Promotional Video - Client Feedback

After sending the final draft to my client, I was pleased to receive such positive feedback. There was no mention of any alterations or improvements to be made, as Jayne was pleased with the production overall.

She has also requested for me to film and photograph a selection of future events for her brand.

Promotional Video - Evaluation

Overall I feel that each task for this unit was conducted well and achieved successfully as a result of careful planning and active engagement. I feel that initial research into my clients brand was vital, as it allowed me to develop some ideas in terms of what I wanted to create visually and conceptually. I looked into her work by visiting her official website and social media pages; this helped by giving me some grounds to go by in terms of her aesthetic and visual style, so that I could incorporate it into my own work.

Doing this also allowed me to develop an idea of what type of background music I wanted to use. I contacted a producer and sent a few existing compositions along with a visual mood board as inspiration for them to work from. By doing this, I was able to find a corresponding piece of music for my work, whilst avoiding the risk of using any copyright audio material.

By conducting research prior to starting the project, I was able to have a rough idea of how long I wanted the video to be. This made the editing process easier; by focusing on what to include within a particular length of time, I was able to cut down the interview section and various other shots, to create a concise yet succinct final piece, just enough to present all the relevant information about my client's work.

I made sure to get as involved as possible in my clients work. I attended fashion shows/photo shoots and arranged to film my client in her workspace, so that I could capture the craftsmanship as well as the glamour that surrounds her final pieces. By filming a variety of footage in various locations, I was able to create a diverse montage, which showcased the best of my clients work.

Ideally, I would have liked to capture more of the craftsmanship involve in my clients work, however due to a lack of time, I was unable to do so. In essence, I feel that more of shots of Jayne in her working environment would have added to the authenticity of the overall piece and added a sense of balance between the hands on work and the final pieces displayed in the fashion shows and photo shoots.

The main obstacle that I faced, was in trying to arrange time to record interviews with my client. Her work schedule was relatively full, therefore it became a problem finding a day where she was able to let me film her in her workspace. However, this was overcome and the interview with Jayne, provided a deeper insight to her work, tying together the video overall.

In terms of editing, I found that it was easier to edit once I had the audio to work with. In this instance, the rhythmic style editing complimented the content of the video, whilst also keeping an upbeat flow to engage the viewers attention. Other elements that I had to consider during the editing process were the levels of both the music and interview; it is vital that my clients interview was clearly audible over the backing track, so that I could attain the ultimate purpose of the video, which was to promote her work. In response to the final draft that I had sent to my client, she had directed me to alter the levels of the audio tracks so that her interview was more audible.

I found that organising my videos into folders made the editing process much easier, as I was able to select the footage that I needed in order to correspond with what my client was discussing during the interview.

Promotional Video - Client Feedback & Draft Questionnaire

I have been in constant contact with my client, discussing improvements and amendments to the video. I sent an initial draft edit, so that my client was able to get an idea of what direction the video was taking in term of content and aesthetic.

In addition to this, I have constructed a draft online survey as a quick and easy method of collecting feedback from my client for the finished product. I chose to include questions that were relevant and beneficial to the area of work, including a series of multiple choice questions and some with a more open format.

Promotional Video - Interview Prep

In preparation for an interview with my client, I have been watching various promotional videos that incorporate interviews to gain inspiration and get an idea of the types of questions I could ask and how I want the shots to look visually. 

The type of questions I intend to ask include, how long my client has been running her independent business and what inspired her to do so. I feel that such questions will evoke answers that not only give an insight into her expertise, but also adds a personal element, showcasing her carefully crafted talent and skill.

In addition to this, I would like to overlay the spoken dialogue with shots of her working, showing her final pieces and elements of the planning process. I feel that this will tie together all of the other footage, in a cohesive and visually diverse manner.

Promotional Video - Initial Draft

For the initial draft, I have edited together all the footage captured from two fashion shows and collated it into a montage sequence. From this, I feel that an interview is necessary in order to give the viewer a clearer idea of what the video is promoting. Hence, I intend to have shots of my client talking about their business and their products, this will be complimented with shots of them working on headpieces in their office as well as the catwalks. The spoken dialogue will help to provide an explanation and insight, into the work of my client. In addition, it will create a dynamic variation in a visual sense, bringing the viewers awareness back to the client, engaging them in the essence of the video, which is her work.

As there was a lot of footage to edit into the sequence, I was sure to arrange everything into relevant folders, making the overall process much easier and more convenient. This also allowed me to combine various videos into one coherent sequence, in which I was able to show a vast variety of my clients work.

Promotional Video - Sound Production

As of the commercial nature of the video, using music that is subject to copyright, may present numerous implications. I ensured I got my client's opinion in regards to what style of music would work best with the video. Not only do I want a composition that fits as an enhancing piece of background audio, however I want it to reflect the brand identity and compliment the visual pace.

I have contacted various music producers, so that I can incorporate a piece of background music without violating any rights. I sent them a visual mood board along with a selection of existing tracks as inspiration, so that they can get an idea of visual and aural style.

Already this project has allowed me to experience what is involved when working to a professional standard. By contacting various clients I have been able to develop my time management and communication skills, providing an organised and professional standard of work to my chosen client.

Promotional Video - Planning and Client Feedback

I have been in touch with my client, discussing the planning process for the final video. Maintaining such a level of communication is vital during the preproduction stages, as it has allowed me to manage my time efficiently. By getting a clear understanding of what my client requires in their video, I have restricted any time being wasted on planning sequences that would be of no commercial value to my client. The shot list that I had composed was an organised way of presenting my ideas to the client, which reinforces the benefit of planning each stage with care and attention to relevant details. In addition, constructing a gantt chart allowed me to show the client a guideline schedule, which we must attempt to adhere to as much as possible.

The client seems inclined to allow me predominant control over the direction of the video, particularly in terms of structure. However she has directed me on the visual style of the video, so that we can fully express the brand identity. We have planned to include a selection of still images, in the video sequence so that my clients work can be presented in a diversely appealing manner. In addition to this, I intend to edit the videos, in accordance to the audio, keeping a consistent pace to the visual and aural elements of the sequence.

I have been requested to attend a fashion show, as well as a photo shoot in which my clients work will be displayed. As of the nature of both events, there will be photographers and cameramen present throughout, meaning that those present will be aware of the possibility of being filmed/photographed. However, I have ensured that those who are working 'behind the scenes'; such as hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers and designers - my client included - have signed a release form so that I officially have their written consent and permission to be filmed.

In addition to this, I have decided to capture a variety of shots that display my clients craftsmanship, showing the work that goes into making each piece. This way, there will be a contrast between the glamour of the catwalks/photo shoots and the manual work that is behind the final products. To tie it all together I intend to have interview sections, in which my client explains various elements of her work, such as what is involved in the process of making her headpieces, how long she has been working in this field and the various projects that she has been involved in.

Promotional Video - Planning

Gantt Chart

Promotional Video - Analysis of Codes & Conventions

Promotional Video - Planning

Shot List/Edit Decision List - Initial Draft

Promotional Video - Planning

Visual Mood Board 

I have decided to include shots similar to those featured above as they not only show what is involved in my clients area of work, they also have a specific visual aesthetic that present her brand identity.
A majority of images that I have included in the mood board above, showcase the work of Jayne Elizabeth Millinery, which I have included in order to stay as authentic to her work style as possible.

Promotional Video - Planning

Prior to contacting my client, I was sure to conduct some research into their brand, in order to develop an understanding of their work, so that I could begin some rough planning in terms of concept and visual style.

I contacted an independent designer, who specialises in millinery and have decided upon an initial structure for the video. In this case, I feel that a narrative based sequence would not be so relevant, hence I plan to incorporate an interview set up along with shots of my client at work. In addition to this, I have arranged to attend various events that display the clients work, such as photoshoots, fashion shows and clientele interaction.

Before shooting, I would need to make sure that release forms are signed by those who are involved in the video. Moreover, the fact that I will be shooting in various locations means that I will have to consider all aspects of health and safety, in order to minimise the possibility of harm to anyone involved, or damage to any equipment.

In particular, I will need to consider how I will be travelling to these locations with all the required equipment, without causing damage. I will also have to be prepared for any potential unforeseen happenings, which could interrupt the shooting/editing process.

As this video will feature on the clients official website and their company youtube channel, the target audience will particularly consist of those interested in the fashion element or the products themselves. It could also work well to induce collaborative work with other professionals in similar creative fields. 

As a result, I will have to consider the visual style of the video, as it is vital that it reflects the work authentically, as well as having a strong aesthetic appeal in order to enhance the fashion aspect. I plan to include images of the clients work that has been featured in magazine's and other forms of media, to showcase the versatility of their bespoke creations.

The ultimate aim is to engage the viewers interest in the products themselves and the work that my client does. By inclining their interest, they would be more likely to make contact with the designer, allowing the business to gain positive recognition and prosper as a result. In order to ensure that this happens, it is paramount that I include my clients logo and contact details, with links to their professional website/social media pages.