Looking for feedback on my demo reel

m0ri

Member
Maybe I'm just being too critical of myself, but I'm just not satisfied. I feel like it's missing something. Any input you guys have is greatly appreciated. Everything was shot on 7D

 
No...I personally think it's very good. You've got lots of different scenes, the music matched well, etc.
The only suggestion I would make would be to hold just a couple of shots a tad bit longer...I'm talking just a fraction here.
Other than that....it's great.
 
I have to second the holding of some of the shots a little longer, especially in the opening. There is a very nice image of a man against a black board, but it cuts as some text comes up. I found that to be a bit jarring. There are also some shots, that appear to be from fictional narrative projects, that are not very well lit that you may want to reconsider about including. One in particular is a night exterior and it looks like there is a person brandishing a handgun. It does not, IMHO, appear to be properly exposed and not up to the quality of the rest of you images. Other than that, good job. There is some very good stuff there.
 
If I might add, I think your demo is showing very little by you trying to show too much... It was hard for me to get a hold on something that I might find interesting just because everything was rushing so much. I'm not sure what is this demo selling, is it direction, cinematography, perhaps editing...? At the moment it could be anyone of these, but its in fact none of these, its that confusing.

Here's my two cents: Choose a slower paced song with a strong emotional hook, let your shots breathe, create some sort of narrative within your images. Engage me into your work, don't just throw a bunch of images at me that could have been done by anyone with a camera, what is it about your work that is special? Sell it to me! Because at the moment, its just not working. Sorry.
 
Everyone has an opinion....... Point blank period it looked great. Who cares that you edited fast and threw a whole bunch of clips together. This art is no rocket science and you have millions of people now with a camera. It all boils down to price and if you work good enough. Those days of trying to be a "Cinematographer" are over...... Some kid rite now with a t2i is shooting movies mind free with no worries in the world.... Think about that
 
If I might add, I think your demo is showing very little by you trying to show too much... It was hard for me to get a hold on something that I might find interesting just because everything was rushing so much. I'm not sure what is this demo selling, is it direction, cinematography, perhaps editing...? At the moment it could be anyone of these, but its in fact none of these, its that confusing.

Here's my two cents: Choose a slower paced song with a strong emotional hook, let your shots breathe, create some sort of narrative within your images. Engage me into your work, don't just throw a bunch of images at me that could have been done by anyone with a camera, what is it about your work that is special? Sell it to me! Because at the moment, its just not working. Sorry.
I see what you're saying. On the Vimeo description I mention that I work as a camera operator and editor, so without knowing that it would be kind of confusing. I can't really say that it focuses on any one aspect of what I do though. Were I to say that this is meant to showcase my cinematography would only be half true, there are scenes in here that I didn't shoot, but edited. The same goes for the editing and coloring because about 1/3 of the footage was shot by me but it was edited by someone else.
 
First shots are completely uncompelling, use some of the later shots & make sure to KICK it off, not make a "filmic" attemt on it. If we guys have net-ADHD... what do you expect from the potential dream client watching your clip with very expensive seconds of his life? BUST the viewer,

................if you make a reel to get jobs that is. Making a reel to show of your artistic talents for fun is a totally different thing, and if so you can ignore eveything i just said ;)

edit: if putting your name in the beginning make it fast, not a slow fade, that's rigging the viewer for expections (that rather should come from the first 2-3, peferably breathtaking, seconds)
 
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Some good shots and some good camera moves here. Though I think the underexposed shots hurt you, as does the helter skelter presentation. Edgy action/drama, live performance, runway, music video - hip hop and pretty pop. The overall effect is disorientating. And when I am taken by something interesting, the effect is lost because there's a sudden change of tone. And you've got just one runway and one pop music vid shot in here...do you think they're neccesary?

If you're selling yourself as an editor, I'd say you have a good sense of timing, but the content could be better organised. And as an operator I think you show plenty...better lighting could really help highlight that.
 
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