The look

MDfilms

MDfilms

Well-known member
I wanted to get some feedback about my work.  Do I have the look to be a DP.  
Thank you for your time.  I'm very new at doing DP work.

http://www.mdfilms.net - check out all my work here


PS - What simple items are must have for DP work (directors viewfinder?)
 
Re: The look

..youve got one "t" toomany in the web address in the http: section. ;)

"htttp://www.mdfilms.net "
 
Re: The look

I've been familiar with your work for a while now...seen your reel a couple months back. Firstly, you're extremely talented and obviously have a good eye and enthusiasm.

By "professional" standards, I don't think you're at the DP level yet.
1.) Your shots indicate that you're amazed with the moving image in general, but I don't think you've succeeded in making an amazing image for an audience quite yet. All of your work looks like the same thing: Brooding, introspective shots of girl and scenery...there's little else that remains engaging to someone else.
2.) You're images look extremely heavy...they're rather dark and the colors seem too rich. I know everyone says, "That's the look I'm going for." But one of the first tell tale signs of an amateur cimematographer/editor is taking things too far. Being too heavy handed with color correcting or filters (Magic Bullet, et al.) will be like a red flag that you don't know quite what you're doing just yet. It's easy to let the filter dictate a specific look, which is way so many newer "DP's" all have the same look.
3.) You have some good camera moves in there, especially the bird's eye shots, but you have to pay more attention to lighting. A good DP needs to have a solid understanding of lighting. That's the next thing to teach yourself.
4.) There's no must have equipment for a DP, IMO. I work in Chicago, which is an extremely down to earth, working class kinda town. You show up with a director's viewfinder and your crew will be making fun of you behind your back...kinda like a painter actually wearing a beret.

At any rate, while there are definitely areas you need to be working on, I think you have a great deal of talent and that you have enough drive to easily take yourself to the next level.

Cheers.
 
Re: The look

Thank you so much for your kind words and wisdom. I know I have so much to learn. I'll look forward to showing more of my work over time. I am working on some new projects now. I'll let you know what happens next.
 
Re: The look

Cool. Can't wait to see it. Oh, yeah completely forgot to mention that I really dig your motion graphics (after effects?). The rain drops on the table surface are killer.
 
Re: The look

i_stole_your_bike - That's some great feedback. Just wanted to say thanks even though your comments are for MDfilms.
 
Re: The look

some amazing stuff.

i'd love to see him do a real short. none of the stuff under shorts was what i think is generally considered a short.

get the cute girl and a few other people, put a story together and that would probably be really impressive.

matthew
 
Re: The look

[quote author=i_stole_your_bike link=board=news;num=1104858116;start=0#3 date=01/04/05 at 11:41:44]You show up with a director's viewfinder and your crew will be making fun of you behind your back...kinda like a painter actually wearing a beret.[/quote]

I use a director's viewfinder quite extensively. Any idea where I can get a good beret? :D
 
Re: The look

Now, where do you get the von Stroheim eyepiece and balloon knickers?

eBay, here I come!
 
Re: The look

Michael, nice work. I think you're well on your way. One question: I didn't get a chance to look at everything on your site (but quite a bit, loved the skydive), but are you shooting everything on video? Not to be a film snob a videocam site, but I think if you're looking to put together a nice DP real, you need some film work on there. Especially if you're wanting to DP higher-end stuff like commercials and whatnot. Why do I say that? Because when I'm looking at DP reels (as an ad writer, not a director, yet) I'm basically looking at shot composition, lighting and the overall effect of those two combined. Film still looks better due to DOF. Besides, I wouldn't want to hire a DP with no film camera experience. Granted, I rarely get to pick the DP; the director we pick is usually in charge of that, but sometimes the director lets us have a choice. Or maybe I'm hallucinating that memory.

Anyway, keep shooting. You're a want-to-be who isn't just a wannabe. Dear lord that was cheesy. :D

Fox
 
Re: The look

hey really good stuff, quick edit. on your rate card is says "contact us for a CONSULATION" you forgot the T "consulTation" just a heads up.
 
Re: The look

thank you for your support and help. I know I have a long way to go but I trying to figure it out.
 
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