Limelight - ID# 461

Richards High School
Music Video

Entry Description

This is a music video for an original song by the talent in the video. Shot and edited by Mariah Covarrubias.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

  • 4/14 1:11 pm - STORY: I think the story appears to reflect the message of the song. I interpreted the message as people getting close to something great but then giving up (in relation to the lyrics). I think it would help if we saw more of the performance clips incorporated throughout your music video. These shots - especially showing the audience engaged - could help support the theme of greatness being within reach and could make the video more impactful. SOUND: The music is well-mixed throughout your video. I also like the addition of the audience cheers at the beginning and end of your video. I think it really helps to draw in the viewer. CAMERA: You have a nice range of different compositions and movements. Some shots do need a bit more technical attention. Your shot at 0:34 becomes out of focus which does momentarily distract from the flow of your video. What was the intention behind playing this clip until it goes out of focus? You also have some great framing in your studio shot at 2:04. You have a reverse of this 2:04 shot at 2:06, but the framing does not match to the original framing. Your subject is in front of the screen when we see the reverse shot, whereas in the first shot, the subject is not blocking the computer screen. Paying attention to cameron position, eyelines and balance between shots can really help with smooth transitions. Especially if you are cutting between two shots that are the reverse of each other like at 2:04 and 2:06. LIGHTING: Your lighting is great, although it can use some improvement specifically on the indoor shots in the studio. For example, at 2:02, I think this show could really benefit from having a fill light on the subject's face coming from the right side of the frame. Right now, the right side of his face is a little dark, and we are also getting some funky shadows from the light that is hitting him from the left side of the frame. EDITING: Overall, the pacing of your video supports the tone and shows moments that align with the message. I did feel like the shot of the airport at 0:52 lingered for just a little too long. Tightening moments like this can help keep the momentum of the video going without losing the emotional weight. More frequent edits of the performance scenes could also help tie together the visuals and themes more clearly. Excellent work and keep creating!
  • 2/18 9:36 am - This music video features professional-looking settings that elevate the overall production quality. The use of a variety of locations helps keep the visuals fresh and engaging, ensuring that each scene adds something new to the storytelling. The attention to set design and scene selection contributes to the polished feel of the video, making it stand out. One area for improvement is the singer’s lip-syncing, which appears off throughout the video. Maintaining precise synchronization between the vocal track and performance is crucial for believability and immersion. Small adjustments in timing during filming and editing—such as paying close attention to frame alignment—could significantly enhance the overall effect and make the video more seamless. Additionally, while the lighting works well in some scenes, there are moments where it could be improved to enhance depth, mood, and overall visual appeal. Experimenting with different lighting setups—such as using backlighting for separation, colored gels for atmosphere, or more controlled directional lighting—could add to the professional quality already present in the video. A standout aspect of this production is the way on-stage footage is interspersed with scenes in the car and editing room. This editing choice enhances the overall narrative and gives the video a dynamic, polished feel. It successfully balances performance shots with behind-the-scenes elements, reinforcing the professional aesthetic. With a few refinements in lip-syncing precision and lighting, this video could reach an even higher level of visual and technical excellence. Great work overall!
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