showreel feedback

[jochem bakker]

I received a RED Scarlet X kit 4 weeks ago, ready to start work on this beauty, but now its time to promote, get out there with it.
I just compiled the works I've spent my savings, free time, private life and everything else on, which scarred me for life (people in the same situation understand this). All was shot on Sony EX1 with 35mm adapter
I am looking for some feedback on what is relevant to an outside point-of-view, I am finishing my website and wondering what's extra;whats too little etc...
As a company I do mainly cinematography, but also direction and production. As a cinematographer, does this reel at all have appeal and do you get a sense of style through the showreel? Any tips are welcome, be ruthless!

much appreciated

 

[Mohamed Younis]

I really like this reel. Some shots were very original. Nice work

 

[jochem bakker]

thanks for you feedback Mohamed!
wondering if it comes across as too dark, my calibrated monitor gives me the thumbs-up, but vimeo gives me thumbs-down

 

[Mohamed Younis]

thanks for you feedback Mohamed!
wondering if it comes across as too dark, my calibrated monitor gives me the thumbs-up, but vimeo gives me thumbs-down

I thought it looked normal.

 

[Ryan De Franco]

I enjoyed it. Keep in mind producers are less concerned with seeing your sense of style then they are with seeing exactly that they want for their shoot. To me, this says you can breathe realism into a narrative; it tells me you know how to compose a wide shot and 2 shot; it tells me you're somewhat familiar with moving the camera; in short it looks like an awesome "beginners reel," and I say that with utmost respect, only because the lighting is quite minimal and the camera is EX-1, sort of a glass ceiling in terms of color and gamma that can be hard to rise above.

That said, someone looking for naturalism and documentary style production would book you over the guy with a glossy, high end, Alexa/Red reel in a second. I think keeping the best EX-1 shots and filtering in a few from the Scarlet over the next few months is going to give you the best of both worlds.

Also perhaps color the portraits a bit more? I mean the interlude with faces on white. Great moments but they feel a bit neutral. The girl in the red dress, very very memorable, the guy on the boat is a classic reel shot, the opening is beautiful. 0:23-0:27 is fantastic, then you've got the guy with his laundry, it goes from "I'm damn good at shooting outside" to "I shoot with available light inside, and I don't mind heavy darkness." It might've worked for that film or that character, but if you want to keep that shot, I wouldn't put it so close to the beginning; put a shot that demonstrates you can use natural light to striking effect indoors, like the one at 02:23, or even better a shot with strong lighting.

Also I would change the thumbnail to one of your more cinematic, less video shots, say the girl in the water--you want something simple and gorgeous for the thumbnail I think.

Watching it again it's nice to see that you kept some projects close together while spreading out clips from others--seems like you're a great editor as well. Overall it's an inspiration to go back and finally cut my own damn reel!

 

[jochem bakker]

Ryan, really, thank you so much for this. the glass ceiling you see, is exactly my problem at the moment and its why I have been dreading to finish a showreel at all. All in all, I am sort of a beginner, at least not high end and its really where I stand and have to work from. No more hiding from reality and go out there and get jobs. Now the scarlet is part of my new workflow, so thats no excuse anymore for me.
I totally agree with reading a lot of your pointers and sense your professional perspective on cinematography. I have to say, yes... I WANT to convey my strength in naturalism rather than moneyshots. I love the integrity of tone and color to decoupage, not just a single shot. Although I understand through your feedback as well that its not necessarily what a producer wants to see, its a risk I want to take.
My biggest limitation has been the camera I work on and production logistics taking a toll on my decisions in lighting. Its why i feel frustrated a lot thinking 'i'm as good as my last production'. if only I get that chance...hehe
I will go back to the drawing board, with your feedback and try to squeeze out the best I can be.

have a great sunday