Kenny: Secret Agent Man - ID# 229

Neuqua Valley

Comedic Narrative

Entry Description

One man embraces his inner spy as he stumbles upon a recently deceased spy's mission. Song Credit: "Jack the Lumberer" produced by Alexander Nakarada

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/23 8:30 am - Good atmospheric piece and the rhythmic repeating of the music was slightly comedic. You also had good performances from your talent. The style of the piece was all over the place and it led to an inconsistent pace. The Edgar Wright cutting in the car was done well, but it came out of nowhere and felt misplaced because it never came back in the piece. The handheld camera work was an ambitious choice, but you were fighting focus problems throughout. A lot of your driving shots and parking shots could have been cut quicker. They were cinematic shots, but it slowed your pace. In a short film, you want to make minimal use of extended shots where little action is happening. Work on shooting for coverage. We never see a clear shot of the first dead body. It's not clear what the protagonist is reacting to initially. We need to see what he sees and then we need to see his clear reaction. The drone shots were fine, but the first one was probably not necessary. I would have spent that time getting to know the protagonist. I want to see what his life is like. How does he get gas? Is he confident? Perhaps open the film with a nagging phone call from Mom. I'd learn a lot more about the character that way then simply showing him drive into the gas station. Have him already there and let the audience connect with him, before introducing your conflict. All in all, there is some good stuff here, but clarify your story and your vision. Then shoot to match it.
• 4/22 10:50 am - Thinking that this fits into "dark comedy" genre maybe satire too as perhaps it's poking fun at the "seriousness" of action-dramas, ex: main character and voice talking over each other on the phone? Overall look was solid, well shot with good variety of shots, etc. Nice drone shots mixed in. Some cool editing style apparent here too ex: quick cuts inside the car with seat belt, keys, peddle, etc. Liked it!
• 4/21 9:22 am - Opening shot does a nice job of capturing the viewer's attention. Good use of music and sound effects. Hand held camera shots are very effective, especially at the beginning. Good use of Close-Up camera shots. Editing is well done. Good performances throughout the production.

Judge 1

Positives: Camera: You had some pretty slick shots. Your opening drone shot is very nice. Not everyone with a drone knows how to use it. Nice work. Editing: You have some nice sequences where you cut quickly and on the beat to good effect. (When he first goes back to get in the car, for example.)

Improvements: Editing: On the other hand, you have some passages where your editing feels a bit clunky and slow. (The whole elevator sequence, for example. It’s fairly awkward and slow and kills any sense of tension and urgency.

Judge 2

Positives: A strong piece. Solid camera work and editing.

Improvements: The performances were a bit rough. Some logic issues with Kenny tossing the camera onto the dead guy, then getting a phone call with the assassin. Confusing.

Judge 3

Positives: Very well shot, very well edited and nice ending

Improvements: It was a dreary day—it may have looked more brilliant on a sunny day

Judge 4

Positives:

Improvements: