Micah Wolkenberg Cinematography Reel - ID# 295
Deerfield
Cinematography
Entry Description
From fiction to nonfiction, drama to comedy, Micah Wolkenberg's reel highlights the framing and lighting necessary to tell dynamic stories.
Copyright Info
Recent Teacher Comments
- 4/21 3:12 pm - This reel unlocks the possibilities available in filmmaking - the delight you take in filming across many genres crisscrossing from fiction to nonfiction and different ways of communicating with the camera is exciting. It's clear that you're using a wide range of equipment and it's serving you mixed results on occasion. Your filmmaking is strongest when you're using a large sensor from a cinema camera and it is a little bit weaker where we do see a lack of shallow depth of field and more straight digital video lines. On occasion your color correction seems purposeful and deliberate to serve a story, which of course we're not privy to. On the other hand you are choosing a LUT, or at least so, that seems that provide a washed out look on occasion that would be better served by finding a color correction that best advances your cinematic vision. The breadth and scale of this reel is dynamic and exciting as is your filmmaking. Keep up the good work
- 4/15 1:54 pm - PROS - Composition & Framing: The reel showcases a strong command of composition, employing techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines to create visually compelling shots. The framing effectively guides the viewer's attention and enhances the storytelling. Camera Movement: Dynamic and purposeful camera movements, including smooth tracking and panning shots, add depth and engagement to the visuals. The movements are well-executed and contribute meaningfully to the narrative. Lighting: Lighting is used masterfully to set the mood and tone of each scene. The controlled use of natural and artificial light sources enhances the visual appeal and supports the emotional context of the footage. Editing & Pacing: The reel is well-paced, with seamless transitions that maintain viewer interest. The editing choices complement the visual content, creating a cohesive and compelling presentation. IMPROVEMENTS - Focus Consistency: Ensuring consistent sharpness across all shots would enhance the overall professionalism of the reel. Implementing focus assist tools during shooting can help maintain critical focus. The length of your reel is sufficient and full of strong examples of your skill, however, expanding the runtime would allow for more samples across a wider range of shooting conditions. OVERALL - cinematography reel demonstrates a high level of proficiency in visual storytelling, with excellent composition, camera movement, and lighting. The editing effectively ties the visuals together, resulting in a polished and engaging reel. Addressing minor areas for improvement will further elevate the quality of the work.
- 4/9 8:18 am - Challenging mix of shots edited down to an interesting music choice. It showcased your wide selection of creative work and some of the sequences were really compelling while also jarring. Nice job showing different perspectives through interesting angles and povs.
Judge 1
Positives: Live audio tracks demonstrate the potential for greatness.
Improvements: Length contributed to limiting content. A bit dizzying.
Judge 2
Positives: Thanks, Micah. From the looks of your compilation piece, you enjoy storytelling and producing scripted pieces. Nice job on framing, audio, all of it. solid crisp editing.
Improvements: careful with music choice. does it distract from showcasing your talents. saw some unnecessary camera movement. Keep on, Michah!
Judge 3
Positives: Nice use of zoom and rack focus! These are both great techniques to have mastered, and you executed them really well. They added a lot of visual interest and helped highlight key moments, showing your skill in creating dynamic shots.
Improvements: I’d suggest exploring three-point lighting and other ways to add more light sources to create more depth and contour on your subjects. This can really elevate the look and give your shots more dimension and focus. Using windows out of frame can be a great natural light source for daytime shots. The light from windows creates a soft, flattering effect, and it’s an easy way to add depth without needing extra equipment. Just positioning your subjects near a window can work wonders!
Judge 4
Positives:
Improvements:
Judge 5
Positives:
Improvements: