Nolen Stevens Cinematography Reel - MMEA 2021 - ID# 193

Franklin High School

Cinematography

Entry Description

A cinematography reel by Nolen Stevens.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/29 9:43 pm - Pros - Lots of moving shots throughout this piece and the majority were executed very well, maintaining strong framing and creating great juxtapositions all within a single shot. Human interaction and blocking within your compositions were high level and long focal length closeups made for very cinematic moments. Cons - Exposure control struggled at times. Focus in a few shots was way off (0:08) making for noticeably soft subjects. The lens of camera sensor appeared dirty in a lot of shots, like the one from the airplane and serves to distract the viewer. Artificial lighting situations were intriguing and would have liked to see a little more of that to get a better sense of your image control.
• 4/6 1:09 pm - After a slow start, your shots became a lot more diverse and interesting, even if they look like they're pulled from the same story, the different low light conditions showcased your ability to adjust your camera as well as focus to highlight the human performance.

Judge 1

Positives: Great varety of different lighting situations. You used some really cool stylized lighting in various places and it adds a lot. But you also seem to have good motivation for your lighting (for example the flickering blue light of the TV) Generally good compositions throughout with nice use of camera movement

Improvements: Unfortunately several of your shots are very underexposed and can't be seen almost at all (1:01, 1:04, 1:47) I think those shots just need to be taken out of the reel You have several issues with improper focus. (:08, :24) Although they are cool shots, the bad focus distracts too much.

Judge 2

Positives: Very nice blend of pacing of the music with the visuals. The visual tapestry that is woven illustrates a very good understanding of the 'cinematic' narrative (structure, pacing and choice of music). Although this is a 'cinematography' reel, this reviewer cannot help but read into the entirety of the presentation as a very compelling narrative story told in a familiar but not an unwelcome style - what is seen is presented with aplomb and panache. Use of a surrounding, circular camera move, is really well done, not only to show a technical competence but also to show a good understanding when the the cinematography is part of the scene. This is especially evident in the opening sequence (7 - 19 sec mark) when the two students are embracing the environment before the scenes cuts into walking across the bridge. The score's downbeat opens up the two on the scene - very effective.

Improvements: The opening scene (7-19 sec mark) is well done, as previously remarked, but the frame could have been more 'centered' on the two subjects (broadly speaking). The camera move (speed) could have been more in line with the emotions of the what a viewer is seeing (as in, slowing down to visualize what they're absorbing in the middle of the scene). Also, an abrupt (8.5 sec mark) camera shift shows the technical camera move that sacrifices the emotions of that same scene; remember that the camera should move like liquid when it's such a scene (sort of takes one out of the scene, yes?). The 'music video' clip shown (1:34-1:37 sec mark) seemed a little too incidental and too much from a profile... not enough visual information to appreciate the segment. The driver (1:00 - 1:07 sec mark) did not capture the subject adequately enough while driving off; the frame could have centered on the face/eyes in the scene, as well as the light reflected in the rearview mirror (a minor issue, but observed nevertheless). Consider the significance of Production Design in each moment, especially when it's an important emotional scene; in the scene (54-1:00 sec mark) where the young protagonist is disappointed, we see a pink balloon compete for screen time. The background is enhanced by the introduction of the element and 'mise-en-scene,' but it should not be given 'visual priority'... rather, it should be a more nuanced and subtle addition to the scene itself. Focus throughout most of the clips are nicely done except when the two girls are dancing together (47-50 sec mark); unless it's to portray a POV when drunk, it's best to keep a sharper focus when possible (and I realize it can be a bit of a challenge in the dark with moving people). Even though I mentioned that the cinematographer is accomplishing a lot by the use of a 'circular' movement, four segments are shown. Perhaps one too many. The argument scene (1:25-1:31 sec mark) is a bit too dizzying and unnecessary. A more traditional 'over-the-shoulder' shot may have been better for the scene. Remember, technical mastery aside, engaging with the scenes' key elements are more important than the camera move.

Judge 3

Positives: I liked the use of different camera shots to tell the story. There was a variety of wide, medium, and close-up shots which really helped tell the story as well. The use of color with lighting was a creative addition in supporting the piece.

Improvements: Something consistent throughout the piece were blurry shots or shots out of focus. Also, many of the shots were shaky and unsteady.

Judge 4

Positives:

Improvements: