Screen test

To find a star for our music video we need to conduct a screen test. Here is a video of our class's group audition. This blogpost is created by me (Rara) & Chelsea

Below is the video of our class's group audition. We did this as a class, where we all simultaneously acted & lip synced to the song, "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Although this song (rock) does not fit with our genre (pop), we chose this song because the lyrics were familiar and the song overall was quite upbeat (matching many of our chosen songs). 

Link: screen test

Brief overview of screen test 

According to studiobinder.com, a screen test is a filmed audition in which an actor demonstrates their suitability for a role, in this case, a music video. Generally, actors are given lines of the lyrics to lip sync and perform on camera. Other than that, screen tests are also utilised to see how clothing, makeup, colours and other accessories may appear on an already casted actor. 

Benefits of using a screen test includes:

-> To see how actor performs on camera

-> Testing wardrobe, makeup, accessories on the actor to see if they fit the visual style 

-> Determining chemistry between 2 actors

-> Having audition footage to help make decisions later 

Advantages: 

- As a class we were able to get around 20 people or more to do this screen test, which allowed me to fully comprehend what I was looking for, for my artist

- Our teacher was able to encourage all of us to lipsync even if some werent in frame in order for some students that are camera shy to still feel comfortable infront of a camera

- Gave me a genral outlook on what a screen test should look like 

- It was time efficient as it only took us 10 minutes as a class to record this screen test

Disadvantages: 

- Not all 20 students or so remembered the whole song which would cause them to not perform their best as they dont feel comfortable with the song their trying to lipsync to infront of the camera 

- Going through 20 students meant that not everyone got the same amount of screen time thus not allowing me to see everyones full potential in their performance 

Overall, this screen test allowed our class to take a break from project lessons letting ourselves let loose since it was quite fun doing. However I felt as though that no one really fits the image for my artist in this screen test meaning that me and my group will conduct our own screen test with the possible stars we already have in mind

Self Reflection: Having this video has allowed me to grasp the context of why having a screen test is so important when trying to find our artists style and persona, since it shows us if they are comfortable around a camera or if their camera shy. Because different MV's have different narratives and characters which is why our artists persona needs to shine through it as my group will be needing our artists to do a lot of performance and acting so in the end we do need someone who is lively and charismatic around a camera. As we want to look for someone that is feminine yet confident and bold. However, according to the screen test, the majority of the girls here are quiet and reserved, which does not match our primary star's personality.  So even though my group has some people in mind to become our artist, conducting a general screen test allows us to have a brief overview why our 'chosen' person fits the role even more and maybe even gives us more options on who our star can be because its important to me that my stars 'real' and 'reel' persona is not that far off because we need our audience to relate to our artist and that is by having them be their true self.