1 Min Sequence from a Doc- suggestions

David Thanh · August 19th, 2008, 07:56 PM

Hi There,

I am working on a documentary profiling a photographer. I just put together a sequence describing how he chooses his locations. This is a rough cut so no colour correction (although I did include a video transition or two). Comments on composition, etc?

Scouting Sequence on Vimeo

Thanks!

Michael Wisniewski · August 19th, 2008, 10:37 PM

I thought the most interesting part of the video was at the end, when we see the photographer working and making photos - as that showed him using a location he chose. Unfortunately I found the rest of the footage to be ineffective, I thought it a. didn't support the narration, b. didn't tell much of a story, c. was very shaky and d. the audience was way ahead of you for most of the video. I think part of the problem is that you're letting the narration do most of the heavy lifting instead of the images. Try cutting a piece without the narration then add in the narration as needed. If you really want to use that narration, you might want to cut up the narration and give him some pauses, to slow it down a bit. Personally I'd find better images to tell the story.

David Thanh · August 19th, 2008, 11:30 PM

Thanks Michael! Your comments are appreciated.

Tony Nguyen · August 19th, 2008, 11:43 PM

I hope you don't mind us being critical.

I second what Michael said.

In my option, try using the "rule of thirds" when framing your subjects. Makes your shots more dynamic. In simpler terms, your subject doesn't have to be in the middle all the time.

However, through effective editing as Micheal had said, I think you can make it MUCH MUCH better. It seems like you're trying to cram all the footage you have.

For future reference, trying bringing a monopod or some shoulder support. Take your time and get more a-rolls. The more problems you eliminate on your set, the less you have to worry about in post.

Good Luck!

David Thanh · August 20th, 2008, 01:55 PM

Thanks, Tony. I totally agree with the shoulder mount remark. We were walking around this 300,000 sqft building for 12 hours and 8 minidv tapes. Needless to say, my arm was aching with the light and wireless mic mounted on the camera after the first hour!

August 19th, 2008, 07:56 PM	#1
David Thanh Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 36	1 Min Sequence from a Doc- suggestions Hi There, I am working on a documentary profiling a photographer. I just put together a sequence describing how he chooses his locations. This is a rough cut so no colour correction (although I did include a video transition or two). Comments on composition, etc? Scouting Sequence on Vimeo Thanks!

August 19th, 2008, 10:37 PM	#2
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,207 Images: 32	I thought the most interesting part of the video was at the end, when we see the photographer working and making photos - as that showed him using a location he chose. Unfortunately I found the rest of the footage to be ineffective, I thought it a. didn't support the narration, b. didn't tell much of a story, c. was very shaky and d. the audience was way ahead of you for most of the video. I think part of the problem is that you're letting the narration do most of the heavy lifting instead of the images. Try cutting a piece without the narration then add in the narration as needed. If you really want to use that narration, you might want to cut up the narration and give him some pauses, to slow it down a bit. Personally I'd find better images to tell the story. __________________ Your instruments: your voice, your body, your imagination. For quick answers: Search dvinfo.net \| The best in the business: dvinfo.net Sponsors

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August 19th, 2008, 11:30 PM	#3
David Thanh Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 36	Thanks Michael! Your comments are appreciated.

August 19th, 2008, 11:43 PM	#4
Tony Nguyen Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 47	I hope you don't mind us being critical. I second what Michael said. In my option, try using the "rule of thirds" when framing your subjects. Makes your shots more dynamic. In simpler terms, your subject doesn't have to be in the middle all the time. However, through effective editing as Micheal had said, I think you can make it MUCH MUCH better. It seems like you're trying to cram all the footage you have. For future reference, trying bringing a monopod or some shoulder support. Take your time and get more a-rolls. The more problems you eliminate on your set, the less you have to worry about in post. Good Luck!

August 20th, 2008, 01:55 PM	#5
David Thanh Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 36	Thanks, Tony. I totally agree with the shoulder mount remark. We were walking around this 300,000 sqft building for 12 hours and 8 minidv tapes. Needless to say, my arm was aching with the light and wireless mic mounted on the camera after the first hour!