Research into Nightclubs

The majority of our video takes place in a nightclub. Therefore, as a group we feel that it is appropriate to research into nightclubs in the UK and generic conventions of nightclubs. By doing research into this entertainment venue, our video will be made more authentic and believable - which is particuarly needed in a stop-motion animation video which requires a greater emphasis on real-life places, actions and lifestyles.


Through researching several of London's top nightclubs - we have found that the set up and architecture remains fairly consistent. The dancefloor is usually what takes up the greatest amount of space in the middle of the grounds, with a bar normally on the left side and various chairs, tables and lounge areas surrounding the dance floor.

Also through Internet research, we found that PR is also prominent in/outside a nightclub. Posters advertising drink offers and events are particularly prominent and something that we feel we should use as part of our mise-en-scene to make it as authentic as possible.

We are also going to construct the outside of the club (doors, queue etc.) as we believe it will add extra realism to our video. Therefore, I have researched the exteriors of popular nightclubs and found some generic conventions. Doors are usually double or sometimes just an open gap, bouncers are ubiquitous at nightclubs and queues usually consist of red rope and gold stands. As well as this, we found that clubs usually boast logos across brickwork, and sometimes extravagant lighting - depending on the importance of the event.

From doing this research into nightclubs and finding out the basics of what needs to be included, we now need to find a way of interpretting these conventions to a smaller scale and creating/ buying the props and mise-en-scene to look both realistic and appropriate for a nightclub atmosphere.

Planning: Phase 2

Now that the first two scenes are completed, we need to focus on the build up to the main scene in the nightclub. We have already had a meeting to discuss what is going to happen in the next scene we need to film, but we cannot start filming until we have made a prop list and found all the items we need to make the set.
As a group, the date that we need to start filming has to be decided soon
so that we don't become behind on any filming work that still needs to be completed.

Once we make a prop list, we need to arrange a date and time when the whole group is available to go out and find the items we need, however some of the things we need to have before we start filming need to be made, so we need to organise who is going to make which props and be able to rely on them to have them ready before we start filming.

When we have got all the props for the set up of the next two scenes, we can start putting the set together and experimenting with where we want decorations and the dolls to be placed, working out the best camera angles for the scene etc.

To make sure we get a realistic feel in the set, we are going to research into the exterior and interior of nightclubs so that we have some insight into what needs to be included to make it clear to or audience where the video is taking place.