Blackmagic Forum

here it is. please comment.

For some strange reason, your footage is soft on both your posts. Well, not strange, you need to make sure your footage is on focus. And I have to say, with such a sweet location, you only filmed using one angle? Try other angles so you'll have some cuts to make things interesting. Maybe watch a few music videos or movies;) I know you're excited to have your new camera, just take your time and plan some shots out.

Lorenzo Straight wrote:For some strange reason, your footage is soft on both your posts. Well, not strange, you need to make sure your footage is on focus. And I have to say, with such a sweet location, you only filmed using one angle? Try other angles so you'll have some cuts to make things interesting. Maybe watch a few music videos or movies;) I know you're excited to have your new camera, just take your time and plan some shots out.

I agree.

I think OP can do better than just one long take of hand held walking backwards.

Also, we have a thread for posting content you shot with the BMCC. Add the video to the list!

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4848

Lots of great potential! I especially liked the other musicians being revealed as their parts come in. Needs refining though. Here are a few thoughts...

Try shooting with a sharp normal to tele prime (28mm, 35mm or 50mm) wide or nearly wide open to knock the background out of focus. The way you have it now, I'm looking at the people in the background more than the singer. You will need to use a ND filter to achive a wide f stop in daylight. A .9 or 1.2 ND shoud do the trick. Idealy, the filter needs to have an IR (infra red) blocker built in or even better use standard NDs with the Schneider TRUE CUT 680 IR filter.

Use a camera stabilizer. The walking backward motion was too jarring.

Using a light on your subject. A battery powered LED panel can add a nice snap. Have an assistant walk with the light in pace with the subject out of view of course.

Reframe to put the singers head closer to the top of the frame and so we can see more of the rest of him. Too much sky and background buildings. At the begining, to establish a place, try starting with a shot of the sky then tilt down bringing the singer into frame and continue till his head is near the top of the frame.

Keep up the good work!

I agree with a lot of the comments, but not all. The subject was definitely soft/out of focus, and while I liked the location, the framing was a little strange. The height difference between the members may make it difficult to get a balanced shot--maybe you could lower the angle?

I don't mind that it was a single take, either, if that's what he and/or the band wanted. Sometimes people cut stuff up, just because they think they have to.

I think the depth of field/deep focus is fine, in general, in a controlled situation. Here, though, with people/items in the background, it COULD be distracting. Then again, with the subjects out of focus here, it's hard to say how a change in focus would have affected this. I think moving to a 50mm (115mm equivalent) would be a bit extreme, though, especially if he is actually going for a handheld look.

TravisW wrote:I agree with a lot of the comments, but not all. The subject was definitely soft/out of focus, and while I liked the location, the framing was a little strange. The height difference between the members may make it difficult to get a balanced shot--maybe you could lower the angle?

I don't mind that it was a single take, either, if that's what he and/or the band wanted. Sometimes people cut stuff up, just because they think they have to.

I think the depth of field/deep focus is fine, in general, in a controlled situation. Here, though, with people/items in the background, it COULD be distracting. Then again, with the subjects out of focus here, it's hard to say how a change in focus would have affected this. I think moving to a 50mm (115mm equivalent) would be a bit extreme, though, especially if he is actually going for a handheld look.

I more agree with this post.

First, I really liked the concept. Nice work! It seemed to fit well with the music. To me, cuts aren't necessary and might actually take away from this concept.

Second, I agree that the focus is off. The DoF is fine (deep), but the background appears to be in focus, not the lead singer. This is very distracting. I would stick with a wide angle lens and have a deep depth of field. Even with a deep field, you will have in-focus and out-of-focus areas. Keep the focus on the trio or at least the lead singer.

Third, I think the lighting is okay. A little punch from a near-camera light probably would help.

Lastly, you need more stabilzation or a smoother technique. Perhaps a dolly? A wheelchair? A platform on soft wheels? Do not stabilize this in post it will look like jello mush.

Again, I really enjoyed the concept. I just think the execution of better focus and better stability could make this a really fine video.

Yea, the more I think about it a 50mm probably would too extreme, especially for hand held work even with a stabilizer. I still think a 28mm would work well and a 35mm (80mm) could be great for second take closeup jump cuts. Basically the main thing here is that the singer has to be sharp or it doesn't matter which lens you use.

I would also add that the use of the closeup focus check feature on the buit-in screen should be used before all takes.

I would love to see a remake of this video using the many great suggestions here! I like the song and it desevers another shot!