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Your footage, critiqued by a Pro DP

Mark Bone

67,018 views

Our BRAND NEW course CinePath Pro™: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Full-Time DP, is launching May 12th. Taught by pro DP Nik Pilecki, CinePath Pro™ gives you the clearest, most practical path to becoming a working Director of Photography - not someday - now.

FREE WORKSHOPS: In celebration of the new course we are holding our Rush Week Sale, from May 12th to 16th, where we are hosting free-workshops.
See all the events here: https://tinyurl.com/2mwfeytu

GIVEAWAY: We are doing an INSANE giveaway, a full documentary kit, 4x Simera-C Lenses + a Sony Fx30. Check out the giveaway on our instagram here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxkn9az

FOOTAGE REVIEW: If you want to get YOUR FOOTAGE REVIEWED by Nik Pilecki, sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive your chance to book a slot: https://mailchi.mp/aodfilm/insider

Find out more about The Art of Documentary: https://theartofdocumentary.com

0:00 - Intro
0:56 - good lighting, be careful with intersecting objects
2:49 - too bright, follow these steps to make your subject stand out
4:50 - hide your mic!
5:29 - very dark background, try this instead
7:37 - how to become a Top-tier, in demand DP
8:42 - avoid this at all cost
10:45 - learn when you can/can’t jump the axis
12:31 - make sure your windows aren’t clipping
14:17 - great lighting, but hide your mic!
16:32 - make sure your waveform has highs and lows
17:20 - when working with elderly talent, always do this
18:55 - great ACam, but there’s a problem with the BCam here
20:47 - super tight BCam, this could be problematic
23:24 - don’t shoot the BRoll where you record your interview
25:17 - final thoughts

20 Comments

@markbone Creator 1 year ago Pinned

We are doing an INSANE giveaway, a full documentary kit, 4x Simera-C Lenses + a Sony Fx30. Check out the giveaway on our instagram here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxkn9az

@TheOtherHOLLYWOOD 1 year ago

If I were critiquing "this video"...I don't think I'd have that VERY BRIGHT "AOD" light on the wall. Pulls the eye from the subjects.

@AvidadoVictor 10 months ago

Called a DP to help but cut him off the whole class 😢

@BradleyJonesFilm 1 month ago

I know this is a year old, but I appreciate the way you guys critique. Being new, getting critiqued by professionals is scary, but I can personally say that you guys always make sure to say what’s right about the shot along with what’s “wrong” with it. I can say this is true behind the scenes, too. Michael has reviewed a few of my small projects and he’s just honest, but not a dick about it. “This is what’s good, this is what needs work, do another pass and get back with me in a few days.”

Anyway, just wanted to say that in the land of everyone thinks that they’re doing it wrong, I appreciate yalls perspective!

@clayschmoldt8933 1 year ago

2:25 Contrast and crunchy is not always the look for these types of interviews. Sometimes moody is not what the client is going for.

@digitalloser 6 months ago

Don't forget rules are meant to be broken. This is a constructive criticism. We must continue to improve

@henrikringbert2760 1 year ago

Great video! And still an eye opener, reminder for a guy that been shooting interviews for 10+ years. I'm a sucker for composition, so firstly "rule of thirds". Keep it balanced. Shoot into corners. Avoid windows. Get as much separation from your background as possible to be able to get some depth. Avoid things in the background that is distracting. The person speaking is the only thing you should be focusing on when watching the interview. Avoid white walls. Put the camera and interviewer at the same height as the eyes of the subject. Avoid shooting the floor or ceiling. And lastly. Sound is the most important part of an interview. So if you have to compromise. Sound first! A great looking frame second. Good luck to everyone shooting!

@mylesnmore 1 year ago

I stopped hiding my mics because I HATED the scratching of clothes and the muffled sound, I'd rather see the mic than have bad audio.

@808Stat3 1 year ago

MASTERCLASS 101 here . Thanks very much . i learned heaps just watching this.

@rodfaircloth 1 year ago

Every time you post I stop what I’m doing and watch. And then I listen. And then I watch again

🔥

@rorynoke5612 1 year ago (edited)

I would 100% buy a JUST BOOM T-shirt (drop the ‘It’, “Just boom” sounds way cooler).

@masonwfilms 1 year ago

Checkerboard effect.. or in painting we call it chiaroscuro! Also too much contrast ratio could be bad depending upon the subject matter which wasn’t discussed

@whoabrian 1 month ago

This was great, thank you.

@Dancing_Alone_wRentals 1 year ago

The tip to Not interview where B Roll happens.....tHank you for that

@heyitsjoshwhite 1 year ago

Hahaha I’ve gotten better and picked up some cos-11’s next time mic will be hidden completely.

@BKNYC73 1 year ago (edited)

Love to see some cross shooting / multi cam reviews and tips. I generally always have ‘ talent’ and guest intvs with 3 to 5 camera setups. It’s always a struggle to balance out the needs of all angles. Plus it’s usually just a crew of two doing the setup. I find something always suffers in the end and I’d love to hear your take on it. Great tips and critiques !

@Taz66Productions 1 year ago

The tip is pretty sensitive! Dude your content…so much insight and tips/tricks! Super work boys!

@gudmortelevision 1 year ago

The problem for me with hiding mics under the t-shirt is that I get way too much noise from the material rubbing on to the mic, so I usually opt for placing a lav on the corner of a neck t-shirt instead.

@AustinWestbro 1 year ago

I’m SO excited for the new course! I have all the other modules. I just got my first “gig” as a DP for a short film. I’m not getting paid for this, but excited nonetheless.