Antman's Short Film Contest #23 - Music Video

[Daniel Rutter]

http://i56.tinypic.com/mv6xht.jpg

And here we are back for another contest. This one is Music Videos.

"Music Videos?" I hear you all groan. Wow. But seriously, this shouldn't be too hard for most of you. How many of you know of a friend who is musically talented, has an original song or can do covers? How many of you are actually talented singers? This might be your opportunity to make something really creative, without being held back by rules (see below).

So, I'm hearing you all say "But, I don't know anyone who can sing... or finding someone is too hard". Ok then, I've got something for those with training wheels still attached to their cameras.
Watch as many music videos on MTV, Youtube and Vimeo (there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of such videos available on that site) as you can take in, make notes on the shots, angles, styles of the camera movement. Take note of what they show... singers, guitarists, rappers, drummers. Heck, they even show stuff that has no place being there (Ever seen the video "Goodbye My Lover" from James Blunt? The trees, street lights etc... what the hell has that got to do with the song?). Use the creative freedom that music videos allow, get out there and film flowers, animals, streetlife... throw it in with some shots of the performer. Don't know anyone who can sing? Then, take your favourite song and make a music video of it. Get a friend who can pretend to play the guitar and pretend to sing along...
There is no limit on the songs you can use. If you want rap, do rap. If you want ballads... go that way. If you want death metal... BRING IT ON!
THERE ARE NO LIMITS WITH MUSIC VIDEOS.

There will be a change in the rules, simply for those who wish to take this contest at it's full potential. Use of "copyrighted" music, whilst it was frowned upon previously... I will allow this time. If you're going to cover a famous song, youtube will 'technically' allow this, and Vimeo doesn't care (or, so it would seem). There is also no time limit on these videos.
There are TWO RULES YOU MUST OBEY:
(1) Keep the swearing to a minimum. If I can't show it to my grandma without her being offended, then it doesn't belong here. Keep them friendly guys, PG only.
(2) They MUST be created within the time alotted. In other words, don't go submitting something you created months ago. You CAN create a music video easily in two and a half weeks. Heck, you can shoot a music video in a day and edit it in three.
All entries must be uploaded to Vimeo, and submitted to the Antman's Film Festival Vimeo group (http://www.vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival).

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be completed and submitted for judging by the Tuesday 10th of May, 2011 at 12am UTC
Good luck guys, Let's hope you enjoy this one!

[Shaunp007]

If we ever redo contest #21, I think I have my thread...thanks Dan and Huey! LOL

[paperkut12]

Might give it a shot.

[KingDucky]

Then, take your favourite song and make a music video of it
So we can make one using any song? No copyright stuff this time?

[drapeama]

Might give it a shot.
Told myself the same. There's somebody that I know actually...

So we can make one using any song? No copyright stuff this time?
Exactly. That's a good thing actually I'd say.

[Daniel Rutter]

Exactly. That's a good thing actually I'd say.
Well, that would combat those who say "But I don't know anyone who can sing"...

Here's what I suggest, if you know someone who has music that is good... Do a music video for THEM. Leave the covers/fake music videos for those who are isolated (Namely Timbit, if he enters... or if he knows nobody, but, he could probably do a music video for himself considering he can sing :)).

You will most likely see an entry from me this time as well. NCE of course, but I've been putting off a project for a little while... so it'll be good to get back into it.

The thing is with Music videos, is that they are so easy to make. I'm planning on recording the audio one day, and shooting the video the next day. So there's no excuse not to make one... as I said in the first post, you have so much creative freedom... and you can throw anything in there to make it interesting.

[drapeama]

Here's what I suggest, if you know someone who has music that is good... Do a music video for THEM. Leave the covers/fake music videos for those who are isolated...

Good idea. My friend has a great & funny at the same time song and we both know people that could help us making this video (location, on the set help) so I think this time it'll work.
We're meeting later this week, talking about it and maybe even record the song. Then we'll shoot at the location we talked about. Can't wait to start making something, first music video for me, hope it'll end up good enough.

[Timbit]

Leave the covers/fake music videos for those who are isolated (Namely Timbit, if he enters... or if he knows nobody, but, he could probably do a music video for himself considering he can sing :) )

Where'd you hear THAT!?!?!

:hv20-smilie117:

:hv20-smilie82: Guess I better get busy... :hv20-smilie41:

[Playing]

Hmmmm...

[Daniel Rutter]

Where'd you hear THAT!?!?!
Guess I better get busy..
Tim, I like your attitude! Keep it up mate :)


Can't wait to start making something, first music video for me, hope it'll end up good enough.
This is the type of stuff I like to see. I'm glad to see you guys taking this by the horns and going for it.

Shock horror, I'm actually learning guitar for my video... I'll be playing electric guitar for my girlfriend while she does the acoustic stuff for our song. I'm not going to give away any details though, but I'm so glad to be getting out there and recording the video!

[paperkut12]

I haven't decided what I will do yet, but is it alright if I pick a song to use for the video, then I can insert a short film of sorts inside (silent film-ish), or some kind of visual? Maybe that's kind of what you described in the first post, Daniel, but just making sure.

[Vishus]

I haven't decided what I will do yet, but is it alright if I pick a song to use for the video, then I can insert a short film of sorts inside (silent film-ish), or some kind of visual? Maybe that's kind of what you described in the first post, Daniel, but just making sure.

It's your video to do as you please! If you want to go with a pure narrative style, go for it!

[paperkut12]

It's your video to do as you please! If you want to go with a pure narrative style, go for it!

I will! (maybe)

[Daniel Rutter]

If you want to go with a pure narrative style, go for it!
That's the fun with music videos :)

[Daniel Rutter]

So hows everybody going with their planning?

I myself have been busy learning the guitar (Heh)... and I think we've got a good little video half planned out.

What about you guys?

[drapeama]

So hows everybody going with their planning?

Still waiting on my friend to agree on a day to shoot...and I hope will be able to shoot ~everything the same day, he's quite busy.

[Timbit]

So hows everybody going with their planning?
Still trying to decide on which song... ;)

[Daniel Rutter]

Still trying to decide on which song...
Ahh yes. Well, I ran into a hiccup and realized the guitar parts I'm learning are in the wrong key... so I'm now RE-learning the same parts in a different key.

The joys of learning guitar :P

[HueyNRolf]

Ahh yes. Well, I ran into a hiccup and realized the guitar parts I'm learning are in the wrong key... so I'm now RE-learning the same parts in a different key.

The joys of learning guitar :P


Wow, you're using live sound on your music vid?

[Daniel Rutter]

Wow, you're using live sound on your music vid?
Nope. We're recording it first, then using that to sync the music video with.

[HueyNRolf]

Nope. We're recording it first, then using that to sync the music video with.

Wow! Good luck with all that. Look forward to seeing it.

[Daniel Rutter]

Wow! Good luck with all that. Look forward to seeing it.
You and me both.

[cgbier]

Hope it's not gonna make anybody's ears bleed. Good luck, Daniel.

[Daniel Rutter]

Hope it's not gonna make anybody's ears bleed. Good luck, Daniel.
Cheers. I've been practicing hard so I don't actually fail. We shall see in the final product.

Meanwhile, it appears we may only have two entrants. What's happening with everyone else?

I'm considering extending the time by a week considering the Easter break would clash with some people. Does anyone else wish to have the extension applied?

[cgbier]

I actually was trying to compete here, but have to check if my niece (the singer) is still on the island. An extension would be cool.

[Daniel Rutter]

I actually was trying to compete here, but have to check if my niece (the singer) is still on the island.
Good to hear it CG, it would be interesting to see an entry from you.

[cgbier]

Won't promise anything... and it wouldn't be your standard music video. I was looking into the national anthem of our island "nation".

[HueyNRolf]

Yeah man, that would be great. Since music video is more my thing than shorts, I've been trying to think of something I could do. If I can come up with an idea, I might have a go.

Of course there's a room somewhere full of people who threaten to enter and don't. The procrastination monster incarcerates them in there.

[cgbier]

Another idea that goes through my head is "paint it black" ... would have to be compilation of news cuts though. Nothing I could shoot myself in our tropical paradise.

[Daniel Rutter]

I've been trying to think of something I could do. If I can come up with an idea, I might have a go.
I encourage this.


Another idea that goes through my head is "paint it black"
Good song.

[cgbier]

Yeah, but how do you shoot that? ;)

[Timbit]

I second the extension!

[drapeama]

I'm considering extending the time by a week considering the Easter break would clash with some people. Does anyone else wish to have the extension applied?

I'd like it too. Haven't started yet, my friend is quite busy at the moment. That would be nice and maybe allow more people to try it.

[Daniel Rutter]

Well I see three votes, and I'll make mine count as well.

Deadline is now officially 10th May 2011, 21AM UTC.
I hope to see a few more entries than the last contest guys. I know you're all capable of this, music videos are piss easy to make.

[Seo]

Hmm, dunno if I can make it in time. I'll try, though!

[drapeama]

Deadline is now officially 10th May 2011, 21AM UTC.

Now that should help, as long as he don't drop the idea...

[HueyNRolf]

10th May 2011, 21AM UTC.

Is that right?
Maybe it's 2100 (9:00PM) or 9:00AM. 21AM is not a time I've been in.

[Daniel Rutter]

21AM is not a time I've been in.
Completely my mistake, the correct time is 12am UTC.

Damn typos >:-|

[Timbit]

Maybe it's 2100 (9:00PM) or 9:00AM. 21AM is not a time I've been in.
:hv20-smilie118: Coffee...

[Playing]

Working on an idea...

[paperkut12]

Working with a friend to do a video for him, but if that isn't done in time I have a back up video in mind.

[Andoru]

Wish I had seen this sooner. I only have 5 1/2 days left. Still need to record the last 2 mins of my song as well.

How will the contest be judged? Will the creativity and quality of my song be accounted for as well, or only the shots?

[Daniel Rutter]

Will the creativity and quality of my song be accounted for as well, or only the shots?
We're more focused on the video side of things than the song. Thanks for bringing that up.

I don't know about AJUK (our other judge), but I'm not judging the music itself. It depends on how you're putting your track together (if it's recorded with crappy mics or w/e) really.

[Andoru]

Alright, thanks for clearing that up. I'm aiming for as professional of a recording as I can, but it will still be sub-par.

Also, what happens with the winning video? Is it put on display somewhere or is this just more of a participation for practice kind of thing? I didn't see about this anywhere, sorry if I overlooked it.

[Daniel Rutter]

Is it put on display somewhere or is this just more of a participation for practice kind of thing? I didn't see about this anywhere, sorry if I overlooked it
We display it on our Archive page (winning entry goes onto the Winners page). It's a bit of a participation for practice... there are no prizes for first place.

We look it as a way to better yourself as a film maker, by making an entry here and learning from the criticism.

[Vishus]

Wish I had seen this sooner. I only have 5 1/2 days left. Still need to record the last 2 mins of my song as well.

Also, it looks like Daniel has extended the Deadline to May 10th, so that gives you more time!

[paperkut12]

We display it on our Archive page (winning entry goes onto the Winners page). It's a bit of a participation for practice... there are no prizes for first place.

I'm still in the opinion that the winning entry should get a thread in the footage section as a little added benefit.

[Playing]

Had some fun this morning. Went location scouting and was politely but firmly told:
"No Filming on Railway Property."
Now I could of course get on the train and do a bit of shooting at every station until security noticed, then get back on the train. :)

[Timbit]

I'm still in the opinion that the winning entry should get a thread in the footage section as a little added benefit.
It does sometimes, but it's not a sticky so it gets lost easily... :)

[Daniel Rutter]

I'm still in the opinion that the winning entry should get a thread in the footage section as a little added benefit.
Well, I could do that if you all wish... but in all fairness, I reckon all videos should be seen.

All in favor of having an "Antman's Film Festival" thread for winning entry (and a link to the rest for interested people) posted in the Footage section? Say Eye!

[HueyNRolf]

All in favor of having an "Antman's Film Festival" thread for winning entry (and a link to the rest for interested people) posted in the Footage section? Say Eye!

I think you mean 'aye'

But alright then Eye!

[Andoru]

All in favor ... Say Eye!

Aye, sounds like an incentive to me.


Also, it looks like Daniel has extended the Deadline to May 10th, so that gives you more time!

Thanks for pointing that out, it looks like it is moved to the 10th. That's good news.

[Daniel Rutter]

Yeah sorry about that, I've still gotta remove the "Countdown" link on the first post... It's misleading. To those reading this, the due date is in fact the 10th of May, 2011 at 12am UTC. Use google to convert that to your local time.

Good luck guys, I'm looking forward to seeing your entries! I'm beggining to record my track tomorrow and we'll start working on the video next week. Looking forward to it big time :D
Been so long since I've done any form of "creative filming".

[HueyNRolf]

I came up with an idea. To overcome the problem of getting people to be in the video, I would go out with camera and boom box and get random people to sing along with a popular song. Then edit the takes so it cuts between different people singing a line or so each.

Regrettably, Mrs HnR has stopped it. Worried about what people will think or something, or getting hassled by the police for harassment.

Anyways, since I can't do it. Someone stuck for an idea might like to have a go. Really easy to do and could be a lot of fun.

[Vishus]

Aye!

[Timbit]

Aye! :D

[drapeama]

Aye Aye!

[Daniel Rutter]

Then I'm pretty sure that one's settled. I'll add it to my list of things to do on the day. Will someone kindly remind me on the due date??

[finalfantasy7]

I might do this. I'll shoot plants & flowers in my backyard and add a Mozart track to it. ART

[HueyNRolf]

I might do this. I'll shoot plants & flowers in my backyard and add a Mozart track to it. ART

I guess that would count as a legit entry. But I doubt the judges will endeared by it, they'll be on the lookout for something creative.

[Daniel Rutter]

they'll be on the lookout for something creative.
Indeed :)

[Vishus]

I might do this. I'll shoot plants & flowers in my backyard and add a Mozart track to it. ART

Even with the comments above, I recommend that you still go for it. It might not be a storytelling piece, but maybe you do an amazing job with your cinematography/editing/post work? We seem to focus on technical aspects in this contest more than content sometimes. Of course, you are treading familiar waters, so I do hope to see something unique!

[Daniel Rutter]

We seem to focus on technical aspects in this contest more than content sometimes
Not quite all the time. I focus more on cinematic and such if there's no story-based substance to the piece. In these coming videos though, I'm expecting to see more "story" or "beauty" in the work. I want to see art, creativity in the visuals (not the cinematography so much!). Creativity and clarity of the audio will be one I will look out for though.

[Playing]

I want to see art, creativity in the visuals (not the cinematography so much!).
Very good point. I want to do something along those lines.

[Andoru]

I'm expecting to see more "story" or "beauty" in the work.

I hope you don't mean beauty as in pretty flowers, because mine is just the opposite. It's a dark, gritty psychological representation of a man's dying mind. It will be cinematic though (I think... I'm not completely sure what cinematic means; it seems to be an opinionated word). I just hope I can get finished on time.

[Daniel Rutter]

I hope you don't mean beauty as in pretty flowers,
I mean beauty as in, beauty of story... beauty of photography. I've seen some really dark scenes which have been beautiful to watch, and at the same time very moving.

In other news, we've recorded our track... and I'm almost done tweaking the track in Soundbooth (wonderful little multitrack editor that one!).
We start filming Sunday :D

[Timbit]

Ah yes, I need to check something out. :) Oh Google! I possibly need you! :D (So let's just say my recording wasn't perfect, and now I'm hunting for a song to video-ize. :p )

[finalfantasy7]

You guys need some fresh batteries in your sarcasm detector :)

on serious note, I am really going to give this a shot. Probably won't amount to much, since I am not sure if I can get actors for my idea but it seems like I only do videos when I have some sort of goals or set deadline. So will be a good opportunity to motivate myself to do something new!

[HueyNRolf]

You guys need some fresh batteries in your sarcasm detector

Darn
:hv20-smilie81:

[Daniel Rutter]

You guys need some fresh batteries in your sarcasm detector
I'm just ignoring it. :)

[Daniel Rutter]

So here's some shots (from footage) from our recording session last night. The track is in the last mixing stages now, and we start filming tomorrow. I'll post the link again tomorrow afternoon once we capture the footage (and I get some snaps).

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.218803794799017.64574.100000081957534

[HueyNRolf]

Ah you're left handed? Is that a stock right handed guitar, or did you string it Hendrix style?

Anyway, looks interesting. Looking forward.

[Daniel Rutter]

Is that a stock right handed guitar, or did you string it Hendrix style?
I'm a lefty, playing a right handed guitar. Yes, it seems stupid... but when you're tight on cash like I am right now... you learn to play with what you can get your hands on (guitar wise, anyway...).
I may be using some of this footage in the music video yet... not sure if it'll fit. Otherwise, we'll have some behind the scenes footage to show along with the music video.

How's everyone else coming along??

[drapeama]

Just recorded the audio and some scene of the video. Tomorow, we will probably have the chance to shoot in studio (and potentially record a better/cleaner audio) and then I'll start editing later this week. Hopefully.

[Playing]

Meeting the musician at the docks at 11:00. He is pressed for time, so it's not the ideal time or location but the weather is beautiful and at the moment there is no wind. Audio will be tricky and it would be nice to have a crew with a big reflector, but we have to dodge security, so need to keep a low profile. Will try to sneak onto the station platform later. Full on guerrilla shooting. Wish me luck.

[Daniel Rutter]

Luck wished Playing :)

I just got back from my shoot about an hour ago... here's those shots I promised:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.218803794799017.64574.100000081957534

Not really happy with my footage... but I think I can make something work with it.

[HueyNRolf]

It looks very romantic. So who's Elizabeth, a friend, or maybe more than a friend?

[Daniel Rutter]

It looks very romantic. So who's Elizabeth, a friend, or maybe more than a friend?
My girlfriend actually :)

Looking at my stills right now, it seriously looks like I shot this in DV mode... not happy :(

[HueyNRolf]

My girlfriend actually

Good for you. I can see it now in the footage forum. Wedding highlights-Elizabeth and Daniel. Good luck, you both.

[Daniel Rutter]

Good luck, you both.
Thanks very much. :)

[Playing]

Hi Daniel, good luck from me too and thanks for your wishes. Had some fun at the docks. The music is in the can. Plenty background noise, but thats kind of OK. Only had 45min as my friend is off to the states on a job.

[AJUK]

Good to see plenty of entries in the works, this is shaping up to be the biggest number of entries for a long time.

[Playing]

My grip truck didn't arrive, no generator, no makeup artist, the wardrobe lady was late, the sound guy called in sick. Ah I forgot, I have no budget. Remind me why I am doing this. Ah, for fun. OK.

[drapeama]

We did some guerrilla shooting too, especially in one location, were it's been a bit tricky to shoot! Hope everything will looks great. I'm waiting on the audio engineer to finish the song, then I'll start editing the video, to match the song.
Should be done in time.
I color corrected the scenes yesterday, and I've been surprised myself with what I've been able to do. The "raw" footage shot with CineMode look dull as hell and "grey&greenish/desaturated" so I wasn't particulary happy with that when I captured the footage. But when I started playing with curves & hue in After Effects, then it changed the look totally. I've been able to give the video a totally "fresh" and more "eye-popping" if I can say so. I hope you'll enjoy it!

[drapeama]

My grip truck didn't arrive, no generator, no makeup artist, the wardrobe lady was late, the sound guy called in sick. Ah I forgot, I have no budget. Remind me why I am doing this. Ah, for fun. OK.

Just read it! You made my day...another time! +1

[Playing]

Hi Drapes, I wish I had your skill in color correction. One of my shots is perfect, but only because I got up at 5am and waited for the light to be the way I wanted. The rest we shot almost at noon and the mountain in the background is a bit hazy. So I am also playing with curves, but not very successfully. The sound is a lot better than I expected with trucks and cars passing close by. What I am very happy with is that I am doing something I wanted to do for a while and I never watch music videos.
I am doing two versions, but one is not for the competition because I am using a recording I made at the time I did the "Doomed" entry.

[drapeama]

Hi Drapes, I wish I had your skill in color correction. One of my shots is perfect, but only because I got up at 5am and waited for the light to be the way I wanted.

I'm sure your result will be better than mine! I'm playing some wild-card here, I just hope it'll work.
Here's something I'm particulary proud of:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_qmIa-UMTxJc/Tb8FRhoIDkI/AAAAAAAAAlI/CPnY5n6J2A0/s1024/TapeDeck_Amp%202.png

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_qmIa-UMTxJc/Tb8FQOQBPPI/AAAAAAAAAlE/P522tPuZyHI/s1024/Metter_NIN.jpg

[Playing]

Here's something I'm particulary proud of:
My mountain could probably benefit from the same treatment :)
But I am actually quite happy with what I did so far.

[paperkut12]

Is there ANYONE not using their own music? Just curious.

[drapeama]

Is there ANYONE not using their own music? Just curious.

I'm supposed to help to make charlie's video, from a commercial song.

[Daniel Rutter]

Well it turns out I'm completely disgusted with my footage... so most of it will be going to the scrap heap/recycle bin and I'm heading out tomorrow to reshoot a whole lot more.Then late afternoon, hopefully I'll be getting that "look" I'm after.

By the way, Cinemode seems to be ruining my footage majorly... not happy with that right now :(

[drapeama]

By the way, Cinemode seems to be ruining my footage majorly... not happy with that right now :(

Let me email you something, maybe it'll convince you!

[Daniel Rutter]

Let me email you something, maybe it'll convince you!
Have you seen some of my shots? My actress/performer used some foundation to remove shadows and shine from her face and Cinemode took that and made her whole face orange. I can't colour correct that at all the way I want without making her look like she's had a little too much citrus :(

Besides, I fell pray to the deceiving LCD screen again and under exposed a lot of my shots.
I'm switching over to AV mode for now... at least my picture will be colourful and sharp.

[drapeama]

Have you seen some of my shots?

Email them to me, then I'll be able to see if there's something to do.
I'll send you mine in a minute.

[Vishus]

Well it turns out I'm completely disgusted with my footage...

While it sucks that you've got to do reshoots, this is part of why I love participating in these challenges. We make mistakes and learn from them each time we get out there and shoot!

[Daniel Rutter]

We make mistakes and learn from them each time we get out there and shoot!
I completely agree with you. Yeah it sucks, but meh... I wanna get it right, so screw it... reshoots are reshoots :)

[Timbit]

Here's a few frame grabs from yesterday's shoot. Planning on more today. :)

116411164211643

As you can tell, the first one was pulled out of the timeline of the uncropped video, whereas the other two are actual photos taken with the widescreen setting for composition. :o

[drapeama]

Here's a few frame grabs from yesterday's shoot.

Let me guess, a remake of "My Heart Wil Go On"? (kidding!)
Nice to see another entry from you! Best of luck!

[Timbit]

Let me guess, a remake of "My Heart Wil Go On"?
Nope! :p


Nice to see another entry from you! Best of luck!
Thanks! You too! :)

[Playing]

Hi Tim, if you get tired of farming you can always try your luck in Hollywood.
As for me, I am done. I am holding a "One Man Wrap Party". Cheers.

[Daniel Rutter]

And I'm back for another crack at shooting today. I have someone else in my crew today... so I'll be getting that reflector out and getting more light in my shots.

[Playing]

... so I'll be getting that reflector out and getting more light in my shots.
I could have done with a reflector but fortunately my musician was wearing sunglasses so a bit of shadow in his face is not a disaster.
I will upload my contribution on Saturday.

[drapeama]

Still waiting on the final mix of the song before I start to edit. All the color correction has been done. Only need that final mix to add the videos on it.
Hope it'll look great...
The video will be subtitled, as the song if in french, and more "100% Québec-French" than international french, so even our friends from France couldn't understand it. Hope it won't be a problem for you guys!

[Daniel Rutter]

Hope it won't be a problem for you guy
Heck no. Looking forward to it :)

[Daniel Rutter]

...And, some colour graded snaps of Day two are up here (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.218803794799017.64574.100000081957534&saved) if you're interested. These ones look a bit better than my shooting the other day. Decided to shoot in another mode and got MUCH better results.

[Timbit]

Hi Tim, if you get tired of farming you can always try your luck in Hollywood.
Hehe! I think I'd head for Vancouver before Hollywood. ;)


As for me, I am done. I am holding a "One Man Wrap Party". Cheers.
Maybe I'll have pizza for mine... Oh wait! Oops! *mentally zips mouth shut*

[drapeama]

80% done. Some shots has been done with a specific tempo and doesn't match with the final version, which bugs me right now. But otherwise, it'll be finished by the end of the week.

[Playing]

Some shots has been done with a specific tempo and doesn't match with the final version, which bugs me right now.
Looks like this is going to be a masterpiece.

[drapeama]

Looks like this is going to be a masterpiece.

Actually, more a nightmare I'd say. But we'll see how it ends up!

[Daniel Rutter]

Actually, more a nightmare I'd say. But we'll see how it ends up!
Haha... I'm having that problem now as well.

[Playing]

Sorry to hear you guys are having problems. Mine now is to leave it alone. I can only upload it on Saturday and now I want to change things.

[Andoru]

If I can get the other member of my band here on time, finish the video, get a friend to transfer the video onto a disk, then save it to my comp, chop and edit it... all within the next 5 days, then I'll be able to submit this video for the contest. If not, I'll still upload it to the forum for feedback, seeing as this is my first music video and I'll be making them a lot to promote our band, so feedback is crucial right now. Wish me luck... :hv20-smilie15:

By the way... what kind of music are you guys recording? Just curious; mine is more on the heavier side, but with different rock elements.

[Playing]

Wish me luck...
You got it.

Welcome and hope you will get something ready in time.

[Playing]

Hi Daniel, I can't speak for anyone else, but the extended time works for me. I am far more willing to start a project knowing that I have the time to finish it. Thanks.

[paperkut12]

Good luck everyone. Interested to see what everyone has come up with!

[drapeama]

Haha... I'm having that problem now as well.
Yeah, at least it's almost done, only some little things to set.

Hi Daniel, I can't speak for anyone else, but the extended time works for me. I am far more willing to start a project knowing that I have the time to finish it. Thanks.
Same here. Thanks.

[AJUK]

...And, some colour graded snaps of Day two are up here (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.218803794799017.64574.100000081957534&saved) if you're interested.

Nice shots, look forward to seeing the finished video. It's so strange looking at the wrong season in a photo taken this week! It's spring here in the UK but Autumn with you. :hv20-smilie01:

[Daniel Rutter]

Nice shots, look forward to seeing the finished video.
I'm honestly not sure I'll get it finished... my version will be rushed for now, and I'll work on it (tweak it) over the coming weeks.

Will see how I go.

[drapeama]

I'm honestly not sure I'll get it finished...
Then you can always post it as a NCE in the worst case. You've worked on it for this contest, please post it! (the more entry we get the better it is!!)
Mine sould be uploaded by tomorow night. I'm done, it's not exactly perfect to me, but nothing never really is. It's going to be a first try as a Music Video, hope everything will work well. At least my friend and I had the chance to rely on someone for the audio, so the song benefit from a well recorded and mastered audio track, nothing to compare to the audio I've recorded with my H2 the day before, in a kitchen...
I'm curious to see the others' entries, to watch their work.

[Almohada]

Looking forward to it.

[Playing]

Guess where I am going tonight. To record a Music Video, or rather a stage show. It will be interesting. They get onto a black stage and then start with a bang, flashing every multicolored light the theater has installed, including bright white. I did a test run yesterday, tungsten preset and manual exposure is OK, but focus I have not figured out yet. Manual focus to the middle of the stage for the start and then change to automatic? The HFS21 can follow a face, if there is light. My friend will use my HF100. I have decided on 25p. DM100 Microphone on the camera, Zoom H1 on the board. Suggestions are welcome.

[Timbit]

I've still got a few shots to do, then hit the editing big time. :p

[drapeama]

Done, not so bad finally, and uploading.
I'll post the translated lyrics, as I didn't really wanted to add them "in-picture". Sorry for that lazyness guys!

[Playing]

I'll post the translated lyrics
Yea I need that. I knew I was not made for French when my teacher told me I have the perfect Marseilles Harbor dialect.

I have uploaded mine, but can't subscribe to the Antman group. I guess Daniel needs to unlock it?

[Andoru]

I'll post the translated lyrics, as I didn't really wanted to add them "in-picture".

That's good, so it doesn't run over your cinematography :)

[drapeama]

Yea I need that. I knew I was not made for French when my teacher told me I have the perfect Marseilles Harbor dialect.
Ouch...I'll post them for sure!

That's good, so it doesn't run over your cinematography
Another good point! But as I said, it was more about lazyness than this, you can imagine!
How many other videos are up now?

[Andoru]

My laptop broke. Graphics card malfunction I think, hopefully I can get it fixed soon. Since all of my recordings are on that laptop, I can't do a video of my own music. I'll just pick a Japanese rock song I like and do a video of that for now. I'll post my real music video when I can get my laptop going again =/

[Playing]

My laptop broke.
Thats bad news. Can't you take the hard drive out and put it in a PC?

[Daniel Rutter]

but can't subscribe to the Antman group. I guess Daniel needs to unlock it?
Yours doesn't appear to have come up in the pending videos list. Are you sure you've uploaded it to the right group? Check the link in the first post on this thread.

As for me, it'll be a long night editing on my new 22inch monitor. YEAH :D

[drapeama]

Yours doesn't appear to have come up in the pending videos list.[...]
As for me, it'll be a long night editing on my new 22inch monitor. YEAH :D
1) It was Playing, not andoru!
2) what brand/model did you bought?

[Daniel Rutter]

ASUS...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_p6_ISHvQjBU/TceHKbh7VHI/AAAAAAAAAM8/DL6_zrbXq8A/s800/IMG_1263.JPG

[Playing]

I see you've got the essentials in the green bag.
My video states pending so I assume that's OK.

[Daniel Rutter]

I see you've got the essentials in the green bag.
Without chips/crisps (for the Americans among us) I'd be lost in the editing suite :P

And Playing, I'm seeing only one video and thats Draps. You must have attached it to the wrong group. You will want to submit it to this one. (http://vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival)

P.S:
I'm currently colour correcting and grading my footage... then its done. Can I just say, I love grading... it's fun. What I hate? Correcting brightness and contrast. I HATE this part.

[Andoru]

Thats bad news. Can't you take the hard drive out and put it in a PC?

I don't own a PC, but that's alright I'll just have to wait for the next contest. I can still upload my music video for critique when I get my computer working again. I just hope I don't lose my data in the process of fixing it D:

[Timbit]

I'm uploading mine to the group right now. I noticed the sound was off sync in it a bit. :( Unfortunately I'm going to be too busy today to fix it...

[Playing]

And Playing, I'm seeing only one video and thats Draps. You must have attached it to the wrong group. You will want to submit it to this one.
Thanks Daniel, I see you've done it for me.

[drapeama]

So there's me, Daniel, Playing and Tmbit?
Anyone else made anything?

[HueyNRolf]

There's two of them on there.

[Daniel Rutter]

Sorry guys, I slept in big time.

I'll have my reviews up within the hour or so. In the meantime, enjoy the entries which are now online. AJUK will be along sometime soon as well to post his reviews.
Also take note that my entry is an NCE, and it will not be included for judging. But feel free to give me advice and criticism (that's what it's there for!).

Check 'em out: http://vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival

[drapeama]

Also take note that my entry is an NCE, and it will not be included for judging. But feel free to give me advice and criticism (that's what it's there for!)

Well, you should have posted it as a legit entry, because it was great!

Daniel:
Your cinematography was well done too, the color correction was great and the audio was excellent! You really did a great job on this video.
Maybe you could have shot something else to fill the video, like a little story to complete the song like Tim, Playing and I did, but that's a suggestion and/or personal taste.
If you'd submited your entry as a legit one, you'd got my vote for sure Dan!

Playing:
I enjoyed your entry as well, but maybe it was a bit long at 7mins. Your cinematography was great, especially the shots in the early morning = priceless! You could have done a bit of color correction, but as you said, it's not an easy job for you so it's okay then. Your audio, even if your recorded it "live" using a Lav was pretty well done, some traffic in the background were heard, but overall it was good. As I mentionned, it was maybe a bit long, but a nice entry again from you! Thanks for your participation!

Tim:
Well, your idea was original at least, but the "chipmunks" tone you gave to your voice didn't do well with me. The audio was quite good. The cinematography was well managed as a 16x9 composition from a 4x3 source and you did something interesting by moving the picture from a static source. It was cool. Nice entry Tim and thanks for participating (...and keeping the contest alive every theme/time!).


My vote goes to Playing for his Mike Bagley - Shunting Yard (http://vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival/videos/23402544) video.


Here's what a "Dépanneur (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9panneur)" means. Typically a Canadian thing, and even more a Québec one!
For you guys, here's the rough lyrics of mine (I translated it myself, still waiting on my friend's translation, who is really bilingual!):


Near from where I live there's a convenience store


Where I often buy som stuff


If I go there every night, It's for the girl behind the counter


For her I'm an ordinary customer, who comes and buy his little stuff


I don't think she ever noticed me, when she look at me, I look to my feet




That girl I'd take care of her, I'd make her live hapiness


I'd see myself living the rest of my life with the girl who works at the convenience's store


with the girl who works at the convenience's store


I don't need anything but I find something and I stay at the cash for an hour


All that to see the convenience store's girl


All that to see the convenience store's girl




To buy some time, I let pass some customers


Once I'm at the cash, I ask for a strawberries slush


I listen to her conversation, to maybe know her name


I don't really know what I'd do with it, maybe add it to my song




That girl I'd take care of her, I'd make her live hapiness


I'd see myself living the rest of my life with the girl who works at the convenience's store


with the girl who works at the convenience's store


I don't need anything but I find something and I stay at the cash for an hour


All that to see the convenience store's girl


All that to see the convenience store's girl




That girl I'd take care of her, I'd make her live hapiness


I'd see myself living the rest of my life with the girl who works at the convenience's store


with the girl who works at the convenience's store


I don't need anything but I find something and I stay at the cash for an hour


All that to see the convenience store's girl


All that to see the convenience store's girl




It's for her that I go at the convenience store


It's for her that I go at the convenience store

[Daniel Rutter]

"Pizza Angel" - Timothy White.

Cinematography: 15/20
Art design: 14/20
Post-production: 16/20
Story: 16/20
Sound: 11/20

Tim, this was pure gold. I've never heard this song in my life, so at first I thought it was one of your originals. I'm guessing now that it's not, but still... I love it!
The thing I noticed most was your acting. You're a good little actor, and it shows through with comedy more than anything. The audio quality wasn't anything special, but I'm guessing it's an issue with the original track
and not your fault.
I guess the only bother I had with this, is your digital pans and zooms. I know you do this in the NLE due to being a one-man-film-crew though. My advice is, limit your pans. There were a few in there that were distracting me from the video itself.

All in all Tim, a very impressive video. You've come a long way... and no doubt you have more to come! :)


"Shunting Yard" - Playing.

Cinematography: 16/20
Art design: 15/20
Post-production: 16/20
Story: 16/20
Sound: 12/20

This was an interesting video in itself. The mixing of the performer and those static shots of the trains/tracks was nice. I thought the video itself was a little long, but the way I understand it... blues tracks are generally long anyway.
Your cinematography was a little bland with little to no movement. I would like to have seen some more close ups on the singer and his guitar, but I understand you were strapped for time... so you took what you could get. Your audio was a tiny bit sloppy. I could tell by some of the breaks that these parts were recorded seperately. Also, the cars behind the performer came through very clear on the audio track and detracted from the performance. I think this track could have benefited from a little sweetening as well.
Everything else was great!

Playing, I'm continually amazed at your entries to our contest and it's always fun to watch what you come up with. Your quality impresses me. If I could pass on some advice though... step it up with your cinematography. A few closeups here and there can really make a video that much more interesting.

Also... nice car, and very nice guitar ;)


"La Fille Du Dep" - Drapeama

Cinematography: 17/20
Art design: 14/20
Post-production: 15/20
Story: 12/20
Sound: 16/20

Arguably the best audio I've heard so far (considering you had it mastered). The first complaint I have is some slight syncing issues. The second... there was some electric guitar solo I would love to have seen in the visuals. Onto the technical stuff though. Your cinematography is damn good, if a little shaky in some parts. The way you use your 35mm adapter amazes me though, as it appears there wasn't a lot of light in the shop where you were recording and.. I'm guessing the recording studio as well?
I can't say much on the story obviously, as I can't speak nor understand french.

Another fine entry from you Draps. It's good to see your entering into the contest again. I've missed seeing these sorts of entries. Keep bringing these to us, and I'll keep watching them. About the only thing I would suggest for improvement? Lighting. Work on your lighting, and your videos will scream high production value. I swore for a second I was watching a music video shot on 16mm ;)


I'm guessing for all of you, this was your first music video ever? Damn good attempts, if you ask me.
Keep working on them, as I will too... you will improve :)

[HueyNRolf]

Some great entries here, best contest for a long time, good job everyone.

Here's my ten-cents worth:

Elizabeth Pirchmoser - All My Little Words
I liked the setting and song. The second performer cross-dissolves looked cool too. Not keen on the colors here. I'm no colorist, but it looked rather dull. Maybe this is what Daniel was ranting about on a recent thread. Strange, since he's done some nice looking pictures with the same camera. Also the second performer (electric guitar) isn't on the soundtrack, so it looks kind of strange. If Daniel was unable to master playing a right-handed guitar, upside-down, maybe he should've had Elizabeth record those parts and then he could've aped along at the performance takes

Mike Bagley - Shunting Yard

Good talent and I love that down and dirty blues vibe. Sound is very reasonable for what seems to be live. All those nice shots of the railway, trains and the old car cut in very nicely. My biggest gripe is that it's too long, there's not really enough here to keep interest sustained for seven minutes. Also, the angles and cuts could've been more dynamic, more close shots etc.

Pizza Angel

A charming piece and a fantastic effort for someone working alone. When the performer is singing it looks like a lip synch, in some of the takes. For some reason if the talent sings along with the reference, it looks more convincing. Don't ask me why. Also I wasn't keen on those cross-dissolves at the chorus parts. But I really enjoyed it and had a good laugh. Great job!

Daxe - La Fille Du Dep
All looked and sounded good to me. Too bad I didn't understand the lyric, maybe the B roll takes would make more sense. I'd say this one is clearly the best out of all four. Well done Draps.

[drapeama]

"La Fille Du Dep" - Drapeama
Arguably the best audio I've heard so far (considering you had it mastered).
The first complaint I have is some slight syncing issues.
The second... there was some electric guitar solo I would love to have seen in the visuals. Onto the technical stuff though.
Your cinematography is damn good, if a little shaky in some parts.
The way you use your 35mm adapter amazes me though, as it appears there wasn't a lot of light in the shop where you were recording and.. I'm guessing the recording studio as well?
I can't say much on the story obviously, as I can't speak nor understand french.
I swore for a second I was watching a music video shot on 16mm ;)

1) Yeah, it's been recorded directy via an M-Audio sound card on the computer. It's a friend of my friend who has a studio at home, so we benefit from it!
2) Yeah I know, we recorded everything the same day: vocals, close-up, studio and at the convenience store, so...I took the takes I had considering the lack of time I had to shoot everything.
3) Yeah, those damn electric guitar solo!! I know. If you watch it again you'll see that there is one or two in the final edit, but what I've recorded in video, the guy at the studio played something totally different finally, so it wasn't the same thing at all, why I dropped the idea of showing him playing guitar. I should Have shot him from behind with the marshal amp behind him, that could have worked. Anyway, next time, we'll record and mix the song and after we'll shoot the video!
4) Thanks! I tried to remmember some videos before I start shooting this one, to have an idea on how to do it and the only one that came to me weren't the same style (NIN, Manson and all) but I think this one looks more like one from NickelBack. I kno about the shaky cam, but as I said, we did all in the same day and I've been affraid to run out of time, so I used my tripod on only a few scenes. I should have shot everthing using it!
5) That's where I beat you! My kiwi is broken, ordered some glass to repair it but I only used the bare HV with the Raynox lens on it. And for the shop scenes, there was only the ambiant lighting of course, as we shot this within 10 minutes (we weren't even supposed to be there). In the studio, for some scenes, we used a 1000w hallogen lamp so we had enough to balance on the lighting. Some other scenes were only ambiant lighting, there was windows on both sides (front and behind) so it was already well lit.
6) Well, I posted the "rough" version of the lyrics, which are probably wrongly translated, but it's about the guy that spends time in the store only to see the girl behind the counter. He'd pass the rest of his life with her, take care and all. I really enjoyed the part with the strawberries slush! It's more funny in french as it rhymes...anyway!
7) Yeah, I'm particulary proud of the final visual look of the video! especially in studio, which really looks like if it's been shot using film. And as I said, it's the bare HV, no 35mm adapter on it, which surprisingly gives a nice little blurred background on some shots. I miss it, next video maybe!

[Daniel Rutter]

Also the second performer (electric guitar) isn't on the soundtrack
Actually Huey, it is... there's just a heavy effect on the guitar track that makes it sound different.
What I was going for with the song, was something that sounded very much like the original song. I'm not sure if you've heard the original... if not, look it up. It's a good track :)


Not keen on the colors here
I'm with you there. For a lot of these shots, the colours were amazing. But footage from my first day of shooting (those wide shots of the fountain to name one) was so hard to match up with the rest...
And, I didn't take into account that the second day of shooting was cloudy (with sun coming in and out). So some of those handheld shots (her sitting on the grass in between the flowers) are way orange (those were the sunny shots).


If Daniel was unable to master playing a right-handed guitar, upside-down, maybe he should've had Elizabeth record those parts and then he could've aped along at the performance takes

Actually, this is where you're wrong. In the audio track, I didn't play the electric guitar... Elizabeth did. I attempted to, but I was getting frustrated with some of the chords and just gave up. I played along to the track when we shot though, as I thought we had so much footage of Elizabeth that we needed something to break it up a bit.
I do appreciate your criticism, I now know where I need to improve for next time.


Maybe you could have shot something else to fill the video, like a little story to complete the song like Tim, Playing and I did, but that's a suggestion and/or personal taste.
We actually shot some seperate footage for this, which was more story based... but I felt that I couldn't find anywhere to put it that didn't ruin the flow of the video.
It's the same with that footage of the electric guitar. We filmed that in a few different locations, but I used it very sparingly due to it distracting from the video. I'm going to do another cut of this video (it's a bit rushed, due to the fact that I wanted to submit it here on time) in the future, maybe re-film some of the stuff.

[drapeama]

I'm with you there. For a lot of these shots, the colours were amazing. But footage from my first day of shooting (those wide shots of the fountain to name one) was so hard to match up with the rest...
And, I didn't take into account that the second day of shooting was cloudy (with sun coming in and out). So some of those handheld shots (her sitting on the grass in between the flowers) are way orange (those were the sunny shots).

you know that you can actually color correct pretty well only using curves in AE or the color corrector in Vegas? The trick is not using only one plugin: Hue/saturation + Curves + Curves. You boost your red/yellow with the hue, desaturate it a bit with the same plugin and then you color correct using the curves (color corrector in Vegas) Then you can achieve something like this. Sure, not every footage can be color corrected, but I'd like to try on something you're talking about. Feel free to link a picture and I'll try it for you.
Here's the article (http://prolost.com/blog/2008/3/23/save-our-skins.html).

[Daniel Rutter]

Draps, would you like me to email the full 1920x1080 screens, or do you wanna play with the 'hi-res' ones from Facebook??
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.218803794799017.64574.100000081957534

[drapeama]

I'll work on these thanks!
Which one exactly bugs you most? (unless you'd want me to color correct all of them...:'()

[HueyNRolf]

Actually, this is where you're wrong. In the audio track, I didn't play the electric guitar... Elizabeth did.

Understood, I had a listen to the original. Sounds like a banjo and a guitar, played through a volume pedal, on those parts. After a quick listen and another look at your vid, I can see (hear) what you were getting at. Just didn't get it on the first go.

[HueyNRolf]

Here's what a "Dépanneur" means. Typically a Canadian thing, and even more a Québec one!
For you guys, here's the rough lyrics of mine (I translated it myself, still waiting on my friend's translation, who is really bilingual!):


LOL, If I'd have been down with that I would've loved the video even more. I do understand three languages (well almost), sorry, but French isn't one of them.

[Daniel Rutter]

Understood, I had a listen to the original. Sounds like a banjo and a guitar, played through a volume pedal, on those parts. After a quick listen and another look at your vid, I can see (hear) what you were getting at. Just didn't get it on the first go.
Yeah I had thought it was a banjo. Thanks for taking the time to listen though, I was a bit worried about the audio side of things. If anything Huey, what would you have changed on the audio track?

[Daniel Rutter]

I do understand three languages
Japanese, English and Sarcasm? :P

Kidding of course. :)

[Playing]

Elizabeth Pirchmoser - All My Little Words

Daniel, your entry had amazing framing. The many different angles are what’s missing in my own entry. The opening shot was great. And to see you play the guitar alone made it worthwhile.
You mentioned sync and that can easily be fixed. The only negative for me was a slightly inconsistent softness. Sometimes your performers face and hair was sharp and clear, at other times dreamy soft. Then again maybe you did it on purpose.
I see no problem with your entry being competitive now or in future. I am sure voting can be made fair somehow.
All in all a very creative entry.

Daxe - La Fille Du Dep

Wow, Drapes. I hope you can sell this to a TV station. This is certainly an inspiration to any aspiring producer. The pace, story, lighting, framing, focus was perfect. Nice to have access to a studio.
There was only one thing that distracted slightly: Handheld was fine but a few times the left-right movement was a little bit jumpy.

This entry is in a class of it’s own and gets my vote.

Pizza Angel

Tim, you brought a smile to my face. This has the making of a You Tube hit. It is very very well made.
I liked the transitions especially. Negatives: Maybe just the squeaky sound of the door at the end and you need an extra light to create a more interesting contrast in your face.

Shunting Yard

Regarding my own entry: I totally agree with the criticism made. My plan was to record the same song a few times from different angles. As it turned out we had exactly 45 minutes and my friend just played a few songs. One take. I agree that it’s too long but I did not want to cut the songs any more than I already did.
Definitely needs more angles but I used my second camera purely for sound, hidden in the railroad car and on the Oldsmobile behind the guitar. Audio was a lot better than I expected, considering we were at the harbour between two busy roads.
What made it fun was dodging (or charming) security at the different platforms. In the shot with the signal lights you can see two guys running, they came in through a hole in the fence to avoid buying a ticket.

[HueyNRolf]

Yeah I had thought it was a banjo. Thanks for taking the time to listen though, I was a bit worried about the audio side of things. If anything Huey, what would you have changed on the audio track?

The audio track sounds quite reasonable, especially considering you didn't have a pro recording suite on hand or a something like the setup Drap's friend has.

My confusion, on the first go, was that I was convinced that the part was played on a synth, so when I saw the guitar I had disconnect. Actually it reminded me of those old ones back in the 70s. You press a preset that says 'trumpet' and it sounds like what you have there.

Had you have been playing a keyboard I doubt I'd have been confused.

[HueyNRolf]

Japanese, English and Sarcasm? :P

Kidding of course. :)

Make that four, then :hv20-smilie84:

[drapeama]

The audio track sounds quite reasonable, especially considering you didn't have a pro recording suite on hand or a something like the setup Drap's friend has.

Yeah we've been lucky that Dave known that guy, which is as good in the audio as I am in video I think. He used an M-Audio card (http://www.audioson.com/images/M-AUDIO/M%20AUDIO%201.jpg) and he had the right room in his house to record audio properlly. The day before, I tried it on my own with my H2 and oh god it would have been the worst audio in the bunch guys. Recording in a kitchen with not necessary the right microphones isn't the best idea of the year. Fortunately, Dave has worked with that guy before, Francois-Eugene, and he agreed to record the song for him. He didn't knew me untill that day and he probably didn't had much expectations. But when I put the video online and sent him the link, he's been surprised to watch how good the result was (his own words!!). So we talked and befriend on facebook and he's probably going to make the music on my upcoming short, which is nice from him. Actually he's in the same situation as me: being able to find people that wants to work on something is quite rare. Hopefully I always have charlie to help me. Now I'll have someone to write the music to fit my shorts, which is a damn gret thing. Can't wait to start shooting.

[HueyNRolf]

He used an M-Audio card

Darn, so all that open-reel analogue gear was just for show?
A good job I didn't comment on the warmth of analogue vs digital or I'd have more egg on face.


Now I'll have someone to write the music to fit my shorts, which is a damn gret thing. Can't wait to start shooting.

Yeah man, you aften make good contacts if you get out there. One thing to be said about unpaid work.

[drapeama]

Darn, so all that open-reel analogue gear was just for show?
A good job I didn't comment on the warmth of analogue vs digital or I'd have more egg on face.

1) Yeah, the analog reel playing at the beginning and at the end? Yes, only for "the show". He had it in the basement so I thought it would look great somewhere in the video. We shot some nice close up on Dave playing battery too, but he dropped the percs in the final edit.
2) What you'd have said then?

Here's a quick and dirty grab of the setup:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_qmIa-UMTxJc/TcjnUf4XLII/AAAAAAAAAmc/MPpM4NurISo/s1024/Eugene%20guit-seche%20%280-01-05-02%29.jpg

And other color corrected vs cinemode:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_qmIa-UMTxJc/Tb8FQOQBPPI/AAAAAAAAAlU/GteLUh79qCA/s1024/Metter_NIN.jpghttps://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_qmIa-UMTxJc/Tb8FRhoIDkI/AAAAAAAAAlI/CPnY5n6J2A0/s1024/TapeDeck_Amp%202.png
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_qmIa-UMTxJc/Tb99m5eZSDI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Z8dFUvGDE7s/s1024/Dave%20Dep%2008%20%280-01-12-00%29.jpghttps://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_qmIa-UMTxJc/Tb99oohK9GI/AAAAAAAAAl8/Sw_TTTuygTU/s1024/Color%20Correction%20%28no%29.png

[HueyNRolf]

2) What you'd have said then?

How nice and warm the old analogue gear sounds.
:hv20-smilie51:

[drapeama]

How nice and warm the old analogue gear sounds.
:hv20-smilie51:

Yeah, I'm sure, but it wasn't functionnal. Tht and the hassle to "re-digitalize" it then to make the mix...kind of the point of Bif in the "Digital has Failled" thread:

Tell that to James Cameron...
:hv20-smilie70:

[AJUK]

Sorry for the late post. I guess I worked out the gmt/utc incorrectly. Anyway, here are my notes and scores for the entries.


"Shunting Yard" - Playing.

Cinematography: 10/20
Art design: 10/20
Post-production: 10/20
Story: 5/20
Sound: 12/20

Overall 47/100

I loved some of the shots in this one, in particular the backlit shots of the train tracks and some of the magic hour shots. However many of the other shots didn’t feel as polished, especially the footage of the performer himself. These shots were the centerpiece for the video, but they didn’t feel anywhere near as interesting as the other footage. The final shot seems strange too, as the video cuts off suddenly as the performer jumps out of frame (were you stealing these shots guerilla style?)

I liked the use of the vintage car to lend some old-time production design, and the performers costume was suitably railroad/bluesy, and he seemed to be enjoying himself. I didn’t feel that the story of the song really came through in the choice of shots.

Overall this video felt like it needed some more movement, so many of the shots were so static they could have been still photographs, some slow panning or dolly movement would really of helped there.

If more of the shots had captured the cinematic feel of the opening shot, and with some more variety of the shots of Mike performing, this video would have rated a lot higher for me.



"Pizza Angel" - Timothy White.

Cinematography: 12/20
Art design: 15/20
Post-production: 16/20
Story: 16/20
Sound: 10/20

Overall 69/100

Bizarre song, I’m guessing this was from a TV show or something?

I like how you’ve got around the limitations of shooting a music video single handed, and you’ve also gone to a lot of trouble to learn the song and deliver almost perfect lip sync. I did feel that the singing on the track and your singing didn’t match in terms of delivery (the song is being wailed at times, but your delivery felt a little softer than the track.

Great use of quirky costumes and cheesy fades to ramp up the comedic aspect of the track, I’d say this is a video that would bring a smile to most faces.

The quality of the backing track was not that great, so I’m assuming this was sourced from youtube or some other on-line source.

A great entry, very funny and a great example of working to your limitations in terms of crew and locations.



"La Fille Du Dep" - Drapeama

Cinematography: 16/20
Art design: 15/20
Post-production: 16/20
Story: 12/20
Sound: 17/20

Overall 76/100

This was easily the most polished of the three contesting videos, good cinematography overall, and I liked the film-grain effect and the grading on most of the shots was nicely done.

My french is very rusty, so I won’t comment on my understanding of the song itself. Although I think the video seemed to fit it pretty well if I understand it.

The main shot of the singer in the studio felt very dark and over-saturated compared to the rest of the footage, on my monitor all I could see was a disembodied head(!) as the rest of the scene was clipped to black. I’m guessing this scene would look different on other monitors.

If this shot had been more brightly lit, and matched better with the rest of the excellent footage, then I would have rated this video even higher. As it stands, this is still easily the most polished of the entries. Great job



"All My Litte Words" – Daniel Rutter

Cinematography: 17/20
Art design: 16/20
Post-production: 16/20
Story: 8/20
Sound: 16/20

Overall 73/100 (non-competitive entry)

This was a non competitive entry, but easily the most consistent of the entries, it has a nice ‘home movie’’ feel and I liked the simple style with well considered shots and some nice use of fade effects.

I assume this video was shot on a bare HV20, but you still managed to capture a nicely cinematic feel, and the choice of location and time of day really helped to give this a strong ‘look’.

The singer looked a little self conscious, but she did give a pretty good performance and the lip sync was pretty good. I felt that it would have been good to have more close-ups of you on the backing guitar as the footage was weighted heavily towards the singer.

The video didn’t really tell the story of the song, but that didn’t make it any less appealing, I would have liked to have seen just a little more in the way of scenic views, to set up the park location.

Cinematography-wise, one of the shots seemed a little on the soft side, but overall the cinematography was very good, and the use of the Autumn sunlight worked very well indeed.

Even as a non-competitive entry, this is still easily one of the best entries. Great job


So great work from everyone who entered, for me "La Fille Du Dep" - Drapeama was the best entry. :) Great work everyone!

[Daniel Rutter]

By the way guys, if you're interested... there's some "behind The Scenes" footage from my shoot. Video and audio quality is crap... but watchable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcWGMNyp2iI

[drapeama]

"La Fille Du Dep" - Drapeama
Overall 76/100

This was easily the most polished of the three contesting videos, good cinematography overall, and I liked the film-grain effect and the grading on most of the shots was nicely done.

My french is very rusty, so I won’t comment on my understanding of the song itself. Although I think the video seemed to fit it pretty well if I understand it.

The main shot of the singer in the studio felt very dark and over-saturated compared to the rest of the footage, on my monitor all I could see was a disembodied head(!) as the rest of the scene was clipped to black. I’m guessing this scene would look different on other monitors.

If this shot had been more brightly lit, and matched better with the rest of the excellent footage, then I would have rated this video even higher. As it stands, this is still easily the most polished of the entries. Great job


1) Thanks for the rating and criticism!
2) Yeah, I spend more time in color correction/adding grain than editing the video I think!
3) Why everybody complains on the french track...I did a translation a few posts earlier! Anyway!
4) Yeah, I tried something, and maybe it didn't really worked! It wasn't that dark at first, but I did it that way to match the other scene, where he's totally black and there's only the orange background. Maybe it was too crushed, too much contrast.
5) Thanks again, for the polished words!

[Playing]

Thanks AJUK. Appreciate your taking the time to comment. I agree with you. Unfortunately both the early morning shot and the abandoned tracks where an hour driving away in different directions. I would have loved to have the musician there, but he was packing for a long trip and I am grateful that he did give me the time he did. Some of the shots I wanted to be static, I liked the feel of abandonment. But the main shots definitely need a lot more action.

If anyone is interested, here is a recording of the song I did before the competition. I just added some of the new shots: http://vimeo.com./23177949

[Almohada]

Hey Daniel, just saw the Behind the Scenes on my subscriptions. Pretty funny, made me chuckle out loud at 2AM with everyone sleeping. Hey did you use the dolly idea I gave you with the 4 tracks? Or was that something else about attaching the tripod?

[Daniel Rutter]

Hey did you use the dolly idea I gave you with the 4 tracks?
Well I use it, but I'm going to need to change my wheels to something that doesn't wobble (static "one way" wheels).
It works ok, I only used one dolly shot in my video.

[Shaunp007]

I can't wait to get home and watch all of these entries.

[paperkut12]

Excellent job by everyone. Every single entry was enjoyable.

[drapeama]

Excellent job by everyone. Every single entry was enjoyable.

Too bad Dan's entry was a NCE, as I said, he'd have got my vote.
And the opening scenes in Playing's one were really good ones.
Timbit one's was funny, but the voice tone didn't do it for me, sorry!

I've been surprised that Dan thought I've used my 35mm adapter for this one, as I only used the bare HV. And also I've been very proud when he said he swore to be looking at something shot in 16mm. That just made my day.

[paperkut12]

I've been surprised that Dan thought I've used my 35mm adapter for this one, as I only used the bare HV. And also I've been very proud when he said he swore to be looking at something shot in 16mm. That just made my day.

Yeah, Daniels entry should have been competitive. The look of yours struck me also though. If I had to choose who's visuals I liked best, it would be yours. I thought you used an adapter too, for what it's worth -.-; it looked very film-like.

It's good to see everyone's different sides of video/film making and the improvements in the quality all around.

[Daniel Rutter]

I reckon this contest shows that everybody is improving. Whether it's just entering these contests (like Tim, who has improved heaps since his first entry). I'm really impressed with the way everyone starts off with so much to learn, and in the end puts all that criticism and creativity into every single entry they make.

And you know what? I know one person who could benefit from this... and that's Charlie_Tango. Sure, her first entry wasn't "great", but I betcha with a little push... she could improve. She's got the gear after all (and Draps there to help her out any time).

[drapeama]

I reckon this contest shows that everybody is improving.
And you know what? I know one person who could benefit from this... and that's Charlie_Tango. Sure, her first entry wasn't "great", but I betcha with a little push... she could improve. She's got the gear after all (and Draps there to help her out any time).

1) Yeah, that's right. And this contest is the best experience everybody could benefit, as it's free and open to all.
2) Probably. Her first attempt was nice, people must understand she got inspiration with her kids. But anyway, I'm sure if she has the time for this one, she'll do something much better. We've prepared something for the last entry, but unfortunately, her working schedule didn't gave her much time to work on it. We stil have some hilarious footage of the kids! Every time she ask, I make the best I can to help her, that's for sure. One day, she'll be able to do it all on herself and it'll be great. It's just a learning curve.
Edit: what she likes the most for now is helping me for the sound on my projects.

[Vishus]

For pure entertainment, Tim gets my vote. There was technical pluses and minuses for all of them, but for entertainment value, Tim all the way!

[paperkut12]

For pure entertainment, Tim gets my vote. T

Ditto, it was funny. And who doesn't get sad when the pizza doesn't arrive!?

[Playing]

but for entertainment value, Tim all the way!
Tim should definitely think of becoming an actor :)

[Playing]

Daniel I just watched your "Making Of", had to laugh. So we all have our trials and tribulations. If all else fails we can write a book about it.
Just had a call from the mother of one of the artists in our concert video: Your camera is too good, we can see every pimple in her face. Now what? Gaussian blur?

[Daniel Rutter]

we can see every pimple in her face. Now what? Gaussian blur?
And that's one of your card based cams, right?

Some people :P

[Timbit]

Sorry I'm late with my responce! I kept having to leave when I would get to this thread to read it... :D


My advice is, limit your pans. There were a few in there that were distracting me from the video itself.
I agree with you after watching it again. I'll keep that in mind for the future.


When the performer is singing it looks like a lip synch, in some of the takes. For some reason if the talent sings along with the reference, it looks more convincing. Don't ask me why. Also I wasn't keen on those cross-dissolves at the chorus parts. But I really enjoyed it and had a good laugh. Great job!
I tried to sing along on all of the takes, but my voice got a "little" hoarse after a while, so I didn't vocalize as much as I should've. :D And I'll keep the cross dissolves in mind too, as you're right that it is a bit too much.


Maybe just the squeaky sound of the door at the end and you need an extra light to create a more interesting contrast in your face.
I should have faded that door squeak out... ;) And lights, definitely!


Bizarre song
;)


The quality of the backing track was not that great, so I’m assuming this was sourced from youtube or some other on-line source.
YouTube. I would of loved to take it off the original DVD I own, but couldn't figure out how to do that in my limited timeframe.. :p


Too bad Dan's entry was a NCE, as I said, he'd have got my vote.
After watching them, I say it's a toss-up between Drapes and Daniel's entries.


And the opening scenes in Playing's one were really good ones.
I totally loved them as well! :)


Timbit one's was funny, but the voice tone didn't do it for me, sorry!
You are right, it is squeaky. :p


For pure entertainment, Tim gets my vote.

Ditto, it was funny. And who doesn't get sad when the pizza doesn't arrive!?
Tim should definitely think of becoming an actor
:hv20-smilie02: The cows would hate me! Oh wait, they already hate me, so they'd be happy. That's right... :p

Here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTaenkVDvRo) the original if anyone is interested.

Thanks everyone! I enjoyed all the entries, but I'm still not sure whether I'd choose Drapes' entry or Daniel's. I liked them both! :D Good job to all!!

[charlie_tango]

And you know what? I know one person who could benefit from this... and that's Charlie_Tango. Sure, her first entry wasn't "great", but I betcha with a little push... she could improve. She's got the gear after all (and Draps there to help her out any time).

Grrrrrr!
I just hope this one will be good enough so you'll stop with this!
(thanks to Draps for the translation)

[Daniel Rutter]

so you'll stop with this!
?

Simply stating that your entries can only get better ;)

[drapeama]

Simply stating that your entries can only get better ;)

Yeah, I think she knows it, but just bugging you!

[Timbit]

I just hope this one will be good enough so you'll stop with this!

Simply stating that your entries can only get better ;)
Mine sure did! :)