3rd Place :: Division A

It's Time

Homewood-Flossmoor

Music Video

Entry Description

Music video with a strong message about sexuality.

Judge 1

Positives: I really like this video. The message is powerful and the storyline/narrative is well told. The editing is solid and in parts is exceptional. I love the opening and closing beat edits with the layered images of clapping/knee slapping. (Chroma key?) The acting is very believable and realistic. The "singer" does a pretty good job with lip sync. The shot composition overall is really good and the locations are visually interesting. One of my favorite shots is the cafeteria shot when after he get the text message, we see the "singer" all alone surrounded by empty chairs and tables. Nice symbolism. I like the signs on the singer's neck. They are important to the narrative at the beginning and end. The whole "label" motif comes to light at the end.

Improvements: I wasn't crazy about the graphics (It's time to accept) at the end of the video. It might be their placement or it might be that the graphics overkill the coolness of the signs. Although the actor singer does a great job in the woods, some of that footage is somewhat mundane compared to the visuals of what he has to go through. Maybe another location? Are some shots soft in focus? Still, good job. Quite enjoyable.

Judge 2

Positives: Nice to key the video to give credit to the artist. Nice pacing with the intro and ending. Actor did a great job. Video and audio were synced well. Liked the multiple ways the actor shows how he's judged... Especially creative that he wasn't able to wipe away the word "confused". Great to see him be courageous at the end.

Improvements: Footage at 0:48 and 2:56 seems to be a bit more blue than the rest. Be sure to white balance prior to shooting. Interior school footage seemed to be a bit dark at the beginning - try bringing the iris up, or changing the filter. If that doesn't work, add light, or choose a different location. Video should fully fade to black at the end.

Judge 3

Positives: Very creative story that compliments the song well. Good pacing and editing. Main character did a very good job - he seemed genuine and also had really nice style.

Improvements: The outdoor setting was questionable for this piece. It wasn't bad, just not sure how it went with the story. Maybe shooting him in several settings would be better and less boring (more to cut to). Also, it would be cool to see several stories instead of the same story throughout. For example, a couple of other teens going through a similar situation, maybe even in the same setting, or including additional characters with other labels like "biracial" or "Christian" or "transgender" - (labels with stereotypes attached to them).