Um, I'd really appreciate if someone were to post there feedback right here.

There are some really advanced techniques in there, but also some beginner mistakes.

The composition/editing is foremost of the problems. The acting is really tight, so it can be almost overlooked, but the master covers most of the stage parts. I know it's a lot of people, but more close ups would be nice.

The other big thing is the lighting. It's a huge space and you don't have enough wattage for it. You're also getting some harsh shadows, but I wasn't sure if you wanted it that way. At the back of the room the lighting is much better, though I expect it was color corrected.

The writing however, aside from the beginning title, was excellent. I love point/counter-point dialogue and it's so rarely used. Several of the actors were very good, though you could tell that they were all theater and not film.

Hey Dave

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, well. The shadows were deliberate, since I was trying to create some sort of a dark/harsh/jagged imagery and the lighting at the back was not color corrected, I did myself while shooting. I guess you're right about the paucity of wattage, but I was working under a ton of constraints(including frequent electricity failures).

I didn't get exactly what you meant by the "beginning title". Are you talking about the lines/prose that appear at the beginning?

The film I am shooting in two days will be made on a regular handycam with natural lighting, mostly bright sunlight in rather big halls. Any suggestions as to how I can play with that light in that particular setting?

You are right about the actors, they're all amateur theater actors, as i am myself.

Another thing i wanted to know is if a master shot(a wide one) as the opening shot works in such a film, since I was planning to use one again for my next.

Also, any clues as to how one can record voiceovers(I am trying to explore peoples' mental narratives in the backdrop of their expressions) on a minimal budget?

And another issue I have:

How does one give a sense of huge, looming space while actually shooting in a not-so-big(albeit open) room?
I want to give a sense of infinite space and never-ending rows...

Using a handycam, and minimal post-production?

quote:

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?i?Originally posted by Koval?/i?
?br?
I didn't get exactly what you meant by the "beginning title". Are you talking about the lines/prose that appear at the beginning?

The film I am shooting in two days will be made on a regular handycam with natural lighting, mostly bright sunlight in rather big halls. Any suggestions as to how I can play with that light in that particular setting?

Another thing i wanted to know is if a master shot(a wide one) as the opening shot works in such a film, since I was planning to use one again for my next.

Also, any clues as to how one can record voiceovers(I am trying to explore peoples' mental narratives in the backdrop of their expressions) on a minimal budget?

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Yes, I meant the lines at the beginning. They seem overdone and melodramatic to start it.

If you're using natural light, you'll want to use bounce cards (White foam, like poster board) to bounce the light around. You'll need to c-stands or grips to hold them for you.

When I discouraged so much use of the master, I didn't intend to discourage use of it altogether. It's the classic establishing shot, you just can't hold on it forever.

For voiceover with no additional audio equipment, you can simply record it in camera (with video might help in editing) and lay the audio tracks where you need them.

Finally, for the impression of a huge looming space... with bright light, it will be difficult. You can try a) shooting up from the ground. b) shooting down from the ceiling.

?i?Yes, I meant the lines at the beginning. They seem overdone and melodramatic to start it.?/i?

I'd have to agree, unfortunately. Think I'll remove them for future screenings.

Thanks for the other tips, though. I'll try shooting upward from the ground.

Will post my new film in a week or so. I'd love to hear what you have to say about that, Dave

I'd be interested in taking a look at your posted film, Kovac...couldn't get the link to open...

?moviementor

Um, try downloading it and THEN watch it.

Gosh, I really could do with more feedback...