Music Video?

[Ayinde]

I shot my first music video very recently and want critique, or suggestions, as to things I could've done differently to improve the outcome of the video. Both store locations were lit naturally due to time and privilege restraints so I am aware that those images came out pretty flat.

With that being said, what are your thoughts?


http://youtu.be/t_5lH2v4Efs


I'm still a bit new here I apologize if this isn't the correct place to post this... :/

 

[paulears]

Being old and English, I had to turn the sound down as I couldn't manage the 'music' - but a couple of things stand out - it takes 30 seconds to kick off, and then we get credits? I can see the point in telling the viewer at the end who did various things, but the Director, editor and shot by titles make me wonder if these people are VERY important people and must have their names there - I've never seen an editor being a featured artiste, before we see the main content. I always think titles need a point, and are different from credits - in this case, by being prominent and 'graphicized' they become part of the product?

I found the intro in the store a bit random, wobbly and the focus throw where the frame goes out of focus, then the pan to the infocus face a bit odd.

The music seems to sound like an alarm in a nuclear power station - something you'd hear in a Simpsons episode.

The jump to slowmo is very sudden, it would be better to ramp/easy in to the slow motion - as it is it jars a bit.

What on earth was the ending about? They go into a sports shop and talk to a er, less fit guy, do lots of hand slapping and then walk out. No idea, and to be continued? What is going to be continued? Very odd.

However, maybe it's an age or continent thing, and I'm just the wrong person to comment.
Paul

 

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Both store locations were lit naturally due to time and privilege restraints so I am aware that those images came out pretty flat.

Unless you were trying to 'match' the flatness of the store shots with the outdoor shots... the entire clip is 'flat'... now there is a style these days of 'old faded color print/movie' look. I personally don't care for it...

In any case, if the intention was the stylistic flat look, then you achieved that... if the intention was for more contrast, but the 'natural lighting of the store didn't yield that'... I'd say, look into how to shoot under such conditions and get a better contrast image. This requires you 'look for the light', and see what conditions exist, and how to get the contrast you want... (or at least more in the direction you want, given the constraints of the location...).

The other issue is 'dark complexion'... as such, dark complexion does present 'a problem' in the sense that often the shadow side of the face is 'under lit', and so becomes almost 'blank black', or 'over lit' and becomes 'milky flat'... need to find how to position the talent, to give the best contrast.

In the outdoor shots, that may require positioning the talent so that they are not against a back ground that would cause the 'darker shadow face/skin' areas to blend into an equally as dark back ground. For example, the trees in the background of the basketball court sort of match in value to the shadow side of the talent's face... so you may need bounce cards. Perhaps 'somewhat shinny' bounce cards and angled such that you get a bit of 'contour' on the cheek bones, rather than just blast in to the shadow (This technique needs to be worked out before the shoot... because it does require camera man, bounce card man to 'dance', if you want free camera/talent motion...).

 

[Leon Bailey]

I'm not going to go too hard on you because we all have to start somewhere. For the most parts I agree with what j1clark is saying. The video seems like a rush job and I know how that can be when dealing with rappers. A lot of under exposed then over exposed shots. I actually like the slow motion, speed up, and the cuts. The panning/slider shots is a little too dull for me. If you going to do that style of cinematography you got to make the shot a bit more interesting, from framing to angles. I see other framing issues. Not bad for your first video at all. Just learn from your mistakes that you made with this one and for the future ones don't allow them to happen. If you wanna reach out and chat anytime just let me know. I shoot Hip-Hop videos too, so I can definitely relate to what you are going through. If you believe in this, don't stop, and get to be one of the greats!

 

[Ayinde]

@Paulears: I forgot to mention that if you don't like rap to watch it on mute. My fault haha. I wasn't sure what to do as far as "crediting" goes seeing as most music videos are made from a production company and I am not part of one. But I felt as though I was disrespecting the editor if he had not had been properly credited. Next time however, I'll just keep any credits in the description box, and leave them away from the video. The titles didn't even fit the video, it was just something the rapper wanted. The beginning was supposed supposed to feel like btw footage, just capturing his trip to the store with his friends, then the video, and then the end is supposed to link into a new video keeping a transitional plot line to follow along with. If that makes sense?

@j1clark@ucsd.edu I definitely have to start looking at using available light to my advantage. The "flat" image wasn't my initial intent going into everything but I knew I wanted a vintage look and having the image as flat as it was helped achieve that. I wish I had bought bounce/reflectors for this shoot. I wasn't prepared for any grip lighting which I definitely will be next time.

@Leon Bailey 'Twas a rush job indeed. I'll chat with you about framing and more dynamic compositions. I'd love to hear different outlooks on things.

THanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it!