GH4 Trailer shot with GH4 - All V-Log internal

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giangwow

Member
Hi everyone,
I would like to share my recent work with the GH4. This is the very first video that I shot using the GH4. All was recorded internally using V-Log L. I know V-log is not very good for night scenes, but decided to try anyways. The noise is visible on the very dark scenes, but usable overall. Still one of the best camera I've ever used. I'm troubling to decide if I should go for a recorder like a Video Assist 4k or wait for the GH5, which is probably won't be available until March. Comments are so welcome, thank you all in advance!
 
The Video Assist will give you the quality now.

The GH5 will be easier to use.

Which is more important to you?
 
Keep in mind getting an external monitor is about a lot more than just the external recording. A good monitor like the Atomos Flame gives you a nice 10bit color display with 1500nit brightness, scopes, false color and the ability to load LUTs so you can view and/or bake in the profile of your choice. If you bake the look into the footage you don't have to add any LUTs in post. For viewing it will show you how your shots will actually look on the monitor vs trying to guess.

While the GH5 will have internal 10bit we don't know yet what format that will be and what other exposure tools will be in the GH5. When getting into LOG shooting it really does help to have a proper monitor to accurately dial in exposure and color. So even if you don't get a recorder and wait for the GH5 I would still highly suggest considering an external monitor in the future.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Yes, that's exactly what I had in mind, the advantages are huge. But the thing that is holding me back is that I would have to rig the camera up. That would take away the mobility of my current lightweight and agile set up. I had to forfeit the idea of using the FS700 with and external recorder for the ergonomics. It would be great for narrative projects which I don't have a lot right now. Thank you for the advice!
 
Good first effort! A couple of comments though, from what I think needs work from the most to the least.

1. Do you have permission to use that song? If not, remove it at once!!! You are now an artist, so let's make sure you respect copyright. I know it may fit your story perfectly, but check out soundcloud or Free Music Archive for hundreds of songs you can use for free.
2. It's too long, should be a minute max.
3. The eyeline is kinda wide. Google it for more info.
4. Missing some classic shots. Tight two-up with a focus rack and an over the shoulder. Good place to use the Dutch Angle when the dad falls to the ground after the cops come.
5. Trailers are supposed to build suspense, but not show the entire hand.
6. Everyone in the film doesn't have to be in the trailer.
7. Lighting is flat. Don't worry about this so much at first, it will come with experience. Just research it like you did everything else and you'll see some formulas to add some drama to the story.

The list may seem excessive, but 3/4ths of these critiques I could make on my own first film!!!

Keep trying and you will continue to improve.
 
Thank you for those superb comments, I really needed them.

1,2,5,6: I absolutely agree with you on those. But I don't have a lot of creative control on this matter since I am not the director. I would change the pace, direction of the trailer if i could but for now client is king.

3,4,7: Yes! I was so disappointed when reviewing the footage. I knew I could pull some better images out of the scenes but didn't. I wish I did more over the shoulder shot. Some of the conversation cuts from Ots to medium close-up one shot was so awkward. I did what I could but I had only one fairly small living room at my disposal and pretty much one man band.

I hope to receive more comments like this from you and the expert here. They're so helpful.
 
giangwow said:
Thank you for those superb comments, I really needed them.

1,2,5,6: I absolutely agree with you on those. But I don't have a lot of creative control on this matter since I am not the director. I would change the pace, direction of the trailer if i could but for now client is king.

3,4,7: Yes! I was so disappointed when reviewing the footage. I knew I could pull some better images out of the scenes but didn't. I wish I did more over the shoulder shot. Some of the conversation cuts from Ots to medium close-up one shot was so awkward. I did what I could but I had only one fairly small living room at my disposal and pretty much one man band.

I hope to receive more comments like this from you and the expert here. They're so helpful.
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I understand about not being in charge and having limited control. I wouldn't have stated my copyright point so strongly if I knew you were just DOP, instead of wearing all hats. Just kinda sensitive to copyright after getting ripped off back in my photography days.

Boy, you should've seen me after my first film! I needed to be on suicide watch I was so furious with my horrible camera work, lighting and blocking. I just tried to cram too much shooting in too little time with almost no crew. Out of two days of shooting (all that I planned for), I only had enough useable footage for a trailer, and in hindsight many of those shots were garbage.

It was a very valuable lesson. As I'm in pre-production for another short, I now can better assess my capabilities and where I need production assistance. When you get actors to join your production, even if you pay them (though oftentimes no pay is given), you have an obligation to them to do everything in your power to make magic happen, but not bite off more than I can chew.
 
I know that feeling haha. Its so devastating. The expectation was so high and then the result was so bad. What make it worse is that I knew I can do better with just a little more effort. Anyways, I am looking forward to watch your short (If you decide to share them here on the forum). Good luck with it!
 
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