Monday, 21 September 2009

Picture Demonstration (done on Photoshop)


Similar Artists:

The Bloody Beetroots - Cornelius


Steve Aoki - Warp


Simian Mobile Disco - Synthesise


L-Vis 1990 - United Groove


Takkyu Ishino - Anna Letmein Letmeout

Reply From Sean Holland 2

actually, secong though

fukkk offf main mix is best



Sean Holland
www.cocomachete.com

Reply Back From Sean Holland 1

Hi,
I like the Markus Lange mix best for a video if you can as it's the most commercial remix...very pop
I am on facebook & twitter but e.mail is best for day to day...only use those for promotions really
looking forard to whatcha got
very cool

Sunday, 20 September 2009

My Reply Back to Sean Holland

Excellent, the Dub Remix sounds the most suiting, beat-wise that is, allowing a nice rhythm and pace to cut to.. Earlier I was wondering if there is any trivia or corporate visual identity that you want featured in the video? I have a storyboard in the works right now and i'll email a pic as soon as possible ( : By the way, are you on Twitter or Facebook? It could be a good way of keeping updated with progress. Hayden

Another Reply from Sean Holland at Coco Machete

Hi,
I can manage most of everything here...let me know what you need
I would use More Than Friends, the Markus Lange Mix
here you go

The Track I'm Going to use for my Video

FUKKK OFFF - Captain Funk (remix)
Label: Coco Machete

Saturday, 19 September 2009

Video Backgrounds Sources - to be Ripped by Keepvid.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Yp_2noZPjg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrGcd6PN7EE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOi0xA9GvX8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK6j-enEHZo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gib2i3_KW5Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzvRohPRR-8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLQF-4uyD4Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-n1sDRsgas

Working With Overlaid Footage


These videos are from M.I.A's video artist, Daniel Swan - he has a thing for hunting down beautiful videos of youtube and the combining them:

He also applies video effects, or homemade overlays:


My favourite film by him is this one, called, Travelling:


He simply keys out luma or chroma (light + colour) then places it on top of another piece of footage.
I liked the Travelling one as it has this whole 3D small world thing going on which I'm interested in emulating.
In this video, he utilizes explosions instead of strobing for M.I.A's stage video feed:

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Motion Keying Tests

These were done in AE, using combinations of color keying, luma keying, color extraction and color range..

Test Warping - Only person, not background... from Hayden Martin on Vimeo.


In the next video, I'd refined the way I do it a little:

Test Warping - Only person, not background... 2 from Hayden Martin on Vimeo.


"Mokey" is a piece of software that removes motion from it's original background and then places it into it's own layer for tampering or re-insertion into something else.
Price : £1,996.77

Another is "The Foundry"s Toolset - one of the plug-ins is called "Furnace" and is very similar to the above.
Price: £300

Demonstration-wise, Mokey looks superior. But to a poor, amateur film maker like me, Furnace looks like a miracle.

Monday, 14 September 2009

Motion Tracking


I think they must've used a static shot with zero movement right before motion came in, this way they'd have the same background but be able to key the motion and edit it - allowing the actors to warp but still strangely walk in and sit in their seats...


also, these links are exactly what I'm looking for:


http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/pkg_overview.aspx?ui=FA1927C8-65AB-4463-8997-4F10921B66DA


http://www.mokey.com/products/mokey/

Only problem is they cost a hell of a lot of money... File sharing anyone?


Sunday, 13 September 2009

My Reply Back to Cocomachete

Hiya

Yeah, bit confused by the email - "How about Fukkk Offf" hahaha!
But yes that sounds great, was really hoping Bastian would be up for that..
If you get him to email me as soon as possible I'll get started. Here's a list of the kinds of equipment at my disposal:

Semi-Pro Sony HDR-FX1 HD Cam - This is used a lot by many film makers, versatile and a great spec.

Tripods (with/w.out wheels)

Photography lighting equipment

Semi-Pro Nikon Cameras - Good for Photography (stills/backdrops etc.)

The Junction music venue's open space - it has plenty of room for blue-screen and lighting
http://www.junction.co.uk/

You can check out some of these links for an insight into my current thoughts for this projects aesthetics:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmRNVidcMTd1_REEwxV80e9D-BlNHu6vm3YQ2xSspv9JAkUAgtY4gCxT50xCemyMKhbYoElw89FrJfI6AacKokkiIF2GiG7DA9ihjXnRkaByCfg89UzIEc6402ElpOMBg6tUc9jE5Z7k6/s1600-h/Image0002.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk8qcGOtBFw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3ODe9mqoDE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwWWkgx2Stc

Thanks very much, I'll keep you updated on my thoughts for the video

Email Reply from Cocomachete (Fukkk Offf IS actually an artist lol)


Hi,
how about Fukkk Offf ?/ good artist for that ?
Sean Holland
www.cocomachete.com

Idea 1: SPORT (Inspired by New Power Studio + Christopher Shannon)

After watching a promo video for the upcoming clothing sportswear company, New Power Studio, I have been thinking very much about Olympic and F1 themes for a video (in terms of aesthetics that is).


As well as this I also looked at Christopher Shannon's new clothing line, based heavily on a combination of early 90's and circa millenium sport/luxury clothing designs - his whole imagery is very synthetic and ironically chavvy, but in a very beautiful way.


The Animatrix episode "World Record" has played a huge inspiration too - I loved it's slow motion and cel-shaded appearance, bringing out every sinew, muscle and contortion of the athletes.

Thursday, 10 September 2009

Artist's I'd Most Like to do a Video for

Major Lazer


L-VIS 1990


Bonde de Role


The Proxy


Busy P


Bobmo


The Bloody Beetroots


Fischerspooner


Shadow Dancer


Mixhell

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

My Thoughts



Click for more detail

Another Ispiration



Surprisingly very easy to do - especially the highlights around people...

Idea for Filming

The technology for atomic level invisibility might be closer than you’d think! Russian professor Oleg Gadomsky has patented a new method of optical camouflage. The professor, versed in both quantum and optical electronics, uses gold nanoparticles arranged in a stratum that cloaks the image of an object to the other side of the stratum.

Gadomsky’s technology is completely different than existing methods of optical camouflage that exist today. In 2003, the TACHI laboratory of the University of Tokyo demonstrated an “invisibility cloak” — which was actually no more than a projection of the image behind the cloak projected back onto the cloak. Gadomsky plans to actually disrupt the radiation in such a manner to “bend” light around the stealthed object behind the nanoparticle wall.

Inspirations:







Analysis of Romain Gavras' Directing of Music Videos as well as their Effect

Romain Gavras is 27 year old French film director who began rising to fame in the early 2000’s. He started making Video8 films at age 14 using his family's two VCRs as an editing deck.

He is a co-founder of Kourtrajmé, an elite graphic and filmmaking group that utilize hip-hop culture and disciplines in often socially conscious documentaries, short films and music videos.

His music videos for artists like Simian Mobile Disco, and DJ Mehdi show a taste for aggression and loneliness, industrial landscapes and burdened personas.
The film that propelled him out most, was his most recent music video for Justice’s “Stress” – a very Clockwork Orange-esque piece of work, although personally it’s themes reminded me more of Mathieu Kassovitz’s La Haine (who himself is involved in Kourtrajmé), revolving mainly around the lifestyles of Morrocan-Parisian hoodlums living on the outskirts or “banlieues” of Paris. It was gritty, violent and very shocking which when mixed with it’s mindlessness created a large stir of controversy, similar to Prodigy’s “Smack my Bitch up” video.


Dj Mehdi
“Signatune”

Directed by Romain Gavras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sbTmLvL7fQ

This video was directed by Gavras in 2007 fore the electronica/hip hop artist, DJ Mehdi. It has a shallow and naïve approach making it seem immature in it’s design but when analysed it seems far deeper. It takes on the seemingly typical Kourtrajmé motto of simplistic comedy blended into humourless sincerity – demonstrating the French, working class youth’s idea of fun and respect.
The story (if there is much of one) appears to be about a late teenage boy in France going to an unofficial street racer gathering, were everyone there shows of his/her tuned up cars in order to gain respect from their peers as well as outsiders. He turns up meeting his friends but is quickly threatened by a rival. They challenge each other to a duel, whereby they have to see who can pass 150db with their sound-system. The boy reigns triumphant, claiming his respect and putting his rival to shame, returning home happy knowing he’s the best. You could call this a feel-good music video, but it’s bleakness makes it a gaze into reality.


Simian Mobile Disco
“I Beleive”

Directed by Romain Gavras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwnhICmxzcw

This intriguing video is shot in a manner reminiscent of Grant Wood’s famous American Gothic painting in the sense of the camera’s very “full on” approach to characters featured. It rarely pans or tilts to emote or even connote, instead it zooms – sometimes giving it an even more effective feel, making these characters seem even more two-dimensional, adding to it’s blunt and very realistic “Gavras” approach. Typical rapid cuts and motion common in music videos don’t exist as much in this – it is pretty much all filmed in slow-motion, although when the camera tracks across the place or zooms it happens in a more real time, adding an interesting time dynamic which makes you realize the camera in real life must have been moving fairly fast. This effect was interesting to ponder over during the video as the concept of speed put into slow motion was reminiscent of, The Matrix’s use of “bullet time” or overcranking/time stretching.


Justice
“Stress”

Directed by Romain Gavras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9NvJfwF9bI

The projects or “banlieues” of Paris are mainly on it’s outskirts – their crime rates are sky-high and currently being kept there by the practically feral youths who reside there. In this video, Gavras has captured the chaotic craziness of these kids in a documentary-esque short film set throughout a day in their lives. It’s kinetic feel propelling it along is all bought across by Gavras’ ways with the camera – the handheld edge, the choppy zooms and the compact framing (reminiscent of Kourtrajmé’s signature fisheye usage). I feel his editing skills are pretty present here too – he has a great gift were he seems to be able visualise sounds, appropriately using the perfect imagery and cuts for the track, making and even more enjoyable (although terrifying) experience. I presume like many music video directors, he probably composed a timeline where spikes and plateaus in the song’s intensity were highlighted for a harmonically fitting piece of footage to go alongside them.
I feel Gavras chose a mindless and impromptu plot as it’s open ends could allow for many variables in the attempts of imagining a story – I personally feel as though it could be moralistic in some way, maybe to do with boredom creating inner-turmoil that is expelled by releasing it on the world. A common problem with unimaginative or run down estates/parts of town.


The Last Shadow Puppets
“The Age of the Understatement”

Directed by Romain Gavras
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGV8xCkpXjEThe video

“The Age of the Understatement” was shot in Moscow and features Alex Turner and Miles Kane walking through the Russian capital. This one stands out a lot for me – even though Gavras has taken a step away from electronica and hip-hop to work on this alternative rock song – the influences still remain, in camera work, editing and theme.
I noticed Gavras’ political input that he’s often known for as soon as the tanks appeared in what looks like some sort of Russian tundra. He captures the mood of some sort of Post-revolt dystopia as if it’s some kind of recollection of the soviet era. I realized similarities in the shot styling where Gavras’ “American Gothic” framed zooms on characters were used, similar to “I Believe” and “Signatune”. It is again similar with his pleasantly placed slow motion use.
Gavras’ hip-hop roots show through when the low angle footage of what appears to be a low riding limo passes by, illuminated by neon casino signs – it’s very bling, somehow like a gansta rap video or even the mock OTT style of Ali G: In da House’s introductory scene.

The sweeping shots of Moscow’s snow covered square, towering iconic onion-domed Russian architecture, ice-rinks, Orthodox priests and a rousing chorus of Russian soldiers all somehow gives yet another spontaneous music video without much of a foundation, seemingly revolving more around aesthetics just like most of Gavras’ other videos but yet again, one way or another a moralistic message can be interpreted.

Goodwin's 6 Points

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics
(e.g. stage performance in metal video, dance routine for boy/girl band).

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style).

5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, telescopes, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

6. There is often intertextual reference (to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc).

Music Video Experience

A Cambridge Summer Montage from Hayden Martin on Vimeo.



Underage Drinking Documentary Montage from Hayden Martin on Vimeo.



The Creative Media Course Advert from Hayden Martin on Vimeo.

Email Sent to all Labels Below:

Hi, my name is Hayden Martin, I'm currently taking a new film-making course at Long Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge. Recently we've been assigned the task of each individually creating a music promo for an artist/label of our choice.

I'm sure you'll be glad to know that you (and a few others) came to my mind first, being a huge fan of the current electronic music scene and knowing how successful you've been!

I'm personally very developed in cinematography and editing with digital cameras and would love to apply these skills to produce a promo for any act you may have who are up for a music video.
I currently haven't got a fully completed and up-to-date show-reel but here is an example on Youtube (you'll have to excuse the picture, effects and cutting quality as it was early on in learning to use the software and there were many time constraints):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09QWsJ3FJZY

This project was my first experiment with SFX and shows quite a few shortfalls. Now though, I have far more experience, often experimenting and further advancing.

Examples of my music cutting skills can be found at Vimeo, which I'll constantly update:

http://www.vimeo.com/6484142
http://www.vimeo.com/6484091
http://www.vimeo.com/6484000

Ideally I'd love to make a music video for any on of your lesser known bands to popularize them - funding wouldn't be necessary, only a brief or a source of inspiration from the band.
If anybody you know is interested do please get back to me or send contact details as I need to have this video completed in November.


Thanks very much and hope to speak soon


Add me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/hayden.martin1?ref=profile

Call me:
M. 07817281488
H. 07974901263

Labels With Bands I'd Like to do a Video for:

Mad Decent - Major Lazer, Diplo, L-vis 1990
Domino Records - Sinden, Tricky, Bonde de Role
Turbo Recordings - Tiga, Proxy, D.I.M
Ed Banger Records - Uffie, DJ Mehdi, Busy P
Institubes - Surkin, Bobmo, Das Glow
Dim Mak - Bloody Beetroots, Steve Aoki, Armand van Halen
Kitsune - Digitalism, Fischerspooner, A-Track
BNR Records - Boys Noize, Shadow Dancer, Djejotronic
New Judas - Mixhell, Houratron, Downtown
Cocomachete - Fukkk Offf, Azzido da Bass, Disco Doom