we had hoped for, which will ensure that we achieve our desired affect for our music promo video. With the use and combination of all the props above, we will be able to create and enhance the effect of an out of control and wild party. If we were to include no props within our music promo video, this could cause the video setting 'a party' to look very unrealistic and unprofessional. This could also minimise the shocking and controversial effect we are hoping to create, with emphasis from our selection of props. 

Music Promo Video Chosen Location (Original Images)

After producing the research, shown previously, for the location of our music video, we wanted to locate the majority of our music video in a derelict/disused warehouse/building and also in a wooded/forest area. However as we were worried about whether we would have to gain permission to film in an actual disused warehouse, we aimed to find a room or building which would could gain access too, that would just provided us with the appearance of a disused warehouse/building. 

Outer house/Garage Before Items Were Removed

Outer house/Garage Before Items Were Removed

Outer house/Garage Before Items Were Removed 

Outer house/Garage Before Items Were Removed

Above is an image of the location which we used for the indoor 'party' proportion of the video.  The location we used is my garage/outer house building, with all of the items seen in photograph above removed. We felt this would be appropriate, specifically as it gave a derelict appearance, with a cement floor and bare brick walls, creating the illusion of a disused building. We also felt that as the room was quite small this would play to our benefit, as with a small number of people, the footage would still appear as if the room were quite packed and busy, like an actual party. 

Disused Warehouse

Above is an image of the location we used for the morning after sequence of the party. This location is the disused warehouse we had intended on originally filming in. However as we were unable to gain access to it, we simply filmed the location from a particular angle, whilst my self and Nikki were walking away from the building, to allow it too appear as if we were leaving the warehouse and the party had taken place inside, when placed directly after the party footage. 

The image above, displays the last location we used for the music video. This location displays the tree/forest area which is situated nearby the disused warehouse location. We chose this location, as it causes the location of the party to appear as if it were in the middle of a desolate location. This location also benefits the music promo video, as it also provides a good view of the surrounding sky, displaying the sunrise, allowing the viewers to see that it is the morning after the party. 

One Of The Group Members Houses

One Of The Group Members Houses

One Of The Group Members Houses

Asides from the main locations used within the music video, we also used Nikki, one of the group members  house as the location for the beginning of the story, which can be displayed in the image above. We simply used this location for the beginning of the story, in which I myself, is persuading Nikki to come out the party. 

Music Promo Video Full Story Board & Shot Types

Before recording the footage for our music promo video, it is extremely beneficial to devise a storyboard, displaying each scene of the music promo video in order, with each particular shot type and movement we will be using for each scene. The full storyboard we have produced for our music video, with the final selection of shot types and movements, is displayed in the images below. 

Music Promo Video Full Storyboard

We have ensured to plan and sketch both the beginning and end of the music promo video fully, as they provide more of a narrative and organised order to follow. However specifically, for the middle 'party' section of the music video, we will be creating a fast paced montage of a variety of video clips. Therefore, although we have planned a few video clips we would definitely like to include in the montage as a basis, we will be taking a large number of video clips from different angles of a variety of behaviour on the day of filming. 


Producing a full story board plan, ensures as a group we are aware of what footage needs to be taken and provides a basis for how it should appear. When recording the footage, we will be aware of what personnel and props should be included in the footage and where to position the camera and how it should be moved. This will create a more orderly and organised production process, and ensure our music promo video is created how we hoped. 

Music Promo Video Location Recce

Before filming our music video, it is important that we have completed the recce questions to ensure we have taken into consideration everyone’s health, and everyone will be safe whilst taking part.

Are there any potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where your music video will take place?
As we will be filming our music promo video in outdoor areas such as a forest, wooded area and a derelict  building, there could be a number of potential hazards. Within the woods, there could be a number of tripping hazards such a  branches or rocks. Tripping hazards could also be present in the building, if there are any rocks or empty objects laying around. There could also be sharp  objects present in both areas, such as broken bottles, which could be very dangerous. 

What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised?

To ensure these risks are minimized, we will film in a small part of greenery area, which we will ensure has no broken branches or rocks lying around. However if there is, we will clear the area firstly. In the building, to minimise hazards, we will clear out the place first, not only to ensure we can move around safely but to also ensure we can get all personnel and equipment into the place or building.

Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of the music video? Have you allowed for this?
As the music video will be recorded in outdoor areas, we need to make sure the weather is clear of both rain and wind. This could interfere with the overall music promo video, the effect we are trying to achieve and the costume and make up of those will be present in the video. This could also damage the recording equipment. We would also like to record a portion of our video at dusk, this may not provide us with enough time to record the entire portion. Therefore we may also need to record that specific portion of the video over multiple days.

Have you considered lighting? What about the ‘problems’ of natural lighting, either outside, or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that might spoil the effect?
The majority of the music promo video, will be recorded in a derelict building, which has very few windows. Although we would like the video to have quite low key lighting, we still need to actors and action to be visible to the viewer, therefore we may need at least one source of lighting such as a spotlight or even simply a lamp. The portion of the video which we will be recording at dusk, will be recorded in the wooded forest area, as we may need lighting for both the area and on the camera, to help illuminate the area and ensure the scenes and characters are visible on the camera, this will require a light source which will be mobile and easy to move around and carry. 

Do you need permission to record your music video in the place/venue you have in mind?
The first proportion of the music video will be shoot in the garage of one of the group members, therefore this will only simply require the permission of her, in order to arrange a time suitable to her. We will also be recording a portion of the video in a wooded, forest area, however this is a public area and is particularly rather quiet, so we won't need permission to film or be inflicting with any members of the public. 

Are other people/crowds likely to be an issue for you? What have you done to ensure that it will not spoil the effect?
The majority of the video will be recorded indoor, therefore other then those involved in the music promo video, there will be no public crowds of people. The portion of the video however, which will be recorded outside, people walking around could become an issue. However the locations we are filming in are rather quiet therefore this may not be an issue, but if people do walk past during filming we will have to simply wait or politely ask them to move.

Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends’ equipment/models? How have you planned that these things will come together at the appointed time?
For our music video, we will be featuring a large number of people, to ensure the party atmosphere looks professional and sufficient and gain the chaotic effect we desire. Therefore we will need to get in contact with everyone and arrange a time in which everyone will be available to be in the recording.  The props we will be featuring in the music video such as water guns, belong to the members of the group, therefore we do not require permission, as they have planned in advance to bring them along to the video shoot. The equipment we will be using, the tripod and the video camera, will be borrowed from the media department at our college. Therefore we will need to get permission from our lecturer before borrowing the equipment to record and ensure other groups do not need the recording equipment at the same time, which could interfere with our recording schedule.  

Music Promo Video Location Ideas (Original Images)

Before creating our music promo video, we discussed as a group where we would possibly like to record the video. We would like to record our video in a urban locations, such as derelict buildings and forest areas. Therefore to gain some inspiration for the specific locations we will chose, we searched for locations within our local area to see what was available. Below are some photographs, displaying a variety of different urban areas which we found within our local area:

Music Promo Video Location Ideas

We have chosen an urban area, as we wanted to present a chaotic atmosphere, which will be emphasised through the use of derelict buildings and woodland locations. These type of areas, also seemed to be very popular in the music videos which we chose as inspiration and had a similar theme and music genre too ours, which would allow us to keep to the stereotypical conventions for our music video, ensuring it looks more professional and consistent of the genre. 

Music Promo Video Story Board & Shot Types - Initial Beginning Sketches

Before we can begin to record our music promo video, it is important that we plan each scene beforehand, to ensure everyone within the group and involved in the video are aware of what they are doing. Before designing the storyboard, we first wrote down a list of ideas, of the scenes we could include in the music promo video, which can be displayed below.

Music Promo Video Scene Ideas

After drafting initial ideas for our music promo video scenes. We then began to devise a storyboard, in order to see how we would set the scenes out. Below is the example storyboard we created, displaying the first 10 shots from our music promo video.

Example Music Promo Video Storyboard

This is an extract from our overall storyboard, featuring the first 10 shots of our music promo video. We have included a small description under each shot draft, featuring what is in each shot and what camera angle, movement and shot type will be used. Creating a storyboard before producing our music video is extremely helpful, as it will provide a more orderly production process and keep the group on track with what scenes need to be filmed and how, ensuring our project is completed, specifically to our final plan.

Music Promo Video Soundtrack

For our music promo video, we felt that writing and recording our own piece of music would be too complicated and time taking, for the limited time we have to produce our coursework. Therefore for our music promo video, we will using a already recorded piece of music, that is of the electronic, grime and indie rock genre, the genre of music we chose when producing our initial research. 

After listening to a variety of songs, the song we have chosen to use and to create our music promo video to is We Are Rockstars by the band Does It Offend You, Yeah?, which is displayed below. 

We chose this song, as we felt it was very in keeping with the theme we would like to portray within the music video. This consists of a teenage out of control party, therefore using a electronic indie tone we felt would be the most appropriate for that plot. Our music promo video, will also be aimed at a teenage and young adult audience and after producing target audience research we found that this genre of music today, is increasingly popular with that particular audience, which would allow us to reach and relate to our target audience in all aspects and gain the popularity we would need when promoting a music video.

Music Promo Video Initial Ideas & Synopsis

As we have produced extensive research and planned the initial ideas for all aspects of our project, including the theme, the designs for the printed aspects, the genre, the target audience, the costume and make-up, the characters and the photo shoots, we felt we had an efficient basis to create the overall plot for our music promo video.

Music Promo Video Plot Ideas

The plot or synopsis of our music promo video, will focus and revolve around a group of teenagers partying in a derelict location. However the video will begin, displaying the aftermath of a party and will be played in reverse, right back to the beginning, before the party has taken place. We liked the idea of showing the aftermath of the party first, as it evokes more curiosity from the viewer, encouraging them to want to know what events which lead up to this happening, leading them to watch the entire music promo video. Within the video, we will also be using a variety of shot types and video editing such as a zoom and motion blur, which will be used to emphasise the intoxication of the teenagers whilst drinking and various camera movements and techniques, such as fixing the camera to various people or objects to emphasise the realism of the events. The words 'We Are Rockstars' the title of the song, which we will be using, will also be shown spray painted throughout the video. 

Chosen Genre & Genre Conventions

The genre we have chosen to use for our music promo video and the band featured in the music promo video, the album digipack and the magazine advertisement is electronic/grime/indie rock, which has become very popular in recent years, particularly with the age group 16-25, our target audience. We have produced research into the typical conventions used within electronic/grime/indie rock music videos, CD album covers and magazine advertisements, which we could use in order to make our music video, CD digipak and magazine advertisement seem more professional and be consistent with the genre.

Below are examples of music promo videos, following our chosen theme of electronic/grime/indie rock:

As we can see, it is evident that a theme seems to be present in both music promo videos and is very conventional for music promo videos of our chosen genre. This theme seems to consist of a 'party type' or  'festival/gig type' scenario, which includes loud music and reckless behaviour and dancing. This is largely due to the target audience, belonging to the age group 16-25, who enjoy attending festivals and parties, therefore this will allow the bands to appeal and relate to there target audience. 

Below are examples of CD digipaks, following our chosen theme of electronic/grime/indie rock:

From the albums that are associated with electronic, grime and indie rock, that are displayed above, it is evident there are a number of conventions which are typically used. A major convention is the large use of bright and colourful text and images. This is often used, as the target audience is usually between the ages of 16-25, therefore are more attracted to the bright colours, which in turn will attract them to the albums whilst in a store. There is also a common theme of party, destruction or reckless behaviour, which is often portrayed through the use of splattered paint, graffiti or party photos. This use of imagery and themes are used to help relate effectively to the target age group, who enjoy attending parties or clubbing regularly.  On the other hand this could also apply to all those who enjoy the electronic, grime and the indie rock genres of music, who often participate in reckless behaviour at music gigs and concerts associated with these genres of music. 

Below are examples of magazine advertisements, following our chosen theme of electronic/grime/indie rock:

Much like the album covers we found, it is evident that the magazine advertisements which are associated with this genre are typically very extravagant. This often consists of conventions such as, the use of very unique fonts, bright lighting and bold and over the top colours. Again this is used to attract the attention of  the target audience, of whom are between the ages of 16-25. 

Inspirations For Music Promo Video

All the video inspirations which I have chosen below follow a consistent theme, of centring on or being related to a party, which we would particularly like to use within our music promo video. However I have chosen each video for a different specific reason, such as unique editing and camera work. 

You Me At Six - Gossip

Specifically what I liked about this video, was the choice of camera work and shots. Firstly the video appears to be shot using a fish eye lens to add a creative, artistic flair to the video. Unlike other music videos, the band members create the music video by holding the camera in front of them, themselves. This adds a sense of realism as the camera work is jerky and unsteady by moving along with them, you somewhat experience what they are experiencing. 

Travie McCoy - We'll Be Alright 

Along with the party theme, I particularly liked the editing used at the beginning of this video, which displays people getting out of a car one by one entering the party. However the scene is cut after each person, and pieced together simultaneously. Allowing it to appear as if the people are getting out in one continuous line, out the back of a small car. This technique we would particularly like to use in our music promo video.   

Hadouken - Liquid Lives

What I particularly liked about this music video was the camera work. This is created by attaching the camera to bands instruments. This creates a sense of realism, as you appear to me moving along with the band, furthermore moving along in time with the music, which increasingly emphasises the beat of the song and  makes it more catchy to the audience. I also liked the use of neon paint, particularly the lyrics to the song, which can be seen spray painted and glowing throughout the entire video, which adds a sense of continuous recognition, ensuring the audience will remember the name of the song or the band easily. 

Skins USA Reversed Trailer 

I feel this video is one of my main inspirations for my music promo video. What particularly stood out in the video was the editing. The entire video is played in reverse, beginning at the aftermath of the party playing backwards to before the party, which provokes more response from the viewer, as they are intrigued to find out what lead up to these events. This reverse effect, we would definitely like to use in our music promo video. I also like the zoom blur camera effect which is used as the teenagers are drinking, to emphasise the intoxication of the teens, by altering your vision too. 

Music Promo Video & Theme Mood Board

Music Promo Video & Theme Mood Board

Here I have created a mood board with a collection of images to use as inspiration for the music promo video and the overall theme which will be consistent throughout our three chosen products, which I will be creating with my group. These include screen captures from other music videos, with a similar theme to the one we wish to choose and images from bands and songs which I found inspiring such as You Me At Six and Paramore. My group found this to be very helpful, specifically when combined with the mood boards created by the other members of the group. The use of images, helped us to determine the choice of music genre we would like to use, the overall theme which will be present throughout the music promo video, the album digipak and the magazine advertisement and the overall plot for our music promo video.

A2 Media Coursework Brief

The brief I have selected for my A2 media coursework, which I will be producing with the members within my group is: 'A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, together with two of the following three options:  a website homepage for the band, a cover for its release as part of a digipak or a magazine advertisement for a digipak.' The three products we have chosen to produce are, the music promo video along with the an album digipak and a magazine advertisement to promote the album.