A demo reel I put up

  • Thread starter Thread starter mayodaze
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mayodaze

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http://www.pedroatkins.com

Click Media, then click Sample Reel

XH-A1, tripod, disjecta's VIVIDRGB, no color correction in post, thrown together in iMovie '08, Canon Wide Angle for some shots.

It's all just test footage stuff and me around my house as some samples for some people I will be working with soon. Mostly practical lighting rather than my light kit.

Thanks for watching!
 
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Well, it makes me want to get an A1 even more, so that must be a good sign.

The one thing that bothered me was the one moving shot, which seemed to be handheld. Out of a video full or stationary tripod shots, the fact that the one moving shot is rather disjointed could shake one's faith in your ability to perform good camera movements.
 
Good point.

I was on edge about that one, but I thought it had some quality to it, as I was trying to use some different looks and feels. Maybe I'll remove it.
 
I will be honest with you and tell you that I didn't think it was that good of a reel.

It looked like it was you recording yourself in your house the entire time, partly because there is only one actor in the entire thing, and partly because it seems to be only one location.

I'd recommend getting many more locations, actors, and subjects before you display this as a compilation of your very best work.

It is a good start though.
 
My thoughts on your demo:
The majority of it seemed too dark... like you had the ND fully on when eveything should've been wide open.
I found it really boring. I personally think a demo reel should have some 'wow' factor to it. This one is just a few shots of someone in a house who looks bored themselves.
It would only be suitable as a montage-type shot in a movie where the character is restless or bored in my opinion.
 
Hey there, my first post on this forum although I have been a shadow member for awhile... mayodaze I dig your reel and it just sealed my decision to purchase of the XH-A1. I was sold on everything else but I wanted to find out how it handled in low lights. You my friend just gave me the answer!
 
Well, you guys nailed it. It is simply me recording myself around the house. I'd love more locations, and actors, etc. But, this isn't my best work. It's all my work.

But, it is as if a few of you didn't read anything. I had already said it was just around my house. ;) To repeat, it is simply stuff around me house to show some people I'll be working with.

I don't think it was too dark at any point, but like I said, I was using practicals in most shots, trying to keep a non-staged look, and avoid the sitcom light room feel. And, yeah it's not very exciting, as I didn't have much to work with myself. I take the blame for that, I took it into a different direction.

Thanks for the input, though, guys. I'll have better stuff in the future.


edit: I changed it to Sample Reel and put a 'shitty' disclaimer on it, just to kill any hopes that this is a possible oscar winner for best cinematography.
 
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My only beef is that it is a tad dark, though I support your intentions of doing things differently. Definitely mix it up and keep things fresh. Also, bonus points for use of my favorite band's music. Keep up the nice work, man.
 
DammitJanet said:
My only beef is that it is a tad dark, though I support your intentions of doing things differently. Definitely mix it up and keep things fresh. Also, bonus points for use of my favorite band's music. Keep up the nice work, man.
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Yeah, thanks for the insight. I did shoot it kind of dark, but also, though I hate to point the finger, the quicktime compression is kind of crappy. Otherwise, yeah, I am trying to make it less shiny, because my basement is practically a cave. Rescue Me is a bit of an inspiration for the natural (shitty) lighting.

Beyond that, Mogwai does rule.
 
dougster77 said:
I doug it... I mean dig it...

Had a nice pace and seem to have a creative flow in editing... Not too bad...
Click to expand...

Wow. Thanks, I didn't think anyone would care for my editing, at least worth mentioning.

Thanks for the insight.
 
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