Birds of a Feather - ID# 397

Crown Point
Music Video

Entry Description

Rico Ardister performs the Billie Eilish song Birds of a Feather.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

  • 4/14 9:50 am - STORY: I do wish that we saw more shots of the girl character early on. Right now we only see one shot of her at 0:28 for just a brief moment. Considering the lyrics and the way your video progresses, I think your story is clear, and the message can be inferred. SOUND: Your sound mix was balanced well. One thing that could be a really cool addition would be to add some SFX as the butterflies start flying around. You could consider adding some subtle flutter sounds. That could really add to this music video! CAMERA: You include a diverse range of camera shots. I think there can be some improvement on some camera shots. You really want to pay attention to the background of your camera shots as well. Make sure that there is nothing in your background that would stick out or distract your viewer. For example, at 1:04, there is a tripod in the background of your shot on the left side of the frame. I really also enjoy the shot that you have at 0:29, but something about it feels off balanced. It’s like the subject is just slightly off centered. Also, the decal on the wall on the left side of the frame is a bit distracting. Would it be possible to move the bench to the center of the wall so that you can re-frame without the decal in your shot? I’d have the same suggestion with your shot at 0:05. Center the subject completely within your frame using the rule of thirds and move the bench over to get rid of the wall decal in your shot. I’d also suggest having a different shot at 1:02. This shot is mostly just floor. We see some shoes, but just barely. I think you could still have a shot of the character’s shoes, but what if it was from a profile view rather than looking down at the floor? LIGHTING: Overall you do a great job using the lighting that you had in your setting. I think the one part where it gets just a bit too dark is at 2:08. You can barely see that character’s eyes, and I think this is an important moment within your music video where we absolutely need to see the character’s emotions. But we don’t get that because all we see in the eyes is just shadows. Maybe this was a result of adding in the vintage color and effects but maybe consider adding in some light. It could even be as simple as asking someone to turn on the flashlight on their phone if you don’t have larger lights at your disposal. EDITING: Your video has great pacing overall! I liked the way that the video starts to reverse towards the end of your music video. Great addition!
  • 2/18 9:17 am - This music video embraces a creative retro style, capturing a nostalgic aesthetic that feels both intentional and engaging. The use of vintage-inspired visuals, color grading, and editing techniques effectively transports the viewer to another era, making it stand out from more conventional modern productions. Beyond the stylistic choices, the video incorporates some surprising techniques and clever visual tricks that enhance its uniqueness. Whether through seamless transitions, innovative camera work, or unexpected effects, these elements add an extra layer of creativity and demonstrate strong technical skill. Overall, this is a well-executed piece that successfully blends artistry and technique. The attention to detail and commitment to the retro theme make it a memorable viewing experience. I look forward to seeing how your creativity continues to evolve in future projects!
Judge 1

Positives:

Improvements:

Judge 2

Positives:

Improvements:

Judge 3

Positives:

Improvements:

Judge 4

Positives:

Improvements:

Judge 5

Positives:

Improvements: