6 Screen Grabs from "Brain Storm"

Below are 6 images from "Brain Storm", our entry in the NYC Movie Madness 2005 competition.

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I'd love to know what you think.

Chris
 
Hey Chris,

what's with the second grab? is it a TV screen?

overall, to be truthful, they seem a bit bland. No depth to the shots. Could be the lighting, but I think it's more of the composition.

but then again, I can't base anything simply on grabs. Lemme see some clips!

good luck in teh competition :beer:
 
The chick has a pretty decent set of hoo hoos, did everyone on set get to see em when she got in the water or was she all covering em up?

Oh I'll give comments on the grabs in a minute too, just have to ... finish up ... something, over here
:D
 
I agree with the bland comment. Even in the more 'realisitic' shots, it seems like your doing in post what should have been done on set. Also, there is NO consistency to shots. I mean, I know they are supposed to be different, but there is NOTHING linking them. Saturation levels seem wierd to. Mostly I think I would work on the lighting though and "set design". You might want to think about not putting your actors right up against walls like that. Use your set to create more depth.

Matt
 
LloydC said:
what's with the second grab? is it a TV screen?

overall, to be truthful, they seem a bit bland. No depth to the shots. Could be the lighting, but I think it's more of the composition.

but then again, I can't base anything simply on grabs. Lemme see some clips!
The short film is essentially a series of "fantasy" sequences. Hence the different looks. The second shot is from a "Matrix" inspired moment.

In regards to the compositionl, I agree, I definitely should have gotten the actors further away from the background and created more depth. Framing wise are they okay or do you have recommendations there?

I should have the film up for viewing by Monday.


lucidz said:
The chick has a pretty decent set of hoo hoos, did everyone on set get to see em when she got in the water or was she all covering em up?
They were secured at all times.

MattC said:
I agree with the bland comment. Even in the more 'realisitic' shots, it seems like your doing in post what should have been done on set. Also, there is NO consistency to shots. I mean, I know they are supposed to be different, but there is NOTHING linking them. Saturation levels seem wierd to. Mostly I think I would work on the lighting though and "set design". You might want to think about not putting your actors right up against walls like that. Use your set to create more depth.
Hopefully, once you see the finished film, the "saturation and consistency" will make more sense.

I totally agree with you about set design and depth. It's amazing how much planning needs to happen to create quality shots. Hopefully over time it will become second nature.

Chris
 
I don't really have comments for the grabs other than it really made me wanna watch the whole film. It looks very bizzare and funny. I especially like the last two shots. Each characters seem to be in their own worlds. I would LOVE to see this when it's done.
 
Pretty much what others have said, but in my own words:

I hate grabs that are not enjoyable to look at. It's not that I hate them, it's just... why look at them if it's just people? I like natural grabs - like scenery or environment, flora and fauna, the birds, the bees, the apples, the trees, etc., etc.

But your grabs don't really make me feel any certain way. Try to think of that when shooting.

Maybe if we saw the movie, though...
 
LeSeulGiraffe said:
I hate grabs that are not enjoyable to look at. It's not that I hate them, it's just... why look at them if it's just people? I like natural grabs - like scenery or environment, flora and fauna, the birds, the bees, the apples, the trees, etc., etc.

But your grabs don't really make me feel any certain way. Try to think of that when shooting.
Thanks for the honesty and the suggestion.

I have to admit it is a unique one. If I've written a story with people that takes place indoors it might be hard to get in some landscapes. :)

Perhaps this story just isn't for you. I should have the finished film up in a day or two and you can decide then.

Meanwhile, if you haven't already, you should check out disjecta's stuff. It's wonderful.

Chris
 
The "pie in the face" shot is along the lines of what I'd like to see more of (up close and personal, interesting composition, and leaves me wondering). So I agree with the others, and you in saying the composition of the shots could be more "filmic".

Your four-shots are composed in a way that a TV sitcom might be, so maybe that's what you're going for, or perhaps thats where your innate inspiration came from (years of TV programming us all).

The matrix post effect looks a little cheesy, but sometimes cheesy is good, especially in a comedic setting.

Nontheless, it looks to be entertaining, so I'll take a look as soon as it's posted.
 
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