Fantastic breakdown of what it takes to make footage "cinematic." Nothing annoys me more than people misunderstanding this or over-simplifying it and therefore minimizing the TREMENDOUS skill and knowledge it takes to achieve truly cinematic shots. Keep up the good work :)
My two cents here. Those looks comes from lights, camera angle, lens AND production design which is how talent is dressed, how the room looks, what stuff is there, what is the light source (windows, lamps, other shiny objects), color scheme, the over tone and mood in the frame. Everybody talks and shows all those cameras, lenses and lights. No one on UA-cam is talking and showing where to get those blue chairs and how they manage to get same color on the benches and the back wall at 9:09
Scene design is one of the things that small filmmakers, unfortunately, cannot control. I would say it's the biggest thing that separates a "cinematic" look from an amateur filmmaker look. If you look at older movies, they don't always use the techniques showed in this video. However, they can control their scene. That's the difference. It's too bad it's so much more expensive than any other variable in the problem.
Love this - for new cinematographers/DOPs and camera ops this is a great introduction and explainer - love that you've talked about the art as well as the practicalities!
Excellent video my man! I love how you point that every detail has a purpose behind it and it's this attention to detail that impacts how the story resonates with us; whether you're conscious of it or not, you feel it. This concept applies to almost every kind of artistic express - painting, photography, logo design, typography, graphic design etc.
This video is insightful. I'm a writer and have found myself (admittedly) frustrated with videographers because they have the talent I need/am missing to bring my stories to life but they're kinda stingy when it comes to collaborating. (My frustration comes from the reality that videographers understand visual storytelling and writers understand oral storytelling so collaboration between these two artists naturally makes sense to me. But many videographers just seem so opposed to collaborating despite them not really understanding the vocal storytelling aspect that complements film.) Anywho, the rant is done. Basically, I'm trying to learn about video/cinema/cameras so I can start shooting my own scripts.
Great editing, pacing, and appropriate level of detail for the video length. I appreciate how you tie everything back to storytelling and frame everything to "What is this communicating to the viewer?" . Just sub'd, keep it up!
So I’ve never really used practicals as a photographer, but now I’m motivated to finally practice my practicals in my stills. Always learning something new from your videos-thanks for the inspiration!
As a filmmaker myself, I am constantly looking for inspiration. This video was very informative and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Great job!
Only recently came across this channel and some really fantastic content that just hits better than many others out there. Well done great stuff and thank you for sharing your insights!
2:34 wouldn't say it's "lighting alone", while lighting is super important, set design and wardrobe played a HUGE roll as well in the these first two scenes. The dingy scene was actually dingy, grease was all over the stoves and the walls were actually dirty. Second scene was spick and span. No grease anywhere at all, all of the dishes were squeaky clean. Also his wardrobe was entirely different, more upscale. All of these things mentioned have nothing to do with lighting. It's not just a change in lighting.
Just subscribed off of this 1 video. Teaching others always makes us better. Also Reverse engineering is how normal people gain access to the awesome gifts that others think that anyone else already see. Like MUSIC and ART...MOVIES are a Science... There are principles that we would born with and other elements that we have gathered by the world and culture across us. When you see the Pattern... you can Recreate, Connect and Heal people. It's power can be used for good and bad. But choosing to use for the greater Good ... can change and even stay lives. Keep up the good work!
The key light is probably a softlight with a grid about 45 degrees to her right hand, and just above eye level. You an see the catch light in her eye. There appear to be two paler reflections, but I can't work out what they are from a low res compressed file on Y.T.
It's a very explanatory and nice video, but key information is missing. For example, in the scene at 4:25, the woman is orange and the background is blue, we understand this clearly, but what should the camera white balance be here? According to what should it be adjusted? Best regards.
I need to transform my mind from thinking like a videographer to a cinematographer. I did go to film school 10 years ago but had to drop out, I used to study radio television not film even though my peers focused on cinematography, still there was like a gang u must be part of in order to learn cinematography. If they like you, you’re in, if not you then not even god can convince them otherwise so I stocked to what I know but I really want to start learning to think like a cinematographer, improve my lighting, angles, lens use and editing skills
Awesome channel. Watching it just fo fun. I know theres no way to imitate one directors work. Some things unfortunately you need to either study , with a high chance you will never reach elite level OR just be gifted. Its like genetics in bodybuilding. No amount of PEDs can make you look better than a person with the right genetics. Same in film making. A person with natural gift to vision a scene , to create it in his mind and then illustrate it cant be topped by just studying or watching techniques online. Unfortunately if you dont have the gift , you can get that far....
its a joy watching your analysis of all these color details! takes me to another world, like attending a secret film academy! thank you so much for such unique content. 🤎🤎👌👌🙏🙏
Very interesting but I feel that the music you have in background is totally useless...it's invasive and adds no value . A very common and nasty habit in the contemporary movie production.
Very informative video Alex, that John Wick look is a serious eye opener. My goal is to achieve that look. Thanks for sharing some of the secrets of good film making.
Some of the stuff in this video is great, but it is more of the same you find here on YT. THE difference, more than anything, is the ability to work and collaborate with other people and departments. The cinematographer is not choosing the wardrobe, nor the color, and not other many elements. Those elements are chosen in collaboration with the Director, the production designer, costume designer, make up, colorist editor. Youll always be a videographer if youre not able to surround yourself with a team to elevate a production.
The shot with the girl, I think you missed an important part. Her eyes and the eye light. U can see from the reflections it looks like there's 3 light source to help wrap the key to create what looks like a 1:1 ratio on her face
1. What camera do you recommend for a once upon a time film student (20 years ago) who wants to take your course but is on a budget? (Ideally something Netflix approved.) 2. Your waitlist email form is broken. It won’t let me submit my email.
Why do really smart people talking colour in films - use the wrong color chart to show complimentary colors. We deal in light - so RGB color wheel has different primaries to the secondary or complimentary colors colors - usually noted as additive colors ( RGB ) for light and subtractive CMY most commonly for mixing paint or ink ( printing ) . I know it was just a graphic to use as B-roll here - but if someone pauses the video, it might become confusing that the blue is shown to have an orange complementary color.
@@mattm7426 Music is added in post, it's not present on the set because it's rarely done before the film is finished since the composer needs to know a bit about the film and also have a rough idea of the cut and feel of it. In this case that means the lighting was done after the film was shoot which is kinda weird
@@MrQuicheProductions bro how in the world you make a conclusion like that, lol. He was asked "where light coming from in X scene" in term that it wasnt motivational light. So he said same place as music meaning there is no need to motivate everything in the movie for it to be good
Your website is a great idea, I was on it. But it's like it doesn't work propoerly when clicking on anything. Is it actually a scam ? I entered my email and now, back on your website it's not even possible to "Log In" ?
@@Alexzarfatifilms also unable to use the website at all. Seems like it has a lot of promise! Hamburger in corner doesn't click, search function doesn't work, and the filters don't work. I'm on Brave browser. Would love to dive in once its fixed!
you also forgot budget. There is a difference and you could have all the skill and creative talent in the world. But if you don't have the budget, then you don't have all the other people to make it possible, you don't have the locations to film in, you don't have the props, the good actors, or even the equipment you need. It all costs money. Sure a lot of the lighting and equipment you can cheap out on, but if you don't have the small budget, then you are not going to be able to get the experience you need to make those cinematic shots. Despite that, this is a great video.
I'm a student from India and want to learn cinematography any tips or suggestions because I do not have any professional gear only I have is my S21FEsmartphone in my hand.
Knowing just enough, to know how truly little I know.....is beyond depressing lol. I wish I had the drive to make my fx30 not just a paperweight, but video for me is just a casual hobby amongst a ton of others. Sigh
I feel you brother but honestly take all the pressure of what you know and what you don’t know and throw it out the window. Pick up the camera and go have FUN that’s best advice ANYONE can give you
I have to remind myself that I don't create for social media. The top producers or filmmakers are not doing anything remotely close to what is seen on social media
Language of cinema is simple. The hardest part is converse emotion to it. I learned a rule when I think about the shot. I'm asking myself where to put camera. If I don't know it means I don't know what I wanna to TELL even if character is saiying a line. Usually those things comes with intuition. So you have to trust you feelings and ask yourself a question "Do I really need this?". Making a movie is kind of therapy session. If you fell IT you know it. If you don't you also know it. Both feelings are important to create something truly inique that will mark you own style. Best directors goes straight to the point. They not overcomplicate things because they know what they wanna achieve and they're using simplest techniques to give a great impression. Because language of cinema is simple.
And yet you shaded the wrong side of your talking head from the motivated light source on the back wall, as indicated by the streak of light in your own lighting?
Fantastic breakdown of what it takes to make footage "cinematic." Nothing annoys me more than people misunderstanding this or over-simplifying it and therefore minimizing the TREMENDOUS skill and knowledge it takes to achieve truly cinematic shots. Keep up the good work :)
Thanks Noah🤘🏻
Lighting can truly impact your daily work significantly. This is very informative. 💯
My two cents here. Those looks comes from lights, camera angle, lens AND production design which is how talent is dressed, how the room looks, what stuff is there, what is the light source (windows, lamps, other shiny objects), color scheme, the over tone and mood in the frame. Everybody talks and shows all those cameras, lenses and lights. No one on UA-cam is talking and showing where to get those blue chairs and how they manage to get same color on the benches and the back wall at 9:09
Scene design is one of the things that small filmmakers, unfortunately, cannot control. I would say it's the biggest thing that separates a "cinematic" look from an amateur filmmaker look. If you look at older movies, they don't always use the techniques showed in this video. However, they can control their scene. That's the difference. It's too bad it's so much more expensive than any other variable in the problem.
And that’s why the production designers name is right up there with the DP and not the gaffer
exactly
@@testowykana1763 exactly? Well, l would differ. I exist.
Basically the Art Department, Sound Department , Costume Department, hair Department and makeup Department are the unsung heroes of movies.
Love the negative fill explanation. A tool not understood by many.
Love this - for new cinematographers/DOPs and camera ops this is a great introduction and explainer - love that you've talked about the art as well as the practicalities!
Excellent video my man! I love how you point that every detail has a purpose behind it and it's this attention to detail that impacts how the story resonates with us; whether you're conscious of it or not, you feel it. This concept applies to almost every kind of artistic express - painting, photography, logo design, typography, graphic design etc.
This video is insightful. I'm a writer and have found myself (admittedly) frustrated with videographers because they have the talent I need/am missing to bring my stories to life but they're kinda stingy when it comes to collaborating. (My frustration comes from the reality that videographers understand visual storytelling and writers understand oral storytelling so collaboration between these two artists naturally makes sense to me. But many videographers just seem so opposed to collaborating despite them not really understanding the vocal storytelling aspect that complements film.) Anywho, the rant is done. Basically, I'm trying to learn about video/cinema/cameras so I can start shooting my own scripts.
theres a lot of videos with this same name, but you just did it better than all of them 👏👏
What a compliment thanks brother🙏🏻
this channel deserves way more subscribers, amazing work!
Great editing, pacing, and appropriate level of detail for the video length. I appreciate how you tie everything back to storytelling and frame everything to "What is this communicating to the viewer?" . Just sub'd, keep it up!
As a script writer - "It what a good teacher does" - well done.
So I’ve never really used practicals as a photographer, but now I’m motivated to finally practice my practicals in my stills. Always learning something new from your videos-thanks for the inspiration!
Your the inspiration bro🙌🏻
As a filmmaker myself, I am constantly looking for inspiration. This video was very informative and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Great job!
Only recently came across this channel and some really fantastic content that just hits better than many others out there. Well done great stuff and thank you for sharing your insights!
Thanks brother I really appreciate that.
The quality in this video is crazy! And film vibes seems like it niceeee. Im going to check it out.
Awesome brother and let me know if you have any questions
Such a banger! Thanks again, Alex! Great work as always. I’m excited for the film course! I can’t wait to learn more from you!
2:34 wouldn't say it's "lighting alone", while lighting is super important, set design and wardrobe played a HUGE roll as well in the these first two scenes. The dingy scene was actually dingy, grease was all over the stoves and the walls were actually dirty. Second scene was spick and span. No grease anywhere at all, all of the dishes were squeaky clean. Also his wardrobe was entirely different, more upscale. All of these things mentioned have nothing to do with lighting. It's not just a change in lighting.
The lighting department tends to hog the spotlight.
Love the intentional background of your shots. Had me thinking and intrigued
Cinematographer here 👋 This video contains a LOT of good secrets in a very small amount of time. Spot on
Thanks brother glad you think so
THAT is what a young filmmaker NEEDS to hear. Positive feedback from a professional. Cheers
Your thumbnail game is great bro. This instantly had me click
Thanks brother 🙏🏻
Ya I took it too
Just subscribed off of this 1 video. Teaching others always makes us better. Also Reverse engineering is how normal people gain access to the awesome gifts that others think that anyone else already see. Like MUSIC and ART...MOVIES are a Science... There are principles that we would born with and other elements that we have gathered by the world and culture across us. When you see the Pattern... you can Recreate, Connect and Heal people. It's power can be used for good and bad. But choosing to use for the greater Good ... can change and even stay lives. Keep up the good work!
Brilliant bro! Thank you for this Alex!
Your too Kind my friend
Happy to be here. This will be my new school for cinematography 🎉
As an aspiring digital artist this video was very helpful for my purpose too!
Hey Alex thanks for the video and clearly differentiating and I subbed your channel and also for Film Vibes
That’s awesome man glad you found the channel
The key light is probably a softlight with a grid about 45 degrees to her right hand, and just above eye level. You an see the catch light in her eye. There appear to be two paler reflections, but I can't work out what they are from a low res compressed file on Y.T.
Magnificent video - thanks so much for your expertise and craft. Incredibly helpful! One minor point: you misspelled 'angle'.
Great video! A refreshing tone from the many other pretentious, obnoxious, and rambling people who bumble through this information. Subbed :-)
It's a very explanatory and nice video, but key information is missing. For example, in the scene at 4:25, the woman is orange and the background is blue, we understand this clearly, but what should the camera white balance be here? According to what should it be adjusted? Best regards.
Great vid... But Jeezus with the orange and Teal! 😮
Ye got 'em the wrong way round.
I love you man!!! Thank you!!
Love u too man 😊
Cara, parabéns pelo site de vocês! 👏👏👏 é uma grande ajuda que vocês estão dando para entuziástas estudantes.
Great info man! Instantly subscribed!
I need to transform my mind from thinking like a videographer to a cinematographer. I did go to film school 10 years ago but had to drop out, I used to study radio television not film even though my peers focused on cinematography, still there was like a gang u must be part of in order to learn cinematography. If they like you, you’re in, if not you then not even god can convince them otherwise so I stocked to what I know but I really want to start learning to think like a cinematographer, improve my lighting, angles, lens use and editing skills
Camera Angels 🎥😇
Hence the halo!
Totally saw that too and had to double take I saw what I thought I saw. Lol
Awesome channel. Watching it just fo fun. I know theres no way to imitate one directors work.
Some things unfortunately you need to either study , with a high chance you will never reach elite level OR just be gifted.
Its like genetics in bodybuilding. No amount of PEDs can make you look better than a person with the right genetics. Same in film making. A person with natural gift to vision a scene , to create it in his mind and then illustrate it cant be topped by just studying or watching techniques online.
Unfortunately if you dont have the gift , you can get that far....
This was full of great info, thankyou!!
Have a reason for everything in your shot. Great tip.
The information you share is perfect, amazing but the background music, especially drums is distracting as it is off bit.
Really really informative video... Do you know where we can lighting diagram vectors which we can use to make lighting diagrams for our setups...
Thanks brother I use Sidus link or these photoshop assets to create diagrams
Awesome content, very educational!
Great Video! Going to Check out Film Vibes!
Thanks Bryce!
Hey Alex, thank you!
its a joy watching your analysis of all these color details! takes me to another world, like attending a secret film academy! thank you so much for such unique content. 🤎🤎👌👌🙏🙏
That’s awesome thank you for such an amazing comment
Very interesting but I feel that the music you have in background is totally useless...it's invasive and adds no value . A very common and nasty habit in the contemporary movie production.
Dude this video is exactly what I needed
"ANGELS" do make for wonderful shots, but for us normal folks "ANGLES" might be more accessible.
Hi Alex, great video! What software are using at 0:52 to create your pitch deck and story board? Really enjoying Film Vibes!
Hey thanks! I use primarily Milanote
@@Alexzarfatifilms thank you! So much great software out there (and... also some less great...)
Very informative video Alex, that John Wick look is a serious eye opener. My goal is to achieve that look. Thanks for sharing some of the secrets of good film making.
Excellent video. Thanks man
No problem glad you enjoyed it
This whole video itself is a masterclass
The course will be 10X better 😆
Great picture am from Africa Kenya ..am watching the course ..
Just had to comment, thank you Alex!
Great tips🔥👏🏻
Some of the stuff in this video is great, but it is more of the same you find here on YT. THE difference, more than anything, is the ability to work and collaborate with other people and departments. The cinematographer is not choosing the wardrobe, nor the color, and not other many elements. Those elements are chosen in collaboration with the Director, the production designer, costume designer, make up, colorist editor. Youll always be a videographer if youre not able to surround yourself with a team to elevate a production.
The shot with the girl, I think you missed an important part. Her eyes and the eye light. U can see from the reflections it looks like there's 3 light source to help wrap the key to create what looks like a 1:1 ratio on her face
Beautiful.
great tips mate
WOW. Outstanding video.
I subscribe it's a beautiful video
Thank you for the kind words 🙏🏻
hi Alex.. I like that intro sound ! Can we have the Track ID ? Thanks a lot ...
Great content. Thank you
Very useful info.
Good job
Thank you so so so much
Very very very informative video
This video is genius!
Thanks man!
your quality is nutty
Nice. This is what i needed.
Is there anything new about the documentary film course?
Still working on it but also in the middle of production for this film
1. What camera do you recommend for a once upon a time film student (20 years ago) who wants to take your course but is on a budget? (Ideally something Netflix approved.)
2. Your waitlist email form is broken. It won’t let me submit my email.
Why do really smart people talking colour in films - use the wrong color chart to show complimentary colors. We deal in light - so RGB color wheel has different primaries to the secondary or complimentary colors colors - usually noted as additive colors ( RGB ) for light and subtractive CMY most commonly for mixing paint or ink ( printing ) .
I know it was just a graphic to use as B-roll here - but if someone pauses the video, it might become confusing that the blue is shown to have an orange complementary color.
Hey Jim thanks for sharing the insight I’ll definitely take this into consideration moving forward thanks!
Once DP of LOTR was asked: where light is coming from in X scene? He said: same place as the music
Don't get it
@@mattm7426 Music is added in post, it's not present on the set because it's rarely done before the film is finished since the composer needs to know a bit about the film and also have a rough idea of the cut and feel of it. In this case that means the lighting was done after the film was shoot which is kinda weird
@@MrQuicheProductions Ohh I see. Thanks!
@@MrQuicheProductions bro how in the world you make a conclusion like that, lol. He was asked "where light coming from in X scene" in term that it wasnt motivational light. So he said same place as music meaning there is no need to motivate everything in the movie for it to be good
@@mattm7426 just explained👆
Your website is a great idea, I was on it. But it's like it doesn't work propoerly when clicking on anything. Is it actually a scam ? I entered my email and now, back on your website it's not even possible to "Log In" ?
Definitely not a scam, What’s the email you used I’ll have our support team look into it? Also what web browser are you using?
@@Alexzarfatifilms also unable to use the website at all. Seems like it has a lot of promise! Hamburger in corner doesn't click, search function doesn't work, and the filters don't work. I'm on Brave browser. Would love to dive in once its fixed!
0:04 Should be "angles", not "angels".
I disagree... sometimes Angels can make a difference in filmmaking ;-)
you also forgot budget. There is a difference and you could have all the skill and creative talent in the world. But if you don't have the budget, then you don't have all the other people to make it possible, you don't have the locations to film in, you don't have the props, the good actors, or even the equipment you need. It all costs money. Sure a lot of the lighting and equipment you can cheap out on, but if you don't have the small budget, then you are not going to be able to get the experience you need to make those cinematic shots. Despite that, this is a great video.
How to do in unreal Engine?
I'm a student from India and want to learn cinematography any tips or suggestions because I do not have any professional gear only I have is my S21FEsmartphone in my hand.
No one credits the cinematographer, usually goes to the director. How many cinematographers can most people name?
1:40 you didn't talk about how there are some greens as well giving that dirty feeling.
Knowing just enough, to know how truly little I know.....is beyond depressing lol. I wish I had the drive to make my fx30 not just a paperweight, but video for me is just a casual hobby amongst a ton of others. Sigh
I feel you brother but honestly take all the pressure of what you know and what you don’t know and throw it out the window. Pick up the camera and go have FUN that’s best advice ANYONE can give you
@@Alexzarfatifilms very true, very true, that is something i definitely struggle with
Ending Music in this video building curiosity and hook people to watch second video
third video I've seen in a row that's just a straight up ad
Nice try diddy
Good concepts. Unfortunately the main examples used look very lit and not natural, to me at least. Pretty imagery is an epidemic!
@0:04 is that meant to be camera "Angels" or "Angles" ...??? LOL
you are the best i like how you explain
That’s awesome man thank you 🙏🏻
Ah yes. Angels.
usefull video bro
Nice!
Brill!
stop looking down when you're delivering to camera Alex ..
Is Emily Blunt in the video ? If yes I'll watch ;)
What's the music @4:56 ? It's really nice 👌
Music at 5:10?
I have to remind myself that I don't create for social media. The top producers or filmmakers are not doing anything remotely close to what is seen on social media
It would be nice to have an AI in that tool to show you where lights can go and such.
Language of cinema is simple. The hardest part is converse emotion to it. I learned a rule when I think about the shot. I'm asking myself where to put camera. If I don't know it means I don't know what I wanna to TELL even if character is saiying a line. Usually those things comes with intuition. So you have to trust you feelings and ask yourself a question "Do I really need this?". Making a movie is kind of therapy session. If you fell IT you know it. If you don't you also know it. Both feelings are important to create something truly inique that will mark you own style. Best directors goes straight to the point. They not overcomplicate things because they know what they wanna achieve and they're using simplest techniques to give a great impression. Because language of cinema is simple.
Angles not angels :D
And yet you shaded the wrong side of your talking head from the motivated light source on the back wall, as indicated by the streak of light in your own lighting?
such a shame saltburn was trash, as it was so well shot
Scale. Scale is as much a part of a cinematic scene as anything else.