Starting The Editing Process

Whilst I wait to complete filming by finishing the final narrative sequence, I have begun to start importing and editing my film. I am using Final Cut Pro X to do this, and am currently working on editing the length of each shot using the blade tool. I have also used my storyboards to piece together a sequence, although I will review this with the additional footage I intend to take, and to ensure the narrative of the story really shines through, but does not dominate the video given that it is a hybrid of performance and narrative. 

The above image in an example of some of the editing that I have done thus far. As can be seen from the screenshot I have used a variety of angles and shots when filming, the image above shows a head and shoulders shot, I have also included in my video panning, zoom sequences, experimentation with focus and side angles to conform to the generic conventions of a music video. I have included in the video so far the main piece of performance filming that I did, whereby I played the song for my actor whilst he played the organ, and I shot the whole sequence in one long shot, much in the style of say Sia's 'Chandelier'. I then did additional filming from various angles, and using different shots and will cut the long sequence, to incorporate these more interesting shots.

I will be experimenting with a number of different looks and techniques in my attempt to create the most professional looking music video that I can. The above image is an example of a transitional shot that I took, when filming i realised that I may need certain shots to acts as a bridge between the narrative and performance elements of my video. Therefore, I have certain shots like this which is of the fairy lights I decorated the set with, and the lights are purposefully out of focus which I feel to be quite effective. Similarly, I have taken a shot of the sun setting on location of the performance of my video, and a shot of a candle/ fairy lights which I may or may not use.

The final image depicts the narrative element of my video. I was particularly pleased with this image as this close up was lit beautifully from behind by the setting sun, and I feel that it adds to the romance of the sequence. Equally, the close up and extreme close up that I shot here matches with those that I took of my artist during the filming of the performance element of my video, and I feel that this cross generational mirroring will be very effective when edited. I intend to layer certain narrative shots over the top of my performance section, and experiment with black and white filters potentially, to give the video a nostalgic feel. 

Lastly, the above video is a screen recording of the work that I have been doing so far on Final Cut Pro, please feel free to have a look!