Evaluation of College Video First Cut

"If it can be written, or thought, it can be filmed." - Stanley Kubrick

Content/mise en scene:

My corporate video begins with a black screen. after a beat, a small title card in the lower third of the screen alerts the viewer that the video is about the performing arts department at East Norfolk. After another beat, the video fades up to a sped up shot simulating somebody walking into the studio. The shot slows to normal speed as soon as the camera enters the drama lesson.

Title Card

Most of the following shots either depict the Drama lessons in Room W7, the Dance lessons and the Music Concert in Room W4. In one of the shots, it is a static of the teacher talking to the class. There is a chair in shot with a scarf on it, which, in my eyes, detracts from the shot, so to improve, I would take this shot out and replace it.

Chair disrupting mise-en-scene

Another disruption in the mise-en-scene is a coat lying on the floor in the background of one of the drama room shots. Because it is in the background, it is not too drastic, however it is still poisoning the shot, and I believe that specific shot would be better without it.

Coat disrupting mise-en-scene

Another similar shot with this background mise-en-scene being disrupted happens in one of the dance shots. There is a visible coat and water bottle in the background which again ruins the shot. I again believe this shot would be better without this.

Coat and Bottle disrupting mise-en-scene

In conclusion, I need to focus more on mise-en-scene, as many shots are interrupted by unnecessary items in the background, making sure that I clear the scene before I start shooting, so I only catch the subject area I desire.

Camerawork:

There is a variety of different shot types and angles in my first cut, some are done really effectively, others I would say need improvement.

One of the first shots I really like for the camerawork is the shot that begins at about 00:15. The shot depicts a group of students huddled together talking, whilst the camera makes a very slow crab around them. It is a very subtle camera movement, and with the added lens flare in post-production, I'd say the shot works really well. It portrays a nice feeling of teamwork, and in my chosen subject area, that is essential. The shot is ended with a Gaussian blur into the next. The shot is effective because it keeps the viewer's attention. They aren't bored by normal static shots, as the crabbing motion draws them in to see where the camera ends up.

Slow crabbing action with Lens Flare (The original isn't blurry, that's just my PC)

Another shot that shows nice camerawork is the shot that begins at 00:21. The shot is a nice vague shot of people in the drama classroom. However, it is shot from a low angle. Lower angles in films and TV are usually used to indicate power, so from this shot we can infer that Drama gives you a sense of power and belonging. The shot is also a very nice crab to the left. The shot has a quick moving motion, which was successfully attained using a slider. A slider is a piece of equipment that allows you to mount your camera, to then move fluidly horizontally. The shot quickly moves from right to left, showing a nice portrayal of students listening to a figure off screen.

Crab from right to left using a slider.

Editing and use of post-production effects:

Sound:

Graphics: