The Watchman - ID# 48

Glenbrook South

Cinematography

Entry Description

A composite of award winner, Jack Abrahams', best footage from late 2018 to early 2019. Written permission to use "Frankie on Lake St." by Bathtub Cig.

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/25 2:06 pm - Good reel overall: some lighting is problematic, which is surprising for a reel. I'd eliminate effects and concentrate on showcasing your SHOOTING.
• 4/22 9:43 am - Pros - Strong compositions, frames are well balanced and control of natural light make for compelling imagery. Moving shots are graceful and cinematic in feel. Wide variety helps to show your range and shots with natural lighting really play to your strength (:11, :15, :45, 1:26, 1:31). I really dig the studio shots in the white vacuum, good job of eliminating shadows to support the sterile mood of the scene. Cons - Some shots with low dynamic range struggle to identify a clear subject due to muddy contrast. If you do not have any lighting available, try boosting your shadows and lowering your black levels to give a little something to bring out your subject. The Close Up is the hardest shot to master as a shooter and your framing is very strong. Your next area of focus as far as CUs are concerned is with your lighting. Shots at :20 and :25 have a rather harsh edge light and in :25 shot cause very high contrast for a CU of a face. Your CU at 1:00 is very strong because key and fill blend better than your other CUs, creating friendlier contrast ration and work together as opposed to standing out from one another a two distinct sources.

Judge 1

Positives: Nice variety of shots overall that show a range of skills with lighting camera angles, movements, and adapting to situations. Nice use of color throughout. Color grade looks natural and lighting seems to express moods well.

Improvements: Some shots are a bit dark and could use just a bit more lighting and/or exposure (:54, 1:15) Its a bit of a personal choice but I think your reel could use a more lively and vibrant tune to drive the energy

Judge 2

Positives: I like how it starts off with a different aspect ratio. Very creative. What a great mix of both narrative and documentary style of cinematography. Not much to petite as most of it is it done to perfection. When you are able to control light you do it very well. The dark's are dark and the things that need to be exposed or exposed well. You documentary-style has a great mix of both slow motion and filmic look. I also commend your ability to keep a creative frame in the documentary process. That's not easy. I also have to comment on the creativity of the real and that's packaged with a narrative. I think that's very creative while done.

Improvements: I like the documentary 2 camera shot, but the shadow is inconsistent. I'd make it very dark or not. The way it looks now it seems like it was mistaken lighting. Watch your key lighting for some scenes. It's a bit too bright and distracting.

Judge 3

Positives: Really nice camera movements with pushes and pulls. You're one of the few that actually made cuts on the beat of the music like you should when editing to a song. I liked how you pulled the video together by using the "Watchman" at the beginning and end.

Improvements: I would suggest that you be more picky with your shots. For example you have a shot of a bed that doesn't really add any value to the video. A couple of shots could have been lit better.

Judge 4

Positives:

Improvements: