1.1. Previous students work can inform you of what's good and what's bad.
1.2. Don't use songs which are well known.
1.3. Don't use effects too much or use them to disguise poor footage.
1.4. Avoid aimless driving shots and use of drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.
1.5. Don't use shots of people walking, sped up footage or reverse footage as often.
1.6. Use your own footage unless there is a valid reason.
1.7. Don't use over the top story-lines.
2. 6) Planning and shooting:
2.1. Timing is really important.
2.2. Use your deadlines and time restrictions to focus your thinking and working practices.
2.3. Create storyboards as much as possible.
2.4. Plan ahead and use props, costumes and locations.
2.5. Make sure you know the basic controls of a camera and that you have a tripod.
2.6. Don't forget to bring the CD if one is needed for the song.
2.7. Check your footage early on.
3. 7) Editing:
3.1. Be sensible about loading footage, load and edit in parts rather than importing everything in one go.
3.2. Name files so they are easily located.
3.3. Use effects sparingly and in suitable ways.
3.4. Make sure lip syncing is in sync with the song during editing.
3.5. Expect to make compromises - some things will need to be done to make the final product work.
3.6. Apply filters if needed so that the lighting is good.
4. 8) Screening and feedback:
4.1. Expect feedback for what you've created - question things to prevent responses like "it was good."
4.2. Think: Did it remind them of other media texts or videos?
4.3. Think: Are there any messages the audience gets from the video?
5. 9) Writing:
5.1. Follow the teacher's guidelines.
5.2. Write early on, don't leave it until the end.
5.3. The writing needs to cover the whole process, use accurate technical language, include any feedback and your own comments, think about how the video will fit into the industry, relate it to conventions and examples and analyse the finished product.
6. 10) Marking:
6.1. Leave the teachers to do that.
7. 1) Research:
7.1. Depending on genres, music videos have different conventions relating to them.
7.2. Music videos usually have a big budget made up of thousands of pounds - this is something to consider as we want a quality music video.
7.3. The video needs to sell the artist and the track, it needs to be good enough to be replayed.
7.4. Goodwin's theory of conventions is a useful framework to consider when creating a music video.
8. 2) Getting in a group:
8.1. Work with reliable people, think about important factors such as practicality, organisation and have good communication with them.
8.2. Set a target for a deadline which is earlier than the actual one.
9. 3) Choosing a track:
9.1. Pick unfamiliar songs - when considering a track, remember you don't have to like it, it's about business.
9.2. Pick a song which stimulates responses and ideas.
9.3. Consider who is performing, what locations will be used and the camera shots.
10. 4) The pitch:
10.1. Be prepared to pitch the ideas of the chosen track, a single page of ideas, simply expressed, which would enable anyone reading to image the finished product.
10.2. Needs to stand out, have a hook in the first paragraph and have a clear idea of location and narrative.
