DigiPaks template...

There is a really good site : http://www.oasiscd.com/graphics/templates-digipak.asp

Which allows you to see the different types of digipak templates that are present like below:

I have chosen the 8 panel digipak.

I have chosen this template as I several pictures that I wanted to feature in the album which is representative of the music video and the album as a whole. The template is a bit confusing at first however after really analysing I understand the features and how they work, 8 panels means that I will need to find 8 pictures plus 2 extra pictures for the CD's as I want to go all out on the digipak as if it was real.

What are the generic conventions of a digipak?

So what is a digipak?

A digipak is a type of packaging  for CDs or DVDs, typically made from cardboard with an internal plastic holder for one or more discs.
A type of packaging for CDs or DVDs, typically made from cardboard with an internal plastic holder for one or more discs.  They are mostly made from thick card which means that it is virtually shatter proof and allows great graphic display.

The material: Usually 300gsm with matt or gloss varnish. Printed 4 colours (CMYK) or Pantone colours. Lamination, spot varnish and embosing is also available.

The Dimensions (based on the standard 4pp digipak): finished size of 139.5mm x 6mm x 125.5mm
The number of panels could be 4 to 6,8 or more.

Originally used for the album packaging of leading musicians, the digipak and digipak family are now priced reasonably enough to be used or any CD or DVD project.

The digipak is an extremely versatile packaging. It can be made to accommodate a booklet either by placing in a die-cut slot or gluing onto one of the panels.

DVD Digipak

The DVD Digipak is a popular alternative to the DVD box which is now widely used for feature film DVD releases which are special editions because it increases the value and creates a premium product.

CD and DVD DigiPaks make a big statement, they represent the ultimate custom packaging for your CD or DVD replication project. A DigiPak is also a more environmentally friendly option when compared with traditional plastic jewel cases or DVD cases.

Photoshop !

Well I have just spent a good 2 hours of my life that I shall never get back trying to work photoshop, watching video's, experimenting etc. and I got no where! I was trying to edit my first draft a digipak and thought it would take no longer than 20 mins but its clear that picture editing is not my forte!


Here is a quick mind map and sketch of the digipak I was picturing:





Here are some examples of digipaks that I found online and some other blogs that feature their digipaks in order to get ideas, and these are what I found:

http://jduffystannes.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/analysis-of-digipak-from-another-genre.html

http://jduffystannes.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/analysis-of-digipak-from-another-genre.html

Katy Perry's digipak for Teenage Dream, I love the use of the candy themed disks.

Her Digipak, is extremely pop-py with the bright colours, candy themed discs and cover (to go with her most popular song and music video- California gurls) and the pictures of the artist suits the candy theme perfectly. I really like how it all ties together however how the pictures are uniquely different from one another.

Rihanna's album for Loud, I love the flowers on the CD's and the extended picture of Rihanna in the flowers.



I love the use of the Red, Navy and Beige/Pastel Pink colours in her album cover. The text and pictures themselves are all very simple and tie together nicely.  The album is overall very simplistic due to only 3 pictures actually being used, with the picture on the inside extending over the inside of the digipak. The text is very basic, slim and simple however it is a bit difficult to read at some points, especially the white writing at the back of the album, pictured above.





Her advertisement also is links with the album perfectly as she has used the same font, saturation and hues, this is the same look as in her music video's and reflects a shot in her music video.

One of my favourite digipaks that I have seen which was done by an a-level student is this one:

I love the Whole thing, its so simple but yet so beautiful! I love most, the tree outline with the picture in the bakground, is just so beautiful in my eyes. However I don't know how I would do something like that, that would make sense with our music video and therefore I will just have to look at it's beauty instead.

I also found a template so I can start on my digipak, with the right proportions etc.:






This blog is also very good, as it shows a detailed progress of the groups idea's: http://hattiesmusicvideo.blogspot.co.uk/

Just filmed!

Well before I update you, I just have to say that we have practically just finished filming for our music video! We got the hospital gown again and dressed Hannah up in the exact same way, including hair and make-up! In order to re-shoot the scene in the room again, as we need a few more shots, also Leanne is going to paint her room next week which means we will no longer be able to shoot in the room again. There is only the puddle scene to shoot again but closer and we are going film a scene with Hannah in the bath, underwater. Which we will film in Half term. Also we are going to come in on Monday, Tuesday and Friday to edit some more so we can be almost finished.

The filming and editing is going really well and we really love the ideas that we are getting, we feel that this idea is our best and we really love filming it and editing it. The only problem we are getting with filming is that sometimes Leanne forgets to press record... However Hannah is brilliant and just repeats what she did. Also the problem we are finding with editing is that when we want to change anything near the start that may be slightly out of time,  the whole video, including lip syncing and shots in time with the beat do become slightly off, which is really frustrating. But we do get it all back in time, so in the end its not too bad, but its just wastes A LOT of time trying correct it perfectly.