I Need constructive criticism on my music video!

K

kenazure24

Member
The Focus is definitely not on the music lol... I recorded and edited a video for my friend this pass weekend. I just need to know what can make my editing/camera work better. Don't hold back ladies and gentleman.

 
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I like the idea of him snapping photos, it think it's a great start. Keep in mind a huge role in producing great videos is where you shoot. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOL. The graffitti is ok, but it's been done to death. Although it's still 100% better than the fenced in field. That just doesn't look very good. Why not have him snap photos of things that match the song. like as if he's gone back in the past and telling his story through snapping pictures. It's just an idea, it goes with what you were already doing, but go to a bunch of different locations, add some evening, and night. some grittyness to go with it. show some more people in there But make sure you teach him how to look like he knows how to take a picture.:) good luck, post up your new vid if you decide to redo it.
 
Hi kenazure24. Sometimes videos slip through the cracks.

Creatively I think the video is a little lacking. Music videos are a chance to break free and let creativity reign supreme. But maybe you were just on board to shoot and edit and not direct? If you were on board to write and direct the video then maybe next time try and take some creative risks.

I know it was just you and a dude or two but there is always a way to make things interesting.

Technically I found something strange with the motion blur. What frame rate and shutter speed did you shoot at?

And I think it looks a bit "videoish" and could do with a better grade to give the image some texture.

Good luck with your next project.

edit: I'm a slow typer... maranfilms gave some great advice.

 
kenazure24, Welcome to DVXUSER!. The above posts are correct, in the future, maybe different locations, better coverage and maybe a more narrative flow may be something that you want to strive for. However, sometimes simple is better. I am not a connoisseur of Rap music, but what this artist is singing about is important. Sometimes it is a temptation when making a music video, to turn the thing into a, "Hey look at what I can do with my camera and editing system" effort, especially with a song that may not be very slickly produced. I am of the opinion that you may actually end up diluting the strengths of the song by doing this. Sometimes setting the mood and tone, and letting the song carry the piece can be the way to go.

To offer some specific suggestions, first, I would get rid of those film effects like the flash frames and film run out filters. They are not needed, and have become pretty cliche actually. I like the use of the fenced in yard, and the way that you cut his movements back and forth. Relative to the song, I think that choice of location and that cutting really showed a sense of isolation, indecision, and a kind of futility. With elements like that, additional efforts at enhancing it with the canned video effects are, IMHO superfluous. I would also think about removing the motion jitter. I just don't think it is needed. I would also think about maybe slowing down the interstitial shots, photographing the graffiti, talking to the friends, the shots of the writing paper, and so on. I would especially slow down the shots of the talent walking near the end of the video. I like that effect, and it is subtle. Maybe try a reduction in speed of 25%, to start. Now, slowing down that shots will increase their length. This will give you an opportunity to use the better shots and cutting the ones that are marginal. There is a shot in the middle of the video that I think needs to be removed. It is a shot of a wall hanging or print. It is too short to get an understanding of what the print may mean to the song and is kind of jarring. I agree, from above that you may want to experiment with the grade. A little steeper gamma and some de-saturation would be what I would start with.

All in all, it is an enjoyable video. Good job. The above is just my two cents, ya know!

Besides, as a West-sider (Brightmoor and the NW side) by inclination, currently living on the East Side (Roseville), I am glad to see such good work coming out of The D!
 
maranfilms I laughed reading your reply. I go to film school for film!! (LOL) I have no idea how to make a music video tho. Just needed to know what I need to be doing and what I don't need to be doing. It was getting dark and he said the footage I had was ok so I didn't bother getting anything else that matched the song. Whats funny is that I know this video has problems and people close to me tell me that its ok... Thanks for helping me man :D
 
Searcher, Yeah i noticed it looked videoish. I kinda half assed it just to put something out. I know not to do that anymore tho. The thing with the motion blur... I know i am suppose to use a shutter speed of 48 when uses 24 frames a second, but me... I never see a difference in the motion. Like for instance... I know people who cant even tell the difference between 30 frames and 24 frames. I mean, I've seen the examples of a car riding pass shutter speed test and I get it. But in my video I don't see it. Can you help me what that or show me? Thanks in advance Searcher :)
 
kenazure24 said:
Searcher, Yeah i noticed it looked videoish. I kinda half assed it just to put something out. I know not to do that anymore tho. The thing with the motion blur... I know i am suppose to use a shutter speed of 48 when uses 24 frames a second, but me... I never see a difference in the motion. Like for instance... I know people who cant even tell the difference between 30 frames and 24 frames. I mean, I've seen the examples of a car riding pass shutter speed test and I get it. But in my video I don't see it. Can you help me what that or show me? Thanks in advance Searcher :)
Click to expand...

Well you might not notice a difference but nearly every film you see at a cinema uses the "180 degree rule" otherwise known as "doubling your frame rate rule". It just lends a motion blur to your video that looks "filmic" and in general "pleasing". The faster your shutter speed the generally more mechanical and videoish your video will look. Just because you don't see the difference doesn't mean it's not detrimental to the reception of your video.
 
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