First review of feedback from screening questionnaires

ROUGH CUT- UNFINISHED MUSIC VIDEO SCREENING- FIRST VIEWING-QUESTIONNARIE RESULTS

I have collected in my questionnaires and read thoroughly through the feedback I have received. Here I have listed each question and given a short summary of the feedback, including any particular likes/dislikes and suggestions for improvements. This has been a very valuable activity as I now have many improvements to make to my music video that will be specifically derived from my audience; I have included the improvements I intend to make below.

1.      Within the opening sequence, should the shots of waves be cut down? Or kept the same with text added?

From this question I received a mix of answers. Most people felt adding text was not a good idea, and though a few suggested cutting down the shots most did not. From this feedback I intend to slightly alter my opening sequence so that the shots are smoother and flow nicely- not dragging out the start.  

2.      Do you feel the cuts are timed correctly to the music?

The majority of answers for this question consisted simply of ‘yes’ or ‘mostly’. However one answer stated that the shots were all of a very similar pace, this I have edited purposely to be in time with the music as the beat is very repetitive- however I may be able to mix up the editing to hold my audience’s attention more.  

3.      Should a filter be applied to scenes to increase the brightness?

For the third question the answers came back as ‘yes for some’. There were also suggestions for certain scenes- for example the scene when my characters emerge from the pinewoods. I am aware that the scene does look murky and dark as this was due to the very poor filming conditions and weather on the day. To work from this feedback I intend to apply a filter to the darker scenes.

4.      Do you think any effects should be added to the video? Any suggestions?

Suggestions for effects to be added include; slow motion, vintage filters, a soft edge/blur, black and white for sections, stop motion and colour overlays. To work from this feedback I will experiment with the filters I can use within the editing software, and perhaps get more feedback from classmates to decide on one.

5.      Is there too much focus on nature and not enough on characters?

From this question I received a combination of answers; however the overall reaction I received was that there was not too much of a focus on nature. However some people did suggest that there was not enough build-up of the characters and that the narrative link to the lyrics did not really make sense. Despite this, my music video has always been set out to be a concept based video which has no real strong narrative or character build up- this could be off putting for my audience if they expect a story.

6.      Do you think the music video is fitting for the genre of the song?

This answer came back as 100% yes definitely. This result I am pleased of as in my target audience survey I asked the question ‘Should a music video be fitting to its genre’ and the answer also came back as yes. This means that ideally my target audience will find my music video fitting to the genre and be attracted by this.

7.      Should there be any transitions added? E.g. crossfades?

The majority of answers for this question came back as ‘no’. Despite this a few answers did suggest soft fades or blends to make the video flow more. I have used allot of blunt cuts in my music video and I think that using a blending transition would improve the flow, therefore I intend to work from this feedback and edit a few transitions in.

8.      The end includes a few clips which are re-winded- should this be edited out or do you think it works well?

For the eighth question I have received feedback that the reverse section does work well to round off the video which I am pleased with as this was the desired effect. However a few answers did suggest that some of these clips could be slowed down to let the audience appreciate the shot. This is something I intend to work on and improve from this feedback.

9.      Do you feel the end of the music and fade to black is too abrupt?

The answer for this question came back as mainly ‘no’ although some people did suggest that the fade could be a little more gradual to encourage the flow of the music video. This I could easily adjust to work from this feedback. I also received the feedback that the audience liked how the music video ended on the final note which was pleasing to see.

10.  Any final improvements?

Final improvements and feedback of suggestion included varying pace of the clips, including more narrative and a colour filter to improve the visuals of the scenes.