Cinematography analysis of my new music video

Orangeday

Member
Hello,

today I've finished my new music video.
I'm interested in all kind of feedback (cutting, story, grading...) but most of all I'm interested what you think about the cinematography.

Feel free to share all of your negative thoughts, but please explain it a bit so I can improve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6vDs5MFny8
 
Not bad at all. I think you need to work on the grading the skintones of the lighter guy as you're getting the green/magenta look (I assume from cheap LEDs?) making him look a bit unwell in a few shots. Plus I'd maybe look at balancing his skin from scene to scene when you cut between them directly Also the lighting you have on the main singer guy in the ruined building looks fantastic but is a bit spoiled when you see the lights and the background. I think it would be a lot moodier and more effective if you'd cropped in or been in tighter so we didn't see the location much as it looses its impact a bit. Good job though
 
The lights showing is a no no. You can't have those showing in a music video especially with such nice locations for this video. Apart from that the lighting needs to be better because there are too many shots where it's obvious that lights are pointing at faces with the shadows. I also noticed a camera shake for the hook. I agree with Ben about the skin tones. But overall it's a good effort. I like the story that was just, there were just a few major things that can get fixed. Keep up the hard work and keep improving with your music video production craft. I am certain that your next one will be much better. :)
 
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All in all, well done. If I could give some constructive ideas they would be subjective. Just things I'd do differently. I would not have gone to the wide shot on the stone wall scene. I'm all for exposed light fixtures when it's right but in this case, I would have chose to keep reality suspended instead of showing all.

Also, I would have shot the church scene differently. One at night with controlled lighting to really help sculpt the talent out of the frame and also add to the dramatic effect. I'd also choose to shoot it during the day and intentionally blow it out. Maybe put a pro mist filter on. Do what I could to obscure the scene with blocking and glass elements in front of the lens to really suspend reality. Make it feel heavenly.

Then you would have contrasting A-roll to play with. Think of it as this world and the next.

Lastly, a wardrobe element. Definitely lose the jeans in the church and find way better pants. Wardrobe is everything in a music vid.

Not it ragging on it. I liked it. Just giving some honest, subjective, ideas.
 
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