redhouse19
New member
let me know what you think thanks enjoy
Cinematography 2011 Demo Reel
- Thread starter redhouse19
- Start date
let me know what you think thanks enjoy
Snapper123
Well-known member
Honestly, I think your reel has some sometimes major issues with white balance, lighting, composition, and skin tones. I know it's just a collage of past productions, but it seems that from production to production, that no mistakes were really corrected and I think that's what employers look for - if one production looks bad, they like to see that the next clip fixed all the issues. With your reel, it looks like there was too much grading, too much contrast, too much extremely red skin, and overall the color tone had many of the clips looking almost like a solid, monotone color - others are way too extremely contrasty and saturated. Now, there are some great cinematographers who just are not color editors, but the thing is that there's also very little standout cinematography in this real, and it truly is far below what other newbie filmmakers are doing - many whom haven't stepped foot in a film school.
To be honest, if cinematography was one of your main courses at Full Sail, I have to say that it doesn't look like they taught you the tools of the trade that's needed in this business - I'm not insulting your abilities, I'm insulting the fact that a film school should indeed be teaching professional film techniques. Unless it's a local band or suffering business, this is not the type of cinematography that any big-name productions look for, wether it comes to composition, lighting, camera movement, editing, color correction, camera settings, ect ect.
To give some technical advice though, for one, most if not all of the clips are way too extremely contrasty - this is why people are diving into DSLR's before anything else; DSLR's, for better or worse, do give you the options to change the contrast into something more preferable, the same goes for saturation. I know that everyone has their own style, but the flaw with your style is that the contrast and saturation has no meaning. Showing extremely red skin tones are not good unless you're making a medical video that talks about skin disease; otherwise, it looks embarassing to both the client and the actors, and does not sell products. Concerning contrast, there are types of scenes that call for darkness, but even in these types of scenes, it's a universally known fact that you shoot to retain detail - you only want the scene to look dark, not it actually be a void of blackness. With lighting, it looks like most of the clips have very poor lighting - natural lighting is not the way to go unless you can control it well, and even with set and lighting composition, it just doesn't look like you are placing your subjects where they would be most flattering.
Composition, it is usually wise to follow the rule of 3rd's, which should have been a basic film technique taught at any film school - I know of soccer mom photography courses that are teaching this. Your reel does not have any composition in most of the shots, and composition is important even if you're trying to accomplish a camera style that is wild and spazzy. You can't just set your subjects anywhere; they have to align with the watcher's eye, to make the speaker feel close to the viewer's emotions. Even if you apply the rule of 3rd's, it's not wise to put a subject who's facing right on the right side of the screen - I see this mistake many times in the reel, both with a singer and the red-faced heavyset man. You have to give your subjects a space to look into at an angle, or else it looks like they're looking into a wall.
Now, the few better reels of this collage are the boxers/fighers - pretty good composition and better color grading, fairly good stuff - and the band shots, which are pretty fitting for the subject matter and convey the subject well. The rest of the shots...I say either run them through the editor again, or they might just not be a wise set of clips to put on a professional reel. In the "about the video" section on Vimeo, it also seems to say you only did half the cinematography here - this is confusing to any clients and you should only put in clips that you controlled yourself and basically "did." You don't want to throw in clips that you only acted in or helped out on, you really want to make sure this is your cinematography reel.
To be honest, if cinematography was one of your main courses at Full Sail, I have to say that it doesn't look like they taught you the tools of the trade that's needed in this business - I'm not insulting your abilities, I'm insulting the fact that a film school should indeed be teaching professional film techniques. Unless it's a local band or suffering business, this is not the type of cinematography that any big-name productions look for, wether it comes to composition, lighting, camera movement, editing, color correction, camera settings, ect ect.
To give some technical advice though, for one, most if not all of the clips are way too extremely contrasty - this is why people are diving into DSLR's before anything else; DSLR's, for better or worse, do give you the options to change the contrast into something more preferable, the same goes for saturation. I know that everyone has their own style, but the flaw with your style is that the contrast and saturation has no meaning. Showing extremely red skin tones are not good unless you're making a medical video that talks about skin disease; otherwise, it looks embarassing to both the client and the actors, and does not sell products. Concerning contrast, there are types of scenes that call for darkness, but even in these types of scenes, it's a universally known fact that you shoot to retain detail - you only want the scene to look dark, not it actually be a void of blackness. With lighting, it looks like most of the clips have very poor lighting - natural lighting is not the way to go unless you can control it well, and even with set and lighting composition, it just doesn't look like you are placing your subjects where they would be most flattering.
Composition, it is usually wise to follow the rule of 3rd's, which should have been a basic film technique taught at any film school - I know of soccer mom photography courses that are teaching this. Your reel does not have any composition in most of the shots, and composition is important even if you're trying to accomplish a camera style that is wild and spazzy. You can't just set your subjects anywhere; they have to align with the watcher's eye, to make the speaker feel close to the viewer's emotions. Even if you apply the rule of 3rd's, it's not wise to put a subject who's facing right on the right side of the screen - I see this mistake many times in the reel, both with a singer and the red-faced heavyset man. You have to give your subjects a space to look into at an angle, or else it looks like they're looking into a wall.
Now, the few better reels of this collage are the boxers/fighers - pretty good composition and better color grading, fairly good stuff - and the band shots, which are pretty fitting for the subject matter and convey the subject well. The rest of the shots...I say either run them through the editor again, or they might just not be a wise set of clips to put on a professional reel. In the "about the video" section on Vimeo, it also seems to say you only did half the cinematography here - this is confusing to any clients and you should only put in clips that you controlled yourself and basically "did." You don't want to throw in clips that you only acted in or helped out on, you really want to make sure this is your cinematography reel.
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What Snapper123 said is the reality. Harsh or not, his criticism should be useful for you. Let me add that your first shot of the real which should be your best, is probably the worst. A zoom out/in is a massive no no. Zoom shots are generally abominable on cinematography reels. And keep away from any color correction software. But you also have quite a lot of decent stuff that you can keep too so don't despare, just learn and improve and start replacing the bad stuff from your reel with newer/better stuff as you go on..
RyanT
Veteran
Did you like...not go to a film school and are now jealous that John here got the opportunity to do so? I feel like there is something here that is not at all related to John's reel.
This all seems like pretty standard stuff for someone just coming out of school. It is a little heavy on the grading, but keep at it and you'll start to develop an eye for what is too much. I don't think you should stay away from grading software all together, but maybe read one of the books by steve hullfish, mainly color correction for digital video. I read that and then found a DVD on FCP's Color and that was way more than enough to get me started. Offer to color peoples projects for free, color all of your own projects, do it as much as possible as you'll learn very quickly. You'll also learn A LOT about lighting from having to sit there and try and fix your mistakes.
One very simple thing you can do is just cut your reel in half. A lot of that interview stuff should probably go as the skin tones are pretty far off, and I'm sure you can find clips that you personally think are not the cream of the crop. Better to leave them wanting more than giving them too much.
I think it's pretty clear that you understand simple things such as the rule of thirds and other silly things like that. Do you take pictures often? If not, I'd suggest picking up a 35mm camera and shooting with that as much as you can. I've learned so much by just taking pictures, as it keeps me sharp even when I'm not shooting films. Also a good chance to work on your grading more as you can run them through photoshop and do what you would normally do while grading your films.
Taylor Rudd
Veteran
John,
It is probably best to ignore Snapper's post. Obviously you want feedback about the reel, not your ability or style.
Your reel certainly had some nice shots, but your best stuff should go at the beginning. It is cool that the content builds as the song develops, but this is a reel. The meat needs to be on the front side, otherwise no one will make it through to the end.
1) Don't pad your reel to make it longer. Cut out any shots that have questionable camera moves, exposure, color, etc.
2) The song should be secondary to your images.
3) Try not to revisit the same project too many times.
You've got some good stuff in there. Fish out anything that isn't A+ and keep it looking pretty.
TL;DR - Quality, diversity, brevity.
It is probably best to ignore Snapper's post. Obviously you want feedback about the reel, not your ability or style.
Your reel certainly had some nice shots, but your best stuff should go at the beginning. It is cool that the content builds as the song develops, but this is a reel. The meat needs to be on the front side, otherwise no one will make it through to the end.
1) Don't pad your reel to make it longer. Cut out any shots that have questionable camera moves, exposure, color, etc.
2) The song should be secondary to your images.
3) Try not to revisit the same project too many times.
You've got some good stuff in there. Fish out anything that isn't A+ and keep it looking pretty.
TL;DR - Quality, diversity, brevity.
Jordan Scott Price
Veteran
Snapper, I don't really know what to make of you.
You are incessantly critical on these forums. The OP would just like feedback on his reel, not a lecture or an indictment of his tuition investment.
This is just hurtful. The point of a style is that it is unique and to each his/her own. Telling someone there's a flaw in it is mean-spirited and unhelpful.
Redhouse,
I like everything about the shot at :25. Everything before it has some problems that subtract from the overall image, but :25 is nice. I buy it. I would lose the content before it, with the exception of the dolly on the guy in camo, which will respond to a more skin tones-sensitive round of color grading.
Shot at :40 - cut it down to just the biker, and just a few seconds of him at that. This shot will also respond to some darkening and contrast increase in the color suite.
Cut down the rap music video stuff to about half as long for each clip. They're only interesting for a split-second by themselves. They are shot well, though, and tell me a lot about the style of music. Don't touch those in the grading process; in my opinion, they look nice as is.
The shot at 1:06 is good.
1:08 - 1:22 is really quite an attractive collage. You could consider bringing this to the front of your reel.
The shots after with the two guys in high contrast light is well shot, but the reds need to be adjusted. In your color program of choice, open up the blacks a touch, dial out the magenta, and you may have to add a touch of green to your highlights.
Violin shot at 1:30 is good. But I would lose the shot at 1:31.
Keep the MMA shot after it, but lose the rack focus shot of the band because of the flickering light; if you HAVE to have it, cut out the flash frame at around 1:40.
The following shot in the ring at 1:42 is OK; cut it at around 1:44 when they hit the ground. It's more engaging that way.
Cut down the concert stuff, as there really isn't much there that shows off your skill.
Keep the shot at 2:02. I think it's a strong shot.
Shot at 2:15 can be cut down to just a second or so, and cut it so that the object that appears in the background in the bottom right is not in the shot. It distracts me from the actor. Also, try to dial out the magenta in this, as well.
The ensuing shot with the kid is OK, if a little shaky, but it's a nice shot.
The shot with the band again at 2:21 is no good. It shows the limitations of the camera, and you have better shots of the concert you can use, if you must use them.
Your last two shots (guy pointing and focus pull) are fine as is. They cut fast and keep my attention.
I hope this helps. I just went through cutting my second reel, and it was torture. You get adjusted to the footage you've shot and been looking at for months. It's hard to tell what's good and what's not. You've done the right thing coming to get opinions and suggestions, and you have the luxury of being able to choose which you will accept.
You are incessantly critical on these forums. The OP would just like feedback on his reel, not a lecture or an indictment of his tuition investment.
This is just hurtful. The point of a style is that it is unique and to each his/her own. Telling someone there's a flaw in it is mean-spirited and unhelpful.
Redhouse,
I like everything about the shot at :25. Everything before it has some problems that subtract from the overall image, but :25 is nice. I buy it. I would lose the content before it, with the exception of the dolly on the guy in camo, which will respond to a more skin tones-sensitive round of color grading.
Shot at :40 - cut it down to just the biker, and just a few seconds of him at that. This shot will also respond to some darkening and contrast increase in the color suite.
Cut down the rap music video stuff to about half as long for each clip. They're only interesting for a split-second by themselves. They are shot well, though, and tell me a lot about the style of music. Don't touch those in the grading process; in my opinion, they look nice as is.
The shot at 1:06 is good.
1:08 - 1:22 is really quite an attractive collage. You could consider bringing this to the front of your reel.
The shots after with the two guys in high contrast light is well shot, but the reds need to be adjusted. In your color program of choice, open up the blacks a touch, dial out the magenta, and you may have to add a touch of green to your highlights.
Violin shot at 1:30 is good. But I would lose the shot at 1:31.
Keep the MMA shot after it, but lose the rack focus shot of the band because of the flickering light; if you HAVE to have it, cut out the flash frame at around 1:40.
The following shot in the ring at 1:42 is OK; cut it at around 1:44 when they hit the ground. It's more engaging that way.
Cut down the concert stuff, as there really isn't much there that shows off your skill.
Keep the shot at 2:02. I think it's a strong shot.
Shot at 2:15 can be cut down to just a second or so, and cut it so that the object that appears in the background in the bottom right is not in the shot. It distracts me from the actor. Also, try to dial out the magenta in this, as well.
The ensuing shot with the kid is OK, if a little shaky, but it's a nice shot.
The shot with the band again at 2:21 is no good. It shows the limitations of the camera, and you have better shots of the concert you can use, if you must use them.
Your last two shots (guy pointing and focus pull) are fine as is. They cut fast and keep my attention.
I hope this helps. I just went through cutting my second reel, and it was torture. You get adjusted to the footage you've shot and been looking at for months. It's hard to tell what's good and what's not. You've done the right thing coming to get opinions and suggestions, and you have the luxury of being able to choose which you will accept.
The above post is damn good critique. That type of critique is what most people look for, yet most people don't offer. If there is some type of "point" award system, I definitely think he should be recognized for it.
As far as your reel goes, all I have to say is that I loved it. I think the Explosions In The Sky track went very well, and most of your shots seemed well composed, however I agree about your opening shot not being a zoom shot. Even if it wasn't zoomed, and was framed, I don't think it should be your opening shot. Try to compose the timeline in a since of a 'hook' or an attention grabber, lead into shots displaying different areas of skill of yours, leading into some other of your top shots, and a nice closing shot.
I'm no professional, so I can't get get into great detail about your shots, but great work overall. I respect any talented videographer.
As far as your reel goes, all I have to say is that I loved it. I think the Explosions In The Sky track went very well, and most of your shots seemed well composed, however I agree about your opening shot not being a zoom shot. Even if it wasn't zoomed, and was framed, I don't think it should be your opening shot. Try to compose the timeline in a since of a 'hook' or an attention grabber, lead into shots displaying different areas of skill of yours, leading into some other of your top shots, and a nice closing shot.
I'm no professional, so I can't get get into great detail about your shots, but great work overall. I respect any talented videographer.
redhouse19
New member
First off i want to thank everyone to take the time and watch my reel and give me feedback. This is my first reel and im still learning, and my reel will never be done. Im taking in everyones critiques and look forward to the next one. Ill be working on the re-edit and repost it for the next batch.
Thank you again for you time and thoughts.
Thank you again for you time and thoughts.
Taylor Rudd
Veteran
Looking forward to the new edit. Keep us posted.
redhouse19
New member
Is there any recommendation for the music to put in the new edit?
G
G.P.
Guest
I dont think Snapper123 was out of his place to say what he really felt. A reel should show the emotion you have behind your work, Snapper was expressing the feel his reel gave off. I am in agreement to a lot of the stuff he has said as well. I think color grading was very and super compressed with blacks and highlights, no dynamic range. I could tell a lot of shaky shots in there too, and it wasn't "shoulder mount" shaky which is on purpose and a skill to do properly, it was more of, I'm holding a camera the wrong way and causing to much vibration shaky. Also having a reel where you only shot half the footage on is not good unless you label what you've done. Some of the good shots could have been you or it could not have been you. The grading could have been someone else, or all you. but the fact is that you post on vimeo that its only about half your camera work just makes it all that more a negative on your end one way or another.
His comment is also a good reminder on how to take a bad review. You'll get them your whole life no matter how good you are. Someone will always not like your work. But I do think what he said had truth to it.
I can't believe a film school doesn't teach how to make a proper reel is what I find amazing. Just some no-nos I saw that if taught in the first place he would have never done, like the zoom move, regardless if it was his or not, should have never been in the first shot, or possibly in the reel at all. I saw some nice shots in there hidden behind the compressed blacks and other shots. I'd just take out anything that didn't look amazing, rather have a 30sec strong reel than a 3min weak one.
Keep up the work and keep pushing yourself to the limit and watch more movies than your eyes can bare to take. Thats film school right there as well. Keep pushing keep learning, and never think you know it all, because theres always someone else to turn around and show you up. Just stay open minded and set a goal and go after it with your work.
His comment is also a good reminder on how to take a bad review. You'll get them your whole life no matter how good you are. Someone will always not like your work. But I do think what he said had truth to it.
I can't believe a film school doesn't teach how to make a proper reel is what I find amazing. Just some no-nos I saw that if taught in the first place he would have never done, like the zoom move, regardless if it was his or not, should have never been in the first shot, or possibly in the reel at all. I saw some nice shots in there hidden behind the compressed blacks and other shots. I'd just take out anything that didn't look amazing, rather have a 30sec strong reel than a 3min weak one.
Keep up the work and keep pushing yourself to the limit and watch more movies than your eyes can bare to take. Thats film school right there as well. Keep pushing keep learning, and never think you know it all, because theres always someone else to turn around and show you up. Just stay open minded and set a goal and go after it with your work.
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