1-800-273-8255 - ID# 135
Neuqua Valley
Division: A
Music Video
Entry Description
The video follows five friends who all are connected by this one friend of theirs. It takes a step into each of the friends lives and visits each of their four different locations. All of the friends are very depressed throughout the whole video and they all come together and go to a place that is special to them.
Recent Teacher Comments
- 3/12 9:59 pm - I thought this video starts out very strong with nicely framed and well lit images. It draws me in right away. Good sequencing and timely change of scene. The use of gimbel movements of the camera and the push pulls I think was a nice creative choice. Brough visual interest to the project. The actors did a nice job in this just being dead pan and not reacting to the camera.
- 3/10 3:52 pm - Powerful starting intro scenes to the girls- and a very emotional ending scene. The pacing felt random at times, though others felt more intentional to match the music. The inclusion of the photo helped the narrative...and helped us see the connection between the girls. I think some more 'clues' mixed in earlier about why these girls are so saddened would help us more, too, with the narrative. Nicely-done, engaging piece, though, overall!
Judge 1
Positives: 1. Overall, you had a nice variety of shots which kept the piece moving along and visually interesting throughout. You gave the camera some nice motion as well. 2. You did a nice job setting up the story showing that something wasn't right / something or someone was missing. I enjoyed how you showed different perspectives of people affected and how they came together at the end and finally revealed the deceased girl.
Improvements: 1. It would have been nice to see a greater variety of action between each girls' scene. Even though there were 4 different scenes, their actions were all the same. Perhaps you could have visually shown how each girl missed their friend. Also, be mindful of wardrobe and logos on clothing. One of the girls had a sweatshirt that advertised a company. When you see logos that don't necessarily pertain to the story it can take the viewer out of the story / the world you are trying to create. 2. You had some great movement in your shots, but also keep in mind that the camera doesn't always have to be in motion. Or in other words, make sure that the movement of the camera enhances what you are trying to show. There were quite a few shots where the camera would move from low to high (feet to head) which didn't enhance the story or show any new information. Camera moves should show or enhance information about the shot.
Judge 2
Positives: Good use of location and excellent shot variety. You've got some really creative angles and well executed camera moves. The camera work is by far the strongest aspect of the piece. Good exposures.
Improvements: It is unclear what happened to the friend that connects the other friends. The song speaks to suicide so I suppose the insinuation is that their friend committed suicide and they go to her grave because they miss her? A bit more information to that end would go a long way to landing the message of this video. Additionally, it would've been impactful to see all the girls (including the friend who has passed) together and happy enjoying each other's company at some point. To see all of them depressed and alone for the entirety of the video until the end does not establish any connection between them and does not allow for the story to achieve any sort of arc.
Judge 3
Positives:
Improvements:
Judge 4
Positives:
Improvements: