Gold

Inked

Glenbrook South

Documentary

Entry Description

"Inked" is a documentary that focuses on the art of tattooing. Two chicago based tattoo artists are featured in the piece.

Judge 1

Positives: 1) Very professional feel - great camera work, composition and storytelling! 2) Very engaging presentation of interview segments - tone is captured and presented beautifully!

Improvements: 1) A little audio sweetening wouldn't hurt (interviews). Because it's so polished, a few little level / quality spots can jump out (ex: low level right before he says "That's life"). 2) Incorporation of more past work / imagery would be the icing on the cake.

Judge 2

Positives: Great camera moves. A lot of those dolly shots were crazy smooth. Excellent choice of topic. Everything was very vibrant and colorful. Plus it makes people want tattoos!

Improvements: Great use of two cameras during the interviews! But I would recommend a little less extreme difference. From Xtreme close up to wide shot is a little jarring. Maybe widen the close up to just above elbows. Or go from waist up and use the close up. Your subjects did very well telling their stories. I would send them a copy of the questions you are going to ask a few nights before. That way they can gather their thoughts and have an idea of what they want to talk about. That will give them more confidence in front of the camera and you will get a smoother, more confident response.

Judge 3

Positives: Nice matching opening and closing shots, otherwise known as bookends. Technically there was some other really beautiful shots. Examples; wide angle on the tattoo artist with the slow push in, closeups of the artists hands, tattooing needles, ink, etc. Highlighting two different artists gave more dimension to your story. Two different paths and personalities.

Improvements: For some of the interviews I wouldn't have the camera so close to the artists/ face. Let them breath a little. Be aware of reflections in glasses. Sometimes it can work to your advantage, other times not.