Somnum ("Sleep") - ID# 475

Mundelein

Dramatic Narrative

Entry Description

A man who lives in the near future is torn between the decision of holding onto his mundane reality or getting stuck permanently in his dreams.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/24 9:34 am - I think you have an amazing piece with some great visuals and story telling, I am concerned about copyright infringement and disqualification. Make sure you check rules before submission. If it doesn't get disqualified I think you have a top video here.
• 3/10 11:58 am - Positives: Very strong story! Filters effectively create the "dream state" of ordinary footage.; futuristic feel of the transparent keyboard & swiping away screen messages works well, as does the ad placed on the exterior window of the building. Exterior shots of his workplace have a very clean, futuristic look. Nice job passing time through the change of wardrobe--good attention to detail. Camera work has strong variety and is steady.
• 3/9 7:42 pm - lighting super cool; editing is great; looks professional

Judge 1

Positives: This is an excellent parable - a modern day, 'man who dreamt he was a butterfly - or a butterfly who thought he was dreaming being a man,' sort of story. It's always a dialectic we struggle with.... Camera work is nicely achieved, showing the 'reality' vs. the 'dream state' and is set up in visual correspondence from one state to another.

Improvements: Some of the production design elements, thought seemingly minor, should be dealt with convincingly - lest we are brought out of the film's narrative with annoying little details (such as the box being delivered with the sticker sort of pasted on... looks very amateurish). Production Design, when achieved well, should be as invisible as possible... when some things are missing (or not done well) it pulls you out of the story. Narratively, the 'reality' and the 'dream' are little fuzzy; the differences aren't as clearly defined as one would like. Also, the young man's age seems a bit too young - perhaps a set of glasses and a five-o'clock beard to show his reality being a little less encouraging....

Judge 2

Positives: This film was very impressive. The set design, lighting, effects, edinting, and cinematography were all great.

Improvements: The only complaint I have is the text from the boss. It was a bit too contrived and juvenile. I think more professional language would be just as effective without taking away from the intent.

Judge 3

Positives: Very interesting story. You crafted a project that successfully brings the audience into the world you created. I am impressed with the special effects you created. They were a key element in creating to mood you were going for. The color scheme was very well crafted. There was a consistency and a deliberate choice of colors that help to effectively convey your message.

Improvements: When the main character is typing the keyboard keys are visible on top of his fingers. His fingers should be covering the keys so it looks like his hands are on top of the keyboard instead of underneath. That can be achieved in After Effects using masks or the root brush tool.

Judge 4

Positives:

Improvements: