Looking for feedback

T

Tamas Levardi


Hi all,
I'm quiet a newbie to film making, so far I've only really shot 3 (what to me felt like) major projects.
Our last no budget project is in the end of its post-production. It is essentially a music video in a bit of short film like format.
Because I've done all the pre and post production, I would really apricate it if more seasoned film makers would give me a bit of feedback before it is fully finished
I hope this make sense :)
Thank you
 
Upvote 4
Wow. If you're a newbie, you must be a natural.

The cinematography is spectacular. You completely understand the meaning behind every single shot. Nothing was wasted, and you did nothing to draw attention to the camera. It was as it should be, invisible and unobtrusive.
The editing as about as flawless as any professional show I've ever seen.
The first time I watched the movie I did so with the sound off. It didn't matter. The pictures told the story perfectly.
Your lead actor is very good. If he isn't a working actor, he probably should be.

Bravo!
 
For an early filmmaker, you're nailing it. it's probably 99th percentile for a filmmaker on his third project.

There are a few scenes that run counter to conventional cinematography wisdom, but of course art is subjective. In example around 4 minutes in there are a few scenes that compositionally emphasize a single focus point, but the actor is an unusual distance from the third lines.

Anyway, don't even consider that criticism. You're outperforming people 3 years past you. Amazingly good job man! Keep at it!
 
Love the soundtrack....love the twist (and love that I saw it coming around 0:49) The acting is good. Composition is solid. Is this the same pier Philip bloom makes his video's?

The transition around 2:18 My focus is on the man on the left and the next shot the focus is in the middle..... for me that is the only cut that feels of.
 
Oh wow, I think you are being way too generous and kind.

I have deep roots in photography, graphic design and illustration. Creating images was always part of me.
I'm really glad that these pictures were able to get the story through.
Rob the lead actor is working really hard to get big payed jobs, and essentially that is his ultimate goal. I really hope our project will help him along on his path, as he is extremely hard working. I will let him know your feed back :)
Tank you for the kind words, it really made my day. :)
Suspire said:
Wow. If you're a newbie, you must be a natural.

The cinematography is spectacular. You completely understand the meaning behind every single shot. Nothing was wasted, and you did nothing to draw attention to the camera. It was as it should be, invisible and unobtrusive.
The editing as about as flawless as any professional show I've ever seen.
The first time I watched the movie I did so with the sound off. It didn't matter. The pictures told the story perfectly.
Your lead actor is very good. If he isn't a working actor, he probably should be.

Bravo!
Click to expand...
 
Hey Nate,
Thank you very much !
Maybe I shouldn't have said that I'm an early film maker, as I feel like it should doesn't effect the experience :) Of course I understand where you are coming from and I really appreciate your kindness! :)
I can have a look and see where did I miss the thirds. Maybe I can crop in and move the talent closer to those point without loosing much quality.
Thank you for the feed back !! :) I really appreciate it !
For an early filmmaker, you're nailing it. it's probably 99th percentile for a filmmaker on his third project.

There are a few scenes that run counter to conventional cinematography wisdom, but of course art is subjective. In example around 4 minutes in there are a few scenes that compositionally emphasize a single focus point, but the actor is an unusual distance from the third lines.

Anyway, don't even consider that criticism. You're outperforming people 3 years past you. Amazingly good job man! Keep at it!
Click to expand...
 
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Hey,
The soundtrack was indeed very inspiring, but it might going to change :D
I think the musician got inspired by the visuals, and now he is working on a new track what would perfectly match the visuals for him.
The twist is nothing new, if I want to be completely honest, I had tor write the story under a couple of days, so I can start pre production ( there was a scene in the script what was played out in a Church and I knew it will be a long negotiation with Churches to be able to shoot this in one of them...eventually I let go that part as all the Churches freaked out from the script), and I scrolled through the Sixth Sense on netflix.... Then I've realized that Sixth Sense got their twist from The Others, I might as well use it too so we can start shooting :)

That is a good shout about the transition. I think originally I've cut there for time, but I totally see what you mean :)
I will fix that by letting the ghost character walk out of the frame before cutting.
Thank you for your feed back !!! :)
 
Something I used to do to give myself some flexibility in post was to shoot in 4k, and then release the print in 3k or 2k. That way you have this built in leeway to perfect the balance of shots in post. Same thing you are describing, but just setting up for it beforehand, working on the assumption of future errors. Give yourself enough screen leeway, and you can do digital camera moves from a tripod. Nothing huge, but you can follow a car in traffic or similar.
 
I will have a look at this.
Generally I like to keep my projects in the highest possible quality though :)
Thank you !
Nate North said:
Something I used to do to give myself some flexibility in post was to shoot in 4k, and then release the print in 3k or 2k. That way you have this built in leeway to perfect the balance of shots in post. Same thing you are describing, but just setting up for it beforehand, working on the assumption of future errors. Give yourself enough screen leeway, and you can do digital camera moves from a tripod. Nothing huge, but you can follow a car in traffic or similar.
Click to expand...
 
I have questions about all the blood - did it stain stuff?
I've always heard that it doesn't come out, but then occassionally i see some crime scene stuff where they are cleaning up after a murder and IDK what to think but i've never been comfortable enough to risk damage other peoples locations.
 
leppy said:
Extremely well done, high quality, with an powerful atmosphere!, editing is smooth!, and the gore add to it, :)
Click to expand...
Thank you so much, you guys are being too kind honestly.
I've created a bit of modified edit, and the composer have created the new track for it, I will share it once it is ready.
Thank you very much for watching it!
 
sfoster said:
I have questions about all the blood - did it stain stuff?
I've always heard that it doesn't come out, but then occassionally i see some crime scene stuff where they are cleaning up after a murder and IDK what to think but i've never been comfortable enough to risk damage other peoples locations.
Click to expand...
I've tested many different fake bloods, and in the end I've landed on this one
They are edible, and oil based, so they don't dry up, meaning that most likely it comes of from most of the surfaces (not all of them!!)
The safe thing to do always to do patch test on where ever you want to put it on I think.
 
Tamas Levardi said:
I've tested many different fake bloods, and in the end I've landed on this one
They are edible, and oil based, so they don't dry up, meaning that most likely it comes of from most of the surfaces (not all of them!!)
The safe thing to do always to do patch test on where ever you want to put it on I think.
Click to expand...
wow awesome, have you ever gotten spatter in someones eye - did it sting awful?
really appreciate the link!
 
sfoster said:
wow awesome, have you ever gotten spatter in someones eye - did it sting awful?
really appreciate the link!
Click to expand...
it is defo not pleasant in the eyes, but it wasn't unbearable to the actress she just needed to wash it out.
it has a sweet sugary taste to it, which I think is okay, but others think it's too sweet... :D no worries :)
 
Okay one last question about the blood, you said it doesn't come off of all surfaces, can i get any details?
I'm assuming carpet is a no-no

floors and walls are the main two i'm curious about.
have you ever had trouble with any of those? that's my last blood question i promise lol


Tamas Levardi said:

Hi all,
I'm quiet a newbie to film making, so far I've only really shot 3 (what to me felt like) major projects.
Our last no budget project is in the end of its post-production. It is essentially a music video in a bit of short film like format.
Because I've done all the pre and post production, I would really apricate it if more seasoned film makers would give me a bit of feedback before it is fully finished
I hope this make sense :)
Thank you
Click to expand...
Your lighitng is better than mine for sure.
I've taken the time to provide you with extensive feedback/constructive criticism, just keep in mind I am only a dog.

1st i wouldn't have shown the blood and the knife in the same frame
I would have shown the blood first, and then shown the knife in the next cut.
it's more like telling a story that way

It's awesome that you went for the full blood effect but to me it was curiously absent of any footprints - that's a lot of blood for none to end up on a shoe or get stepped on or something. It looks like you staged it, instead of acted it out and then showed us the aftermath.

2nd super super weird that this guy is digging a hole and burying a body in broad daylight? by the beach?
and then you show police lights like this guy is supposed to be worried about being caught, well he's definitely gonna get caught if he is so dumb as to bury a body in a highly attractive area in the middle of the day without any cover. these arent the actions of a worried man.

I would have bought this story more if the opening shot was a sunset, instead of a sunrise.
You could have done the rest of it day for night if you couldn't handle lighting a night scene, and then the whole thing would be more believable.

3 - directing
Without any Foley or dialogue or anything there's not a ton of room for you to direct, but i did notice a couple spots that stood out.
Mainly the way the guy was digging with the shovel didn't feel authentic. like he was more concerned about miming the shovel than moving dirt out of the ground idk. it could just have been awkward bc the shovel was so small. were there any other takes of that?

--

here is my constructive feedback as a film critic
Was that one shot inspired by casino? pretty cool.

this is just my own little shitty opinion lol but I don't like films that make the audience feel bad and then don't provide a catharsis.
If you make me feel like complete shit, and then you show me a scene where I can cry and let it all out, I will feel better after watching your film and I'll feel like i got this emotional experience and regard your movie really highly.

But if you make me feel bad and then the movie ends I just have a bad taste in my mouth.
That's sorta what you have here, a film about feeling awful and regret and then you just end instead of giving the audience a catharsis.
emotionally blueballing us.
Like i said my own little shitty opinion as a film critic but its bc i already feel bad enough in my own life every day so i don't personally seek out and enjoy films that just serve to make people feel bad.

And finally i'll end with some friendly personal advice
I think you are leaning way too heavily on your strengths as a cinematographer and not getting enough out of this project.
Taking beautiful images and overlaying music seems too easy for you.

It's definitely a story, and I'm not saying that it isn't a story, but the the way it makes me feel... it feels like i was watching a cinematographers reel you'll grow more if you challenge yourself with the other aspects of film making like directing dialogue, Foley, sound design, etc

hard to heard any criciticism i know but just trying to help you along,
and as i said your lighting is better than mine for sure
 
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sfoster said:
Okay one last question about the blood, you said it doesn't come off of all surfaces, can i get any details?
I'm assuming carpet is a no-no

floors and walls are the main two i'm curious about.
have you ever had trouble with any of those? that's my last blood question i promise lol



Your lighitng is better than mine for sure.
I've taken the time to provide you with extensive feedback/constructive criticism, just keep in mind I am only a dog.

1st i wouldn't have shown the blood and the knife in the same frame
I would have shown the blood first, and then shown the knife in the next cut.
it's more like telling a story that way

It's awesome that you went for the full blood effect but to me it was curiously absent of any footprints - that's a lot of blood for none to end up on a shoe or get stepped on or something. It looks like you staged it, instead of acted it out and then showed us the aftermath.

2nd super super weird that this guy is digging a hole and burying a body in broad daylight? by the beach?
and then you show police lights like this guy is supposed to be worried about being caught, well he's definitely gonna get caught if he is so dumb as to bury a body in a highly attractive area in the middle of the day without any cover. these arent the actions of a worried man.

I would have bought this story more if the opening shot was a sunset, instead of a sunrise.
You could have done the rest of it day for night if you couldn't handle lighting a night scene, and then the whole thing would be more believable.

3 - directing
Without any Foley or dialogue or anything there's not a ton of room for you to direct, but i did notice a couple spots that stood out.
Mainly the way the guy was digging with the shovel didn't feel authentic. like he was more concerned about miming the shovel than moving dirt out of the ground idk. it could just have been awkward bc the shovel was so small. were there any other takes of that?

--

here is my constructive feedback as a film critic
Was that one shot inspired by casino? pretty cool.

this is just my own little shitty opinion lol but I don't like films that make the audience feel bad and then don't provide a catharsis.
If you make me feel like complete shit, and then you show me a scene where I can cry and let it all out, I will feel better after watching your film and I'll feel like i got this emotional experience and regard your movie really highly.

But if you make me feel bad and then the movie ends I just have a bad taste in my mouth.
That's sorta what you have here, a film about feeling awful and regret and then you just end instead of giving the audience a catharsis.
emotionally blueballing us.
Like i said my own little shitty opinion as a film critic but its bc i already feel bad enough in my own life every day so i don't personally seek out and enjoy films that just serve to make people feel bad.

And finally i'll end with some friendly personal advice
I think you are leaning way too heavily on your strengths as a cinematographer and not getting enough out of this project.
Taking beautiful images and overlaying music seems too easy for you.

It's definitely a story, and I'm not saying that it isn't a story, but the the way it makes me feel... it feels like i was watching a cinematographers reel you'll grow more if you challenge yourself with the other aspects of film making like directing dialogue, Foley, sound design, etc

hard to heard any criciticism i know but just trying to help you along,
and as i said your lighting is better than mine for sure
Click to expand...

Hey, well yeah it will probably stain fabrics, although it came out of my jeans with no problem, but for example it stained the white bits between the bathroom tiles, and I couldn't get it off from there.
Well the walls where we have shot it is covered with washable paint I think. But I think most of them are like that these days.
Anyways it came off from everywhere easy, but again we did patch test it on almost all the surfaces.

oh thank you for the constructive criticism. A lot of it actually make sense to me and I agree with the points. I feel like I shouldn't reply to each of the points as I don't want to seem defensive, so I just leave that and take your points in :)

The only thing I'd like to add is that please keep in mind this project is a music video, made for a composer.
I still understand your point completely about I should challenge myself more, of course and I do agree with it.
I started out with creating music videos because I figured, this will be a very effective way to gain experience in film making with quick turn arounds, learn as quick and as much as I can before I swim into deeper waters.
I never had film cameras in my hands before, I have never used lightings before, I have never graded these type of footage before, so I feel like this is my film school in a way, and the more I learn, the clearer it becomes how little I know.
That being said the next project what lined up, will be a short film with dialogs, as now I feel somewhat capable of executing that type of a project. Fingers crossed :)

Thank you again for taking your time :)
 
Tamas Levardi said:
The only thing I'd like to add is that please keep in mind this project is a music video, made for a composer.
I still understand your point completely about I should challenge myself more, of course and I do agree with it.
I started out with creating music videos
Click to expand...

Makes perfect sense, and yeah if you're doing something like that, all that matters is if the client got what they wanted!
nice work, i hope you stick around the forum
 
Great work! What did you use for the backwards pull back showing the blood for the first time, and the overhead sink shot? Was that a crane? Just curious.
 
CamBlamo said:
Great work! What did you use for the backwards pull back showing the blood for the first time, and the overhead sink shot? Was that a crane? Just curious.
Click to expand...
Thank you man, thank you for watching it!
I've used a similar system to tilta float
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which is a similar system to arri trinity, and they are essentially a hybrid system of gimbals and steadycams.
They take practise, and have a steep learning curve, and depending on the load you put on they required some core strength.
My setup is an extra 20kg/44lbs on me so I had to start doing yoga now....
 
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