Party Promo/Recap Video shot w/ A1 NEED HELP

DHLOGAN

DHLOGAN

Active member
Hi guys.

I shot a party promo/recap music video last week. It was a rooftop party during the day so I was expecting some good footage because of the ample natural lighting. However, I was unimpressed with how it turned out. I have seen much clearer videos other people shot with the A1 that look MUCH better. There was alot of grain in some of the darker shots.

I did realize afterward that I accidentally had the gain on H (+12db) the whole time. I wasn't sure if this would have made a huge difference seeing that the lighting was pretty good. Would the +12db gain affect the picture in good lighting conditions too?

I was shooting in 24F the whole time. Was this the appropriate frame rate for this type of video? Also, I was a partly cloudy day. I had on the 1/32 ND filter on because I didn't want the sun to overexpose my shots. Was this the best thing to do for a partly cloudy day?

You can take a look at the video at the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIzodXLzAn0

Aside from the grain/lighting what other critiques can you offer. All your feedback would be GREATLY appreciated! The client REALLY liked the video, but I was just satisfied with it. I assume that the client will bring me back for more events in the future and I want to grow and provide a better product in the future. Thanks in advance.
 
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Gain = grain just because the electronic amplification of the signal introduces 'noise' from the amplification circuit. On the A1 I always shoot 6db or lower. (my presets are -3, 0 and 6db) Try to keep it on -3.
 
Thanks Duke. Like I said it I mistakenly left the gain on for the whole shoot but I would think that it wouldn't introduce much grain if I had decent lighting. I guess not huh?

Any other thoughts of how I can improve the video for next time? Thanks again.
 
I did the same thing right after I got my camera (gain + nd), and I wish the footage had turned out this nice. mine looked like I was shooting from inside a dirty aquarium. that being said the shots are not bad and the editing / pace of the thing is good too. I would have liked to see a bit more shot variety. there are a lot of medium shots and the only close ups I really saw were of the turntable :)45 and at the end). perhaps some of the bartenders pouring the drinks, some smiles, etc to really show off the lighthearted atmosphere of the party you know. that's really all I had, again, good work and keep those clients happy :)
 
Thanks a bunch Adam! I really appreciate the feedback. I'll definitely look to get more shot variety next time...and of course remember to turn the gain to -3.
 
Sometimes you can improve footage with grain by using a denoiser plugin. As I recall Neato has a good one.
 
I couldnt see anything too distracting in the footage. Exposure was about right all the time. Just watch your pan speed on 24f - too fast and it stutters a bit.

For what it is, it comes across more as some corporate party, than a fun gathering. Consider next time some tighter shots to sell the atmosphere a little more, a face laughing, a champagne glass being filled, tight on the turntable as he works it, things like that. And have some faster cuts in the edit. Also, the title sequence isnt really working with what we are seeing.

Id say overall its seems you tried to be a little conservative with it.
 
Noel Evans said:
For what it is, it comes across more as some corporate party, than a fun gathering. Consider next time some tighter shots to sell the atmosphere a little more, a face laughing, a champagne glass being filled, tight on the turntable as he works it, things like that. And have some faster cuts in the edit. Also, the title sequence isnt really working with what we are seeing.

Id say overall its seems you tried to be a little conservative with it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice Noel. I will be shooting that same event tomorrow so I will definitely try some of your suggestions.

Interesting point about the corporate party. I didn't see it that way until you mentioned it. The atmosphere was kinda and upscale-ish so I didn't want to make it like a look like a crazy rave party. But I can understand what you're saying. I will try to dig in a little more tomorrow. Thanks again.
 
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