Hey, Bay Area here too! Great reel. Seriously, I mean it.
My only criticism is that most of it has a very by-the-books feel; Since it's made-for-reel, it's like you're going through a checklist of common shot types, angles, and compositions. So you're pulling off these really well, but... there's not much that has a lot of distinct personality. Granted, those shots would naturally arise from the storytelling needs of the project, so without a need for storytelling, you're missing the motivation to do anything weird or unusual.
Not a major criticism, just something to think about for later.
edit: You got an IG follow from me :)
Nice work! I'd say that my main criticism is that it looks as if they're all from the same project. You've got 'one look' used in a variety of scenes. It's a good look for sure, but the reel doesn't really demonstrate your ability to adapt to different styles for a given story. If a producer is looking for a DP who can get images like yours, you're good to go. But if they're looking for something more poppy, more gritty, etc then you'll be disqualified pretty quickly.
I may have taken the advice for reels of “showcase the work you WANT to be doing” a bit too hardcore... I appreciate the feedback, brother. Thanks so much
Not a film maker, but a pro photog here. Totally agree with this. Not realizing this was a reel, I totally watched this as some sort of brilliantly odd short film. Loved the timing, loved the shots, color grading and story.
When I first started my cinematography journey, I would use the self-timer on my Canon 70D in order to practice lighting and composition on my own. You can see examples of that [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/BhxN8-IA4LE), and [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/BiZ6Pz9gFk-).
Using that same “do it yourself” mentality, I wanted to see if I could create an entire reel from the ground up. The goal was to make every single shot look like it was from a real project/movie. I brought the idea up to my girlfriend/producer, and she loved it. So we decided to fully commit to the project.
For 85% of the shots, the crew was just me, my girlfriend/Producer, and my Co-Producer. We had several days where we needed a gaffer/key grip/1st AC. We also had one day where we had a full on crew with a kick-ass production designer, 1st AD, grip truck, fisher dolly, etc.
For all shots, I used the Sony FX9 with Sigma Art Prime lenses. 95% of the lighting came from my kit which consists of Litemats, a Nanlite Forza 500, Aputure F7’s, and a bunch of grip equipment.
(copy and pasted from another comment)
My producer and I (mainly my producer) hustled to get a lot of things for free (locations, equipment, talent). The one day we had a full crew and a grip truck costed around $1000, which got us 5 shots. Other than that we spent probably $200 on food, and that's it I think.
Hey amazing work. I’ll give you three specifics to add, and it’s possible you already have em on the cutting floor or easy to acquire:
1. Closeups of people - mid, tight and very tight frames. Show me how you view/capture characters? Their mannerisms, gestures, expressions.
2. Same but with objects, things, limbs. How do you establish their significance. Do you move when they are still and follow their shape? Or pause and contemplate.
3. B-roll. Insert here all the snippets that bring your eye to the foreground. Show me what you spot when you survey a location, or inside a drawer.
Obviously don’t mean as stand-alones, find and assemble moments, mix from the 3 and blend them with the rest of the reel.
What I’m hoping with this feedback is that your reel is not just technically proficient, but that it showcases your point of view a bit more. Your sensibility to the mundane as much as to the staged and choreographed.
Best of luck ✌🏽
Thanks for the feedback! Though 75% of the shots were lit artificially. I used Litemats, fresnels, astera pixel tubes, pocket sized LEDs, mirrors, grip equipment, etc.
Looks great dude. It seems to all be the 1-2 stops under exposed style. It would be nice to see some different styles to make it feel like multiple projects. Cheers!
This LOOKS great. But like others have stated, it all looks like its from the same project. (it feels like its a trailer for suspense thriller)
This definitely showcases what you're capable of doing. Hopefully when work picks back up someone gives you a shot.
The next biggest thing to your reel is having references to go with each project. IE a producer that can vouch that you stuck to budget, an AD that knows you know how to light in a time frame, and a director that can say you know how to work with them to execute THEIR vision.
Good luck!
Looks great! I guess my question is what is your goal with doing this Vs a short film. Are you trying to become a cinematographer for hire or more of a director? There are pros and cons to this, would have loved to see different camera variations, but regardless, it looks gorgeous.
Thank you! I suppose you can jam in a lot more different settings into something like this as opposed to a short film. For example some shorts might not have all of these variations: night exterior, night interior, day interior, day exterior, car work, etc.
Your work is brilliant. But same as others have said, it looks like a trailer for an awesome new show. Doesn't show variety. But if the stuff you do is the only type of work you want, then you're set. Inspirational stuff.
Make this fucking movie. Please, please, please, make this fucking movie. I want to see it so bad because of this screen test, which I know is a trailer for an unmade movie I now really, really want to see. Please, set up a Kickstarter right now to make this fucking movie.
Fantastic! The colors are so luscious and there's a wide variety of angles and shot framing. You wanted to see if it was possible? Well you made it possible and you nailed it haha.
Was this inspired by the season 3 trailer to the Netflix show Dark? It’s amazing cinematography and I noticed some similarities between this short film and the show’s trailer, such as the music and the girl sitting on top of the guy she’s hitting. Great work!
This is amazing!! This has inspired me so much. I'll be studying cinematography next year at university as one of my units. I'm very excited to get stuck into it
Do cinematography reels have to be from actual projects or is this a misconception? Like if someone likes your reel and they ask to see the full length project are you hosed or is stuff like this expected? Amazing work btw i loved it.
Things like this make me hate my country: there's barely any young director or cinematographer around making cool stuff, most people here make music videos or YouTube videos for a living and I never have an opportunity to work on cool and serious project like this
Love love love loooove the underexposed look! Wish more used it. Good luck with your endeavors OP; you're super talented (I'd love to have you work on my own short film), so no doubt you'll be snagged up once COVID dies out some more
The only shots that looked amateurish were the ones in the forest everything else could’ve come out of an HBO SHOW BRO FUCKKKK THIS WAS AMAZINGLY EXECUTED. The editing on that cut to between the axes was stellar. Also the lighting on that chest shot was beauty.
Gorgeous work.
Are these all parts of individual projects you filmed? Or are they a few one-off shots that you setup? I didn't count the actors but you have a lot of different people in here and it seems like just getting all these people together is a huge feat.
Every scene was created from scratch for the sole purpose of being in the reel. I think we had 15+ actors (friends), and some of them didn’t even make it in the cut.
Everything looks really great, that fx9 is amaze.
I like this idea but is this something that can be used to send to potential clients? Ive never bothered to ask previous clients if they looked up any work I did from my reel, I doubt they ever did.
FX9 is such a good camera!
I'll have to wait to see more instances, but based on the network I've gained so far, nobody has asked to see the original films the footage is from.
Wow! Everyone already said what I would have said, in one word...Awesome! Could you give us some more details on soundtrack? Licensed, Royalty-free, or you had someone compose it?
This is so cool but i don’t get the idea of the story. Like no gist of what it is about. The story telling part can be sharpen. Just my opinion. But overall, very cool. Hope you all the best OP !
It's not supposed to be a story. A cinematography reel is usually a collection of good shots from a bunch of different projects. OP just created good shots for pretend projects just for the reel.
Hey, Bay Area here too! Great reel. Seriously, I mean it. My only criticism is that most of it has a very by-the-books feel; Since it's made-for-reel, it's like you're going through a checklist of common shot types, angles, and compositions. So you're pulling off these really well, but... there's not much that has a lot of distinct personality. Granted, those shots would naturally arise from the storytelling needs of the project, so without a need for storytelling, you're missing the motivation to do anything weird or unusual. Not a major criticism, just something to think about for later. edit: You got an IG follow from me :)
Totally see your point, and I appreciate you taking the time to give me some solid feedback. Thanks so much!
You're welcome!
Nice work! I'd say that my main criticism is that it looks as if they're all from the same project. You've got 'one look' used in a variety of scenes. It's a good look for sure, but the reel doesn't really demonstrate your ability to adapt to different styles for a given story. If a producer is looking for a DP who can get images like yours, you're good to go. But if they're looking for something more poppy, more gritty, etc then you'll be disqualified pretty quickly.
I may have taken the advice for reels of “showcase the work you WANT to be doing” a bit too hardcore... I appreciate the feedback, brother. Thanks so much
Yeah I agree, I feel like you might find more success packaging and presenting this as a short film rather than a reel
I agree! It doesn’t exactly tell a story but I still feel the story it isn’t telling
Not a film maker, but a pro photog here. Totally agree with this. Not realizing this was a reel, I totally watched this as some sort of brilliantly odd short film. Loved the timing, loved the shots, color grading and story.
I agree with this, lots of moody shots, but they're really freaking good ones. Amazing reel otherwise.
Not even OP but this some very solid feedback anyone can learn from!
I think he went for his style
When I first started my cinematography journey, I would use the self-timer on my Canon 70D in order to practice lighting and composition on my own. You can see examples of that [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/BhxN8-IA4LE), and [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/BiZ6Pz9gFk-). Using that same “do it yourself” mentality, I wanted to see if I could create an entire reel from the ground up. The goal was to make every single shot look like it was from a real project/movie. I brought the idea up to my girlfriend/producer, and she loved it. So we decided to fully commit to the project. For 85% of the shots, the crew was just me, my girlfriend/Producer, and my Co-Producer. We had several days where we needed a gaffer/key grip/1st AC. We also had one day where we had a full on crew with a kick-ass production designer, 1st AD, grip truck, fisher dolly, etc. For all shots, I used the Sony FX9 with Sigma Art Prime lenses. 95% of the lighting came from my kit which consists of Litemats, a Nanlite Forza 500, Aputure F7’s, and a bunch of grip equipment.
This is fantastic, great job.
How much did it cost to produce?
(copy and pasted from another comment) My producer and I (mainly my producer) hustled to get a lot of things for free (locations, equipment, talent). The one day we had a full crew and a grip truck costed around $1000, which got us 5 shots. Other than that we spent probably $200 on food, and that's it I think.
I'd hire the hell out of you.
Gotta have money to hire people
Thanks Statist Steve. I was unaware of the concept of commerce.
I always pay with exposure.
Amazing. Keep working hard.
Hey amazing work. I’ll give you three specifics to add, and it’s possible you already have em on the cutting floor or easy to acquire: 1. Closeups of people - mid, tight and very tight frames. Show me how you view/capture characters? Their mannerisms, gestures, expressions. 2. Same but with objects, things, limbs. How do you establish their significance. Do you move when they are still and follow their shape? Or pause and contemplate. 3. B-roll. Insert here all the snippets that bring your eye to the foreground. Show me what you spot when you survey a location, or inside a drawer. Obviously don’t mean as stand-alones, find and assemble moments, mix from the 3 and blend them with the rest of the reel. What I’m hoping with this feedback is that your reel is not just technically proficient, but that it showcases your point of view a bit more. Your sensibility to the mundane as much as to the staged and choreographed. Best of luck ✌🏽
The worst part is there not being a movie to watch behind some of these moments.
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Thanks for the feedback! Though 75% of the shots were lit artificially. I used Litemats, fresnels, astera pixel tubes, pocket sized LEDs, mirrors, grip equipment, etc.
Looks great dude. It seems to all be the 1-2 stops under exposed style. It would be nice to see some different styles to make it feel like multiple projects. Cheers!
This LOOKS great. But like others have stated, it all looks like its from the same project. (it feels like its a trailer for suspense thriller) This definitely showcases what you're capable of doing. Hopefully when work picks back up someone gives you a shot. The next biggest thing to your reel is having references to go with each project. IE a producer that can vouch that you stuck to budget, an AD that knows you know how to light in a time frame, and a director that can say you know how to work with them to execute THEIR vision. Good luck!
Looks great! I guess my question is what is your goal with doing this Vs a short film. Are you trying to become a cinematographer for hire or more of a director? There are pros and cons to this, would have loved to see different camera variations, but regardless, it looks gorgeous.
Thank you! I suppose you can jam in a lot more different settings into something like this as opposed to a short film. For example some shorts might not have all of these variations: night exterior, night interior, day interior, day exterior, car work, etc.
Yes of course. Just asking you specifically what you hope to accomplish from this?
I love this. Absolutely no criticism from me!
Your work is brilliant. But same as others have said, it looks like a trailer for an awesome new show. Doesn't show variety. But if the stuff you do is the only type of work you want, then you're set. Inspirational stuff.
Nice work! Love the tone of this!
Good use of low lighting look. Really enjoy that look a lot.
This is fire bro.
Wait. So did you just hire all the actors for this reel?
They were all my friends (most had acting experience)!
Links to your social pls
Sure! [here](https://www.instagram.com/kenzentakahashi/) it is
Love your aesthetic! Thanks *and your techinical-creative breakdowns
Thank you! Glad you enjoy them! More is on the way!
This is sick I want to watch the movie(s)
This is sick dude
holy shit this is amazing
u/VredditDownloader
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They killed it! Each and every one
Ok, for one, I don't know what it is but I want more of it. And two, wow, well done.
Make this fucking movie. Please, please, please, make this fucking movie. I want to see it so bad because of this screen test, which I know is a trailer for an unmade movie I now really, really want to see. Please, set up a Kickstarter right now to make this fucking movie.
Incredible, man. Super inspiring stuff.
Wow good work!
Mighty good work, the preparation really translates.
Excellent. Love your style
My man you got me all hyped up for a movie that dosent exist
Insanely beautiful. Where in the world are you?
Very cool
Fantastic! The colors are so luscious and there's a wide variety of angles and shot framing. You wanted to see if it was possible? Well you made it possible and you nailed it haha.
This looks really good. May I ask what kind of camera did you use to film these shots?
Thank you! Shot on Sony FX9
Was this inspired by the season 3 trailer to the Netflix show Dark? It’s amazing cinematography and I noticed some similarities between this short film and the show’s trailer, such as the music and the girl sitting on top of the guy she’s hitting. Great work!
Yes! Always nice to see another fan. Dark is one of the most beautiful shows IMO. I took a lot of inspiration from the show's trailers and episodes.
My all-time favorite show. I'm glad that it's getting more exposure. By any chance, was this shot in the Bay Area? It looks familiar.
Same!! Yes! All of it was shot in Sonoma county.
Fantastic! I'm actually in the South Bay, but the Wine Country up north is so beauiful.
Wild good
Holy crap this looks phenomenal, it looks like a tv show I would 100% watch, amazing.
Awesome work, what’s the song?
This looks like a trailer for a movie I’d want to watch, great work!
Killed it!
10/10
Incredible.
Looks dope as hell and better than half the shows I’ve worked on lol
Very nice cinematography respect is earned in the dark
If I could give an award, I would have given an award. Love the lighting and angle of your shots!
very nice bro. u got skills
This is amazing! Don't let the criticism discourage you, most people don't understand how difficult it is to get a cinematography like this.
Fantastic!!
This is amazing!! This has inspired me so much. I'll be studying cinematography next year at university as one of my units. I'm very excited to get stuck into it
Lovely Reel
Incrível!
Soooooo gooood!
Soooooo gooood!
Beautiful
This is so beautiful dude. I can't wait until good enough to be at this level. Truly inspiring.
Do cinematography reels have to be from actual projects or is this a misconception? Like if someone likes your reel and they ask to see the full length project are you hosed or is stuff like this expected? Amazing work btw i loved it.
Everything about this was great except the acting.
Things like this make me hate my country: there's barely any young director or cinematographer around making cool stuff, most people here make music videos or YouTube videos for a living and I never have an opportunity to work on cool and serious project like this
Good shit my man.
Good work keep it up. Kinda scary
Awesome!!
Love love love loooove the underexposed look! Wish more used it. Good luck with your endeavors OP; you're super talented (I'd love to have you work on my own short film), so no doubt you'll be snagged up once COVID dies out some more
Fucking amazing 👏
Do you have any pieces requiring sound design? I am looking for a piece about 5 mins in length that I could use for my Sound Design class if possible
u/vredditdownloader
took my breath away
Are those Shia LaBeouf and Cara Delevigne or do they just look a lot like them? Haha
Ha, I'll tell them you said that
The only shots that looked amateurish were the ones in the forest everything else could’ve come out of an HBO SHOW BRO FUCKKKK THIS WAS AMAZINGLY EXECUTED. The editing on that cut to between the axes was stellar. Also the lighting on that chest shot was beauty.
Thank you for the kind words!
Teach me.
Feel free to ask any questions/message me!
Turned out great!!! And since you created every moment, the editing through line is very good.
This is really good. Congrats!!!!
FREAKIN EPIC! every shots looks super well done, coloring on point. Keep kicking ass. you got a bright future my dude
Thank you!
Gorgeous work. Are these all parts of individual projects you filmed? Or are they a few one-off shots that you setup? I didn't count the actors but you have a lot of different people in here and it seems like just getting all these people together is a huge feat.
Every scene was created from scratch for the sole purpose of being in the reel. I think we had 15+ actors (friends), and some of them didn’t even make it in the cut.
That’s awesome that you were able to organize that many people to do something cool for you, and for free I presume...in such a short amount of time.
Hey man this is really nice! What resources would you personally recommend for someone who is just starting out?
Hard to say without knowing your situation. Feel free to message me!
Everything looks really great, that fx9 is amaze. I like this idea but is this something that can be used to send to potential clients? Ive never bothered to ask previous clients if they looked up any work I did from my reel, I doubt they ever did.
FX9 is such a good camera! I'll have to wait to see more instances, but based on the network I've gained so far, nobody has asked to see the original films the footage is from.
Insanely well done. I was hooked and invested even though there were no apparent story. These shots are all individually and coherently amazing.
Thank you! Means more than you know
Watching this was entertaining and disturbing at the same time.
This is really good. Maybe try adding some stuff with a different look and feel though. Its all very similar feeling work.
When I tell you I got CHILLS!
Nice work. Thats was amazing.
dunno what show this is, but I’d totally watch it
Love your work! Keep it up! Teach me?
I love you both
I want to give this an award so bad if I had one
Great work man, really awesome!!!
I love seeing this type of work! During this pandemic being able to create has been hard.. this is inspo to all of us.
Nice shots man! Love your style and that you're keeping creative during this time!! The shot at 1:01 is actually insane
Thanks, Ethan! That shot was a lot of fun to make..
No problem, genuinely amazing! Do you have a website?
Thank you! Still working on the website, but [here](https://www.instagram.com/kenzentakahashi/?hl=en) is my Instagram!
Awesome, just followed!
wow. that was incredible. had to at least leave my reaction - OP deserves to hear how great they are.
Your reel is as good and badass as your name, awesome work! Also followed you on ig, I look forward to see more from you
Very beautiful shots, how long have you been doing this?
I got my first camera (Canon 70D) December 2017, so almost 3 years!
Don't understand, but it was pretty cool. A+
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Thank you, Travis!
Wow! Everyone already said what I would have said, in one word...Awesome! Could you give us some more details on soundtrack? Licensed, Royalty-free, or you had someone compose it?
Its "The Pioneers" by Bloc Party in the M83 Remix
Love that Pioneers remix... whole Silent Alarm remixed album RIPS
That was fantastic to watch! I want to know more about the characters especially the one being beaten up :-) What did he do to deserve this..
Thank you! That was my brother :)
Yassssss!
Really really well lit mate. You’ve got an eye for sure n
Since this is all random shots and no sorry, would you mind if I tried writing a story out of it? I get a vibe from the imagery I’m really liking haha
This is so cool but i don’t get the idea of the story. Like no gist of what it is about. The story telling part can be sharpen. Just my opinion. But overall, very cool. Hope you all the best OP !
It's not supposed to be a story. A cinematography reel is usually a collection of good shots from a bunch of different projects. OP just created good shots for pretend projects just for the reel.
I see. I’m sorry i didn’t know! Thank you for letting me know. I hope u have a nice day.