The style of our artist is very important in the making of our music video because we need to ensure that all Mise En Scene and style details match perfectly. This will help us to create an image for our artist 'Ivory'.
So we decided to do some research on artists that have similar styles to what we want Ivory to look like. We have shown artists with similar clothing and similar hair styles, which are both major factors we need to consider for Ivory to look edgy and indie.
Reflection of Danbury filming
Over the past couple of weeks we have visited this location in Danbury multiple times to get as many quality shots as possible. This location is perfect because it has a more industrial feel to it with the abandoned greenhouses and warehouses, but also has a more nature orientated side to it. With lots of beautiful apple trees, plenty of land and nature footpaths. Whilst we were at this location we got lots of great footage, that we can use throughout our music video.
At this location we had planned many different shots: When we arrived at this location for the first time we had lots of different shot ideas in our head. But on arrival the location could not facilitate some of the shots and some were not safe to do so, for health and safety reasons. Shots like the ones inside sheds and along the footpath were completely improvised, but ended up to be really good shots that we can use as footage in our music video.
We did not expect for the location to as picturesque as at turned out to be, as shown below. So we decided after filming some gritty, eerie shots of our character. We would return to the location and film some more pretty and innocent footage of our artist. This shows how the location was very versatile and meant we could get plenty of beautiful footage in one location.
What went wrong at this location:
One obstacle that we had to overcome when filming at this location in Danbury was the accessibility. It was very difficult to reach the different areas of the location, so we had to be very careful while walking around the area due to low ceiling and industrial items. This meant it limited the areas we could film in, but luckily there was plenty of places to film there.
Another thing that went wrong when filming was the weather, due to on the days of filming the weather changed while we there, so the lighting changes throughout the footage. This has meant we can not use some of the footage that this has happened to.
Feedback on editing
After we started to edit our music video and it started to come together. We thought it would be a good idea to ask for feedback on our editing and see what can be improved and what we did well. So below is the feedback that we received:
What could be improved:
- The locations that we have chosen have very different themes to them and so when edited together they look strange. So to improve this we had the idea of putting the more innocent, pretty footage from Southend at the beginning and end of the music video. Then have the more gritty, weird footage in the middle of the video. This means that the footage will make better sense together because it has a structure.
- Another improvement that could be made to the editing of our music video is the special effects, we need to include more exciting and quirky effects that will fit in well with creepy image we are trying to portray of our artist.
- We also need to work on the lip sync, to ensure that the timing of the song with the footage of the artist singing match perfectly with each other.
What we did well:
- The footage is very clear and the color of the footage from the different locations match perfectly. Meaning that the footage works well together and looks professional.
- What we also did well from the editing we have done so far, is a couple of fast cut shots, that match perfectly with the chorus of the song and therefore look really good within the music video.
What could be improved:
- The locations that we have chosen have very different themes to them and so when edited together they look strange. So to improve this we had the idea of putting the more innocent, pretty footage from Southend at the beginning and end of the music video. Then have the more gritty, weird footage in the middle of the video. This means that the footage will make better sense together because it has a structure.
- Another improvement that could be made to the editing of our music video is the special effects, we need to include more exciting and quirky effects that will fit in well with creepy image we are trying to portray of our artist.
- We also need to work on the lip sync, to ensure that the timing of the song with the footage of the artist singing match perfectly with each other.
What we did well:
- The footage is very clear and the color of the footage from the different locations match perfectly. Meaning that the footage works well together and looks professional.
- What we also did well from the editing we have done so far, is a couple of fast cut shots, that match perfectly with the chorus of the song and therefore look really good within the music video.
Magazine article research
To help us create our artist's first magazine cover and article we conducted some music magazine research to ensure we stuck to our genre conventions. This magazine research includes examples of other artists magazine covers and this helped us to know what to include on ours and the style we should be aiming for.
Digipak ideas
Album Cover Ideas:

These are the two ideas that we have for our album cover, they both show Ivory in the centre of the cover and the writing is the same. But they both have a different feel, the one above shows Ivory as being more moody whereas the one below shows Ivory as being a lot more angry and is a more aggressive position.

Inside Cover Ideas:

These three photos were all taken at our main location, which is an industrial location but also has a very natural feel with trees, leaves etc.

These photos have all been shortlisted for our inside cover because they all have good, bright colors in. they also all include nature which is very important to be included, this is because our entire music video will be filmed outside.


These are the two ideas that we have for our album cover, they both show Ivory in the centre of the cover and the writing is the same. But they both have a different feel, the one above shows Ivory as being more moody whereas the one below shows Ivory as being a lot more angry and is a more aggressive position.

Inside Cover Ideas:
These three photos were all taken at our main location, which is an industrial location but also has a very natural feel with trees, leaves etc.
These photos have all been shortlisted for our inside cover because they all have good, bright colors in. they also all include nature which is very important to be included, this is because our entire music video will be filmed outside.
Early stages of Website
The website of an artist is extremely important as it is a universal platform that allows the artist to connect with their fans and vice versa.
We have begun designing the website for our artist Ivory and are slowly getting to grips with the perfect layout and content in order to accurately represent our artist.
Here is our website so far:

Improvements to made:
Once our music video is complete we must upload it to the website
When we have completed the "Making of Gasoline" video it must be uploaded also
Tour dates are to be added
We must complete and update our biography paragraphs
Complete our gallery page
Create an Instagram link
Create a unique fan page
Add a merchandise page
Create a press release for the new album
Finalise changes and layout
Receive feedback and make further improvements
We have begun designing the website for our artist Ivory and are slowly getting to grips with the perfect layout and content in order to accurately represent our artist.
Here is our website so far:
Improvements to made:
Once our music video is complete we must upload it to the website
When we have completed the "Making of Gasoline" video it must be uploaded also
Tour dates are to be added
We must complete and update our biography paragraphs
Complete our gallery page
Create an Instagram link
Create a unique fan page
Add a merchandise page
Create a press release for the new album
Finalise changes and layout
Receive feedback and make further improvements
Reflection of Southend filming
Today we visited Leigh-On-Sea and Hadleigh castle to do some extra filming for our music video. Whilst we were there we got a lot of great footage but we did make a few filming mistakes.
Great Improvised Shots:
Because we went filming with no real idea as to what shots we wanted to get it opened us up to some amazing, improvised filming possibilities which was really exciting and fun for everyone.
Shots like this one were purely improvised after we saw the water and the pylons under the bridge whilst walking past. Once we had an idea of what we would do we set up and started filming. The result was a visually stunning tracking shot of the artist walking through the water which serves as a great way to the start the music video.

Another example of fun and improvised filming was our trip to Hadleigh Castle. We went to Southend to film in Leigh on Sea and expected to stay filming there for the entire time we were out but after seeing a map that featured the castle we decided to take a trip down there in the hope that we would get some cool shots; and we did.
The castle and the land were amazing and provided many different shot ideas and camera angles, like this circular tracking shot we filmed inside the castle ruins itself.

What went wrong:
This was a shot idea that came out of nowhere and was completely improvised in the moment. Two members of our group saw that the train was about to pass and rushed us to set up and film our artist in front of the passing train.
It would have been a great shot if it wasn't for a few silly mistakes. As you can see from the shot below, we accidentally got shadows in the shot which distracts the audience away from the artist thus ruining the shot.
Secondly, because we rushed setting up and didn't have time to focus before the train passed, our artist can be seen smiling and laughing before going into character but at that point the shot was almost over and the train had almost completely passed.
Great Improvised Shots:
Because we went filming with no real idea as to what shots we wanted to get it opened us up to some amazing, improvised filming possibilities which was really exciting and fun for everyone.
Shots like this one were purely improvised after we saw the water and the pylons under the bridge whilst walking past. Once we had an idea of what we would do we set up and started filming. The result was a visually stunning tracking shot of the artist walking through the water which serves as a great way to the start the music video.

Another example of fun and improvised filming was our trip to Hadleigh Castle. We went to Southend to film in Leigh on Sea and expected to stay filming there for the entire time we were out but after seeing a map that featured the castle we decided to take a trip down there in the hope that we would get some cool shots; and we did.
The castle and the land were amazing and provided many different shot ideas and camera angles, like this circular tracking shot we filmed inside the castle ruins itself.

What went wrong:
This was a shot idea that came out of nowhere and was completely improvised in the moment. Two members of our group saw that the train was about to pass and rushed us to set up and film our artist in front of the passing train.
It would have been a great shot if it wasn't for a few silly mistakes. As you can see from the shot below, we accidentally got shadows in the shot which distracts the audience away from the artist thus ruining the shot.
Secondly, because we rushed setting up and didn't have time to focus before the train passed, our artist can be seen smiling and laughing before going into character but at that point the shot was almost over and the train had almost completely passed.
Album and track listing
Album name: Elements
Available to pre-order on 11/02/2017
Below is a new and improved track listing, the first track listing that we completed did not entirely fit with the theme and ideas we were aiming for with 'Ivory' our artist. So below is a new and improved list of tracks from our artists album 'Elements'.
Track Listing:
Gasoline
Falling
Hurt
Reckless
Hurricane
Black Heart
Tangled
Spirit
Deeper
Scars
The current single 'Gasoline' is out now and available to buy.
Available to pre-order on 11/02/2017
Below is a new and improved track listing, the first track listing that we completed did not entirely fit with the theme and ideas we were aiming for with 'Ivory' our artist. So below is a new and improved list of tracks from our artists album 'Elements'.
Track Listing:
Gasoline
Falling
Hurt
Reckless
Hurricane
Black Heart
Tangled
Spirit
Deeper
Scars
The current single 'Gasoline' is out now and available to buy.
Artist Synergy
After having looked into synergy across band products (Beyonce's Lemonade album) it became clear to us that we would need to brand our artist in a similar way.
Synergy is key for an artist to present continuity and to stay consistent for their fans. This something we considered extensively whilst creating our artist, her logo, digipak and music video.
The beginnings:
At the start of the process we, as a group, struggled to come up with a theme for the music video that we could also use to tie all of artist products together. Here are a few of the ideas that we came up with:
- florals
- natural elements (wind, fire etc.)
- concept ideas (powder paint, water etc)
However, after thoroughly studying the lyrics we decided that none of these themes, on their own, would work for our music video and our artist synergy.
Lyric Analysis
"Are you insane like me? Been in pain like me?- We imaged a crazed women, with smeared make up and tangled hair singing this line. A woman on the verge of madness. We had the idea of demonstrating a slow descent into madness throughout the music video, with our artist starting the music video appearing calm and collected but slowly appearing more and more deranged and unhinged as the song and video develops.
These voices won't leave me alone,
Low on self esteem, so you run on gasoline."
These lyrics paint a much darker image than we had previously thought and so we had to appropriately adapt our music video and artist to fit.
On the other hand, as this is our artist's first single we did not want to go too alternative just in case we alienate a large proportion of our possible fan base, so we had to try and combine our previous theme ideas and the new lyric research we had collected to create our final theme.
Synergy is key for an artist to present continuity and to stay consistent for their fans. This something we considered extensively whilst creating our artist, her logo, digipak and music video.
The beginnings:
At the start of the process we, as a group, struggled to come up with a theme for the music video that we could also use to tie all of artist products together. Here are a few of the ideas that we came up with:
- florals
- natural elements (wind, fire etc.)
- concept ideas (powder paint, water etc)
However, after thoroughly studying the lyrics we decided that none of these themes, on their own, would work for our music video and our artist synergy.
Lyric Analysis
"Are you insane like me? Been in pain like me?- We imaged a crazed women, with smeared make up and tangled hair singing this line. A woman on the verge of madness. We had the idea of demonstrating a slow descent into madness throughout the music video, with our artist starting the music video appearing calm and collected but slowly appearing more and more deranged and unhinged as the song and video develops.
These voices won't leave me alone,
Low on self esteem, so you run on gasoline."
These lyrics paint a much darker image than we had previously thought and so we had to appropriately adapt our music video and artist to fit.
On the other hand, as this is our artist's first single we did not want to go too alternative just in case we alienate a large proportion of our possible fan base, so we had to try and combine our previous theme ideas and the new lyric research we had collected to create our final theme.
Merchandise Research
We liked the idea of having a song lyric on the front of a grey or white jumper, with the name of the artist on the back.
This is an idea that we got from merchandise like this Beyonce jumper which features a lyric from her single 'Formation' on the front of it.

We also had the idea of not only creating clothing but hats and snapbacks, as well as other accessories like tote bags and wristbands.
For example, this snapback features a lyric from another Beyonce song and has Beyonce's name on the back.
We took the idea of featuring the artist's name and decided to create a snapback that featured our artist's logo on the front.

Finally, we decided that instead of featuring a picture of our artist on our merchandise we would stick to using our artist logo instead.
So, we chose to use our artist logo on every element of our merchandise which connects the artist to their merchandise and ties the whole collection together.

Merchandise
Here are our merchandise designs which we will feature on our artist's website:

Our t-shirt design which will be available for both men and women. We will price it at £20.

Here is our hat selection that we have created, both featuring our artist's logo.
We will price the beanie at £10 and the snapback at £15.

Here is one of our jumper designs, available for both men and women and in a range of different colours.
It will priced at £25.

Our second jumper design still features our artist logo but is a bit more inventive and will be available in a range of different colours.
Priced at £25.
Update on artists costume
After beginning to film our music video, we decided that we needed to modify Ivory's costume, hair and make-up so it fit in with the 'crazy' scenes of Ivory. Below is a presentation of this and what we did to improve our artists image:
Photo evidence of production
These are photos that we took when planning, filming and editing our cross-media products. These help to prove that we have created our products our-self and collectively as a group completed the tasks that were given to us.

This is a photo of myself and Connor editing our music video using premier pro, we would take our footage, upload it and begin to edit.

This a photo of our group when presenting our possible song ideas to our class, from this we got feedback on what people thought was the best song and why it would be the best for our group.

This is a photo of a group discussion, we have these on a regular basis. They helped us to distribute tasks and for everyone to share their ideas and concerns.
The three photos above are of our main location that we filmed at for our music video and where we had our artists photo shoot. These photos help show evidence of our filming and the location that we filmed at.
Artist photoshoot
This is a presentation of all of the photos from the photo shoot with Ivory, we went to a very industrial location where we will film some of our music video. Here we got Ivory to experiment with her surroundings and embrace the experience and we captured some beautiful pictures from this.
We will be able to use these photos throughout the entirety of our cross-media products, this is why this photo shoot was very successful.
We will be able to use these photos throughout the entirety of our cross-media products, this is why this photo shoot was very successful.
Digipak research
Today we began to create our digipak, so we decided to create some digipak research. We looked at different music genre digipak's, this will help us to see what digipak's should include and how important themes are throughout.
This research also helped us largely to think of ideas for our own digipak and different approaches we can take to achieve the best digipak as possible for Ivory.
This research also helped us largely to think of ideas for our own digipak and different approaches we can take to achieve the best digipak as possible for Ivory.
Danbury location risk assessment
Here is an updated version of our risk assessment for the filming we conducted in Danbury. After seeing the location for the first time we decided there was many more risks that we did not consider in the first place. So we decided to add these risks to our risk assessment.

Font research
When trying to establish Ivory's brand synergy and her image we had to decide on a font that we would use for her name and consistently throughout all of her products.
In order to do this we used the site DaFont.com to search and ultimately decide on a font that we would use. Here are some of the fonts that we picked for our final choices:


We chose to use the font type Marzo because after receiving feedback from our class, this was the font with the most votes.

In order to do this we used the site DaFont.com to search and ultimately decide on a font that we would use. Here are some of the fonts that we picked for our final choices:
We chose to use the font type Marzo because after receiving feedback from our class, this was the font with the most votes.
We asked our peers and teachers to look at the shortlisted fonts and tick which one they think matched our artist best, it was from this feedback that we decided to use the font Marzo.
Mood board
In order to help us come up with ideas for our music video, I decided to create a mood board of inspirations for Ivory's appearance and costume, possible music video shots and locations as well as other elements we wished to include.
Website Research
Below is a presentation of website research, that we have undertaken, to ensure that our website fits the style of our artist and music genre.
Interview with Ivory and script
MTV Interview with Ivory
interviewer: When was the first time you realized music was your future?
Ivory: When i was 10 years old I picked up a microphone from a karaoke machine I had got for Christmas, I started singing 'The Promise' by Girls Aloud. And from then on no one could stop me singing. I think I started to annoy everyone haha.
Interviewer: What is your most embarrassing moment in your career so far?
Ivory: My first gig that I got was because of my mum, she got me a gig in a local bar in Camden. I was 16 years old, I was so nervous. But when I arrived there was only one very very drunk man sitting at the back of the bar. He ended up booing me off the stage, to be honest I was happy to leave and go home
Interviewer:Best moment of your career so far?
Ivory: Last week I was talking to one of my friends and she told me that I had become one of the top 10 best newcomers in the Radio 1 chart. This was a big moment for me and I sat calling everyone I knew because I was so excited.
Interviewer: What was the first album you ever bought?
Ivory: When i was 12 years old, I saved up my pocket money for a couple of months and ran down to the local music store. The album that I bought was The Best of 'S Club 7', I still have the album to this day.
Below is the interview that our artist Ivory had with MTV, this interview helped us to find out more about Ivory and her life. In this video she answers many different questions from MTV and about her life and the start of her amazing music career.
interviewer: When was the first time you realized music was your future?
Ivory: When i was 10 years old I picked up a microphone from a karaoke machine I had got for Christmas, I started singing 'The Promise' by Girls Aloud. And from then on no one could stop me singing. I think I started to annoy everyone haha.
Interviewer: What is your most embarrassing moment in your career so far?
Ivory: My first gig that I got was because of my mum, she got me a gig in a local bar in Camden. I was 16 years old, I was so nervous. But when I arrived there was only one very very drunk man sitting at the back of the bar. He ended up booing me off the stage, to be honest I was happy to leave and go home
Interviewer:Best moment of your career so far?
Ivory: Last week I was talking to one of my friends and she told me that I had become one of the top 10 best newcomers in the Radio 1 chart. This was a big moment for me and I sat calling everyone I knew because I was so excited.
Interviewer: What was the first album you ever bought?
Ivory: When i was 12 years old, I saved up my pocket money for a couple of months and ran down to the local music store. The album that I bought was The Best of 'S Club 7', I still have the album to this day.
Below is the interview that our artist Ivory had with MTV, this interview helped us to find out more about Ivory and her life. In this video she answers many different questions from MTV and about her life and the start of her amazing music career.
Album and tracks
After lots of discussion we decided on an album name and track names that match well with our artist and the image we have for Ivory. We want the names to be quite dark and have nature theme throughout. This is because our entire video will be filmed outside.
Album name: Elements
Track names:
1) Gasoline
2) Droplets
3) Falling flames
4) Willows
5) Spirit
6) Tangled
7) Black heart
8) Scar
9) Stream light
10) Energy of the soul
Album name: Elements
Track names:
1) Gasoline
2) Droplets
3) Falling flames
4) Willows
5) Spirit
6) Tangled
7) Black heart
8) Scar
9) Stream light
10) Energy of the soul
Artists Logo
Today we had to create our artist's logo and experiment with different fonts and ideas. Here are a few of our favorites and our final artist logo:
Final Artist Logo:
Social media
Social media platforms can make or break new artists and are vital in promoting and launching new careers.
Here are links to Ivory's Social Media platforms including:
Twitter- https://twitter.com/Official_ivory_
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ivory.hawkins.92?fref=ts

This is a screenshot of our Facebook page for our artist Ivory, I post on this page very regularly to ensure that the page looks realistic like a real artist has written it.

This is a screenshot of Ivory's twitter page, as you can see we have photos of the artist throughout, this helps intrigue viewers to find out what she is all about.
Location shots
Today we visited a few possible music video locations and took a few photos to help us with inspiration for our music video. Below is the photos that we took at the different locations, including: an abandoned church and an industrial area with abandoned greenhouses.
Student video analysis
One task that I have completed to help me to understand how a music video works, is to pick a couple of my favorite music videos both from my school and from other schools. Below is the videos that I have choose and why I think they work well.
This is one of my favorite music videos because it's inventive and is a little more upbeat than some of the other, typical indie songs that are covered at A Level. This music video is mainly performance based and works very well with the song as the female performer in the video fits the stereotypical image of an indie girl thus further convincing the audience that they are a real group and this is a real music video.
The genre of the song, Indie Pop, is conveyed clearly and effectively throughout the video via the live performance element, the clothing and the camera work. Similarly the changing between black and white shots and colour shots makes the song and music video appear both retro and modern at the same time, thus making it interesting and exciting to watch.
However, patterns do begin to emerge after watching the video multiple times for example; during the verses, the shots are all in black in white but when the chorus begins, the shots change to colour which is very visible editing but as Carol Vernallis explores in her music video theory, the editing in a music video can be obvious and more noticeable than the editing used in film and can be modified to work with the music i.e. cutting to another shot when the chorus begins.
Above is another student music video that I thought was really good, it is one of my favourite A Level music videos that I came across for a few different reasons. I personally love the song because it is fun and playful, meaning the female artist doesn't take herself to seriously. Also the costumes and make-up is very colourful which I really enjoy and helps the visuals match the song really well.
When looking at Carol Vernallis' and Andrew Goodwin's music video theory, it is clear that this video covers a lot of these key aspects for example: Andrew Goodwin's theory includes the idea of the star image which can be clearly displayed throughout this video as the camera and editing always returns to the performer who is usually alone or the camera focused on her thus reinforcing her importance. The scene with the female artist at the gym, helps us the viewer to feel as if she is a powerful women, especially when the camera focuses on her and not the men around her, this is very effective because helps the viewer see the personality of the artist.
Finally, the performance in the music video helps to make the music video one of my favourite. The artist is very fun and quirky which attracts a wide audience because it is easy to watch, compared to a more indie, 'deep' song.
This is one of my favorite music videos because it's inventive and is a little more upbeat than some of the other, typical indie songs that are covered at A Level. This music video is mainly performance based and works very well with the song as the female performer in the video fits the stereotypical image of an indie girl thus further convincing the audience that they are a real group and this is a real music video.
The genre of the song, Indie Pop, is conveyed clearly and effectively throughout the video via the live performance element, the clothing and the camera work. Similarly the changing between black and white shots and colour shots makes the song and music video appear both retro and modern at the same time, thus making it interesting and exciting to watch.
However, patterns do begin to emerge after watching the video multiple times for example; during the verses, the shots are all in black in white but when the chorus begins, the shots change to colour which is very visible editing but as Carol Vernallis explores in her music video theory, the editing in a music video can be obvious and more noticeable than the editing used in film and can be modified to work with the music i.e. cutting to another shot when the chorus begins.
Above is another student music video that I thought was really good, it is one of my favourite A Level music videos that I came across for a few different reasons. I personally love the song because it is fun and playful, meaning the female artist doesn't take herself to seriously. Also the costumes and make-up is very colourful which I really enjoy and helps the visuals match the song really well.
When looking at Carol Vernallis' and Andrew Goodwin's music video theory, it is clear that this video covers a lot of these key aspects for example: Andrew Goodwin's theory includes the idea of the star image which can be clearly displayed throughout this video as the camera and editing always returns to the performer who is usually alone or the camera focused on her thus reinforcing her importance. The scene with the female artist at the gym, helps us the viewer to feel as if she is a powerful women, especially when the camera focuses on her and not the men around her, this is very effective because helps the viewer see the personality of the artist.
Finally, the performance in the music video helps to make the music video one of my favourite. The artist is very fun and quirky which attracts a wide audience because it is easy to watch, compared to a more indie, 'deep' song.
Props and Costumes
For our music video, when planning there is lots to think about for props and costume. Without these things being thought out before filming, the shots will not be as good quality and as effective
Props
Throughout our music video we are planning on using a small number of props, due to the locations that we have picked being so natural looking. But here is a list of the few props we used:
- A coca cola fridge turned on its side, which looks very quirky and out of place. This is what Ivory is meant to feel like throughout the video (out of place).
- There is a use of leaves throughout the video, which the artist picks up and throws.- Also the use of lots of metal bars, that Ivory brushes past and touches throughout.
Costumes
For the performance at the river, church and in the greenhouse shots, my style will be like this:
- Natural, light make-up that is slightly smudged for the effect that she slightly unhinged.

- A flowing, black/white dress will be my outfit. Slightly ripped and discolored for an indie feel.

- For the artists shoes, we have decided to go for basic shoes, such as little black pumps and maybe a couple shots of her in bare feet.

- For my hair as the performer I am going for a very natural look, so for my hair it will be natural and very straight.
Costume for concept shots:
- I will wear more edgy clothes for these shots. Including a black leather jacket that you will see Ivory wearing throughout the music video (almost like her signature look).
- Our artist will also be wearing ripped jeans in these shots to make her seem a little more scary.
- On her feet she will be seen wearing light colored trainers which help to contrast with her black clothes throughout.
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