Reel needs critique -- pull no punches

N

ninja8618

Member
Hi there DVXusers

here's the link :

Thanks!

Also, I'm based in Queens, New York and I'm trying to get a team of people together to start a production collaborative, whether you're a writer/prop maker/DP/Gaffer/Vfx whiz ... if you're interested pm me. My site is www.87blocks.com

thank you.
 
Fixed your other post and your link on this thread was incorrect - went back to DVXUser main page. Edited to fix.
 
In the first :30, all but one of your shots is shallow DOF.

Something that is often not considered in making a reel is that the hiring producers and directors will know within the first :30-:60 if they're interested in hiring. Put your absolute best foot forward. Showing lots of shallow DOF only shows that you've jumped on the shallow DOF bandwagon. This is a tool to be used sparingly and intentionally. Rather, show that you can shoot to tell a larger story.

Also, the night shot at :20 is underexposed, and the camera movement is shaky and jell-o filled. I would consider replacing it.
 
Quick thoughts:

It doesn't need to be this long. Cut out a third of it at least.

Shots of out of focus lights from a travelling car are somewhat cliche.

I really liked the two shots starting at 1.41.
 
I don't know what other people look for in a DP reel, but what I look for is... pretty much the exact opposite of what you've got. Anybody can go outside and shoot some cool stuff with sunlight, I want to know if you can control light and use it to help create emotion... and it looks like few or none of your shots use anything more than natural light or practicals.
Without that, you're just a camera operator.
Get some lights (even if you have to build them yourself from home depot) and shoot some scenes, I think it'll help you a lot.
--hey, you said no punched pulled

and also i'm in manhattan, i'm trying to get a thing going with some guys as well but if you ever need an extra set of hands or something let me know. i write/direct my own stuff, i dp other people's stuff frequently, and i'm at least competent in running sound... let me know if i can help you out
 
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