Ethan Meuer Cinematography Reel - ID# 202
Lyons Township
Cinematography
Entry Description
This is a cine reel that includes shots and scenes from some of the films I have produced in the past year. I was responsible for directing every scene that is included, as well as the lighting and camera work. I edited this reel specifically to showcase my best lighting and camera work in a variety of settings, indoor and outdoor, day and night.
Copyright Info
Recent Teacher Comments
- 4/17 4:02 pm - This is a very powerful reel. The dynamism and breadth of shooting here is super admirable. You had me at bokeh right at the opening!. Honestly though, it is the very impressive focus pulling that is most Hollywood-like. You have a number of different scenes and shooting situations showcasing your deft use of lighting and control over the camera and this is a very impressive reel. Outstanding job!
- 4/15 9:02 am - PROS - Stunning Visual Storytelling – (0:08, 0:45, 1:12) Every shot feels intentional and emotionally resonant. At 0:08, the profile silhouette framed in light evokes mood instantly. By 0:45, a push-in on a contemplative subject underscores narrative depth without a single word. Professional-Grade Lighting – (0:25, 0:51, 1:20) The lighting setups are controlled, dynamic, and expressive — often blending practicals with soft key sources. 0:25 stands out with soft shadows and motivated light that looks natural yet cinematic. Masterful Editing and Pacing: Transitions are fluid and rhythmically linked to the tone of each clip. The reel moves with a confidence that feels both polished and emotionally grounded. Every shot earns its place. IMPROVEMENTS - These are minor areas for growth and not necessarily weaknesses; Color Continuity Slight Variation – (1:35) The color palette across clips is strong, but there’s one transition around 1:35 where the tone shifts slightly warmer than the surrounding cooler material. It's minor, but worth smoothing for continuity if refining further. Leave a little room to showcase technical shot variety to reinforce your demonstration of skillset. OVERALL - this reel is a top-tier cinematography submission. It almost feels like it could sit alongside professional work — not only for the technical quality but for the emotional intelligence it conveys. The control of light, tone, pacing, and composition is mature, and the reel feels fully formed.
- 4/9 8:12 am - Nice motion work with your slider and showing off a variety of work with movement. Your exposure during natural light, both bright light and low light, was a challenge. The work in fixed and artificial lighting situations was significantly stronger, but those are much easier to manage. Since this category is all about your use of lighting, that is something to spend more time on in the future.
Judge 1
Positives: Good range of creative camera work exhibited a good mix of shots.
Improvements: Overall product would be improved if the vividness were notched up a bit and engaged a better control over lighting.
Judge 2
Positives: Really Really nice work, Ethan. You have clearly studied and embraced good lighting. You had painstaking attention to detail to the lighting and it showed. Keep it up, even when it's a bit of a pain. your tight shots are excellent---were they macro at all. it takes great patience at times to get those right. I love that your aren't afraid to let longer shots be, well, long.
Improvements: I'll get picky only because excellence abound on this compilation package. I could use some nat sound. The shot with the guy getting drenched could pop even more with natural sound---maybe some wind for the kite shot. You've got a great eye, Ethan, Keep pressing on towards continued excellence and ever-evolving techniques.
Judge 3
Positives: Great use of color and composition! The way you balanced the elements in each shot really helped create a strong visual flow, and the color choices enhanced the overall mood and atmosphere. It all came together beautifully!
Improvements: I’d suggest looking into some DIY ways to soften the light, as some of the light sources felt a bit too harsh. Simple fixes like using diffusers or even a bedsheet can help soften the light and create a more flattering, even effect on your subjects. It can really help balance the overall look!
Judge 4
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Judge 5
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