We're going to Be Friends - ID# 56
Deerfield
Music Video
Entry Description
In a moving cover of The White Stripes' "We're Going to Be Friends" played and performed by high schoolers, this music video showcases the song's enduring message of deep-seated friendship and longing.
Copyright Info
Recent Teacher Comments
- 4/29 12:25 pm - Excellent music video with a clear, intentional, and clever story! The use of animation is brilliant. I appreciate the surprise at the end that they are going to different colleges, but they don't seem too upset by that fact- was this intentional?
- 3/3 9:19 am - This was a fun and engaging music video that clearly reflected strong creativity and thoughtful planning. The concept felt intentional from beginning to end, and it was evident that time was put into developing both the visual direction and overall execution. The lighting was well handled and helped elevate the production quality. Shots were framed effectively, and there was a nice variety of angles and compositions that kept the visuals interesting. The addition of animations was a standout element. They enhanced the energy of the video and complemented the tone of the song without feeling overused or distracting. The storytelling was clear and cohesive, and the editing choices supported the narrative well. The ending was especially strong and felt purposeful, providing a satisfying conclusion that tied the project together. One area for growth would be pacing. While the editing was solid, some sections could have moved a bit quicker to better match the tempo and energy of the music. Tightening a few transitions and trimming select shots would help maintain momentum and elevate the overall impact. Overall, this was a creative, well-executed project with strong visual elements and engaging storytelling. With slightly faster pacing in certain sections, it could become even more dynamic and polished.
Judge 1
Positives: Something that I really like about this project is the 4:3 ratio. For me this adds to the story in a way that I cant really explain, but I like it. The fact that the song follows the video in content and lyrics is also really nice. Staying true to concept and actually listening to the lyrics and excecuting is crucial to music videos. All of the scenes outside during the daytime are REALLY good.
Improvements: The concept of two people growing up together is really interesting, however I would have liked to see more things that they do outside of the school that make them have a unique bond. A lot of this takes place at a school and that's fine, just my preference. The video switches from a square format to a 16:9 format, and I'm assuming that it was because as time goes on the characters are getting older? However I would have liked to see the entire thing been square format. I was invested into that look.
Judge 2
Positives: This took a lot of hard work and planning! I admire the ambition it took to tell story like this. Casting was right on. I believed each age was an older version of the last. Mission accomplished. Great tune. Great tune selection. This version is very well performed and creates a nice soundscape for these two characters to exist in. Tells it's own story that parallels what we are watching.
Improvements: What's with the guy looking at the camera at 2:24?! Story seemed straightforward until right before that point. Are they glad they're going to different schools? He certainly seems so. I was left pretty confused at the end. I think the illustration sections were a bit unnecessary. They seemed very "computery" as opposed to "arts and craftsy" and the regular footage was much stronger. But all in all I really liked it! Great job!
Judge 3
Positives: Touchingly sincere piece! Strong suit here in my opinion is the cinematography. The segments involving the youngest pair of kids is especially well shot. The drawn/"animated" sections are well made and reflect the spirit of the song well. Overall really nice work!
Improvements: It feels like, despite literally growing by many years, the characters don't do much growing or do really anything different over the years. I understand if part of the point is that their friendship stays the same and endures many years, but seeing them do math homework at age 12 then seeing them do more math homework at age 17 didn't feel purposeful or like a full expression of what they could be experiencing or feeling.
Judge 4
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Judge 5
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